German Level 1 Body Armor Test: As Good As American Level IIIA?

Published on January 13, 2020
Duration: 9:11

This video tests German Level 1 body armor against various ballistic threats, comparing its performance to American NIJ standards. The armor demonstrated effective stab resistance and stopped .22 subsonic, .45 ACP, and 115-grain 9mm rounds. However, it was penetrated by 300 Blackout subsonic rounds. The presenter concludes the armor is likely equivalent to a US Level II or Level IIIA plate, offering good value for pistol and shotgun threats.

Quick Summary

German Level 1 body armor is designed to stop some 9mm rounds, unlike American NIJ Level 1 which is solely for stab resistance. In testing, this German armor successfully stopped .22 subsonic, .45 ACP, 9mm, and buckshot, suggesting it's comparable to US Level II or IIIA for pistol and shotgun threats.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to German Level 1 Armor
  2. 00:13Armor Markings and NIJ Standards
  3. 00:35German vs. American Armor Standards
  4. 00:50Armor Origin and Manufacturing Date
  5. 01:08Armor Packaging and Carrier
  6. 01:20Comfort and Fit of the Carrier
  7. 01:36German Level 1 Definition: 9mm Resistance
  8. 02:02Stab Test with Milwaukee Knife
  9. 02:43Ballistic Test: .22 Subsonic
  10. 03:23Ballistic Test: .45 ACP
  11. 03:55Ballistic Test: 9mm
  12. 04:31Ballistic Test: Shotgun Buckshot
  13. 05:42Ballistic Test: 300 Blackout Subsonic
  14. 06:57Conclusion: Armor Performance Summary
  15. 07:15Armor Equivalence to US Standards
  16. 07:21Where to Buy and Price
  17. 07:36Comfort, Weight, and Protection
  18. 08:07Recommendation for Body Armor
  19. 08:18Sportsman's Guide Discount Code

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between German Level 1 armor and American NIJ Level 1?

American NIJ Level 1 primarily signifies stab resistance and offers no guaranteed protection against bullets. In contrast, German Level 1 armor is defined as being capable of stopping some 9mm rounds, indicating a higher level of ballistic protection.

Can German Level 1 armor stop 9mm rounds?

Yes, according to German standards, Level 1 armor is expected to stop some 9mm rounds. In this test, the German Level 1 armor successfully stopped 115-grain 9mm rounds without penetration.

What ballistic threats did the German Level 1 armor withstand in the test?

The armor demonstrated resistance to stab threats, .22 subsonic rounds, .45 ACP rounds, 9mm rounds, and shotgun buckshot. However, it was penetrated by 300 Blackout subsonic rounds.

Is German Level 1 armor comparable to US Level IIIA?

While not officially rated as such, the tested German Level 1 armor's performance against pistol and shotgun threats suggests it may be equivalent to a US Level II or Level IIIA soft armor plate in terms of ballistic resistance for those calibers.

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