In connection with all the well-known events in recent years, more and more Internet users have become interested in products such as body armor. However, it is often acquired not only by the military, but also by people who, for some reason, fear for their lives — politicians, businessmen, and so on.
It is quite natural that most people do not have the slightest idea how to choose the most suitable model, and after all, the wrong product is unlikely to save a life. Therefore, the experts of our editorial board decided to help readers in solving this problem and developed a rating of the best bulletproof vests. It analyzes in detail the key performance characteristics of the most popular and common models. In addition, we will give some useful tips regarding the purchase, so that the products work correctly at the right time and save human life.
How to choose the right bulletproof vest in 2022?
Among civilians, the most popular are models designed for concealed wear. Usually they are used by businessmen, bodyguards or people involved in the transportation of quite valuable goods. The very first thing you should pay attention to when buying this product is the protection class. For example, Br2 is able to protect the human body from a point-blank shot from a TT or PM pistol, which is mostly used by non-professional killers who prefer to fire several shots into the human body and quickly hide. Br3 can save from bullets fired from a Yarygin pistol, which are equipped with a bare steel core. It can also protect against AK-74 or AKM bullets if non-heat-strengthened steel cores are used there. Such models are usually used by employees of collection services.
Class Br4 can stop a bullet equipped with a heat-strengthened core from AKM or AK-74. Br5 will be very relevant if there is a possibility of using a sniper rifle. It is quite clear that the higher the class of body armor, the more threats it is able to protect against. However, there are still a number of parameters that you will have to pay attention to.
The weight of the unit should also be taken into account. If devices of class Br1 and Br2 weigh about 1.0 to 2.5 kg, in principle, wearing them is not too tiring even for a long time. At the same time, bulletproof vests of the Br5 class will weigh about 9 kg, respectively, wearing them all the time will be very problematic, and in the presence of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, this can cause significant harm to human health.
The area of protection is also important. Products of class Br1 and Br2 are made of very soft materials, so they will protect not only the back and stomach, but also the collarbones with the sides. They are characterized by an increased area of protection. Br5 class products are made of special composite panels with the addition of ceramics. The material is very hard, so only the chest or back can be protected, therefore, the protection area will be approximately 2-2.5 times lower compared to Br1 and Br2.
Ease of wearing also plays an important role. In particular, Br1 and Br2 products fit snugly to the human body, have an insignificant thickness — approximately 1 cm. Such armor can be discreetly worn under a shirt or even a T-shirt, it is comfortable to wear even in the hottest weather. Classes Br4 and Br5 are much thicker, so it is much harder to hide them — they are usually worn under a jacket, windbreaker or coat. In hot weather, wearing them is quite problematic.
Products of classes Br1 and Br2 are considered to be universal — they can be easily adjusted to absolutely any figure. Experts recommend such products even to women with magnificent forms. When we chose products to include in our ranking of the best body armor, we took into account all the factors mentioned earlier. However, we took into account some other points, in particular, the value for money, as well as user reviews. We tried to include in the review the most versatile models that, if necessary, can easily protect human life and health.
Tactical models
4. Segment 2
This model is preferred by employees of many security companies and collection services. For them, this is really the best tactical option, capable of performing a large number of different tasks at once. These are products of the second class — in principle, far from being the highest. However, this made it possible to significantly reduce the weight of the product — it weighs only 4 kg, which is the determining parameter for prolonged wear.
In the manufacture of a rather light fabric is used, which passes air well through itself and removes moisture. The armor plates here are arranged like scales — in other words, they simply overlap each other. This approach promotes freedom of movement, and in certain areas of the body, the modules overlap each other, which also increases the efficiency of the device. Users separately note the carefully thought-out cut, in particular, the shoulder blocks are slightly beveled and can be adjusted in size.
Advantages:
- Carefully thought-out ergonomics of a design;
- Quite acceptable cost;
- Insignificant mass;
- It is possible to adjust the size.
Disadvantages:
- Not the highest protection class.
Bulletproof vest Segment 2
3. Breastplate-Universal
One of the cheapest models among those presented on the domestic market. The manufacturer initially developed these products for mass use, respectively, and set such a goal as reducing the final cost of the model without compromising its quality. The product has all the necessary Russian quality certificates. It is worth noting that this is not one model, but a whole model line, which includes both lightweight second-class variants and heavier ones belonging to class 4 armor.
You can’t expect any ease of use from the latest options, however, there are belts so that you can adjust the size, as well as a small unloading type module, but it’s not very comfortable to use it. The main emphasis here is on high quality and good efficiency. It is worth noting that the model is quite soft, when folded it takes up a minimum amount of free space.
Advantages:
- Quite acceptable cost;
- Small overall dimensions;
- If desired, you can even find it in retail stores.
Disadvantages:
- Not too convenient to adjust;
- The design was not well thought out at all.
Armored vest Cuirass-Universal
2. Warrior Assault Systems Raptor Releasable
The British-made variant is quite popular today, as it is characterized by a huge number of positive qualities. The model is made on the basis of Kevlar materials, so it is very comfortable and easy to wear for a long time. It belongs to the tactical class, in particular, there is an unloading module, which changes depending on the model of body armor.
The main thing that attracts users in this product is a high level of comfort. The body armor is made using a special breathable fabric, which also has a water-repellent quality. This is an excellent option for working with significant loads, so a person will not get tired for a long time. The product is designed using a modular design — the back plate, sidewalls and front protection. If suddenly one of the modules gets damaged, then it can be easily replaced independently even in the field. This will take a small amount of time — about three minutes.
Advantages:
- Very popular and demanded products;
- Very comfortable to wear all day;
- Produced on the basis of lightweight Kevlar materials;
- Modules can be easily replaced.
Disadvantages:
- Not very common in the free market.
Warrior Assault Systems Raptor Releasable Body Armor
1. FORT Redut-M
Truly the best tactical grade body armor designed for universal use. Its key positive quality is the modular device. The type of equipment is selected depending on the tasks assigned to the employee. In particular, you can use one bib separately, wear medium-weight equipment — for this, the kit includes protective elements designed for the sides, shoulders, neck and even groin. When fully equipped, this design is capable of protecting up to 70% of the body surface from damage.
Armor of the fifth class is provided with the help of steel armor plates that overlap each other, which makes it possible not to hamper the movement of a person during the implementation of various kinds of tactical actions. In the design, the manufacturer also provided for an unloading unit, which includes a large number of different kinds of containers.
Advantages:
- You can further enhance the model using modules;
- Absolutely does not constrain movement;
- A huge number of waterproof containers for storing various useful things;
- Increased efficiency class.
Disadvantages:
- It is quite expensive.
Body armor FORT Redut-M
Best Hidden Body Armor Models in 2022
3. Hagor 203 Security
A truly unique design that combines the characteristics of a tactical, tactical and stealth model. The choice of option depends directly on what the user needs at a particular moment. The product consists of many modules that can be removed or hung to provide additional protection to the human body. The function of the key component here is performed by a synthetic compound, thanks to which the manufacturer was able to increase the efficiency class to level 3.
Naturally, this affected the cost of equipment. The product is produced by an American company, so this product is supplied to the Russian market in rather limited quantities.
Advantages:
- Relatively light model;
- A large number of reinforcing layers — without increasing weight, they increase efficiency;
- Modules are easy to put on and take off, they can be changed quickly.
Disadvantages:
- It is extremely rare in stores;
- It is quite expensive.
Bulletproof vest Hagor 203 Security
2. Comfort 2-2 ST
Quite naturally, concealed body armor is among the most expensive on the market. This is due to the fact that they are made on the basis of a reinforced fabric of increased strength, such as Kevlar or compound. They are quite expensive on their own. However, there are certain exceptions to this rule. For example, this Russian-made body armor, which combines excellent quality and quite reasonable cost.
The size range is not provided here, since the device includes two separate plates, the distance between them can be adjusted using very dense Velcro. With their help, it will be possible to achieve the most snug fit of products to the human body, which also provides comfort while wearing. In terms of quality, the body armor fully complies with domestic and international standards. The plates can be easily replaced if necessary.
Advantages:
- Quite acceptable cost;
- No sizes;
- Easily adapts to the characteristics of the user’s body;
- Conforms to international standards.
Disadvantages:
- There is only one color option;
- Decent mass;
- When passing through a metal detector, it is easily detected.
Bulletproof vest Comfort 2-2 ST
1. Vanguard Torus-2
The body armor was developed by Russian specialists specifically for concealed wear. It is very expensive, but will not be detected even by modern metal detectors. With it, you can provide the second class of protection, but it is very thin and light. Absolutely all modules are made of high-strength Kevlar, which is characterized by a large number of positive qualities. The fabric is very flexible, so it won’t hinder the user’s movements.
The bulletproof vest does not need to be selected in size, which can be adjusted if necessary due to the huge number of reliable Velcro. With their help, products fit as tightly as possible to the body, thereby increasing the effectiveness of protection. Thermal inserts are provided inside, which make the body armor comfortable during operation. With their help, you can adjust the temperature under the vest.
Advantages:
- Pretty close to the human body;
- Does not need to choose a size;
- The material is thin and quite light;
- The design includes thermostatic inserts.
Disadvantages:
- One of the most expensive body armor on the market.
Bulletproof vest Vanguard Torus-2
heavy models
3. BKZ Beryozka 6a
The domestic model was created specifically for operation in rather harsh climatic conditions. It is able to withstand significant loads, practically does not heat up. The device is made using a unique breathable fabric that is able to remove moisture without allowing it to penetrate inside. The body armor is made using modular technology.
Here you can add modules or change those that are out of order, but this requires a significant amount of time and effort. In addition, the bulletproof vest weighs quite a lot, which is not surprising, since it belongs to the 5th protection class.
Advantages:
- Significant temperature range in which this body armor can be used;
- Excellent wear resistance;
- Perfectly protected from moisture.
Disadvantages:
- Weighs a lot — hard to wear for a long time;
- Modules are not easy to change.
Body armor BKZ Beryozka 6a
2. Modular Tactical Vest
Many users are repelled by the cost of this product, however, it must be borne in mind that this is an American-made model, it is not produced at Russian enterprises. The key positive quality of this equipment is that it uses a unique modular system, which has no analogues in any other similar model. It is essentially a full-fledged constructor, the configuration of which can be changed depending on the needs.
Bulletproof vest can be both tactical and unloading. In the maximum configuration, the device is able to completely protect up to 75% of the user’s body from damage.
Advantages:
- It uses a unique modular system that you will not find anywhere else;
- If necessary, any modules can be removed in just a couple of minutes;
- Well resists most even very serious damage.
Disadvantages:
- It is very expensive;
- It’s pretty hard to find one for sale.
Bulletproof vest Modular Tactical Vest
1. Ratnik 6B43
In the first place in this section of our ranking of the best body armor is Russian combined arms products with the highest protection class. Engineers developed it specifically for operation in the most difficult climatic conditions. It is manufactured on the basis of a modular system, and the manufacturer has provided a layout option for different parts. In the largest configuration, this body armor is able to cover up to 85% of the human body — one of the highest rates in the world. In this regard, only specialized options designed for sappers can compete with him.
Separately, I would like to talk about the materials from which this body armor is made. Composite ceramic material is used as a key element here. The top layer is a special aramid fabric — there are simply no analogues of this material in the world. At the same time, the developers were able to reduce the mass of products to only 11 kg in the maximum configuration.
Advantages:
- Provides the highest level of protection;
- It is made from unique materials, analogues of which have not yet been invented in the world;
- It weighs quite a bit;
- Able to close a large area of the human body.
Disadvantages:
- Very high cost.
Body armor Ratnik 6B43
In conclusion, a useful video
So our review of the best bulletproof vests has come to an end. We hope that after carefully studying it, you have managed to choose the most suitable model for yourself, which will easily protect you from any, even very serious, dangers. If you still have any questions, you can always ask us in the comments to the article. The editors will collect the information of interest in the shortest possible time and provide it to readers.