Bullet Proof Vest For Sale: Technology And Materials

When considering a bullet proof vest for sale, it is useful to understand the advanced fabrics and technology that goes into this crucial protective wear. In this brief guide, we will delve into just that, and elaborate on the ways in which manufacturers implement this technology to make their products safer and more effective. On top of this, we will explore the future of bullet proof vests and ballistic technology, as well as provide a few general tips and tricks for optimal use.

If you have been on the lookout for the ideal spot to pick up high-quality ballistic products and some of the best bullet proof vests anywhere in South Africa, look no further than Futurama. We have compiled an impressive selection of products from many world-renowned manufacturers. When you choose to buy through us, you can rest assured you are getting only the finest in protective wear and ballistic gear.

Bullet Proof Vest For Sale: Fabrics And Materials

Let’s get into the makeup of a bullet proof vest and have a look at how they are structured. Everything about the design of this protective wear is intentional and serves a crucial purpose. To add to this, the layering of bullet proof vests are what makes them so effective at resisting the impact of a bullet by spreading the kinetic energy over a larger area – ensuring it does not penetrate the vest.

Outer Shell Of A Bullet Proof Vest

The outermost layer of a ballistic vest mostly acts as a protective layer from the elements, ensuring that the sensitive materials within are not damaged by water, UV rays, or heat. This layer is commonly created using polyester or nylon, and without it, the ballistic materials could become compromised quite quickly and easily.

Impact Reduction Layer

The layer found directly below the outer shell is the impact or trauma reduction layer. This essential component assists by spreading the force over a wider region, which greatly reduces the likelihood of blunt-force injuries. Usually, this layer is manufactured using foam or another energy-absorbing material.

Ballistic Materials

As you can imagine, the most important part of a bullet proof vest is the ballistic material, as this is what provides the bullet resistance and will ensure the safety of the wearer. Depending on the manufacturer, there are a few different kinds of ballistic materials that can be used in ballistic equipment, the most common being:

• Kevlar

Even if you did not know much about ballistic equipment before finding this guide, you have likely heard of Kevlar and its use in bullet proof vests. Kevlar is a synthetic fibre, and it has an extraordinary strength-to-weight ratio as well as incredible tensile strength. It is widely considered to be an ideal material for body armour due to its lightweight nature, flexibility, and abrasion resistance. The many layers of this advanced synthetic fibre allow it to spread and absorb the kinetic energy of bullets in a highly efficient manner – making it a perfect choice for bullet proof vests and similar pieces of gear.

Dyneema

Dyneema is not as well-known as Kevlar, but for certain purposes, it can be just as, or more, effective. It is a high-performance polyethylene fibre that is held in high regard because of its impressive durability and toughness. Similar to Kevlar, fabrics created using Dyneema are ultra-lightweight, yet stronger than steel – making it an excellent choice for dispersing the impact of projectiles. One thing that Dyneema fibres do slightly better than their Kevlar-based alternatives is cope with moisture, UV rays, and chemicals, which can be a better choice for bulletproof vests that will be worn in harsh, changeable conditions.

Spectra Shield

Perhaps the least known of the three is Spectra Shield, but it is also frequently used in ballistic equipment. It is created using high molecular weight polyethylene fibres, which make it lighter than Kevlar. However, it does not possess the same bullet-stopping capabilities and offers something more akin to bullet-resistance. With that being said, it can still be implemented to great effect, and it shares the robust characteristics of Dyneema – meaning it is especially resilient against water, chemicals, and UV rays.

Backing Material Or Fibres

The final component of a bullet proof vest is the backing layer, which is found in between the ballistic fibres and the wearer. It provides additional strength to the structure and supports the integrity of the ballistic materials, which avoids any deformations upon impact. Generally, the backing layer is made up of UHMWPE or Aramid fibres – sometimes it is a combination of both.

Bullet Proof Vest For Sale: How The Technology Works To Protect The Wearer

So, how exactly do these vests work and what should you expect from these pieces of protective equipment? Well, the main role of a bullet proof vest is to mitigate or prevent the penetration of projectiles and ensure that the panels do not warp or become deformed. The fibres achieve this by preventing something known as “bullet mushrooming”, which occurs when the projectile hits something solid and the back splays out, often causing additional damage to the target. The ballistic fibres absorb the kinetic energy as they twist and stretch, which disperses the impact over a larger area – preventing penetration of the materials and keeping the wearer safe.

It is worth noting that while the bullet may not make its way through the vest, the impact from the bullet’s energy will still be felt when you wear ballistic equipment. As you can imagine, the sheer impact can still be quite painful, but this is still substantially better than what would occur were you not equipped with a bullet proof vest.

No vest can guarantee 100% safety from all types of firearms, as certain calibres carry so much kinetic energy that it simply isn’t feasible. With that being said, high-quality ballistic vests can stop most bullets from penetrating and injuring the wearer and can quite easily mean the difference between life and death in combat situations.

Bullet Proof Vest For Sale: The Future Of Ballistic Technology

There seems to be a wealth of concepts and ideas when it comes to the future of bullet proof vests and other ballistic equipment. In recent times, researchers and scientists have created and implemented many new and exciting materials which are stronger and lighter than ever before.

As it stands, the rapid development of body armour since World War 1 has completely altered the way that military, law enforcement, and security personnel operate on a daily basis. These developments have enabled activities which, in the past, would have been deemed impossible or simply too dangerous. Now however, they have become manageable.

Forward-thinking manufacturers and companies have already begun testing all sorts of intriguing possibilities, including polymer nanocomposites, liquid metal armour, graphene sheets, and the interesting use of silkworms to weave fibres into ballistic clothing. If you consider how far these technologies have come over the last century, there is no telling how they might progress as we head into the future.

In fact, there is testing being conducted on full-body soft armour suits that look somewhat similar to superheroes like Iron Man – these concepts provide astonishing levels of protection, allowing individuals to withstand high-calibre rounds and even carry out bomb diffusion missions in a significantly safer manner.

Bullet Proof Vest For Sale: How To Conceal A Ballistic Vest

For many professions, it makes sense to make the use of body armour overt and clear, as this displays that the wearer is well-equipped to deal with any eventuality. It acts as an effective deterrent when used by law enforcement and military personnel, however, for others, it makes more sense to remain inconspicuous.

If your goal is to ensure that you are well protected, yet you don’t want to stand out in a crowd, this section is for you. Let’s have a look at a few tips and tricks that guarantee that your bullet proof vest or other protective gear is well concealed.

• Find The Right Kind Of Body Armour

If you are going for anonymity, the first step is to ensure that you have the right kind of protective vest. We recommend opting for a soft armour bullet proof vest, as these are specifically designed for concealability. If sourced from a well-regarded brand, they should be highly flexible, feature slick covers, and can be worn under one’s clothing without any discomfort. An excellent example of this sort of vest can be found in our Futurama online store, known as the Imperial Armour Standard Tactical Vest – NIJ Level II. If you are looking for optimal protection and cancelability, it doesn’t get much better than this offering from Imperial Armour, with comprehensive front and back protection against 9mm and .357 magnum ammunition, as well as adjustable shoulder straps, a Cordura outer cover, and removable rubberised Oxford-coated ballistic panels.

• Wear The Correct Kind Of Clothing And Layer-Up

As you can imagine, when attempting to conceal a bullet proof vest, it isn’t a great idea to choose tight, form-fitting attire, as this will make the vest significantly more noticeable. Instead, opt for clothes that are a bit looser on your body – these will hide the outlines of the ballistic vest much more successfully. To add to this effect, it pays to add plenty of layers if the weather allows for it. Jackets, coats, and jerseys are perfect for obscuring the use of a bullet proof vest, and they will certainly help you remain unnoticed in a crowd. With that being said, if it is extremely hot outside, it is not a good idea to wear too many layers, as this could result in severe overheating which can be dangerous. Use your discretion and try to find the best middle ground that works for your purposes.

• Darker Tones Are Your Friend

You may have noticed that some of your lighter clothing can be quite see-through, especially if you are wearing something darker underneath. It is for this reason that we suggest choosing darker colours and tones in order to ensure that the vest is adequately concealed. To add to this, lighter-coloured shirts can accentuate the lines of the ballistic vest and make it more obvious to those around you. On the flip side, darker colours absorb light, create shadows, and blend the lines of the vest into the rest of your clothing. This is a simple trick, but it can certainly go quite a long way.

• Make Sure The Bullet Proof Vest Is Well-Fitted

This might be one of the most crucial pieces of advice, not only for concealability but also for general comfort. If your vest is ill-fitting, it may shift about and become quite obvious – it could also exaggerate the lines of the vest and make it appear unnatural, which should be avoided.