Although armor is more of a compulsion, it is up to the officers to ensure their efficiency while wearing armor. Certain factors help people choose the proper armor, which are:
- Weight: The weight of the armor might make officers slow and hinder movement. For the same reason, people prefer armor that is not too heavy but not too gentle either. The way to find the middle ground is to try one on and see for yourself.
- The thickness of the armor: The thickness of the armor more often than ever depends upon the material. Although there are no seasonal choices for armor, officials prefer ones they can wear in all weathers without passing out due to fatigue. The armor must not be too thick to interfere with movement and breathing and should not be too thin to let bullets get through.
- Dressing style: It is up to the officials to wear the armor over their costume or the other way round. The main aim is to keep their safety intact, and that is ensured in either way.
- Other features: Armour may have pockets, cargo loops, extra materials, and other practical features. To accommodate these additional features or not to accommodate them is up to the officials.
Things to consider before buying armor
- Durable fabric: Body armor consists of fine fibers that are intertwined together such that they are incredibly effective in preventing shots. There are two kinds of bulletproof armor- soft and hard. Soft body armor protects against bullets that have a low velocity. Bullets that come out of rifles are hard tipped that can only be stopped by hard body armor. Soft body armor is flexible and allows for more movement, made of high-strength synthetic fiber. Hardbody armors take a form of a rigid plate that strictly reduces flexibility.
- Armour material becomes less effective over time: It is not about how long the armor has been with you, but the amount of application it has been subjected to determines its remaining life. Most bulletproof armors would require replacement after a maximum of 5 years. The ballistic panels on the armor are responsible for its strength. Check them usually for cuts, tears, or creases. An armor that is utilized daily will lose its strength earlier than an armor that is worn occasionally.
- Trauma rating: The closer the bullet reaches your body through a vest, the higher the chances of physical trauma. The efficiency of a vest is calculated by the amount of physical trauma it causes. The more the trauma, the less is the efficiency. The trauma factor is calculated depending on how fast the bullet’s kinetic energy dissipates across the vest instead of aiming towards your body. More the dissipation, lesser would be the harmful impact.
- Armour should have room for breathing and movement: Ideal and effective armor is never skintight. It is rigid and provides protection but does not rest tightly on your body. There is adequate space between the torso and the armor fitting. The vest should be such that it lets you breathe and does not hinder physical movement like walking and running.
