VestGuard UK Body Armour – Frequently Asked Questions
1) HOSDB or NIJ?
The NIJ level body armour is VestGuard’s best selling range. They are typically the preferred vest due to their lighter, thinner and more flexible finish compared to HOSDB and therefore best suited for customer requirements.
The Home Office standards are in general selected for use by councils, hospitals and other UK companies who must meet legal requirements provided to them.
2) Which protection is right for me?
The higher the level of protection the more the vest will stop. It is important to identify the threat that will be encountered and select the vest best suited for that risk. Going for less protection is not advised, and seeking more protection than necessary will lead to a vest over suited that may be heavier than you need. If unsure please visit our article: Choosing the right vest or contact VestGuard UK sales team on +44 (0) 1621 816614 who can assist you with your choice.
3) How quickly can I get my body armour?
Good news is VestGuard supply standard body armour designs from stock. As a manufacturer they hold items in stock for immediate operational requirements. Some items may be special order so please note the delivery times stated for particular items in the text.
In the event a product is not in stock, customers will be informed, and the goods will be shipped as soon as they do arrive in stock.
4) What is the quality like?
As a British made product all VestGuard body armour and protective equipment is regulated by UK quality standards. VestGuard is ISO9001 certified, and ensures any raw materials purchased originate from ISO certified sources.
The VestGuard brand has always been recognised as a high quality product using high grade military class materials made to EN standards. The quality must be excellent for every product we supply. We ensure the product is made to last.
5) Why is our body armour more expensive than other sellers?
As a UK supplier VestGuard has higher costs than other companies manufacturing abroad or importing from such locations as China. Our raw materials are of the highest quality, which also cost more to buy, but this gives a much better product. Tried and tested by government agencies and military for years, with over 160,000 vests sold since 2008 VestGuard is the largest manufacturer in the UK.
VestGuard products also include added extras with each sale consisting of an armour carry bag, free five year performance guarantee, office based customer service (not just a mobile number), independent product testing, and certified solutions approved by the people who set the standards.
In some cases a significant reduction in price from an alternative supplier can denote a product which may be unsuitable for the intended purpose. It is worth being aware that some companies sell second hand body armour, and others sell products made but not tested or certified to the required standards. In many cases a product which is cheaper can also denote a poor quality of workmanship and material and may not include as long a performance guarantee, or be as safe as the vests that VestGuard manufacture and supply.
6) What size should I buy?
The range of standard sizes in stock will fit 99% of all people. Every vest and helmet in the VestGuard range has adjustments which allows for individual preference. Always measure the largest part of the body. If you call, the sales team will normally ask you for your Height, Weight, Chest (this should cover the breast area for women), waist and stomach measurements.
More details on the sizes can be located in the Size Guide tab in this information section
7) What guarantee do I get?
All body armour, helmets, Hard Armour Panels, and outer carriers come with a product performance guarantee. VestGuard is proud of the products supplied, and the Guarantee ensures that products achieve the same performance during the guarantee time, as they do from new (if treated in a respectable manner).
Body armour (60 Months)
Protective helmets (120 months)
Hard Armour Panels (120 months)
Outer carriers (12 months)
8) What colours are available?
VestGuard carries a range of most popular colours in stock. These consist of navy, black, sand or white. As a manufacturer other colours are available made to order. Smaller orders may include a small premium for a non standard colour. Please contact VestGuard UK sales team on +44 (0) 1621 816614 who can assist you with your choice.
9) I want protection against knives as well as guns
All VestGuard body armour are dual purpose vests. The materials used inside the vests have both ballistic and edged weapon stopping capabilities. Some vests are tested to a standard, others are tested in house and are given a VestGuard resistance rating.
10) Can I ask for my own design?
Yes. Because we manufacture, we can vary the design. However this can come at a premium, as changing the design takes time, and money. The design service is free for bulk orders. Please contact VestGuard UK sales team on +44 (0) 1621 816614 who can assist you with your choice.
11) Can I reuse my armour after an attack?
In VestGuard’s opinion after a strike the vest or helmet has done the job it was designed for and has protected the wearer. VestGuard would recommend replacing any body armour panel or plate which has been shot or stabbed. The protection level may be significantly reduced, and the wearer may be at risk by not replacing the item.
12) Do you have woman’s sizes?
VestGuard body armour is manufactured using Goldflex, a product flexible enough to contour the female figure. VestGuard Body armour is unisex, and female hard armour plates to improve the comfort of the user are available upon request. Please contact VestGuard on +44 (0) 1621 816614 for more information.
13) Do the vests offer side protection?
Yes, VestGuard body armour is designed with side 'wings' that will meet at the side if the right size is chosen to provide discreet underarm hand gun protection. Side armour plates can be purchased to increase the protection level to protect against rifle fire.
14) The armour does not cover down to my belt. Why?
VestGuard body armour has been designed to sit on or around the naval area. Body armour is designed to offer protection to vital areas for as long as possible. When seated or bending down, the body creases just below the naval. Body armour that is too long will restrict the movement to allow the wearer to bend down, or sit comfortably, and runs the risk that the armour could be removed during these times when protection is required.
The groin protection on overt armour is designed to be brought down during times of risk to the lower regions of the body.
15) I am using my armour abroad, does it protect against Fragments and shrapnel?
The NIJ range of body armour has been tested to the NATO STANAG 2920 V50 protection against fragments and shrapnel. Each soft armour protection level in the range has been independently tested and received a protection rating according to the speed of the stopping capabilities of the vest.
More information on this type of protection can be found in the Fragmentation Levels section of this information panel.
