Originally published on the ShotStop blog
As the threats to personal safety continue to evolve, the need for reliable and effective protection becomes increasingly important.
Level 3A soft body armor is designed to provide an exceptional level of protection against handgun rounds and other ballistic threats.
The lightweight and flexible nature of soft body armor allows for greater mobility and comfort, making it an ideal choice for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and civilians alike.
In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the key features of Level 3A soft body armor, including its construction, effectiveness, and potential limitations.
Overview of the Prevalence of Gun Violence in the United States
Gun violence has been a persistent problem in the United States for decades.
The Gun Violence Archive says that there were 43,539 gun violence incidents in 2021, which led to 18,616 deaths and 24,923 injuries. In recent years, mass shootings, school shootings, and gun violence in public places have become all too common.
This has led many people to look for ways to protect themselves and their loved ones from these kinds of attacks.
Importance of taking steps to protect oneself from gun violence
Given how often gun violence happens in the U.S., it’s getting more and more important for people to take steps to protect themselves and their families.
Unfortunately, there is no surefire way to stop gun violence, but there are things that can be done to reduce the risks. Some of these steps include being aware of your surroundings, avoiding dangerous situations, and learning how to defend yourself.
One such proactive measure that has gained popularity in recent years is the use of body armor.
Introducing Level 3A body armor as a potential solution
Body armor has been used by police and soldiers for decades to protect them from gunfire, but civilians have only in recent years been able to get it more easily.
Level 3A body armor is a type of soft body armor that is designed to protect against most handgun rounds, including 9mm, .357 Magnum, and .44 Magnum.
It is a flexible and lightweight option that can be worn discreetly under clothing, making it an appealing option for those who want to protect themselves without drawing attention to themselves.
Let’s begin with exploring the benefits of Level 3A body armor and discuss how it can help individuals survive gun violence.
Definition and purpose of body armor
Body armor, also known as ballistic armor, is a type of protective material designed to absorb and dissipate the impact of bullets or other projectiles.
It is typically made from a combination of synthetic fibers, ceramics, and metals and is designed to protect the wearer from ballistic threats such as bullets, shrapnel, and edged weapons.
Body armor can be worn by law enforcement officers, military personnel, and civilians who have a need for protection from gun violence.
Levels of body armor protection
The different levels of body armor are based on how much protection they offer against ballistic threats.
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) sets the standards for body armor protection levels in the United States.
These levels range from Level 1 to Level 4, with each level offering increasing levels of protection against higher caliber bullets and other ballistic threats.
Explanation of Level 3A body armor
Level 3A soft body armor is a type of soft body armor that provides protection against most handgun rounds.
It is designed to stop bullets traveling at a velocity of up to 1,400 feet per second, including 9mm, .357 Magnum, and .44 Magnum.
Level 3A body armor is typically made from a combination of aramid fibers, such as Kevlar, and other synthetic materials and is designed to be lightweight, flexible, and comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Level 3A body armor
Level 3A body armor is designed to provide protection against handgun rounds, which are the most common type of ballistic threat encountered by law enforcement officers and civilians.
Advantages
- Comfort: Level 3A body armor is usually made of lightweight materials, such as Kevlar, which makes it more comfortable to wear for extended periods. This is especially important for law enforcement officers who may be required to wear body armor for long hours on patrol.
- Concealable: Level 3A body armor is often designed to be concealed under clothing, which makes it a good choice for undercover law enforcement officers or civilians who require protection without drawing attention to themselves.
- Cost-effective: Level 3A body armor is generally less expensive than higher levels of protection, such as Level 3 or Level 4, which makes it a good choice for individuals or agencies on a budget.
Disadvantages
- Limited Protection: Level 3A body armor is only designed to provide protection against handgun rounds up to .44 Magnum. It is not effective against rifle rounds or other high-powered firearms.
Surviving Gun Violence with Level 3A Soft Body Armor
People who were wearing Level 3A body armor and were shot at have survived in many documented cases.
For example, in 2018, a police officer in Cincinnati, Ohio, was shot in the chest while on duty but survived thanks to his Level 3A body armor.
In another case, a security guard in California was shot in the chest and stomach during a robbery but survived due to wearing Level 3A body armor.
These cases show that Level 3A body armor is effective at protecting against handgun rounds and could save lives.
Comparison of survival rates between those who wore Level 3A body armor and those who did not
There have been studies comparing the survival rates of individuals who wore Level 3A body armor versus those who did not.
The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery did a study that showed people who wore body armor had a much higher chance of surviving than those who didn’t wear any protection.
Specifically, the study found that the survival rate of individuals who wore body armor was 89%, compared to a survival rate of 71% for those who did not wear any protection.
This highlights the importance of wearing body armor in potentially life-threatening situations.
Benefits of wearing Level 3A body armor in high-risk situations
Wearing Level 3A body armor in high-risk situations can provide numerous benefits. Firstly, it can provide a sense of security and confidence to individuals who may be exposed to potential threats, such as law enforcement officers or security guards.
Additionally, wearing body armor can potentially save lives by protecting individuals from potentially lethal injuries.
Furthermore, the use of body armor can also deter potential attackers from engaging in violent behavior, as the presence of protective equipment can serve as a deterrent and reduce the risk of violent encounters.
Level 3A body armor has been proven to be an effective means of protection against handgun rounds and has potentially saved many lives.
Case studies and scientific research have shown that wearing body armor can greatly improve a person’s chances of staying alive in situations that could be life-threatening.
ShotStop Level 3A Soft Body Armor
Made with Duritium® technology, BallisticBoard® IIIA is an ultralight, ultrathin ballistic material that is designed and made in the United States to withstand multiple hits from handgun fire.
The 10” x 12” x .26” BallisticBoard IIIA rigid insert weighs just 1.2 lbs. and is perfect for placing in a backpack, computer bag, luggage, or purse to turn it into instant ballistic protection.
Ballistic tested by accredited laboratories to exceed national industry standards, BallisticBoard is your answer to safety, security, and the confidence that you or your loved one is protected.
Here are 3 reasons why you should choose ShotStop when it comes to protecting our families from gun violence.
- Our warranty applies to all products we sell. This means that our level 3a BallisticBoard bulletproof backpack inserts come with a 5-year warranty! Our new rifle-rated level III 10×16 rigid backpack insert comes with a 15-year warranty.
- Our Duritium® armor is ballistic tested in accredited labs and every single test we have done exceeds national standards. Don’t take our word for it, we’d be glad to send any customer a copy of our independent lab results.
- We are now certified through Smithers to ISO 9001:2015 standards. This international standard shows that we are in compliance with all best practices in manufacturing, customer satisfaction, and employee safety.
Conclusion
The use of level 3a soft body armor can provide a sense of security, protect against potentially lethal injuries, and serve as a deterrent to potential attackers.
READ NEXT
- Defeating Armor Piercing Bullets with Level 4 Body Armor
- The Cardiac Box | A Vulnerable Target, and How Body Armor Can Help
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