Bullet Safe VP3 Lightweight Level IIIA Armor Test & Review

Published on May 23, 2022
Duration: 9:18

This review provides an expert-level assessment of the BulletSafe VP3 Lightweight Level IIIA body armor, drawing on over two decades of experience. The reviewer highlights its comfort, ease of wear in various conditions, and effective protection against common handgun calibers up to .44 Magnum. The video details the vest's specifications, including its NIJ Level IIIA certification, thin and pliable ballistic panels, and carrier design with adjustable straps and plate pockets for Level IV upgrades. Ballistic tests demonstrate its capability against .38 Special, 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, .357 Sig, and 9mm PCC rounds, while also clearly illustrating its limitations against 5.56 rifle rounds, emphasizing the importance of using armor rated for the specific threat.

Quick Summary

The BulletSafe VP3 is an NIJ Level IIIA certified body armor vest, tested to stop handgun rounds up to .44 Magnum. It is praised for its comfort, even in hot weather, due to thin, pliable ballistic panels and a breathable mesh backing. The carrier includes pockets for upgrading to Level IV protection with hard plates, and it is priced affordably at $299.97 with a 10% discount code.

Chapters

  1. 00:04Introduction & Initial Impressions
  2. 00:30Comfort in Hot Weather
  3. 00:50Vest Specifications & Test Plan
  4. 01:03Ballistic Panel Features
  5. 01:28Certification & Warranty
  6. 01:37Carrier Design & Plate Pockets
  7. 02:38Pricing & Manufacturing Details
  8. 02:58NIJ Levels & Vest Weight
  9. 03:25.38 Special Test
  10. 03:539mm Test
  11. 04:27.40 S&W Test
  12. 05:00.45 ACP Test
  13. 05:35Stab/Slash Protection & 9mm PCC Test
  14. 06:049mm PCC Test Results
  15. 06:24.357 Sig Test
  16. 07:015.56 Rifle Test (Exceeding Rating)
  17. 07:245.56 Rifle Test Results & Spall
  18. 08:17Final Conclusion & Recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NIJ rating of the BulletSafe VP3 body armor?

The BulletSafe VP3 body armor is NIJ 0101.06 Level IIIA certified. This rating indicates it is designed to stop common handgun rounds, including .44 Magnum, and offers stab and slash protection.

How comfortable is the BulletSafe VP3 for extended wear?

The reviewer, with over two decades of experience, found the VP3 comfortable for long periods and in hot weather (94-degree heat). Its thin, pliable ballistic panels and padded mesh backing contribute to its wearability.

Can the BulletSafe VP3 be upgraded for rifle protection?

Yes, the VP3 carrier has front and rear pockets designed to accommodate hard armor plates, allowing for an upgrade to NIJ Level IV protection against rifle rounds.

What are the limitations of the BulletSafe VP3 Level IIIA armor?

Level IIIA armor is not rated for rifle rounds. Testing with a 5.56mm rifle round demonstrated penetration and significant spall, underscoring the need for rifle-rated armor when facing such threats.

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