Anyone can wear body armor to safeguard themselves from bullets fired by terrorists or unknown enemies. Bulletproof vests, also known as personal body armor, can save your life from gunfire. For thousands of years, soldiers have worn body armor to safeguard themselves against adversaries. Military, police, and bodyguards throughout the world wear military bulletproof vests. So why don’t you do it? Even if you’re not one of these officers, you can still purchase and wear a ballistic vest.
How do ballistic vests work?
Body armors are made up of a web of extremely strong fibers. When a bullet hits it, the bullet’s impact energy is transferred to the vest. The bullet deforms as the fibers absorb and spread its energy. Because there is always an equal reaction to every action, the armor substance pushes out on the bullet with the same strength that the bullet pushes in, preventing the armor from being penetrated. Each successive layer of material in the vest absorbs more energy until the bullet is stopped.
The vest’s many layers act together like a web, preventing the bullet from penetrating the wearer’s body. Bullets are solid and fast, but human flesh is soft and weak. Body armor has been proven to save men’s lives in various situations. Bulletproof vests come in various styles and strengths to suit a variety of needs. However, if you don’t wear it correctly, the armor may not provide you with the level of security you need.
Common bulletproof vest wearing mistakes-
Some people’s most common error is pointing a vest’s plates in the wrong direction. Look at the shape of the body armor before wearing it. The vest’s plate is curved to match the natural curve of your back and chest. Many people who aren’t aware of the distinction wear the backplate with the concave side of the curve facing out and sitting higher in the lower back. They believe it to be more comfortable. This is incorrect for several reasons.
If you wear your strike plate sideways, the side designed to take a blow cannot defend you. It’s similar to working your abs. You’ll be better prepared to take a hit if you tighten your abs. If your abs aren’t restricted, it’s not because you don’t have any; it’s just that you’re not using them to your best ability. Body armor is similar in certain ways. Having the strike face in the front defends you more efficiently and gives you a better chance of saving your life by safeguarding your essential organs.
How to wear bulletproof vests correctly?
The curve of your body armor should flow with the natural contour of your body—chest and upper back. You’ll get a plate information label with the vest to help you find the right side quickly.
Wearing body armor properly | Weight distribution
It’s more about comfort and keeping your back from feeling like it’s 90 years old when it comes to weight distribution. When you’re barely out of your twenties, wearing a vest with hard plates or soft plate inserts must be securely attached to your body. You may not notice the effects for a few minutes. However, trust us, it will catch up to you, especially if you’re wearing heavy plates or armor for a lengthy amount of time.
Even a few pounds of extra weight can make a difference in how your body feels at the end of the day. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear it incorrectly, even if it’s light. To check its weight, consider trekking or bending down to pick up boxes with your lower back rather than your legs. If it’s heavy, the weight of your pack or crates may not seem that heavy at first. But you’ll feel it eventually, and probably not too far into your hike or box-lifting.
You don’t want to carry a hefty burden on your lower back. Over time, it might cause pain in your back and knees. Back pain is why it’s critical to fit your body armor snugly to your body—not too firmly since this can cut off circulation and cause you pain. If you have to run a foot chase, you don’t want it wandering around. So, make sure your body armor stays in place and doesn’t interfere with your activities.
Wearing body armor properly | Size
Size does matter, despite what others may tell you. If you’re a larger individual, don’t choose small plates just because they’re lighter. The larger plates are designed to protect your organs based on your body type. If you’re a larger individual wearing little plates, your body is at risk of harm. Yes, your heart may be protected, but do you really want to expose more of your body than is necessary? Getting shot while wearing a vest can be painful, but it’s nothing compared to true penetration.
Small plates are lighter, but they’re also less likely to save your life if you’re supposed to be wearing a larger one. As a result, you will receive the size that is appropriate
So, this is how you choose the ideal military bulletproof vests for you. Also, make sure you get them from a reputable supplier.