Testing a Bullet Resistant Face Mask on a Watermelon

Published on January 24, 2026
Duration: 0:59

This video demonstrates a ballistic test of a SecDefense USA Level IIIA Bulletproof Mask using a watermelon as a target. The mask is tested against various calibers, including .22LR, 9mm, .357 Magnum, and 5.56 NATO. While it stops handgun rounds, the 5.56 NATO rifle round penetrates as expected for Level IIIA soft armor. The testing is conducted in a casual, experimental, and informative tone by an enthusiast reviewer.

Quick Summary

A Level IIIA bulletproof mask, like the SecDefense USA model tested, is rated to stop handgun calibers up to .44 Magnum. However, it is not designed for rifle rounds; a 5.56 NATO round penetrated the mask and destroyed the watermelon target behind it, confirming its limitations against rifle threats.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Test Plan
  2. 00:12.22LR and 9mm Testing
  3. 00:39.357 Magnum Testing
  4. 00:505.56 NATO Testing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Level IIIA ballistic rating?

A Level IIIA ballistic rating, according to NIJ standards, means the armor is designed to stop specific handgun rounds, including .44 Magnum and 9mm FMJ, but is generally not rated for rifle calibers like 5.56 NATO.

Can a Level IIIA bulletproof mask stop rifle rounds?

No, a Level IIIA mask, which is a type of soft armor, is not designed to stop rifle rounds like the 5.56 NATO. As demonstrated, these rounds will penetrate, as seen in the test with a watermelon target.

What calibers were tested against the SecDefense USA Level IIIA mask?

The SecDefense USA Level IIIA mask was tested against .22LR, 9mm, .357 Magnum, and 5.56 NATO rounds. It successfully stopped the handgun calibers but was penetrated by the 5.56 NATO rifle round.

What was used to simulate a head during the ballistic testing?

A watermelon was used as a substitute for a human head to visually demonstrate the effects of ballistic impacts from various calibers on the Level IIIA mask and what would be behind it.

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