Classifications of your Lightweight Body Armor
Lightweight body armor is classified into six formal classifications. This classification is set by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) in order to help various users determine the right lightweight body armor for their need. When you purchase lightweight body armor, you should first ascertain the threat level or risks that you will be facing. The rule of thumb is you must purchase the light body armor that can protect you from your own weapon. In addition, the following are the different classification level of your lightweight body armor that you must know to aid you in your decision making.
1. Level I – Lightweight body armor of this level protects against .22 long rifle lead round nose with a nominal mass of 2.6 grams impacting at a minimum velocity of 320 m/s or less. This is the lowest level for your lightweight body armor and only few manufacturers are making this type of armor because of its inability to meet protection standards. 2. Level IIA – Armor of this level protects against all lower levels and 9 mm rounds with a velocity of 1140 ft/s and 357 magnum rounds. This type of lightweight body armor is a concealable armor and is ideal for full time use of police officers. 3. Level II – Level II classification of lightweight body armor protects against 9 mm FMJ Round nose bullets with nominal mass of 8 grams at a minimum velocity of 358 m/s of less and .57 magnum jacketed soft point bullets. This classification can also provide protection from Level I and Level IIA threats. This provides greater protection but is more bulky and heavier than the first two threats. 4. Level IIIA – This classification of lightweight body armor provides protection from 9 mm full metal jacketed round nose bullets with nominal masses of 8 grams impacting at a minimum velocity of 427 m/s or less and .44 magnum jacketed hollow point bullets with nominal mass of 15.6 grams impacting at a minimum velocity of 427 m/s or less. This level provides the highest protection from concealable lightweight body armor. It provides the highest protection level and at the same time concealment and comfort. |