Levels of Protection

It should be noted that there is no such thing as a 'bullet proof' or 'stab proof' vest in the meaning of providing absolute protection from all and every ballistic and stab attack. Some types of attack can penetrate all body armour. It is the responsibility of the user to assess the type and level of risk exposure and ensure the garment worn is to the most appropriate standard.

Refer to the labels attached to the armour packs in your garment to confirm the level of protection provided.

Each armour pack consists of a number of layers of ballistic and knife resistant composite textile designed to arrest and contain the projectile. The level of protection provided meets the requirements of one or more of the following UK Home Office Police Scientific Development Branch (PSDB) ballistic body armour standards.  

Key to Levels

Home Office Scientific Development Branch - (HOSDB)

UK HOSDB HG1A = Low Handgun - Protection against standard ammunition fired from short-barrelled handguns only

UK HOSDB HG2 = High Handgun/Carbine - Protection against standard ammunition fired from long barrelled handguns, 9mm carbines and sub-machine-guns

UK HOSDB KR1 = Stab Resistance - Offers maximum periods of wear in a low risk patrolling environment

UK HOSDB KR2 = Stab resistence - A medium protection level for extended wear in a general duty environment

The armour pack will not protect the wearer from rifle or shotgun fire. For these increased protections an appropriate ballistic plate is available to meet the requiremnts of the following UK HOSDB standards:

UK HOSDB RF1 = Rifle - Protection against soft-core ammunition fired from rifles

UK HOSDB SG1 = Shotgun - Protection against BB and No 6 shot fired from full length shotguns at close range

The above PSDB Standards are approximately equivalent to or more demanding than USA NIJ handgun 11A and handgun/carbine level 111A.

Fragmentation testing - V50 = 555m/s

International Standards:

National Institute of Justice (NIJ)

US NIJ - Level 111A

US NIJ - Level 111

German SK1 - Schutzklasse 1

German SK4 - Schutzklasse 4

EN388 - Protection Protective Equipment (PPE) testing blade cuts, abrasion, tearing and puncture.

Certification

All our body armour is manufactured in a UK based ISO9001:2000 environment.