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What vest should I get?
The vest will stop a bullet, but will its energy
kill me?
How long does a vest last?
Will a vest only stop a single shot?
Will a covert vest stop a rifle bullet?
What fibres does Armorvest use?
How comfortable are your vests?
Can
any Australian citizen purchase body armour?
What do I require, to purchase a vest?
What happens if I get shot. Should I continue to
wear the vest?
Q. What vest should
I get?
A. Firstly, using the NIJ Standard, decide on the level of protection
you require. Secondly, decide whether you need a covert, overt
or tactical vest.
Lastly, decide on any options that you will need; strike plates,
pockets, collar, decals etc.
Q.
The vest will stop a bullet, but will its energy kill me?
A. If the bullet is at the threat level that the vest is designed
to defeat, and the vest is properly made, then it will absorb
the blunt trauma, dispersing it over a wide area. You will know
that it has hit you, but you should not suffer any serious injury.
Q How long
does a vest last?
A. Properly cared for, a vest should last quite a long time. Aramid (Kevlar) based vests generally have a service life of 5-7 years depending on the body armour manufacturer whereas UHMWPE based vests have a service life of 5-10 years. It is likely that after 5 years technological
improvements will provide improved levels of protection at the same or lesser weights. Click here for more information on how to properly care for your new vest.
Q. Will a vest
only stop a single shot?
A. During testing, up to six shots are fired into the soft armour panel of the vest. There is no doubt that each shot degrades the armour
to some extent. It is usual for good quality armour to defeat
all six shots, if they are spaced out in accordance to the NIJ standard. It is possible that if
a number of strikes are very close together, then penetration
may occur.
Q. Will a covert
vest stop a rifle bullet?
A. Normally a covert vest is made to a maximum NIJ Standard of
Level IIIA, which does not provide protection against rifle fire.
Where such a threat exists, smaller strike plates can be temporarily
fitted to the vest for short periods of time. With strike plates fitted, it is virtually impossible to conceal the appearance of
the vest.
Q. What fibres
does Armorvest use?
A. We use UHMWPE polyethylene fibres in all our soft body armour. This material is approximately 20% lighter than aramid based vests.
Q. How comfortable
are your vests?
A. Our research has enabled us to develop very lightweight vests
by comparison with our competitors. If we receive accurate measurements
from you, we are confident we will make you a very comfortable,
lightweight vest.
Q.
Can any Australian citizen purchase body armour?
A. No, ballistic body armour is classed as a category E firearm
under the Australian Firearms Act. Anyone can apply for a
permit however generally only applicants who are members of a police
service or the security industry
are
accepted.
Australians wishing to use body armour domestically (within Australia) will need to apply through the appropriate departments listed below:
Q. What
do I require, to purchase a vest?
A. Australian private citizens, will need the written
approval from their State police service, see above. As body armour is also controlled at the Australian borders, International customers will need to provide us with an end-user certificate (EUC) so we can gain export approval. This approval takes approx 10 business days.
Q.
What happens if I get shot. Should I continue to wear the vest?
A. The vest will protect you from multiple hits. Once the incident
has concluded, the vest should be replaced immeditely. Some body armour manufacturers will provide you with a free replacement, in exchange for your story of events to help with their marketing.
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