Spike protection is measured in joules, which is “equal to the work done by a force of one newton when its point of application moves one meter in the direction of action of the force, equivalent to one 3600th of a watt-hour.” In laymen’s terms, it’s the force exerted by a striking object. By adding a ceramic face, polyethylene plates can be certified to Level IV and will stop steel core and tactical rifle rounds up to and including 166-grain. Level III polyethylene plates are ultra-lightweight and can stop rifle bullets up to and including 7.62mm/.308 caliber. Polyethylene is the third – and lightest – option. Unlike steel armor, ceramic prevents spalling, instead of absorbing the bullet into the armor, relying on the back face to stop the projectile. Next up is ceramic, which is lighter but costs a bit more due to its chemical complexity. The cheapest and heaviest is steel, but it is also the most dangerous because the armor deflects the bullet or bullet scraps (spalling) in all directions upon impact, sending shards flying at high speeds toward innocent bystanders and the officer wearing the armor. Hard armor is made using several different types of materials, based on cost and stopping power. Soft armor is best used as concealed armor for patrol or other duty with long hours, as it is lighter, flexible, and more comfortable than hard armor. Soft armor is constructed by tightly weaving aramid threads, 100% UHMWPE (ultra-high molecule weight polyethylene), or a hybrid of UHMWPE and aramids into a flexible yet protective bullet catcher that stops the spinning (rifled) motion of the projectile, dissipating its penetration power. Level II and IIIA are soft armor designed to stop pistol rounds, Level III and IV are hard plate armor built to withstand rifle bullets, and the three Spike levels stand up to improvised bladed weapons. NIJ standards are broken down into seven threat levels: The NIJ (National Institute of Justice) is the main governing body for armor sold in the United States and sets the standards for the various protection and performance levels. Therefore, it is important to know the armor types and what each one can do to keep you safe. Each type is designed for stopping certain calibers and weapons. In Part 2 of this two-part series, we explain the NIJ armor protection levels and which armor stops which threats.

Can riot shield stop bullets