Newer and newer types of weapons lead to the development of increasingly effective protection. However, it is worth emphasizing that such protection should not hinder the user’s movement. Therefore, modern tactical vests are the perfect combination of protection, lightness and a minimalist yet effective approach to armor. What distinguishes such vests and how do they work?
Why are tactical vests so popular today?
Over the years, we have become used to the fact that effective protection against firearms must be characterized by large dimensions and considerable weight. Such bulletproof vests protected quite effectively, but they had one flaw – they largely limited the range of movement of the user. During a combat situation, such a restriction could often be decisive for the success or failure of combat operations. Therefore, work had begun on a solution that would effectively protect its owner, while not restricting movements. The best bullet protection solution on the market currently is the tactical vest. The main core of this armor is a flexible and light structure that allows to mount a trauma plate on the vest, i.e. ballistic plates that effectively stop rounds. The decisive advantage of tactical vests is that they can be fully personalized. You can customize ballistic plates (degree of protection and shape) as well as add additional elements to the vest, such as magazine pouches, pockets for combat accessories, or backpacks that can accommodate a large amount of military equipment.
What is the difference between various ballistic plates?
Trauma plates are high-quality components of a tactical vest. They protect the user against bullets, so their quality is particularly important. It is worth noting that it is possible to choose specific types of ballistic plates. The lighter the plates, the less protection they offer. Today, plates are made with the use of the most modern technologies, therefore even the thinnest effectively protect against bullets of a specific caliber. It is logical that in order to stop a bullet fired from a sniper rifle, it will take a thicker plate than to stop a bullet fired from a Glock. One of the most popular brands on the market of tactical vest plates is Ace Link. For example, their level iv plates are capable of stopping the 5.56 M855 and .30-06 APM2 rounds. This means that this type of plate is able to stop even a bullet fired from a sniper rifle, thanks to which it provides its owner with maximum protection, but does not restrict movement like bulletproof vests from two decades ago.
It is worth noting that tactical vests have become popular not only among soldiers, but also among all employees of the security sector, uniformed services, and military and firearms enthusiasts.