P&SN Staff
The ballistic protection industry has seen steady advancements over the past year, with new upgrades and design enhancements improving armor effectiveness. Here’s a look at some of the latest developments.
Adept Armor
Armorfoam is Adept Armor’s new protective material which is a self-bonded hybrid of ultralight Ivoryguard™ elastomer foam with high tenacity ballistic fibers. Weighing only 0.2 g/cc, these flexible pads are lightweight, yet deliver protection beyond what most foams can offer. A 10″ x 12″ ballistic trauma pad can stop NIJ Level II handgun rounds, capture 17-grain fragments traveling at 950 ft/s, and resist knife and spike attacks. The closed cell structure keeps out water and the material remains durable from -40°F to over 110°F. Built-in buoyancy also makes it ideal for maritime environments.
The Archon is Adept Armor’s soon to be released rifle plate which provides genuine armor piercing insurance without weight penalties. Weighing just 5.7 pounds in a 10″ x 12″ multi-curve cut, this ceramic composite plate is rated to stop 7.62x51mm M993 tungsten core rounds traveling at 3,050 fps – performance which surpasses what most Level IV plates can achieve, regardless of weight. Certification testing to NIJ 0101.07 RF3 is pending, with numbers already exceeding protocol in developmental shoots. Despite its extreme resistance, Archon maintains a full edge‑to‑edge strike face and an integral trauma pad for low backface deformation, making it comfortable for patrol carriers and tactical vests alike. (ade.pt)
BlueRidge Armor
BlueRidge Armor has recently introduced the VENGEANCE™ X8, a hard armor ballistic shield featuring advanced armor technology.
Tested against a host of standard and special threats including the 7.62×39 Mild Steel Core and Federal Tactical Bonded®, the X8 is BlueRidge’s latest offering in ultralight NIJ Ill ballistic shields.
The X8 XLR makes use of the patented VENGEANCE Series Viewport with its patent pending 100% composite bezel system providing unmatched protection around the face, neck and upper torso.
Standard features include the patented VENGEANCE Viewport and Ballistic Bezel System, available in SLR (Standard Lite Rifle) and XLR (Xtra Lite Rifle) options. It also comes with an ambidextrous weapon mount, a carbon fiber straight bar handle, an impact absorbing arm pad, and an adjustable forearm strap.
Made from high performance composite materials with a durable black or ranger green polyurea finish, the shield is NIJ 0108.01 rated Level III with special threat protection up to Level III+. Optional features include removing the viewport and placard and adding auxiliary lighting. The X8 is available in 18″ x 30″ and 20″ x 34″ sizes, with weights ranging from 17 to 23 pounds, based on the specific size and setup. It provides protection against threats like the 7.62×51 M80 FMJ, 7.62×39 PS Ball, and 5.56×45 M193 Ball and Federal Tactical Bonded rounds. (blueridgearmor.com)
BulletSafe
BulletSafe’s new VP4 Concealable Vest provides discreet ballistic protection with a low profile design which stays hidden under clothing. Its soft edges, comfort flex straps and adjustable hook and loop closures ensure a secure, comfortable fit for extended wear. Made from a flexible nylon-polyester blend, the vest enhances mobility while evenly distributing weight. Equipped with NIJ Level IIIA rated CLS armor, it defends against multiple impacts from pistol rounds up to .44 Magnum.
Also new is BulletSafe’s VP4 Advanced Vest featuring Integrated RLA (Reinforced Lightweight Advanced) Armor – a breakthrough in design and high-performance ballistic protection. This kit merges the comfort and mobility of the VP4 Vest with the powerful defense of RLA Armor for a comprehensive solution prioritizing safety and mobility.
The RLA Armor delivers certified protection against pistol calibers up to .44 Magnum, featuring a waterproof soft shell for comfort in various conditions. The armor’s strategic design enhances shoulder movement for maximum mobility. (bulletsafe.com)
GC USA
GC USA has recently added two new compact models – the Patrol and RF2 – to its lightweight Level III+ GC Shield® lineup.
Measuring 20″ x 17″, the Compact Patrol Shield® weighs under ten pounds, while the RF2 version, offering added protection against M855 “green tip” rounds, weighs 14 pounds.
With superior edge shot performance, the Compact Shield delivers up to 30% more coverage than standard shields. It can be used alone or linked with other GC Shields using the lightweight GC Connector to create a vertical shield wall for enhanced height protection. (gc-shield.com)
Hardwire® LLC
The Hardwire Federal Cut Tactical Shield offers a refined silhouette which enhances firearm alignment, field of vision and maneuverability during dynamic entries.
Available in pistol-rated and rifle-rated configurations (tested per FBI protocol), this shield line offers a variety of accessories while minimizing weight burden. Of particular note, the new Triclops Periscope (2.7 pounds) offers extended view around corners while keeping you covered. The proprietary construction of the shield leverages advanced Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) composite layers to absorb and dissipate energy efficiently without compromising mobility.
Some of the key features include a Federal Cut Designwhich blends high threat coverage with improved handling and sight alignment and it’s available in three cuts – large rifle-rated, compact rifle-rated and pistol-rated, designed for varied tactical preferences.
Accessory integration includes an Integrated Shield Light; a Weight Distribution System (reduces operator fatigue with kickstand and support strap); Shooting Braces (align with weapon sights); and optional additionsincludea Triclops periscope, a viewport, a MOLLE patch, nameplate customization, and a carrying case.
Each shield can be tailored to agency preferences. Sizes range from 17.5″ x 28″ to 20″ x 32″ and all models include a reinforced ambidextrous handle for rapid deployment. (https://tinyurl.com/36rc7sky)
Point Blank Body Armor
Point Blank has recently released its next generation Elite EXO™ soft armor, NIJ certified at Levels II and IIIA for both male and female officers. It is available exclusively to North American law enforcement through Point Blank Enterprises. Made with Kevlar® EXO material, this flexible armor is suitable for a wide range of concealable and tactical applications. It offers enhanced ballistic protection while maintaining mobility and comfort. Designed to closely fit the body’s curves, Elite EXO provides a more inclusive fit with low weight and effective protection.
Also new is the FAS G4, a modular, low profile armor carrier. Its scalable design allows it to be configured as a concealable carrier or expanded into a full tactical setup. Standard features include laser cut Tank Track™ attachment points for pouches, surface loops for mounting elastic straps and side wing pockets for gear storage. The carrier also incorporates DMS openings for drainage and cleaning, open sides for cable management, and loop areas on the front and back for ID panels. (pointblankenterprises.com)
Safariland®
Safariland has recently introduced two new ballistic panels: the SX™ HP and the Hardwire 57.
The SX HP is Safariland’s most advanced hybrid ballistic armor to date, offering a 20% reduction in weight and a 20% improvement in ballistic performance. Developed using advanced materials from Avient, Honeywell and DuPont™, it is the thinnest and lightest armor in its class. It is available in male and female unstructured styles, as well as a structured option for women to provide a more tailored fit.
The Hardwire 57 ballistic panel, rated Level IIIA, is a major upgrade from the previous model. It remains the world’s lightest ballistic panel and its panel features a stitchless design, shock absorbing layers and high pressure construction reinforced with next generation fiber. (safariland.com)
Spartan Armor Systems
Spartan’s new Sentinel Tactical Vest is built for everyday duty use, offering handgun protection with factory installed Level IIIA NIJ certified ballistic panels in the front and back. It includes top loading external plate pockets which accommodate 10″ x 12″ or 9.5″ x 12.5″ ESAPI rifle plates for added protection when needed. The vest features Rare Earth MagLock closures for quick and easy on/off, along with an elastic cummerbund and split shoulder straps with strong hook and loop adjustment for a secure, comfortable fit. (spartanarmorsystems.com)
United Shield International
New from USI is the ExPro Covert Ballistic Shield which has been purpose-built for executive protection and low visibility operations. Compatible with Chevy, Ford and GMC SUVs, it features flat, rifle-rated NIJ Level III+ ballistic panels encased in a durable CORDURA® cover. The new shield installs seamlessly behind rear seats without compromising cargo space. Each ExPro set includes three panels – driver’s side, passenger side and a center overlap panel – to ensure full ballistic coverage across the rear seat seam. This tri-panel design allows the rear seats to be raised or lowered as needed for additional cargo. The system is quick to deploy and can be customized with optional handles and personalized carry bag designs.
Also new from United Shield is the APL-RF2-350. This Level III+ multi-curve ballistic plate is designed to provide stand-alone protection against a range of high velocity threats. The plate features a proprietary ceramic-based material combined with advanced fiber composites. Despite its strong protection, the plate remains lightweight – just 3.8 pounds for a standard 10″ x 12″ size – with weights ranging from 2.7 pounds for extra-small to 5.3 pounds for extra-large. (us.unitedshield.com)