Myths of Body Armor - Level III+ Has To Stop X, Y, or Z Round

Published on March 22, 2023
Duration: 6:54

This video debunks the myth that 'Level III+' body armor must stop specific rounds like X, Y, or Z. The speaker, an instructor, clarifies that 'Level III+' is not an official NIJ rating. Instead, it's a designation used by manufacturers to indicate armor that exceeds Level III standards but does not meet Level IV. Consumers must consult manufacturer specifications to understand the exact ballistic capabilities of Level III+ armor, as there are no standardized requirements.

Quick Summary

Level III+ body armor is not an official NIJ rating; it's a manufacturer designation for armor exceeding Level III but not meeting Level IV. While it often implies stopping rounds like M855 or higher velocity threats, there are no standardized requirements. Consumers must consult manufacturer specifications to understand the exact ballistic capabilities of any Level III+ armor.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Level III+ Myths
  2. 00:23Why Level III+ Isn't an Official NIJ Rating
  3. 01:11Understanding NIJ Standards for Armor Levels
  4. 01:31Level III Armor Requirements (M80 Ball)
  5. 02:32The Gap Between Level III and Level IV
  6. 03:00Origin of the Level III+ Designation
  7. 03:36Lack of Standards for Level III+
  8. 04:07Manufacturer Variations in Level III+
  9. 04:37What to Look For in Level III+ Armor
  10. 05:36TLDR: Level III+ is Not Official
  11. 06:04Conclusion: Manufacturer Specs Matter

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'Level III+' mean for body armor?

'Level III+' is not an official rating by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). It's a term used by manufacturers to indicate armor that exceeds the minimum requirements for Level III but does not meet the higher standards of Level IV. Consumers should always check manufacturer specifications for exact capabilities.

Does Level III+ body armor have to stop specific rounds like M855 or higher velocity rounds?

No, there are no standardized requirements for Level III+ armor to stop specific rounds. While it often implies protection against threats like M855 green tip or higher velocity rifle rounds beyond Level III, each manufacturer defines its own 'plus' capabilities. Always verify with the manufacturer.

What is the difference between NIJ Level III and Level IV body armor?

NIJ Level III armor is tested to stop an M80 ball round (7.62x51mm) at 2780 ft/s. NIJ Level IV armor is tested to stop an M2 AP (Armor Piercing) round, which is a much more significant threat. Level III+ armor typically falls between these two official ratings.

Why is it important to check manufacturer specs for Level III+ armor?

Because 'Level III+' is not an official NIJ standard, there are no universal requirements. Each manufacturer defines what 'plus' means for their product. Checking their specifications ensures you understand precisely what additional threats, beyond standard Level III, their armor is designed to defeat.

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