Bulletproof vest information, material, legal to buy clothing
Bulletproof or bullet-resistant vest terminology, information before you legally buy a bullet-resistant vest, info and tips about material and clothing containing ballistic material.
A good bullet-resistant vest can protect you against bullets, knives, awls, needles, shrapnel, blows or impacts, and burns. (Against shootings, stabbings, terrorist attacks, explosion shrapnel, and severe burns caused by the heat of an explosion)
Is it bullet-resistant or bulletproof?
Link to Deluxe FLEX-PRO bulletproof vest
The term "kogelwerend vest" (bullet-resistant vest) or "kogelvrij vest" (bulletproof vest) sometimes causes confusion, but experts use the correct technical term "kogelwerend vest." A bullet-resistant vest does not stop all bullets, only those for which the vest was specially developed. The protection level falls under certain standards and classes. Technically, a bulletproof vest does not exist. However, a layperson who wants to buy a bullet-resistant vest for the first time does not know the correct technical term, the different properties in standards, the different classes, and types of ammunition, which is why they search for the general term "bulletproof vest." To better assist both the layperson, potential customer, and the expert, we use both terms interchangeably.
Legally buying a bulletproof vest in Belgium and the Netherlands
In Belgium, you can legally purchase all types of bullet-resistant vests for personal protection without requiring a permit! A discreet bullet-resistant vest can also be legally worn under clothing; however, if you wear a bullet-resistant vest visibly, you must ensure that you do not disturb public order. Our bullet-resistant vests are new, officially certified, and registered. It is forbidden to sell bullet-resistant vests to paramilitary organizations and terrorists!
Components of a bulletproof vest
Link to Deluxe MT-PRO bulletproof vest
The complete bullet-resistant or bulletproof vest
link to bullet-resistant vests
The complete bullet-resistant or bulletproof vest is normally purchased as a whole. This includes the protective package inside the desired carrier. Together, they form the bullet-resistant or bulletproof vest. Be careful when buying a cheap bulletproof vest online. Many international sales platforms use various keywords interchangeably to attract buyers, without truly knowing the correct meaning of the keywords used. For example, cheap, usually Chinese, bulletproof vests are offered that actually consist only of the outer carrier with a foam filling to maintain shape, but which offer no protection. There are also many different qualities, with poor quality quickly losing its protective effect after a year. Local (Chinese) protection levels can differ significantly from the protection levels we use in Europe, which means that a standard bullet from here can penetrate a too light bullet-resistant vest. Buy your bullet-resistant vest from an authorized dealer who provides you with the correct quality! Your bulletproof vest can save your life!
The cover, outer cover, or carrier, is the outer casing of the bullet-resistant vest. Depending on the desired use, different types of covers are available. There are discreet covers for wearing the bulletproof vest concealed under clothing and overt or visible covers for wearing the bullet-resistant vest openly over clothing. Usually, two covers are purchased which can then be swapped, allowing one cover to be washed while the other is worn. The cover is not bullet-resistant and therefore offers no protection against bullets!
Link to bullet-resistant packages
The protective package is the package that stops bullets or knife stabs. The protective package mainly consists of two parts, a front package and a back package, which are then placed in the specific front or back of the carrier. The protection value is expressed in standards and classes, and depending on the threat expected, one chooses the desired standard or class. There are also stab-resistant and bullet-resistant packages, or protective packages that offer protection against various types of threats. Inform yourself first or consult an authorized dealer of bullet-resistant vests before you buy a bulletproof vest! Good modern bullet-resistant packages are also stab-resistant and shrapnel-resistant.
Material used in a bullet-resistant vest.
For discreet covers, a sturdy cotton cover is usually used, optionally equipped with a special moisture-regulating and temperature-regulating mesh or Thermoliner® such as Coolmax®, Outlast®, Siocool®…
Link to High visibility bullet-resistant vests
For overt or visible covers, a stronger material such as Cordura® or another synthetic fabric is usually used, optionally with a special color. There are also high-visibility covers (High visibility fluorescent or Hi Vis covers) with reflective strips.
The American Kevlar® aramid fabrics have long been generally known to the public as bulletproof material. However, to also provide the vest with stab-resistant properties, various types of fabrics are now used as protective material in stab- and bullet-resistant vests. In Europe, Dyneema® from the Dutch manufacturer DSM® is most commonly used in combination with Teijin Aramide from Twaron®. Not all bullet-resistant vests are also stab-resistant. Pay close attention when purchasing that you choose the correct protection level.
Sizes
Depending on the manufacturer, bullet-resistant vests are made in different sizes. However, thanks to adjustable shoulder and waist closures, the vest can be somewhat adapted for a good fit. Tables are available from which the suitable size can be chosen after the potential buyer has measured their dimensions with a tape measure and compared them with the values in the size chart. The waist measurement takes precedence because the vest is fastened at the waist. For the Dutch manufacturer Engarde®, sizes from XS to 5XL are offered.
The Belgian manufacturer Sioen Ballistics® offers sizes from XS to 3XL, with the option to have a custom-made bulletproof vest for an additional charge (delivery time minimum 8 to 12 weeks).
Link to bullet-resistant vests for children
Bullet-resistant vests for children are still a bit of a taboo in Europe, but just like in America, there is a growing demand to protect children from aggression. Although no specific bullet-resistant vests are made for children, some models in XSmall and Small sizes can be used to protect children. The minimum measurements in the size chart also play a role here.
Bullet-resistant clothing
Bullet-resistant clothing is often misunderstood. A bullet-resistant shirt is not a thin shirt made of a thin, unimaginably strong layer of bulletproof fabric! No, bullet-resistant clothing is where the outer shell looks like casual or stylish clothing, but in which special bullet-resistant packages or bullet-resistant layers are incorporated. The Engarde® bullet-resistant T-shirt
Link to Engarde bulletproof T-shirt FLEX-PRO
This Engarde bullet-resistant T-shirt looks like a casual T-shirt and is quite inconspicuous. Many event organizers prefer a security agent who looks casual rather than one who looks as if an active shooter could strike at any moment.
This bullet-resistant T-shirt looks almost like a normal T-shirt but is actually a carrier in the form of a black T-shirt with several compartments into which a standard Engarde® bullet-resistant package can be inserted.
There are also other stylish garments that incorporate special bullet-resistant packages or bullet-resistant material.
Link to bullet-resistant T-shirts
There are also cut-resistant or flame-resistant T-shirts into which a standard 250x300mm stab- and bullet-resistant package can be slid in the front and back at chest height. These are quite comfortable to wear, especially during the summer.
Bullet-resistant vests for women.
Link to bullet-resistant vest for women
In principle, most bullet-resistant vests are unisex, suitable for both women and men. The Follux is a stab-resistant and bulletproof vest with pre-formed cups specifically for women with a large cup size, offering extra protection on the side of the chest. It can also be recommended for women with breast implants, as it reduces pressure on the silicone implants, thereby lessening the chance of tearing or leakage.
The weight of a bullet-resistant vest.
The weight of a bullet-resistant vest is, of course, an important selling point and is sometimes manipulated. Make sure you compare the correct units, protection level, and protection area of the bullet-resistant vests. An XSmall bulletproof vest weighs almost half as much as a 3XLarge vest. The weight of a NIJ-3A bulletproof vest varies between 1.8 and 3 kg, depending on the size. A bullet-resistant plate weighs approximately 3 kg. A bullet-resistant plate carrier with 2 bullet-resistant plates weighs approximately 7 kg, and a plate carrier with 4 plates, including side plates, weighs approximately 9 kg.
Lifespan and warranty of a bullet-resistant vest
For a new bulletproof vest made in Belgium or the Netherlands, the warranty varies between 5 and 10 years, which is a factory warranty from Sioen Ballistics or EnGarde. For old re-certified bulletproof panels in a new cover, a 1-year warranty is still provided by the seller. For Chinese bulletproof vests, one should first ask who provides the guarantee. Situations where a poor rice farmer is held responsible for the warranty are not new! A bulletproof vest older than 10 years is unreliable! Given that the lifespan of a bulletproof vest, helmet, or bulletproof plate is limited, large stocks are not stored. New bulletproof vests are made to order. A production run from order to delivery takes between 8 to 12 weeks. This also means that in a crisis situation, there will always be a shortage of bulletproof vests and helmets since there are no large stocks! If you want to build up your resilience, you must ensure you have a bulletproof vest and helmet at home! Link to resilience emergency kit
Bulletproof vests for dogs
Link to bulletproof vest for dogs
There are different types of stab and bulletproof vests for dogs, but there are significant differences in application possibilities. The tactical bulletproof dog vests from Sioen Ballistics were developed in collaboration with the army and police and are intended for use by Special Units. In addition to stab and bulletproof protection, they also include a stabilizing flotation package, Molle webbing, and mounting options like a tactical harness.
Standards and bulletproof protection against what?
Link to Class 2 bulletproof vest
Class NIJ-2: Bulletproof vests according to the American standard NIJ-2 are thin, light, and flexible to wear. They are easily concealable and especially popular with women because they conform well to the body shape. They protect against all small pocket pistols, standard 9mm pistols, and revolvers in the .357 Magnum caliber. The stab protection is minimal but still useful!
Class NIJ-3A: Bulletproof vests according to the American standard NIJ in Class 3A are the most common soft bulletproof vests. However, be aware that there are different versions of Class 3A, with or without knife protection or with other stab-resistant properties. Class NIJ-3A (0101.04) is older but still the most sold protection value and protects against 9x19mm pistols and against heavy .44 Magnum revolvers. There is also a new NIJ-3A (0101.06) standard, which is slightly heavier and certified against the slightly more powerful calibers .357SIG and .44 Magnum. The stab protection against knives or awls depends on the composition of the bulletproof package. Not all 3A bulletproof vests offer the same stab protection.
The old Russian 7.62x25mm Tokarev pistols have a high penetration power and have been smuggled into Europe in large numbers via the Balkans and former Eastern European countries, to such an extent that they pose a real threat to Belgian police officers and ordinary citizens alike. Some bulletproof vests are officially certified against the 7.62x25mm caliber. Some bulletproof packages have been tested by the manufacturer in their firing laboratory. Not all NIJ-3a bulletproof vests can effectively stop the 7.62x25mm caliber safely. Ask the authorized dealer of the bulletproof vest for advice.
Link to Police bulletproof vests
Police bulletproof vests have their own typical characteristics in terms of color, protection value, and possibilities. One of the highest protection levels, HO2-KR1-SP1, is according to the English standard CAST 2017 (can also be worn in discrete bullet and stab-proof vests) and can be further extended with hard bulletproof plates against Kalashnikov rifles. The covers for these bulletproof vests are also available for private purchase, but for police logos, you need a purchase receipt or declaration from the police department! This high protection level HO2-KR1-SP1 can be useful now that hybrid warfare with Russian spies and saboteurs is becoming more prevalent.
Bulletproof vest Class 4 against assault rifles
Often, the layman does not know which weapons a bulletproof vest protects against. Generally, soft flexible bulletproof vests provide protection against knives, pistols, and revolvers. If you want protection against assault rifles, you need hard bulletproof plates.
Link to Class 4 bulletproof vests
Dual Use discrete bulletproof vest with two hard bulletproof plates against Kalashnikov, FAL, M16, and SCAR rifles. Hard bulletproof plates are slid into a special compartment of the vest's cover. There are two different types of hard bulletproof plates. The ICW (In Conjunction With) bulletproof plates must always be worn over a soft bulletproof package and are generally thinner (+/- 18mm thick). Stand Alone bulletproof plates are thicker (+/- 28mm thick) and absorb the bullet within the plate. They do not need to be worn over a soft bulletproof vest but can also be worn over a T-shirt or combat shirt. There are also bulletproof steel plates, but these are less commonly used here in Europe because the flying fragments can seriously injure the throat or face upon bullet impact on the steel plate.
Link to Leopard bulletproof vest Class 4
In preparation for increased resilience among civilians, we can draw lessons from the war in Ukraine, where 80% of casualties are caused by grenade, mortar, shell, or bomb fragments. The soft bulletproof vest Leopard NIJ-3A (04) - SK1 MT-PRO from Engarde® is equipped with pockets for hard bulletproof plates and detachable shoulder, neck, groin, and upper arm protection. This type of vest offers the most protection to the body.
Plate carriers Class 4 against assault rifles
Stand Alone hard bulletproof plates are usually worn in a plate carrier and offer high protection against assault rifles. Plate carriers come in various colors, with the Belgian Army choosing the Multicam color.
The most common dimensions for bulletproof plates are 250x300mm, but larger bulletproof plates and small bulletproof side plates also exist. This is military equipment that significantly increases your resilience.
The most common protection value is the old Class 4 NIJ 0101.04 and the new Level IV NIJ0101.06. This is the correct bulletproof protection against the Russian assault rifles currently in use.
Do you remember that many people died in Ukraine because the Russians shot through the bulletproof vests of Ukrainian soldiers? Class 3+ is too light for military use! The correct protection level Class 4 is vital for survival in a war zone!
Generally, NIJ-3 hard bulletproof plates offer protection against rifle bullets with soft lead cores. There may be additions such as NIJ-3+, which means tested against the Russian caliber (7.62x39mm Mild steel core) soft steel core from the AK47 Kalashnikov rifle.
Storage bags for bulletproof vests
Link to storage bag for bulletproof vests
Our most popular bulletproof vests
If you're a civilian looking for a good stab and bulletproof vest, you can't go wrong with the following vests!
The most popular discrete bulletproof vest is the Pollux NIJ-3A(04).
Link to the Pollux vest NIJ-3A(04)
The Pollux stab and bulletproof vest is popular because it is a flexible vest that is quite comfortable to wear and easy to conceal under clothing. The vest offers good bulletproof protection, good stab protection against knives and awls, and provides protection against grenade fragments. The ideal vest for a security guard or ordinary citizen.
Popular discrete bulletproof vest Deluxe NIJ-3A(06) with a good international reputation.
Link to the Deluxe bulletproof vest NIJ-3A(06)
The Deluxe NIJ-3A(06) Flex-Pro is EnGarde's flagship product. This stab and bulletproof vest has a good international reputation for being relatively light and offering high bulletproof protection against modern ammunition types. The stab protection is slightly less than that of the Pollux. The back panel is slightly larger at the shoulders and more suitable for wearing under a sturdy jacket (suit, leather jacket, or regular jacket).
The Heracles Molle bulletproof vest for security guards
Link to Heracles Molle NIJ-3A(04)
Link to Heracles Molle NIJ-3A(06)
The black Heracles Molle stab and bulletproof vest was specially developed for security guards and features modern Molle webbing for attaching additional pouches. The Molle attachment system is a kind of international standard for which many accessory pouches have been made. For the ordinary security guard, the NIJ-3A(04) protection level is most commonly used. In some cases, where more powerful pistols are expected, the NIJ-3A(06) protection level is also used.
The Helios high-visibility stab and bulletproof vest
Link to the Helios stab and bulletproof vest
The highly visible Helios stab and bulletproof vest with reflective strips is widely purchased by people active on public roads and replaces the hi-vis vest with greater protection against knives and bullets. E.g., ambulance personnel, customs, towing services, stewards at festivals or sports events...
Blue protective vest for NGOs in conflict areas.
Link to the Panther bulletproof vest
The Panther is a neutral-looking stab and bulletproof vest with detachable shoulder, neck, groin, and upper arm protection. The Panther is ideal for NGOs operating abroad who do not wish to provoke the local population.
Blue PRESS vest Leopard with Molle webbing.
Link to blue PRESS vest class 4
The Leopard PRESS is a modern stab and bulletproof Molle vest with hard bulletproof plates class 4 ICW against Kalashnikov rifles for journalists or civilians and is widely used in Ukraine. The tactical Leopard PRESS bulletproof vest is normally quickly available, making it a good choice for urgent cases.
Class 4 plate carriers often bought from us
In urgent cases such as war, all types and colors of class 4 plate carriers are purchased.
The Triton plate carrier class 4
Link to Triton plate carrier class 4 ICW
The Triton plate carrier class 4 ICW must be and is ideally suited to be worn over a soft bulletproof vest (Pollux) NIJ-3A. The Triton is sometimes also worn over the bulletproof vests of the Police. It is an ideal way to extend the protection value of your soft bulletproof vest NIJ-3A against rifle bullets such as AK47 Kalashnikov rifles.
The Mercury Molle plate carrier class 4 Stand Alone
Link to Mercury plate carrier class 4 SA
The Mercury Molle plate carrier is a modern and very compact class 4 Stand Alone plate carrier and offers protection against war rifles. The advantage of such a compact plate carrier is that it can be easily stored in a suitcase for travel. The Mercury is equipped with Molle webbing over its entire surface, allowing numerous accessories to be attached.
Operator Multicam class 4 SA plate carrier with side plates
Link to Operator Multicam with side plates Class 4
The Operator Multicam plate carrier class 4 Stand Alone with bulletproof side plates is a typical military-style plate carrier often bought by Preppers as personal protection against war rifles and intended to increase resilience in a war situation. The Multicam color also matches many Multicam military clothing.
Operator Coyote class 4 Stand Alone plate carrier
Link to Operator Coyote class 4
The Operator Coyote with two class 4 Stand Alone bulletproof plates is a plate carrier that is bought more often by Belgians who have recently been professional soldiers and who want the same color of plate carrier as the one they used during their military service.
Many other new plate carriers in different colors have been added with which you can increase your resilience.