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VestGuard UK Body Armour – Choosing your vest

Not everyone knows everything about body armour, so here are a few points to help choose the right kit.

Choosing the protection

Determine which level of protection is most likely required. Details about the threats encountered in various parts of the world can be provided by contacting VestGuard who will be able to advise what levels are required as a minimum for each destination.

Only buy the level of protection needed or recommended by an expert. Buying higher levels may not always be necessary and may reduce comfort and increase the risk of not wearing the armour when most required. Choose a suitable model that will provide the right protection for the requirement. It may be worn for many hours, sometimes all day, every day so it is good to get the right vest.

VestGuard body armour is dual purpose offering both stab and bullet resistance in one lightweight vest. For easy sizing, the VG body armour is unisex, offering protection for both male and female customers. On occasion it may not completely fit, and so a made to measure service is available. However 99% of customers will always fit into a standard size.

Living and working in the UK

The biggest threat in the UK is based around knives and small hand guns. A lightweight, flexible vest is required that keeps the wearer well protected, that can be worn all day. To resist knives, VestGuard would recommend NIJ level II (2) or IIIA (3A) body armour. Vests have been tested to withstand a standard knife attack. The Patented Anti Blunt trauma protection in all our vests increases the resistance rating against knives.

For general security, and personal use, a concealable, soft body armour vest in NIJ Level II (2) protection from VestGuard will do the job. A low profile model has recently been introduced to offer close protection for use under normal street wear without attracting attention.

Living and working abroad

The world is a big place, and whilst VestGuard cannot tell where customers are going, they can advise what is required for each destination.

Soft Armour Panels alone (NIJ Levels IIA, II and IIIA) stop pistol and fragmentation threats, but it takes a Hard Armour Plate to stop a rifle bullet (NIJ Levels III and IV)

For Iraq, Afghanistan or other high risk areas, it is recommended to use a protection level of NIJ Level IV (4) and no less. It is worth considering shoulder, collar and groin protection when purchasing for higher threat environments.

VestGuard is the only UK company with a certified Level IV (4) solution.

Choosing a size

Get measured correctly when buying a vest. Make sure the vest does not ride up into the throat when squatting, sitting or bending. VestGuard body armour has been ergonomically designed to sit just above the belly button. At this point, the body begins to crease when sitting, causing the body armour to rise up if any lower. Panels include side panel protection as standard, choosing the correct size will ensure the front and back meet in the middle to protect from a side impact.

Size	Chest	Waist/Abs
Small	34-38	28
Medium	38-43	32
Large	43-46	36
XL	46-48	40
XXL	48-49	44
XXXL	50-51	47.5

Sizing sheets can be provided upon request, or downloaded from the Size guide information section of this website. A member of the team can assist any person who is unsure of their size by providing details which are noted on the size guide.

Tips when buying body armour

Body armour has come a long way in meeting the needs of today’s world. Most modern soft body armour manufacturers have reputable products.

1. Buy a certified solution

Always check a seller is NIJ of HOSDB compliant and certified. If in doubt, find out on the official website where a list is available of all certified manufacturers in the world. If a company only manufactures to the standards ensure testing data from an ISO 17028 approved Laboratory is provided to prove the armour is fit for purpose.

Don’t forget that most vests have a life span of approximately three to five years.

2. Never buy a used vest

In the body armour industry buying pre owned vest is always risky. Body armour is made of materials that over time subjected to environmental conditions and use loose their ballistic properties. Because it is difficult to know how it has been used, what it has been subjected to, and what level of protection it is still able to protect against the risk is enormous to the wearer, and lives are put at risk every day to save on cost. Manufacturer’s details are normally removed to ensure confidentiality removing any records of age, tracking numbers and protection levels.

3. Check it has everything you need for safety

Sometimes in the industry companies cut corners when selling products. This is not only a classic sign of a company that is just profit based, but is also a company that does not care about the welfare of the customer. In the body armour market the customers care is essential because this is life saving equipment and corners cannot be cut, as this could cost someone their lives.

For peace of mind it is worth identifying some points that are classed as hidden but essential requirements for a quality product that will not only last, but will ensure the protection of the wearer and could save their life.

a) Public liability insurance ensures that a company has the means to protect itself and its customers should any failure happen. In many cases public liability is very expensive to have but shows dedication and the fact they are an established company.

b) Product testing. Any company that supplies body armour should have product testing either from the manufacturer or from themselves. In house testing in some cases can be fabricated, so it is worth asking for independent test certificates. Any company that cannot provide you with these should not be purchased from as the protection cannot be determined if the product has not been tested. Each test can cost as much as £2,000 a vest.

c) Location of manufacture. Body armour is like any other product. The cheaper the price the cheaper the quality. You could buy two identical products but one is made in the UK, the other in China. It is always worth considering a UK made product as the UK is governed by UK quality controls for materials and workmanship.