BODY ARMOR LEVELS???

Published on July 18, 2017
Duration: 5:15

This video provides a beginner-friendly overview of body armor levels, explaining the types of ballistic threats each level is designed to stop. It covers levels 1 through 4, detailing the calibers and velocities they are rated for, and emphasizes the importance of choosing the appropriate level based on potential threats and the need for reputable manufacturers. The speaker, while not claiming to be an expert, aims to offer foundational knowledge for those new to purchasing body armor.

Quick Summary

Body armor levels range from 1 to 4, indicating their protective capabilities. Level 1 stops small handgun rounds, Level 3A handles .44 Magnum, Level 3 stops standard rifle rounds like 7.62x51mm, and Level 4 is designed for armor-piercing rifle rounds. Choosing the right level depends on the anticipated threats.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction to Body Armor Levels
  2. 00:27Level 1 Body Armor Capabilities
  3. 00:45Level 2A Body Armor Explained
  4. 01:11Level 2 Body Armor Explained
  5. 01:36Level 3A Body Armor Explained
  6. 01:59Level 3 Body Armor Overview
  7. 03:07Level 4 Body Armor Overview
  8. 03:54Choosing and Buying Body Armor
  9. 04:27Conclusion and Further Research

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different levels of body armor and what do they protect against?

Body armor is categorized into levels (1, 2A, 2, 3A, 3, 4) based on the ballistic threats they can stop. Level 1 handles small handgun calibers, while higher levels like Level 3 and 4 are designed for rifle rounds, including armor-piercing threats.

What is the difference between Level 3 and Level 4 body armor?

Level 3 body armor is rated for standard rifle rounds like 7.62x51mm (non-AP) up to 2,800 fps. Level 4 is the highest common level, designed to stop armor-piercing rounds, specifically .30-06 AP up to 2,900 fps, but is heavier.

Which body armor level is best for handgun protection?

For handgun protection, Level 1, 2A, 2, and 3A are generally sufficient. Level 3A offers the highest level of protection against handgun calibers, including .44 Magnum, and is often used in soft body armor.

Why is Level 3 body armor common in plate carriers?

Level 3 body armor is commonly found in plate carriers because it is specifically designed to defeat rifle caliber projectiles, which are a significant threat that lower-level soft armor cannot stop. This makes it suitable for tactical applications.

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