Today’s soft body armor can be classified as Ballistic, Anti-Stab, or Multi-Threat. Most types of soft body armor have different ballistic characteristics. Some are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is one of the lightest and most durable materials available. It can stop bullets from various calibers, but is more expensive than soft armor, which can be as cheap as $50. However, the extra cost is worth the added protection.
Some soft armor is made from nylon, which is a lightweight synthetic fiber, or ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, which is extremely tough and has good molding properties. Because these materials are lightweight, soft armor is easier to wear. Some people, however, are skeptical about the effectiveness of such armor, as they believe it can be cumbersome to wear. Yet, the impact of a bullet results in a tensile and shear force, and the energy is dispersed in the outer layer.
Hard armor is much more durable than soft armor, so a soft piece can be worn under a uniform and/or tactical gear. It’s important to choose the right kind of soft body armor for your situation and the threat you face. For example, if you’re on the job and surrounded by snipers and other soldiers, you should wear a hard-shell vest. If you’re on the road, you should wear full-length protective gear to avoid being exposed.
LIGHTWEIGHT ARMOR 