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Frequently Asked Questions
F.A.Q.'s
Body armor is a piece of protective clothing designed to protect the wearer from threats that could potentially be fatal, for example a knife or bullet.
What types of body armor are available?
There are hundreds of pieces of body armor on the market, including bullet proof vests, helmets and shields. At SafeGuard ARMOR™ we specialize in bullet proof vests, stab proof vests, ballistic helmets and hard armour, but we can also source other forms of body armor. If you don't see what you require on the site then please contact us.
Essentially a bullet proof vest will stop a bullet by catching it in a web of super strong fibres, slowing the bullet until it is bought to a halt. Stab and spike proof vests stop weapons penetration by being made up of tightly woven laminated materials, that act as a barrier to stop the attacks. An introduction to body armor has more details on how body armor will stop each type of threat.
Body armor can be made of many different materials, depending on the type of armor and the manufacturer. At SafeGuard ARMOR™ all of our vests feature protective panels made from DuPont™ Kevlar®, which has been the industry standard for body armor for over 30 years. Armor materials & technologies has more details about the range of materials that are used to make body armor.
How long does body armor last?
We offer a 5 year warranty on the Kevlar® panels in all of our body armor. However research has shown that DuPont™ Kevlar® will continue to provide the same level of protection for much longer than this, as long as it is properly cared for and maintained.
What is the difference between covert and overt?
A covert vest is designed to be worn under your clothes. An overt vest is designed to be worn over your clothes. Covert vests are generally produced in light colours, and are normally very thin, making them unnoticeable when worn under clothes. Overt vests are heavier and thicker than covert vests, and are generally made from stronger materials, as they are worn over clothes and are more exposed to the elements.
How concealable are the covert vests?
Our covert vests are made to be as concealable as possible. Unlike old bulky vests, our vests have a thin layer of DuPont™ Kevlar®, which is soft and flexible, but will also offers an incredibly high level of protection. Our covert vests are highly suited to close protection officers, door staff and security personnel, who require a high level of protection against stab and ballistic threats, but who also require their body armour to be unnoticeable.
Who sets the protection levels for body armor?
There are many standards for body armor around the world, but the most widely used and recognised are the HOSDB and the NIJ.
The numbers are an easy way to see the protection level offered by the body armor, and what it protects against. The higher the number, the higher the level of protection will be. For example a NIJ Level IIIa bullet proof vest will provide a higher level of ballistic protection then an NIJ Level II bullet proof vest.
What ballistic protection level should I choose?
It depends on the types of threats you are likely to face. An NIJ Level II vest is designed to defeat regular hand gun rounds, while an NIJ Level IIIa vest will stop up to a .44 mm Magnum round. When used in conjunction with an NIJ Level III or Level IV hard armor plate, an NIJ Level IIIa vest it will provide protection against rifle rounds. Many people will choose the highest protection possible in a vest, because they think this means it is the "best". However you should only select a vest that will stop the threats you will face and nothing more, as the higher the protection level offered by a vest the thicker and more restrictive it will be. For more details please see our protection levels section.
What is the difference between soft and hard armor?
Soft armor, as the name suggests, is soft, lightweight and flexible, and is the armor found in bullet, stab and spike proof vests. Depending on its protection level it will stop normal hand gun rounds up to a .44 Magnum. Hard armor offers a higher level of protection and is normally used by the military in war zones to defeat rifle fire, they are solid inserts that are heavier than soft armor panels. Usually hard armor will be used in conjunction with soft armor*, the hard armour is placed in front of the soft armor and will absorb the majority of the force of a round, by shattering it upon impact.
*Hard armor is also available 'stand alone', which means no soft armor is required.
This depends on many factors. You will have to consider why you need body armor, where you will be wearing it and the threats you will be facing. Choosing the right armor will help you to decide, but if you are still unsure then please contact us and we can advise you on the most suitable vest for your needs.
When a bullet is shot at body armor, some of the energy created is dispersed over the surrounding area of the body behind the armour. This can lead to severe bruising and is known as 'blunt trauma'. If the armor is flexible then there is usually a greater degree of blunt trauma, as the bullet will travel further than if it strikes hard armor. Blunt trauma is a negative side effect from being shot whilst wearing armor, however there have been no cases of fatalities attributed to it.
How do I choose the right size?
We have a size guide on the website to help you select the correct size, and also more details on choosing the right size.
The protection provided by body armor is directional, meaning it must be facing in the correct direction to protect you. All of our Kevlar® panels are clearly marked, and show which way they should be inserted into your vest carrier.
Are we limited to what you offer in the website?
No, SafeGuard ARMOUR™ has a variety of contracts at an given time and we may have items in stock that aren't on the website. Please do not hesitate to contact us about any related products that you can't find on the website.
How much do you charge for shipping?
Shipping is free, and our orders are sent with FedEx using their express shipping service.
How will I know you have received my order?
When an order is placed using our online system, SafeGuard ARMOUR™ will automatically send you a confirmation email to the address provided.
Do you have a printed catalogue?
Yes, the 2011 SafeGuard ARMOR™ brochure is available by emailing info@safeguardarmor.com.
What is the cheapest vest with a good level of protection?
Both the Stealth II Bullet Proof Vest and Stealth Combo II Bullet Proof Vest offer NIJ Level II protection for less than $500.
Do you offer any discount on bulk orders?
Yes we do. Please contact us with your exact requirements if you are looking to purchase a large amount of body armor, or small quantities on an ongoing basis. An account manager will then be able to advise you on the discount percentage we can offer.
