FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What ballistic protection level should I get?
2. What about rifle and submachine gun protection?
3. How comfortable is EnGarde body armor?
4. What materials does EnGarde use for its body armor?
5. Do you have some television footage of your body armor being tested?
6. Where can I find more information about body armor?
Question 1
What ballistic protection level should I order?
NIJ Level IIIA is worn by most policemen. This is the most acceptable vest in de industry with regards to safety, cost and its ability to be worn as a concealable vest.
Level III and IV require ballistic inserts and are thus heavier and also more expensive. The plates will provide better blunt trauma protection as well as the ability to return fire upon impact. These vests are highly desirable under machine gun threats and high velocity rounds.
Refer to the ballistic test chart for more detailed information on the protection specifications.
Question 2
What about rifle and submachine gun protection?
Rifle and submachine guns are capable of delivering more power to the rounds, thus rendering soft armor ineffective. Therefore we advice the use of hard armor inserts which will upgrade a level IIIA vest to a level III or IV protection in the front and back. EnGarde offers plates made of DYNEEMA®, Ceramic or a combination of both materials to cover the chest or back. Soft body armor vests only provide pistol and shotgun protection.
Question 3
How comfortable are EnGarde bulletproof vests?
EnGarde bulletproof vests are as comfortable as they come. Only extreme heat can present a certain level of discomfort.
Question 4
What materials does EnGarde use for it's body armor?
EnGarde's scientifically engineered body armor is of superior quality and is designed for a broad range of use. For our latest ballistic package, the ENGARDEIIIA-PRO we use the polyethylene material DYNEEMA®.
The DYNEEMA® fiber with the combining properties of 3GPa of Tensile Strength and 172GPa of Modulus, has an excellent absorption coefficient of shock power, and the density(0.97GR/cm3) is lower than water(1GR/cm3). It is regarded as an advanced technology material enabling us to make the products lighter than before. After the attacks of September 11th, airlines decided to enforce their cockpit doors with DYNEEMA®.
The overall activity-improved design not only provides a comfortable fit but it will also provide secure protection of your life the moment you put on EnGarde body armor.
For the production of our hard armor inserts we use DYNEEMA®, Aramid and Ceramics.
1. DYNEEMA®
This fiber with the combining properties of 3GPa of Tensile Strength and 172GPa of Modulus, has an excellent absorption coefficient of shock power, and the density(0.97GR/cm3) is lower than water(1GR/cm3). It is regarded as an advanced technology material enabling us to make the products lighter than before. After the attacks of september 11th, airlines decided to enforce their cockpit doors with DYNEEMA ® . For more information about DYNEEMA ® please visit www.dyneema.com .
2. ARAMID
Aramid fiber (1961) is a fire-resistant and strong synthetic fiber. It is used in aerospace and military applications, for "bullet-proof" body armor fabric, and as an asbestos substitute. The term is a shortened form of "aromatic polyamide".
A well-known type of aramid fiber (a para-aramid nylon) is commonly known by its DuPont trade name, Kevlar, or Teijin trade name Twaron. It was developed by Stephanie Kwolek.
3. CERAMICS
Ceramic plates are special bulletproof plates strong enough to protect people from submachine guns. It protects against 7.62mm Full Metal Jacketed bullets and U.S. military M80 shot. It is a bulletproof plate of great strength providing protection against 30 caliber armor-piercing bullets as well.
Question 5.
Do you have some television footage of your body armor being tested?
Yes, if you click here you can watch a Dutch television show during which our EnGarde DeLuxe Undergarment Vest vest is tested, using different types of ammunition.
Macromedia Flash Player 8 is required to be able to see the movie. You can download this plug-in here.
Question 6.
Where can I find more information about body armor?
At www.bodyarmornews.com you are able to find a lot of general information and news about body armor.
