How To Choose Hard and Soft Body Armor

Many people are now using body armor for several reasons. Previously, military personnel were the ones who first used this protective clothing, yet today everyone can use body armor. Whether you’re a private citizen or a bodyguard, body armors are widely available in the market. However, when looking for the best one suited for your needs, you might encounter terms soft body armor and hard body armor. These are the types of body armors you can find in today’s market. But, what’s the difference between soft body armor and hard body armor?

As its name implies, soft body armors are flexible and soft, yet their components can be a lot of times stronger than the steel ones. Since it isn’t usually as bulky like hard body armors, it’s more likely worn underneath a uniform or it serves as an addition to a type of gear. In other cases, soft body armor can be used instead of hard body armor to provide users with the highest possible level of protection. Typically, soft body armor is made up of fabric-like materials with high strength level including Twaron, Spectra, Kevlar, and much more. Soft armor may come in numerous forms and shapes, yet it’s often used in incorporation into a vest.

Even though soft body armor is easy to wear and flexible, it isn’t as strong as hard body armor. Normally, it is rated to stop the pistol-caliber ammunition and not rated to provide protection against rifle-caliber shots.

Hard body armors consist of a soft armor shell with plate carrier and armor inserts. The metal plates are made of ceramic and ballistic steel. Plates are inserted in the functional apparel of Hugger vest or some bullet proof garments. Hard body armors are stronger than soft body armors thanks to their internal plates.

Many types of hard body armor use layered plates that is originally designed by US military. Plates that are made of ceramic are coated in strong protective material for added strength. Hard body armor vests are sold without the plates. Then, the user decides which of the plates to integrate and buy. Due to the strength qualities, hard body armors are less pliable and heavier in comparison to soft body armors. Several users report that it is less comfortable to use and it can get hot once used for a long period of time. In spite of a few small drawbacks, hard body armor is rated to protect users from high caliber rifle shots and the body armor of choice when it comes to tactical situations.

Both hard body armor and soft body armor are strong enough to give you the protection you need from ballistic threats. You may choose any from the two types of body armor. Depending on your needs, choose the one that first, will provide the level of protection you require and second, will allow for your maximum range of movement and comfort.