The Most Advanced Body Armor, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the body armor you think is the most advanced!
Updated on May 9, 2024 06:16
For those working in high-risk environments, choosing the right body armor can be crucial to ensuring safety and peace of mind. Evaluating the latest and most effective body armor options can often seem overwhelming due to the variety of materials and technologies employed. Such a scenario underscores the necessity of having a reliable way to compare these critical safety devices.
This site offers a dynamic environment where professionals can cast their votes on body armor they trust and recommend, influencing how different products stand in real-time rankings. By participating, users contribute to a broader community understanding, which helps others make informed decisions based on shared experiences and preferences.
What Is the Most Advanced Body Armor?
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145votes
PEO Soldier · Public domainDragon Skin
Pinnacle ArmorThe Dragon Skin is a highly advanced body armor that is made up of several ceramic discs that work together to provide maximum protection against bullets and other high-velocity projectiles. This armor is popular among military personnel and law enforcement agencies.Dragon Skin is a highly advanced body armor system that is designed to offer exceptional protection to military personnel and law enforcement officers. It is made up of a unique combination of small, overlapping ceramic discs and flexible textile material, which provides superior flexibility and coverage. The armor is capable of withstanding a variety of threats, including bullets, shrapnel, and bladed weapons.- Protection Level: NIJ Level III
- Coverage: Full torso, shoulders, and sides
- Weight: Varies depending on size, approximately 5-7 kg
- Flexibility: Highly flexible and adaptable to body movement
- Ballistic Resistance: Ability to stop high-velocity rifle rounds
Dragon Skin in other rankings- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular skin in Stumble Guys
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240votesThe Interceptor Body Armor is the standard armor used by the US military and is designed to protect against shrapnel and bullets. It is made up of several layers of Kevlar, ceramic plates, and other materials that provide maximum protection to soldiers in combat.The Interceptor Body Armor, also known as the IBA, is a highly advanced form of personal protective equipment designed to provide exceptional ballistic protection to soldiers in combat situations. It is a modular tactical vest system that can be fully customized based on the soldier's needs and preferences.
- Ballistic Protection Level: Meets NIJ Level IIIA standards
- Modularity: Allows for the attachment of additional protective components such as shoulder and groin protectors
- Weight: Approximately 16 to 25 pounds (depending on the configuration)
- Material: Made of woven Kevlar fibers and durable nylon components
- Plate Carrier: Designed to hold front and back SAPI plates for additional protection against rifle rounds
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322votes
MittlererWeg · CC BY-SA 3.0Soft armor
DuPontSoft armor is made up of materials such as Kevlar and other synthetic fibers that are designed to absorb the impact of bullets and other projectiles. This armor is commonly used by law enforcement agencies and is lightweight and flexible.Soft armor refers to body armor that is made using flexible materials, primarily designed to offer protection against ballistic threats. It is commonly used by military personnel, law enforcement officers, and civilians in need of personal security. Unlike hard armor, which consists of rigid plates, soft armor is flexible and can be worn covertly under clothing for added discretion. The key feature of soft armor is its ability to dissipate and spread the energy of incoming projectiles, reducing the likelihood of penetration or injury to the wearer.- Material: Kevlar or similar high-strength synthetic fibers
- Protection Level: NIJ Level II, IIA, IIIA
- Weight: Varies, typically between 1.5 to 6 pounds
- Thickness: Varies, typically between 6 to 10 mm
- Flexibility: Highly flexible and molds to body shape
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420votes
Level IV Ceramic Armored Plates
Various manufacturersLevel IV ceramic armored plates are designed to stop high-velocity bullets and are commonly used by law enforcement agencies and military personnel. These plates are lightweight and offer maximum protection against bullets and other projectiles.Level IV Ceramic Armored Plates are a type of body armor designed to provide the highest level of protection against ballistic threats. These plates are commonly made from a combination of ceramic materials and high-strength fibers. They are meticulously engineered to stop high-velocity armor-piercing rounds and fragments from various ammunition.- Protection Level: Level IV
- Materials: Ceramics and high-strength fibers
- Weight: Varies depending on size and composition, typically ranges from 6 to 8 pounds (~2.7 to ~3.6 kg) per plate
- Thickness: Around 0.5 to 1 inch (~13 to 25 mm)
- Design: Single or multi-curved shape for improved ergonomics and better coverage
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519votes
Level III Steel Armored Plates
XYZ Armor SolutionsLevel III steel armored plates are designed to stop high-velocity bullets and are commonly used by law enforcement agencies and military personnel. These plates are heavier than ceramic plates but offer more protection against bullets and other projectiles.The Level III Steel Armored Plates is an advanced body armor system designed to provide exceptional protection against high-velocity armor-piercing rifle rounds. It is built using premium quality steel material and cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, which offer a balance between strength, weight, and affordability.- Protection Level: NIJ Level III
- Armor Material: Steel
- Plate Thickness: Approximately 0.25 inches
- Weight: Varies based on plate size, generally between 6-9 pounds per plate
- Ballistic Performance: Can stop multiple .308 Winchester FMJ rounds
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611votes
Spartan Armor Systems AR500 Level III+
Spartan Armor SystemsThis armor is designed to stop high-velocity bullets and is made up of several layers of Kevlar and other synthetic fibers. It is lightweight and flexible, making it easy for the wearer to move around.The Spartan Armor Systems AR500 Level III+ is a highly advanced body armor designed to provide exceptional protection for military personnel, law enforcement officers, and tactical operators. It is made by Spartan Armor Systems, a leading manufacturer of innovative ballistic protection solutions.- Protection Level: Level III+
- Armor Material: AR500 steel
- Plate Thickness: 0.26 inches
- Plate Weight: 8.0 pounds
- Multi-Hit Capability: Yes
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79votes
Crye Precision AVS
Crye PrecisionThis armor is designed for military personnel and is made up of several layers of Kevlar and other synthetic fibers. It is lightweight and flexible, making it easy for the wearer to move around.The Crye Precision AVS (Adaptive Vest System) is a highly advanced body armor designed for military and tactical operations. It offers excellent protection without compromising mobility and flexibility. The system allows for easy customization and adaptability to meet the specific needs of the user.- Modularity: Allows for easy attachment/detachment of components and accessories
- Ballistic Protection: Provides high-level protection against ballistic threats
- Plate Compatibility: Can be used with various types of armor plates
- Adjustability: Offers multiple adjustment points for a personalized fit
- Lightweight: Designed to minimize weight without sacrificing protection
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84votes
Point Blank Alpha Elite
Point Blank EnterprisesThis armor is designed for law enforcement agencies and is made up of several layers of Kevlar and other synthetic fibers. It is lightweight and flexible, making it easy for the wearer to move around.The Point Blank Alpha Elite is one of the most advanced body armor systems currently available. It is designed to provide maximum protection and comfort to the wearer in high-risk situations.- Protection Level: NIJ Level IIIA+
- Ballistic Material: Dyneema
- Weight: Approximately 2.5-3.0 lbs
- Thickness: 0.23 inches (with ballistic material)
- Flexible Design: Allows for unrestricted movement
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97votes
Safariland Matrix Ballistic Panel
Safariland GroupThis armor is designed for law enforcement agencies and is made up of several layers of Kevlar and other synthetic fibers. It is lightweight and flexible, making it easy for the wearer to move around.The Safariland Matrix Ballistic Panel is a highly advanced body armor panel designed to provide exceptional protection to law enforcement, military personnel, and security professionals. It is specifically engineered to offer maximum comfort, flexibility, and ballistic resistance, ensuring enhanced safety in high-risk environments.- Protection Level: NIJ Level IIIA
- Material: Durable Aramid fibers
- Weight: Approximately 1.5 pounds per sq. ft.
- Thickness: 0.23 inches
- Size Options: Available in various sizes (e.g., 10x12 inches)
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102votes
Armor Express Halo
Armor ExpressThis armor is designed for law enforcement agencies and is made up of several layers of Kevlar and other synthetic fibers. It is lightweight and flexible, making it easy for the wearer to move around.The Armor Express Halo is a state-of-the-art body armor designed to provide advanced protection for military and law enforcement personnel. It combines cutting-edge materials and innovative design features to offer superior ballistic resistance and enhanced comfort.- Ballistic Protection: NIJ Level IIIA with options for Level III and IV plates
- Material: Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers
- Weight: Approximately 2.5 pounds (carrier without plates)
- Thinness: 0.5 inches (ballistic package without plates)
- Modular Design: Provides flexibility for customization and adaptability
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Ranking factors for advanced body armor
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Protection levelThe primary factor to consider is the level of protection offered by the body armor. This includes resistance to different types of ammunition, the amount of impact energy it can absorb, and its effectiveness against stabbing, slashing, or blunt force.
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Weight and mobilityThe weight of the body armor should be considered, as it can affect the wearer's mobility, agility, and overall stamina. Advanced materials that offer a good balance of protection and lightweight design are preferred.
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Comfort and fitThe body armor should be comfortable to wear for extended periods and should not hinder the wearer's movement. Proper sizing and adjustability are important for ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
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DurabilityThe body armor must be able to withstand the rigors of everyday use and retain its effectiveness over time. This includes resistance to wear and tear, as well as environmental factors like water, dust, and UV exposure.
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Temperature regulationAdvanced body armor systems should provide some assistance with regulating the wearer's body temperature, especially in extreme climates. Ventilation and moisture-wicking materials can help prevent overheating and excessive sweating.
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ConcealabilityDepending on the situation, it may be important for the body armor to be concealable under clothing, allowing the wearer to maintain a low profile.
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Modularity and customizationSome advanced body armor systems offer modular designs that allow for the addition or removal of specific components, like ballistic plates or additional padding, to tailor the protection and functionality to the wearer's needs.
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Compatibility with gear and accessoriesThe body armor should be compatible with other equipment and accessories commonly used by military, law enforcement, or private security personnel, such as helmets, radios, and holsters.
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Price and affordabilityAlthough advanced body armor may provide better protection and features, it is essential to consider the cost and affordability, especially for organizations that need to outfit multiple personnel.
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Certification and testing standardsBody armor should meet or exceed established testing standards and certifications, like the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) ratings in the United States, to ensure its reliability and effectiveness.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most advanced body armor. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or armor is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1523 views
- 178 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each armor once every 24 hours. The rank of each armor is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
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More information on most advanced body armor
Body armor has been used for centuries to protect soldiers and law enforcement officers from harm. However, with advances in technology, body armor has become more advanced than ever before. Today, the most advanced body armor is able to withstand high-powered firearms, explosive devices, and even chemical and biological agents. The materials used in modern body armor include Kevlar, ceramic plates, and advanced composites. These materials are able to absorb and dissipate the force of bullets and other projectiles, greatly reducing the risk of injury or death. While body armor cannot completely eliminate the risks associated with combat or law enforcement, the most advanced body armor available today offers a level of protection that was once thought impossible.
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