Samuel Kimani

Kevlar vs UHMWPE vs Ceramic Body Armor There was a time people used hides and skins to protect themselves, and not long ago, Kevlar was the only available option for body armor. Today, however, the story is different. Manufacturers are competing fiercely to develop lighter and more durable body armor while maintaining or increasing its protection capabilities. Today, when it comes to choosing body armor, you will have the option of choosing between hard and soft armor plates. Thus, you will have to decide whether to go for ceramic, polythene, steel or Kevlar body armor. Everyone one of them has its unique applications, advantages and disadvantages, as you will soon realize. In this article, we will focus on Kelvar, UHMWPE and Ceramic body armor. Kevlar body armor Kevlar was first introduced in the 1970s, and its development enabled the production of flexible and concealable body armor. Kevlar began the revolution of the bulletproof industry. Today, Kelvar remains the best material in the manufacture of protective equipment. Whether you are a law enforcement officer or just someone who feels the need to improve personal protection, Kevlar body armor will offer you exceptional protection against ballistic and bullet threats. Kelvar panels are available in different NIJ levels, allowing you to select the level that meets your needs. Advantages of Kevlar body armor Lightweight Flexible Offers high-level protection to the user Easily concealable Durable Worn comfortably by people on a day-to-day basis Offers increased ballistic protection Protects against high energy rounds from guns such as 9mm FMJ Capable of stopping both ballistic and stab threats Disadvantages of Kevlar body armor ü Easily affected by direct sunlight and water ü Its fibers fuzz easily (bending, creasing or hanging the armor strains the fibers) UHMWPE body armor Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, popularly known as UHMWPE, is popular among manufacturers when making ballistic panels. It has been used in many modern types of body armor, and most of its characteristics are similar to those of Kevlar. While UHMWPE plates are the thinnest and lightest in level 3 plates available, this comes at a cost. The body armor's extreme temperature resistance is very low. Imagine being in the trunk of a car in the Texas summer or winter in Iceland; that is how you would feel when wearing the plate in extreme hot or cold. Usually, polythene may be hit with many rounds but will not experience any immediate issues because the bullet will not impact a large surrounding area. UHMWPE plates weigh between two to five pounds making them lighter compared to steel and ceramic armors. The armor has a strength-to-weight ratio of up to 40% higher than Kevlar, making it very popular in the body armor market. However, it is not possible to produce UHMWPE NIJ level 4 body armors with the currently available materials. This means that UHMWPE body armor does not protect against armor piercing rounds. Advantages of UHMWPE body armor ü Increased low-temperature impact resistance ü Lightweight ü Protects against knives, handguns and assault rifles ü Higher strength-to-weight ratio compared to Kevlar ü Increased wear resistance ü Can take hits from many rounds without fail ü Higher durability and life span Disadvantages of UHMWPE body armor ü Low resistance to extreme temperatures ü Does not protect against armor piercing rounds Ceramic Body Armor Ceramic armors are used to prevent bullet penetration and contain blast fragments. The plates were developed solely for compressive strength, projectile resistance and lightweight. There was a need for lighter protection materials in military use, and ceramic armor plate was the answer. Ceramic body armor offers two main advantages over steel body armor: Weight reduction and impact energy absorption. Ceramic armor plates protect against bullets, projectiles, stab threats and fragmentation. Compared to steel, ceramic plates, also known as composite armor plates, are thicker, lighter and more flexible. However, the plate cannot withstand multiple hits on the same area. Ceramic armor plates are therefore less durable and have a shorter life span. If you have ever purchased anything made from ceramic like a watch, then you know just how expensive it is. Ceramic body armor plates are expensive, but hey, you can rest easy knowing you are well protected. Unlike UHMWPE, ceramic plates are available in NIJ level 3A to 4. Here is what ceramic NIJ level 3A and 4 body armor will protect you against: Ø 9 mm FMJ RN Ø .357 SIG FMJ FN JHP Ø .44 Mag SJHP Ø 7.62mm NATO FMJ Ø Rounds of up to 7.62 x 51 and 5.56 x 45 (M855) Ø 30 Caliber M2 armor-piercing bullets Advantages of ceramic body armor ü Low weight ü High-performance armor protection ü Increased durability and performance ü Protects against high-velocity projectiles ü Flexible design ü Increased resistance to stress and temperatures ü Protects against armor-piercing rounds and IEDs ü Superior lightweight and strength compared to steel. Disadvantages of ceramic body armor ü Shorter life span ü Heavier when compared to UHMWPE and Kelvar body armor Conclusion Now that you have seen the advantages and disadvantages of each body armor, the next step is choosing the body armor that meets your needs. There is no best armor; there is no 100% fail-safe body armor; it all comes down to the threat you are expecting to face and which armor will serve you best. Remember to use discount code LN85 for 5% off at checkout. If you are still undecided on which one to go for, don't be shy to reach out, and we will help you find the best option for you.