What is “Good Enough” Body Armor?

Published on August 27, 2023
Duration: 11:45

This video clarifies the distinction between NIJ Certified and NIJ Rated body armor, explaining that certification is a formal process involving NIJ testing, while rating indicates adherence to threat levels without necessarily undergoing formal certification. It details NIJ threat levels II, IIIA, III, III+, and IV, recommending Level IIIA as a minimum for handgun threats and Level III+ (UHMWPE) for rifle threats due to its lightweight and buoyancy properties. The speaker expresses skepticism towards government certification processes due to perceived inefficiency.

Quick Summary

The key difference between NIJ Certified and NIJ Rated body armor lies in the formal testing process. NIJ Certified armor has passed rigorous testing by the National Institute of Justice, while NIJ Rated armor meets threat level requirements but may have undergone alternative testing methods.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Channel Intro & Housekeeping
  2. 00:24Body Armor Terminology: NIJ Certification vs. Rating
  3. 01:21Sponsor Message: Kentuckiana Gun Works
  4. 01:52Defining NIJ Certification vs. Rating
  5. 02:40NIJ Certification Explained
  6. 03:09NIJ Rated Explained
  7. 03:55Reasons for Skipping NIJ Certification
  8. 04:48Skepticism Towards Government Processes
  9. 06:52Body Armor Threat Levels: Level II
  10. 07:25Body Armor Threat Levels: Level IIIA
  11. 07:59Body Armor Threat Levels: Level III & III+
  12. 08:42Body Armor Threat Levels: Level IV
  13. 09:00Recommendations on Armor Levels
  14. 11:15Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between NIJ Certified and NIJ Rated body armor?

NIJ Certified means the armor passed formal testing by the National Institute of Justice, with results logged in their database. NIJ Rated means the armor meets NIJ threat level requirements, but may have been tested in-house or by third parties without official NIJ certification.

What is the minimum recommended body armor level for handgun threats?

The speaker recommends at least Level IIIA body armor as the minimum for protection against handgun threats, which is rated for .44 Magnum and .357 SIG rounds. Level II is generally not advised for law enforcement or personal defense.

What type of body armor is best for rifle threats?

For rifle threats, Level III+ armor made from UHMWPE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) is recommended for its lightweight properties, neutral buoyancy, and protection against rounds like 5.56mm M855 and .30-06 soft point.

Why might a manufacturer skip NIJ certification for their body armor?

Manufacturers may forgo formal NIJ certification because it is a costly and time-consuming process. For commercial products, the expense might not be justified if certification isn't a primary sales driver or requirement.

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