How many kilograms does a bulletproof vest weigh?

Are you considering getting yourself a bullet resistance vest but confused about how much a bulletproof vest weighs in kilograms? Well, I got you on this one! In most cases, the weight of bulletproof vests is measured in pounds, especially if you are from the UK, so we’re going to know how much they are weigh in kilograms.

How many kilograms does a bulletproof vest weigh?

A typical lightweight bulletproof vest mostly used for civilians that can absorb a bullet from a short-barreled rifle or pistol weighs around 4.4 pounds (2 kg) to 6.6 pounds (3 kg).

Tactical military bulletproof gear is heavier and can weigh more, around 19 pounds (9 kg) to even 33 pounds (15 kg). These will withstand higher degrees of ballistic attacks such as assault rifles, snipers, and hand grenades.

Well, hang on.. bulletproof vests are divided into levels that take into account the force of a bullet they can withstand.

Best lightweight bulletproof vest for civilians

I’m just going to show you two of the best lightweight body armor here. These are the most durable bulletproof vests you can use as a civilian. However, they are not bulletproof until you add ballistic plates and other bulletproof materials.

So say, the best lightweight bulletproof vests are WarTechGears Tactical Fast Vest and GFIRE Tactical Vest.

WarTechGears Tactical Fast Vest

A simple, adjustable bulletproof vest is suitable for individuals and law enforcement officers. You can conveniently fit an AR500 plate for more protection from firearms. The fabrics of this vest are made from the best on the market.

With an adjustable strap, it can fit many people in different sizes. Also, it can hold 10 “X12” AR500 ballistic plates, be it metal or ceramic plates.

GFIRE Tactical Vest Modular Vest Breathable

I thought the vest above was the real deal until I got this beast.

This bulletproof carrier is, in my opinion, the best thing you will ever need.

It can fit in any number of plates you have, and this lightweight bulletproof vest was made from 1000D quality fabrics to make it more durable, with adjustable shoulder straps, hooks, etc. In addition, they offer 2 years of quality assurance.

What Determines the weight of bulletproof armor?

  1. The higher the protection level of a bulletproof vest, the heavier it becomes.
  2. Older bulletproof vests weigh more than the newest designs.
  3. The larger the protection area, the heavier the bulletproof vest will weigh.
  4. The thicker the bulletproof materials used, the greater the weight.
  5. Also, the larger the protective plates of the bulletproof vests are, the greater the weight in kilograms and vice versa.

As you can see from the above points, it is quite difficult to decide and say “a bulletproof vest weighs 5 kg” without considering its size and level.

What are bulletproof vests made of?

Bulletproof vests are made of fibers and hard metal plates. These fibers are made by spinning a solid thread from a liquid chemical into yarn or string called ballistic plates.

They are lightweight but strong enough to withstand bullets. The two most popular fibers used in the manufacture of bulletproof vests are Kevlar and Dyneema.

Other materials used in the bulletproof vest are metal plates; the most common are titanium or aramite plates, each weighing between 9 kg and 14 kg.

The combination of Kevlar and titanium metal plates in bulletproof vests results in more rugged tactical gear. These materials are then hidden in a sewn jacket-like garment to give it the proper vest design that you always see.

The combination of Kevlar and titanium metal plates in bulletproof vests results in more rugged tactical gear.

These jacket-like garments to house the ballistic panels are called carriers. Sometimes they are equipped with pockets to carry extra plates or ammunition.

As a rule of thumb, the thickness of the fiber and metal plates used in making a bulletproof vest is determined by the level of protection the bulletproof vest manufacturer is trying to achieve.

Before a vest is certified for use, fiber manufacturers conduct a test to check the tensile strength of the interwoven fibers to see if they can stop the penetration of bullets as claimed.

In addition, the vest that houses the ballistic panels must also be tested for tensile strength.

So, in simple terms, a bulletproof vest consists of a carrier into which the ballistic panels can be incorporated to form a complete bulletproof vest.

What does it feel like wearing a bulletproof vest?

You want to know what it really feels like to put on a bulletproof vest.

It can be pretty intense, especially with a ballistic armored vest from LEVEL 5. However, when it’s filled with steel plates, it gets heavier and can slow you down.

But, Kevlar bulletproof vests are not that heavy. Wrapped around the body, covering the vital part of the chest and back area, you feel a bit comfortable on it.

In the summer, it might heat up, making you feel boiling, while in the winter months, with a covered bulletproof vest, you might not need a coat after all.

The most comfortable protective vest is the LEVEL 3A bulletproof vest. They are lighter in weight.

Can you own a bullet-resistant vest?

They want to know if you can own a bulletproof vest. The answer is a big YES. In some states, civilians can wear personal bulletproof vests for protection.

Yes you are allowed to own a bulletproof vest

Level 3A vests, the maximum rating for a concealable vest to defend against handgun threats, are best for civilians.

In countries like Thailand, Australia, Brazil, and Argentina, it is illegal to own a bulletproof vest without a permit. While in countries like the US, UK, Poland, Sweden, etc., you can buy and wear a bulletproof vest without a permit.

The situation in Canada varies internally.

In the US, a bulletproof vest can be sold to anyone face to face in transactions, on websites, at gun shows, in stores, etc., without any form of verification ID. You should also note that US laws prohibit a person from buying or wearing body armor if they are a convicted felon.

 

What to consider when getting a bulletproof vest

These are the top 6 questions you should ask yourself before deciding on the right bulletproof vest that is right for you:

  1. Is the vest made of the best bulletproof materials? First, make sure that your bulletproof vest is made of a material that can withstand ballistic threats. For example, Kevlar’s most popular and trusted bulletproof vest manufacturer has evolved. Not only do these fibers have the ability to absorb and stop a bullet, but they can also stop a knife attack on your body. Therefore, when looking for the most suitable protective vest, make sure that it is made of the best ballistic protection materials.
  2. Does it have the National Institute of Justice Rating? NIJ rates bulletproof vests to determine how much protection they can provide. For example, will your vest withstand the impact of a knife, handgun, rifle, etc.? When buying a bulletproof vest, always make sure that you are informed about the level of protection it can provide.
  3. Is the bulletproof vest suitable for civilians? Unfortunately, not all protective vests are suitable for civilian use. Specialized bulletproof vests for military personnel, bomb disposal police units, and lightweight bulletproof vests for officers and civilians. Make sure you know the vest you are buying.
  4. Is it an exact fit for your body type? You don’t want to buy a vest that is too big or too small, right? Instead, it would help if you chose a bulletproof vest that easily fits your body type and offers chest and rib protection from ballistic threats.
  5. Is the weight of the bulletproof vest too much for you? It’s highly unlikely that a civilian would be equipped with a 15kg bulletproof vest. That’s insane. It would help if you had a concealable vest. Your neighbor must not be able to tell that you are wearing a vest. To give you a guide, if you’re a civilian, you need a light protective vest unless you need more protection, unless you’re a top security agent.
  6. How to clean your protective vest? Finally, most bulletproof vests are made of fibers inserted into a carrier. These carriers are the vest you put on, and like the clothes you put on, they suffer wear and tear over time; you must always keep them clean and protected from harsh weather conditions. Do not use detergents, soaps, or shampoo to clean your bulletproof vest. 

Final thoughts

The more padded a bulletproof vest is, the heavier it becomes. Heavy bulletproof vests limit the speed at which you move. Always wear one that is appropriate for you.

Don’t rely too much on body armor, also called bulletproof vests. Every weapon is deadly, and some bullets move slowly while others move at high speeds.

Most bulletproof vests can only stop bullets that travel at slow speeds, but not those traveling at high speeds.

While wearing the vest, do not neglect other safety measures such as using a stun gun or taser or avoiding danger (running away) in the evening.

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