Armor Standards
Several authorities rate armor, but the NIJ standard is the most important in the U.S.
These regulatory and testing standards exist to be guidelines for manufacturing. Armor is NOT required to follow or fall under any of these standards but they are guidelines. The U.S.A. utilizes the N.I.J. standard as a way of appropriating funding to departments for purchasing armor products. The NIJ standard is not a requirement except for when using US government funds to purchase products. The methodology is simple: U.S. D.O.J. puts out a standard, which manufacturers must pay high sums of money to pass, which flows to the laboratories and back to the D.O.J. Upon passing, the companies are listed on the NIJ website. The US government then appropriates funds to states or departments each year to purchase armor from companies only listed on the NIJ website. The circle is closed and continues. The NIJ standard does not accurately reflect the best products in the market. Worldwide the main Armor standards are: N.I.J. – National Institute of Justice (USA) – Falls under D.O.J. (Dept. of Justice) in the U.S.A. gov. NATO – North Atlantic Treaty Organization EU – European Union CARD – Chinese Armor Regulatory Dept
NIJ Ratings
Plus +
When you see a Plus (+) on the end of your armor such as : LVLIIIA+ or LVLIII+, it means there have been extra lab tests done. To test Vs other threats such as 5.7 or M85. These tests vary between manufacturers so ask your rep what test was made.
LVL IIIA
Level IIIA – NIJ 0101.06 (current standard) - .357Sig, .44Mag IIIA is most commonly used for everyday protection from small caliber handguns. Shootings by handgun or small caliber account for over 90% of shootings in the USA. Rifle shootings make the news but are extremely uncommon, therefore are considered “newsworthy” when they happen. HG2 P2 – NIJ 0101.07 (newest standard) .9mm, .44Mag This standard will replace the 0101.06 IIIA. It is currently in waiting status to be implemented in the year 2025.
LVL III
Level III – NIJ 0101.06 – 7.62x51 M80 Level III is the most common rifle plate used in the USA and by operators who want protection along with lightweight. Will NOT stop armor piercing rounds. RF2 – NIJ 0101.07 7.62x51 M80, 5.56 M855, 7.62x39 Steel Core This change in standard will cause dramatic changes in how armor is deployed and manufactured. Super lightweight plates will no longer be possible as armor piercing rounds in the new RF2 standard will limit the materials that can be utilized and will cause weights of armor to rise.
LVL IV
Level IV – NIJ 0101.06 – .30Cal M2AP Rated for armor piercing rounds including the: M2AP and M855
Lets Talk About LVL IV
Level IV – is designed to stop, and is tested to the .30Caliber M2AP military designated rifle round. The Level IV armor plates are typically tested by stopping 1 round of the M2AP bullet. The Level IV plate is the most misunderstood plate. The average person might assume that because it is the highest level, i.e. Level IV, that it equates to the best protection. This is not accurate nor correct for all situations. Level IV plates are heavy in weight, typically 6-7lbs or higher per plate and are only rated for 1 shot. In addition, if ceramic material is utilized, it causes plates to be prone to cracking or breaking. The only way to ensure armor integrity is to X-ray the plate which is not always feasible for the average user. Sudden movements such as going prone from a standing position can crack or break the plate rendering it useless. Level IV plates are best used by operators standing a post/sedentary position or used for short operations then changed out with new plates upon return to ensure safety. This can be very expensive for the average user when a Level IIA or Level III plate is certainly enough protection