Why should you buy body armor? Well, for starters, body armor saves lives. Our lives are upto us and the way we choose to protect it, in context of the threat facing us, says a lot about our survival skills. If you are in a line of profession that calls for minimal theat, if not more, it is wise to be shielded in every way possible to protect your best interests. Body armor serves that very purpose. At the end of the day, our survival is our sole purpose.
But even if you make up your mind to get yourself body armor for protection, the question arises- how do you know which one is the best one for you? Picking your body armor need not be such an agonizing process. Body armor has come a long way, with technical advancements driving adherence to law enforcement needs. But if you are struggling to find the right body armor, here’s what to do:
Assess Your Threat Level
When you are choosing body armor, determine the mission where you will be wearing it and the level of protection that mission calls for. If there is a rifle threat, do not venture into pistol protection armor. For SWAT officers, handgun protection takes precedence, and for patrol officers, rifle-rated protection is prioritized. So, the prerogative to figure out the threat level you face is up to you. Make sure you go for body armor that stops the rounds from the handgun accompanying you in an event of a disarming.
Pick the Right Kind of Armor
What good is an armor that is tucked away in the safe at home? Wearing your body armor gives it meaning, and the only way to prompt you to wear it is if it is appropriate for you. Make sure you wear-test diverse brands and armor combinations to gauge the feel. Shoulder your weapon, mount your accessories, put on your gear, and try to understand how the armor moves with you.
Check if the system chafes, or whether the plate keeps you from mounting the weapon well. Does the armor hamper movement in any way or intervene with your duty belt items and handgun? All of these are crucial considerations to be made while deciding on body armor.
Go For The Right Fit
Body armor should cover three key areas of your torso: front, back and sides. Trained personnel from manufacturers can assist you with proper fitting. Get measured correctly when you buy your armor. It should be snug without hampering movement. Make sure it doesn’t ride up into your throat or interfere with your duty belt when you squat, sit or bend.
If your body weight and dimensions have altered of late, reconsider and reevaluate the original fitting, and if needed, go for a replacement. Fitting body armor can be more problematic for female officers, so if you fall under this subsection, custom options are offered by many manufacturers.
Know your body type and your comfort level. You are protected best when your body armor sits well on your body. Always double-check the details and raise a concern any time you think there is a doubt!
