Is a Bullet Resistant Vest Effective in Giving Protection?

All bullet resistant vests are effective in giving protection for the following reasons. First are the ballistic resistant materials that make the bullet resistant vest. These ballistic resistant materials are excellent material fibers which have excellent ballistic properties. They have great absorption capabilities, thermal properties, malleability, high cut and chemical resistance and they are generally lightweight. These properties of the ballistic resistant materials make the bullet resistant vest effective in providing good protection to the wearer from various harms and injuries cause by modern weapons.

The second reason why they are effective in giving protection is because they have to pass rigid ballistic tests and standards set by regulating bodies. The National Institute of Justice, the division of the US Department of Justice has set rules and standards that must be followed by manufacturers of body armors.  Before body armor such as the bullet resistant vest is made available to the public and other users, the National Institute of Justice must first conduct ballistic testing. The NIJ doesn’t require a specific material to be used or a design specification. What is important is that it has the ability to give ballistic protection and must be able to meet the required level of protection. If a bullet resistant vest has passed the NIJ testing, it means that that the vest is safe, reliable and has complied with the minimum protection requirements.

A Bullet resistant vest is not 100 % effective. Although it has the ability to stop bullets fired from firearms, there is the blunt trauma that can cause the wearer some serious damages and wounds. Blunt trauma is a non-penetrating injury that is caused by the impact of a bullet. Moreover, bullet resistant vests have varied ratings. Vests with lower rating cannot protect the wearer from bullets coming from rifles and stronger firearms. So make sure that your bullet resistant vest can protect you from the common weapons that you will most likely face.