Hard Body Armor vs Soft Body Armor on a Human TORSO, What's The Damage?!

Published on January 30, 2023
Duration: 23:47

This test compares NIJ Level IIIA soft body armor against NIJ Level III hard body armor using a ballistic gel torso. While soft armor stops handgun rounds effectively, it shows significant backface deformation with higher-powered handgun rounds like the .44 Magnum. Hard armor stops rifle rounds but transfers significant blunt force trauma, causing bone fractures, highlighting that no armor is completely impervious to all threats.

Quick Summary

Level IIIA soft armor stops handguns up to .44 Magnum but shows significant backface deformation. Level III hard armor stops rifle rounds like .308 Win but transfers immense blunt force trauma, causing bone fractures, highlighting that stopping a projectile doesn't guarantee survival.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Gear Overview
  2. 01:39Armor Specifications: Level IIIA vs Level III
  3. 03:32Soft Armor Handgun Testing (9mm, .40, .45)
  4. 06:18Soft Armor High-Power Testing (.44 Magnum)
  5. 09:42Soft Armor Shotgun Test (00 Buck)
  6. 10:57Hard Armor Comparison: Handgun & 5.56 NATO
  7. 14:46Hard Armor Rifle Testing (7.62x39, .308 Win)
  8. 19:45Extreme Caliber Testing (.375 H&H, .45-70)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Level IIIA soft armor and Level III hard armor?

Level IIIA soft armor is rated to stop most handgun rounds, including .44 Magnum, offering flexibility and comfort. Level III hard armor is designed for rifle rounds like .30-06 AP, providing superior protection but with less flexibility and potentially more blunt force trauma transfer.

Can soft body armor stop rifle rounds?

Typically, NIJ Level IIIA soft body armor is not rated to stop rifle rounds. Higher levels of protection, like Level III or IV, usually require hard armor plates to effectively defeat high-velocity rifle projectiles.

What is backface deformation in body armor?

Backface deformation is the measurement of how much the armor indents inward upon impact. Excessive deformation, even if the projectile is stopped, can cause severe blunt force trauma to the wearer, potentially leading to internal injuries or fractures.

Is hard body armor safe if it stops the bullet?

While hard body armor stops bullets, it can transfer significant kinetic energy, causing blunt force trauma. This test showed Level III hard armor shattering ribs even when stopping rounds like .308 Winchester, indicating potential for life-threatening injury.

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