Bullet Proof Vest: Law Enforcement And Civilian Use

Bullet proof vests are essential for life-threatening professions. Prison officers, police officers, bouncers, security guards, armed response crews, anti-poaching units and military personnel are among some of the most common of these occupations. Bullet proof vests are not just crucial in these careers, they are also required in some cases.

As of July 2009, all South African Police Service Officers (SAPS) are required to wear bullet proof vests as a part of their personal inventory. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has also emphasised the priority of bullet proof vests and plates in combat. As a country with one of the highest crime rates, law enforcement must be equipped with the highest quality tactical gear.

Futurama is a specialist outdoor retailer that provides tried and tested, high-quality bullet proof vests. This article aims to unpack the legal requirements around bullet proof vests in South Africa, how you can stand to benefit from a bullet proof vest, and the tactical gear Futurama provides that serves to save lives.

About Futurama

Futurama is your one-stop shop for all tactical gear and bullet proof vest needs. We are predominantly an online store that sells armoury, optics, outdoor, camping and sports equipment, sustainable products like solar panels, as well as electronics and home supplies. We are well-stocked with the best quality products and a large variety of tactical gear for you to choose from.

We courier products all over the country daily from our online store – but we also do have two physical stores in the Western Cape if you would like to pick up or peruse products in person. One of the benefits of shopping with us is that we have 11 years worth of outdoor retail experience, and are extremely conscious of our carbon footprint too. Moreover, if you have any questions regarding specific gear, our team of experts are ready and waiting to help you out.

Who Can Legally Wear Bullet Proof Vests?

Bullet proof vests can be worn not only by military personnel, security professionals, and law enforcement – they can also be worn by civilians. As a South African, there are no restrictions that stop you from purchasing a bullet proof vest for yourself. Bullet proof vests protect vital parts of your body and can even save your life, regardless of your profession. Each bullet proof vest is made with the specific intent to protect you from certain types of weapons, bullets and debris. Although you may not need a bullet proof vest as proactively as those who are in the military or engaging in combat like SAPS and SANDF, you can still benefit from a bullet proof vest as a citizen.

Certain bullet proof vests offer protection levels that can stop the most powerful handguns and their ammunition, and even prevent blunt force trauma. Because bullet proof vests protect vital organs and absorb impact, they can mean the difference between life and death on the job. Essentially, when combat and crime is a common theme in your profession, taking the correct and necessary precautions to protect yourself is how you make it out alive.

Bullet Proof Vest: Futurama Options

At Futurama, our bullet proof vests are sourced and supplied by manufacturers who value quality. Most of our manufacturers have decades of experience in designing and testing tactical gear. They are also certified with ISO 9001-2015 standards – which is a quality management system recognised internationally. Manufacturers like Imperial Armour have been designing personal protection for over 24 years, and for 9 consecutive years they have won awards for their exports and designs.

Other manufacturers like Condor have been making tactical gear since the 1980s and offer rigorously-tested products that stand the test of time. Their modular designs make their vests some of the most customisable products on the market, allowing you to tailor your plate carrier according to your specific needs.

Imperial Armour

Imperial Armour has been a manufacturer and designer of personal protection equipment for police, civilians, military applications and emergency services for 24 years and counting. Their designs are rigorously tested, and fortified with cutting-edge materials – all of which meet international ballistics standards and maximise comfort and agility without compromising on safety. Imperial Armour exports to over 75 countries worldwide and constantly works on research and development – not to mention further establishing their credibility by winning the exporter award for 9 consecutive years.

They have also been certified with ISO 9001-2015 standards, which recognize quality according to a set of five quality management system standards by the International Organization for Standardization. This qualification has further substantiated the internationally-recognized quality of their products. As one of the most trusted manufacturers of personal protection equipment in South Africa, we believe in the quality and reliability of their world-class service and meticulously-tested products.

Here are some of their bullet proof vests for sale on our website:

Imperial Armour Standard Tactical Vest - NIJ Level II

This bullet proof vest for sale is known for being light and flexible with both back and front protection. It is specifically tested and designed to protect your vital organs, and  can stop up to 9mm and .357 Magnum ammunition fired from short barrel handguns. However, it offers no protection against rifle ammunition. The main features include:

• Adjustable Velcro side closure
• Cordura outer cover
• Wide adjustable shoulder straps
• Front and back protection
• Removable rubberised Oxford coated ballistic panels

Imperial Armour Standard Plate Carrier - NIJ Level II

This lightweight/heavy duty plate carrier is explicitly designed for a Level IV standalone plate – able to stop all smaller rounds of bullets including pistols and shotgun slugs. The main features include:

• MOLLE system for modular attachments
• Fully adjustable sizing with Velcro and a heavy-duty buckle
• Quick-release shoulder straps
• Lightweight
• Heavy duty

Zebra Armour

Zebra Armour is an extremely reliable specialist manufacturer with a wide range of technological body armour, amongst other products. They have over 40 years of experience and exposure to the ballistic protection industry, and have sold to over 60 countries worldwide – delivering high-performance bullet proof vests for sale with ballistic science backing. They are known for reducing weight with a focus on raw materials, without compromising the quality of the product.

Here are some honourable mentions from the Zebra Armour Range:

Zebra Armour Delta 1 QR Vest - Level IIIA, No Side Armour

The Zebra Armour Delta 1 QR Vest is a standard plate carrier with adjustable sides and shoulders, as well as internal plate pockets, and offers protection for both the front and back. The MOLLE system is attachment-friendly and covers the entire heavy-duty vest. Its main features include:

• Quick releasing
• Lightweight and compact
• Front and back hard armour plate pockets
• Airflow CoolMax to decrease body heat
• Adjustable shoulders and sides
• Lightly padded mesh interior
• MOLLE System
• Drag Handle

Zebra Armour Alpha 1 Covert Vest - Level IIIA

The Zebra Armour Alpha 1 Covert is considered a classic-style vest and comprises side panels under the vest with adjustable, elasticized straps over the shoulders and both sides. It can be ordered with a shirt tail to tuck in and can be adjusted according to your specific measurements. This option comes in five different colours including; black, navy, olive, tan and white. The main features include:

• Shoulder and side straps
• 100% washable
• Full freedom of movement (no interference with head movement and weapon handling)
• Variety of Airflow heat management materials
• Offers protection for the front, back and sides
• Customisable according to specified size and colour

Zebra Armour Delta 2-90 Vest with Inners - Level IIIA

The Zebra Armour Delta 2-90 Vest is renowned for its versatility. It consists of a full MOLLE system with flexible position preferences, which means you can attach accessories such as magazines - and general pouches in addition to holsters and other attachments. It is an everyday vest with comfortability being one of its main components. Other features include:

• Drag handle
• Full MOLLE system
• Adjustable shoulders and sides
• Front and back hard armour plate pockets
• Full freedom of movement (no interference with head movement and weapon handling)
• A variety of Airflow CoolMax heat management materials

Condor

Condor has been manufacturing high-quality tactical gear since the 1980’s, when they first set out on their mission to protect law enforcement and military personnel in the field. Condor has plenty to boast about, with an extensive selection of products and constant evolution of their gear. All products are equipped with a warranty, but they take pride in their products' standards – rest assured that all product lines are continuously field-tested to ensure reliability. Their passion for keeping first responders safe has also made them a quality brand in and of itself.

Here are some notable mentions from this extensive range:

Condor Modular Operator Plate Carrier

The Condor Modular Operator Plate Carrier is designed to be a complete ballistic protector. The padded shoulder plates make a true fit adjustable and MOLLE webbing allows for modular personalisation in your choice of attachments. Some of the main features include:

• Removable low-profile shoulder pads
• Adjustable shoulder straps
• Breathable 3D mesh liner
• Front map pocket with snap hook and loop closure
• Adjustable cummerbund with built-in soft armour pockets
• MOLLE webbing for modular attachments
• Hook and loop webbing
• Easy access plate pockets
• Ballistic plates/soft armour not included

Condor Vanquish RS Plate Carrier Vest

The Condor Vanquish is a nylon plate carrier, constructed to be removed in case of emergency. It is considered one of the most multi-functional and versatile plate carriers on the South African market. Other features include:

• Rapid open connectors
• Laser cut loop MOLLE panel
• Easy access plate pockets
• Low-profile shoulder pads
• Adjustable shoulder straps and cummerbund
• Hook and loop ID panels
• Compatible with VAS accessories

Condor Cyclone RS Plate Carrier

The Condor Cyclone is a durable plate carrier constructed of high tensile strength composite thread and nylon webbing. Other main features of the Cyclone include:

• Easy access and removal with rapid open connectors
• Heavyweight webbing for modular attachments
• Hook and loop webbing
• Easy access plate pocket
• Adjustable cummerbund with soft armour pockets
• Condor side plate insert compatible (sold separately)

These are just a few of the many vests and plate carriers available to you when you purchase your gear through Futurama. For more information, head to our website for in-depth product descriptions, or take a look at our guides for some helpful advice on buying your very own bullet proof vest.