Armour Up: The Ultimate Guide to Bulletproof Vests for Personal Protection

Bulletproof vests are a type of personal protective equipment designed to protect the wearer from bullets and other projectiles. These vests have been used for decades by law enforcement officers, military personnel, security guards, and other individuals who work in high-risk professions. The purpose of this article is to provide readers with an in-depth understanding of bulletproof vests, including their history, types, materials used in making them, levels of protection offered, and legal considerations.

Definition of Bulletproof Vest

A bulletproof vest is a type of body armour that is designed to protect the wearer from bullets and other projectiles. Also known as ballistic vests or simply body armour, these vests can be made from various materials such as Kevlar fibers or ceramic plates. They come in different shapes and sizes depending on the intended use.

Brief History of Bulletproof Vest

The idea of protecting oneself from projectiles dates back to ancient times where warriors would wear metal armour into battle. However, it wasn't until the 16th century when firearms were invented that the need for bullet-resistant clothing became apparent. In the 1800s' experimenting with different types of materials such as silk was done but none was effective until around World War II when Kevlar fibers were discovered by accident while researchers were studying new ways to reinforce car tires.

Today's modern bulletproof vest owes its creation to Richard Davis who founded Second Chance Body Armor Inc in Michigan City Indiana in 1971; he created a lightweight vest using Kevlar fiber cloth. His design gained popularity quickly among law enforcement agencies around the United States.

Importance Of Wearing A Bulletproof Vest

The importance of wearing a bulletproof vest cannot be overstated; it can mean the difference between life and death for law enforcement officers and military personnel who face danger every day. A bulletproof vest can protect vital organs such as the heart, lungs, and liver from damage caused by bullets and other projectiles. It can also provide a sense of security for individuals working in high-risk professions.

Some might argue that wearing a bulletproof vest is not always necessary, but the fact remains that it can save lives in situations where the wearer is confronted with armed criminals or enemy combatants. In today's volatile world, owning a bulletproof vest is not just an option but rather a necessity for anyone who works in high-risk professions or who wants to protect themselves from potential attacks.

Types of Bulletproof Vests

There are three main types of bulletproof vests: soft body armour, hard body armour, and hybrid body armour. Each type has its own unique characteristics and applications.

Soft Body Armour

Soft body armour is typically made from materials such as Kevlar or Dyneema fibers. It is designed to stop bullets from handguns and other small arms fire. Soft body armour is lightweight and flexible, making it easy to wear for extended periods of time.

It is commonly used by law enforcement officers, security personnel, and civilians who want protection against potential threats. When a bullet strikes soft body armour, the fibers in the material absorb the impact and spread out the force over a larger area.

This helps to prevent the bullet from penetrating the vest and causing injury or death. Soft body armour comes in various levels of protection depending on the threat level that an individual may face.

Hard Body Armour

Hard body armor is designed to stop high-powered rifle rounds that can penetrate soft body armour. It typically uses ceramic plates or steel to provide a rigid barrier against incoming rounds. Hard body armour is heavier than soft body armor but provides much higher levels of protection.

While hard body armour can be effective at stopping rifle rounds, it does have some limitations due to its weight and rigidity. For example, it may restrict movement or make it difficult to perform certain tasks while wearing it.

Hybrid Body Armour

Hybrid body armor combines elements of both soft and hard body armour into one vest. This allows for increased flexibility while still providing high levels of protection against both handgun and rifle rounds.

Typically, hybrid vests will have ceramic plates inserted into pockets on the front and back panels while also using Kevlar or Dyneema fibers throughout the rest of the vest for added flexibility. Hybrid body armour is favored by military personnel and law enforcement officers who may face a variety of threats and need a vest that can provide protection against multiple types of ammunition.

Materials Used in Making a Bulletproof Vest

Bulletproof vests are made of highly advanced materials that can withstand the impact of bullets fired from different firearms. The materials used in making bulletproof vests have evolved over the years, and now there are several options available on the market. In this section, we will explore some of the most commonly used materials for making bulletproof vests: Kevlar fibers, Dyneema fibers, and ceramic plates.

Kevlar Fibers

Kevlar is a synthetic fiber that has been used in the production of body armour since the 1970s. It was developed by Dupont and is considered to be one of the strongest and most durable materials available for bulletproof vests.

Kevlar is made up of long chains of para-aramid molecules that are extremely heat-resistant and lightweight. One of the main advantages of using Kevlar as a material for bulletproof vests is its ability to absorb energy from bullets upon impact, dispersing it across a wider area.

This reduces both trauma to the body and penetration depth. Another advantage is its versatility; Kevlar can be woven into different configurations to optimize performance depending on threat level.

Dyneema Fibers

Dyneema fibers are another popular material used in making bulletproof vests. Also known as Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE), Dyneema is made up of long chains of polyethylene molecules that are extremely strong and lightweight.

One major advantage of Dyneema over other materials like Kevlar is its high resistance to abrasion, cutting, and tearing, which makes it an ideal choice for urban warfare where shrapnel or debris can easily cause damage to unprotected areas. Dyneema-based armour also provides excellent comfort due to its flexibility, which allows wearers greater mobility without sacrificing protection.

Ceramic Plates

Ceramic plates are a relatively new addition to modern bulletproof vests and are often used in conjunction with Kevlar or Dyneema fibers. These plates are made up of ceramic materials like silicon carbide, boron carbide, and alumina, which are extremely hard and dense. Ceramic plates work by shattering bullets upon impact, dispersing the kinetic energy over a wider area.

This significantly reduces the likelihood of trauma to the body or penetration depth. One major advantage of using ceramic plates is their ability to stop armour-piercing rounds that traditional ballistic fibers can't protect against.

Overall, the choice of material for a bulletproof vest depends on several factors like level of protection desired, comfort, flexibility, and cost. It's essential to select a vest that offers adequate protection without sacrificing mobility or comfort.

Levels of Protection

Bulletproof vests are designed to offer protection against bullets of different calibers and velocities. The levels of protection are determined by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), which is a US federal research, development, and evaluation agency responsible for advancing technology and public safety. It is important to choose a bulletproof vest according to its level of protection as well as your intended use.

Level IIA

This level offers protection against low-velocity 9mm and .40 S&W ammunition. The vest must be able to stop at least four rounds fired consecutively. Level IIA vests are lightweight and flexible, making them comfortable for daily wear under clothing or in warm environments. Today a vest with this level of protection is hard to come by.

Level II

This level provides protection against higher velocity 9mm and .357 Magnum ammunition. The vest must be able to stop at least four rounds fired consecutively. Level II vests are heavier than Level IIA vests but still comfortable enough for daily wear.

Level IIIA

This level offers protection against high-velocity 9mm and .44 Magnum ammunition, as well as other handgun rounds. It also protects against shotgun pellets at close range.

A Level IIIA vest must be able to stop at least six rounds fired consecutively. This level is commonly used by law enforcement officers who face significant threats on a daily basis.

Level III

This level provides protection against rifle rounds such as the 7.62x51mm NATO (.308 Winchester) and the 5.56x45mm NATO (.223 Remington). A Level III vest must be able to stop six hits from these types of rounds fired consecutively from a distance of up to 10 meters.

Level IV

This is the highest level of protection available for body armor. It provides protection against armor-piercing rifle rounds such as the .30-06 M2AP and the 7.62x63mm AP. A Level IV vest must be able to stop at least one hit from these types of rounds fired from a distance of up to 10 meters.

Choosing the right level of protection is crucial for those who require a bulletproof vest in their line of work or personal life. Remember that higher levels of protection come with increased weight and reduced mobility, so it is important to consider your intended use when selecting a bulletproof vest.

How to Choose the Right Bulletproof Vest?

Purpose and Intended Use

The first factor to consider when choosing a bulletproof vest is the purpose and intended use. Certain vests are designed for specific activities such as law enforcement, military operations, or civilian self-defense. For example, a law enforcement officer may require a vest that can withstand higher velocity rounds than an average civilian vest.

Similarly, a military personnel may need a vest that offers more mobility and flexibility for combat situations. It is essential to assess the potential threats in your specific environment before choosing a bulletproof vest.

Some vests only provide protection against handguns while others can stop high-powered rifles. It is crucial to know what level of protection you need before making any purchase.

Size and Fit

The fit of your bulletproof vest could mean the difference between life and death in the event of an attack. A poorly fitting vest could cause gaps between your body and the armour panels, leaving vulnerable areas exposed. It is important to take accurate measurements of your chest, waist, shoulders, and torso length before purchasing a bulletproof vest. The bottom of a vest typically ends 1.5 - 2 inches above the belt line, which is normally around the bellybutton. Any lower and the vest could be pushed upwards when sitting, which would be uncomfortable.

Bulletproof vests come in different sizes ranging from small to 5XL. So when selecting one make sure you pick one that fits close against the body but still allows freedom of movement so you can wear it comfortably for extended periods without feeling restricted.

Budget

Another important factor to consider when choosing a bulletproof vest is budget. Prices for vests vary based on levels of protection offered as well as additional features such as weight and size.

While it may be tempting to go with cheaper options on the market, keep in mind that quality protection comes at higher costs. However, don't let budget constraints keep you from investing in adequate protection - there are also affordable yet reliable options available on the market today that can still offer sufficient protection.

Be sure to research and compare prices from various retailers before making a final decision. Remember, your safety is priceless. Our recommendation is to take advantage of payment options and never buy a used vest.

Care and Maintenance of a Bulletproof Vest

Storage

Proper storage is essential for maintaining the effectiveness and longevity of a bulletproof vest. The vest should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or moisture. Avoid storing it in areas with extreme temperatures or high humidity levels as these conditions can cause damage to the materials used in the vest.

When not in use, the vest should be hung up on a sturdy hanger, or laid flat on a clean surface. Do not fold or crush the vest as this can damage any panels or plates inside it and reduce its protective capabilities.

Cleaning and Washing

Cleaning your bulletproof vest is essential to maintain its effectiveness and hygiene. The cleaning process will depend on the type of material used in making your bulletproof vest. For vests made from Kevlar fibers, washing should be done by hand using warm water and mild detergent.

Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners as these can degrade the Kevlar fibers over time. Rinse thoroughly with cool water until all soap is removed.

Vests containing ceramic plates should not be submerged in water but instead wiped down with a damp cloth. Be sure to follow manufacturer instructions when cleaning your specific model of bulletproof vest.

Inspection

Regular inspection of your bulletproof vest is important for detecting any signs of wear or damage that may affect its ability to provide protection properly. Look for visible signs such as tears, rips, punctures or discoloration that might indicate degradation or weakening over time.

Run your hands over both sides of the panels feeling for any lumps, bumps, compressed foam which could indicate damage inside that you may not see otherwise. If you notice any significant damage/deterioration during an inspection process stop wearing it immediately and seek professional advice on what to do next .

Legal Considerations for Wearing a Bulletproof Vest

Wearing a bulletproof vest may not be illegal in most jurisdictions, but there are some legal considerations to keep in mind. For instance, if you live in the United States and Canada, there are state/provincial laws that regulate the ownership and wearing of body armour.

In some locations, it is perfectly legal for anyone to purchase and wear body armour, while in others it is restricted or even illegal. Additionally, there may also be restrictions on who can buy or possess body armour depending on their criminal record or history.

Laws on Wearing a Bulletproof Vest

In the United States, 44 out of 50 states have laws regulating the use of bulletproof vests. Some states like Louisiana and Florida prohibit convicted felons from owning or using bulletproof vests. In Canada there are restrictions in Alberta British Columbia, Manitoba and Nova Scotia.

It's important to remember that these laws can change frequently depending on evolving political landscapes and public opinions. Therefore, it's always recommended that you check with your government website to know what the current laws are concerning owning and wearing of bulletproof vests.

more information can be found here: https://www.bodyarmourcanada.com/sale-restrictions

Restrictions on Wearing a Bulletproof Vest

In many cases where it is legal to own and wear a bulletproof vest, it could still be restricted under certain circumstances. For example, if you were caught wearing one while committing felony crimes such as robbery or burglary, you could be charged with additional crimes that carry more severe penalties than those associated with just robbery. Furthermore, using bulletproof vests while carrying out unlawful activities such as drug trafficking could lead to charges being added under federal law which carries much harsher sentencing guidelines than those imposed by state governments.

Before purchasing or wearing any type of body armor including bulletproof vests; it's important to know the laws of your state/province and country, as well as any restrictions that may apply. While owning and wearing a bulletproof vest could provide extra protection in life-threatening situations, it's important to remember that there may be legal consequences for doing so under certain circumstances.

Conclusion

A bulletproof vest is a crucial piece of equipment for anyone who works in law enforcement, military, or security. In addition, a vest can be worn by civilians who feel that they may at some point in the future, require protection, after this world is very unpredictable. This article has provided an overview of the types of bulletproof vests available on the market today and the materials they are made from.

We have also discussed the levels of protection that each type of vest can provide, as well as considerations for choosing and maintaining a vest. It is important to remember that wearing a bulletproof vest does not guarantee complete safety.

It is still essential to use proper tactics and techniques when facing dangerous situations. However, a bulletproof vest can significantly increase your chances of survival in such circumstances.

Summary of Key Points

Bulletproof vests come in different types: soft body armour which can protect against small firearms; hard body armour made from ceramic plates which provides greater protection against heavy gunfire; and hybrid armour which combines both types for enhanced protection. Kevlar fibers are the most commonly used material for soft body armor while Dyneema fibers are emerging as an alternative due to their lighter weight. Ceramic plates provide added protection against heavy gunfire but are heavier and less comfortable to wear than soft body armour.

The level of protection offered by bulletproof vests ranges from Level IIA (the lowest) to Level IV (the highest). The choice should depend on your intended use, budget, and size.

Importance of Owning a Bullet Proof Vest

Owning a bulletproof vest can mean the difference between life and death in high-risk professions such as law enforcement or military service. Even those who work in security or face potential danger during their daily routine may benefit from owning one. A well-made bulletproof vest not only offers protection but also peace of mind knowing you have taken steps to ensure your safety.

While purchasing a high-quality bulletproof vest may be expensive, it is important to consider the potential cost of not having one in a dangerous situation. Wearing a bulletproof vest is an investment in your own safety and should be taken seriously.

Owning a bulletproof vest should not be seen as an excessive precaution, but rather as a necessary one in certain professions or situations. By choosing the right type of vest, maintaining it properly, and using it in conjunction with proper safety tactics, you are taking important steps towards protecting yourself and those around you.

How Cut-Tuff™ Cut Resistant Clothing Can Help Protect Workers in the Industrial and Manufacturing Sectors

If you would like to know how Cut-Tuff™ cut resistant clothing can help protect workers in the industrial and manufacturing sectors please read the blog page on our Cut-Tuff™ blog page: CLICK HERE

How Arm Guards Protect Against Human Bites

How Arm Guards Protect Against Human Bites

When you work in the Canadian education system or mental health care field you put yourself at risk every day. Here's how, and why, arm guards are important for the job.

For a Canadian teacher or health care professional, the risk of injury is just another part of the job.

Some of the most common injuries for these fields are the risk of bites or scratches. If you're a professional working in mental health care facilities, special needs hospital, or a school, dealing with the possibility of human bites can be an unfortunate reality.

Bite injuries make up 1% of all emergency medical admissions in the United States. While it may not seem like a high number, almost 40 million people visit emergency departments for injuries each year.

Thanks to a new piece of safety gear, you can be protected from the risk of human bites in the workplace.

Bite resistant arm guards have proven to be effective in keeping the skin safe from human teeth. This can save you a hospital visit, risk of infection, and the mental injury resulting from such an event.

It's vital that you take preventative measures to minimize the risk of human bites in your workplace. Let's take a look at some of the reasons why you should invest in an arm guard to keep you safe on the job.

Why Arm Guards?

The risk of suffering from a human bite is not one to take lightly--a bite injury can be devastating both for your career and your personal health.

Approximately 10-15% of all human bite wounds become infected. Human bites can also transmit diseases like hepatitis B, syphilis, and tetanus. In the worst case scenario, these bites can lead to death.

In addition to the physical trauma, professionals who are injured with a bite wound also may suffer from the mental injury from the experience itself. Once an individual is injured, they will need to be treated in the hospital and may be off work for a long time.

Working in these high-risk jobs isn't easy--but you can minimize the danger of bite wounds and keep yourself safe through arm guards.

Typically made from a tough, durable material, arm guards are designed to reduce the risk of human teeth penetrating the skin. They cover the elbow all the way up to the center of the palm and they can be worn over or under your clothing.

Protection from bites isn't all that you're getting. Some additional benefits of arm guards include:

• Protection from day to day bumps and scratches

• Improved circulation to the forearms

• Regulated body temperature

• Sun protection

Even if you've never been bitten before, an arm guard can provide the security of knowing that you can perform your job to the best of your ability--without the risk of human bites.

What to Look for in an Arm Guard

Once you decide to invest in an arm guard for your professional safety, it's important that you make the right choice.

What should you look for in an arm guard? What kind of factors go into making an effective piece of safety equipment?

Your safety in the workplace is important--look through this checklist before making the commitment to buying your new bite resistant arm guard.

• Strength. Before you commit to an arm guard, take a look at the material to make sure that it's up to the highest standard. Make sure it's certified to have high resistance in these four categories: blade cut resistance level, puncture resistance level, tear resistance level, and abrasion resistance level. There's always a risk of being punched, kicked, and hit in addition to the risk of biting, so your arm guard has to be prepared to handle anything.

• Durability. Your arm guard doesn't just have to be strong, it has to last too. Be sure that your arm guard is up to the wear and tear of your day to day job. Especially if you work hands-on or outdoors, you'll need a material that will last a long time.

• Effectiveness. Strength and durability can only go so far if your arm guard isn't easy to wear. Look for an arm guard that you can wear either under or over your shirt, as well as one that is simple to take on and off.

• Comfort. Especially for full-time workers, you'll be wearing arm guards from morning to night. It's important that they're easy to wear. Check to see if your arm guard is made of a breathable material and feels comfortable to the touch.

• Cost. While it's important to make a good investment on a quality piece of equipment, you can find a high-quality arm guard without breaking the bank. Some arm guards can get up to nearly $200, but you can find an affordable, effective alternative for less than $50.

• Additional assets. Some arm guards come with extra assets to improve your experience. Look out for a few key elements, like a material that is easy to clean of blood and saliva or an arm guard with extra padding to minimize the chance of bruises.

Buying an arm guard for your professional needs is an investment but with an arm guard, you can save yourself the hassle of hospital trips, medical costs, time off work, and the long-term consequences of a human bite injury.

Take the time to look closely at your arm guard selections. Make sure your choice is up to the highest industry standards in terms of toughness, durability, effectiveness, comfort, and cost.

Final Thoughts

If you're working in Canada within schools, healthcare, or a special needs environment, your job can be dangerous. Why not take the chance to minimize risks and make sure you can be safe and healthy on the job?

Make a small investment to protect yourself from physical injury, infection, and psychological distress. Don't let a human bite wound hold you back from your personal and professional life.

Bite resistant arm guards have already been introduced in school, hospitals and even in correctional facilities around the world, and they've been shown to reduce the risk of biting related injuries significantly.

If you're looking at getting a pair yourself, contact us here or check out our selection of bite resistant arm guards. We have also recently introduced additional cut and bite resistant products to better protect other vulnerable areas.

Am I allowed to own a bullet resistant vest?

One of the most common questions I get asked is whether it is legal to buy bullet resistant vests in the customer’s respective provinces in Canada.

Unfortunately, the answer is not a straightforward yes, as there are three provinces that have rules about possessing body armour.

The most common description of Body armour is a garment or item designed, intended or adapted for the purpose of protecting a person from projectiles discharged from a firearm.

Let’s get the easy answer out of the way first.  Except for Alberta, British Columbia and Manitoba there are currently NO restrictions as to who can purchase and wear bullet resistant vests.

Here is a breakdown on the policies in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Manitoba:

Alberta - You are exempt from needing a Body Armour Permit if you are:

• Members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, members of a police service as defined in the Police Act, and peace officers while acting within the scope of their authority and in the course of their employment or designation.
• Ambulance attendants under the Emergency Health Services Act while the ambulance attendant is acting within the scope of the ambulance attendant’s authority and in the course of the ambulance attendant’s employment or designation.
• Individuals designated as inspectors under section 98 of the Gaming and Liquor Act while the inspector is acting within the scope of the inspector’s employment.
• Individuals who are licensed as a security services worker or an investigator under the Security Services and Investigators Act while the licensee is acting within the scope of the licensee’s authority and in the course of the licensee’s employment or designation.
• Wildlife officers under the Wildlife Act while the wildlife officer is acting within the scope of the wildlife officer’s authority and in the course of the wildlife officer’s employment or designation.
• Individuals who have been issued a valid license under the Firearms Act (Canada).
• Firefighters while the firefighter is acting in the course of the firefighter’s employment.
• Business owners, or employees of a business, who in the ordinary course of that business or Employment purchases, sells, transports or otherwise deals with body armour.
• Individuals who have been authorized to use or permitted to wear body armour under the authority of an enactment.
• Individuals involved in farming or ranching operations, while engaged in farming or ranching operations.
• Individuals performing in an exhibition, stampede, rodeo, fair or sporting event.

I refer you to the Act for further information:    

 British Columbia - You are exempt from needing a Body Armour Permit if you:

 hold a valid security worker licence authorizing the person to perform the work of:

1. an armoured car guard
2. a private investigator
3. a security consultant
4. a security guard, or
5. a body armour salesperson,

while the person is in the course of employment under the security worker licence,

(b) holds a valid security business licence for a security business described in paragraph (a), (c), (d), (e),

(f) or (g) of the definition of "security business" in the Security Services Act, while the person is in the course of employment in relation to the security business licence, or

(c) is exempt under the regulations.

I refer you to the Act for further information:    

Manitoba - You are exempt from needing a Body Armour Permit if you:

1. a member of a police service
2. a firefighter or a medical emergency response technician
3. a sheriff or deputy sheriff
4. a correctional officer as defined in The Correctional Services Act
5. the holder of a valid body armour seller's licence; and
6. a prescribed person or a member of a prescribed class of persons.

Restriction on exemption

The exemption applies only while the person who is the subject of the exemption is

a)       using body armour in the course of his or her employment or duties; or

b)      in possession of body armour as permitted or authorized by his or her employer or commanding officer.

I refer you to the Act for further information:    

As always, if you have any questions about our bullet resistant vests or any other product please contact me - bg@bodyarmourcanada.com.

Take care,

Bill Geraghty

Body Armour Canada Now Offering Protection Against Taser™ Branded Weapons to Canadian Military and Law Enforcement

Our latest press release :)

Body Armour Canada Ltd., one of Canada's leading suppliers of ultra-lightweight and thin bullet resistant vests, has become the first Canadian company to be able to offer its customers within military, law enforcement and security, the truly innovative and unique ThorShield branded products, manufactured by G Squared Consultants.

"Being able to provide cutting-edge products that continues to give additional protection to our customers is what pushes us each day to make a difference in a somewhat over saturated marketplace," said Bill Geraghty, CEO of Whitby, Ontario based Body Armour Canada Ltd.

The ThorShield Energy Weapon Protection Fabric is the most effective protection against non-lethal energy weapons on the market today. ThorShield works by providing a highly conductive specialized layer of fabric ensuring the electrical current conducts through the fabric versus the body. "Body armour companies only focus on providing protection from handgun and rifle rounds and/or blades; however, with the risk of assault from the illegal use of TASER™ type weapons and stun guns, ThorShield gives back the advantage to military and law enforcement personnel," said Mr. Geraghty.

"This superb fabric can be integrated into the design of new body armour carriers," he said. "We also sell the Chameleon Electronic Control Device (ECD) training suit, the world's only training suit that allows for real, live TASER™ Branded Device probe-firing and stun gun drive-stun applications, currently in use by several US police departments and academies."

In addition, Body Armour Canada is currently the only Canadian supplier of the "V Pouch" -- the fastest Indexing Tactical Ergonomic Magazine System and the perfect quick access magazine holder for your Glock medium and long magazines.

The first few months of Body Armour Canada

Hi Guys,

Body Armour Canada has now been in operation for 8 months and although we slowed down for a period due to the death of my father I can not believe the progress made to date.

We are beginning to get noticed within some of the industries we serve, namely law enforcement, security companies and hospital security teams as well as individuals operating as bailiffs, police officers, fire fighters, security guards and hunters.  We have also seen interest from firearm instructors, medical professionals and from other individuals who are concerned about their safety while traveling overseas.

Luckily we carry bullet proof vests that tick all of the boxes when it comes to choosing the correct type of body armour, which in our case also includes clothing, backpacks, briefcases and other unique products especially adapted to be bullet resistant.

                   VIP Concealment Vest

Here at Body Armour Canada we do not see ourselves as sales people but rather body armour consultants.  Having worked within the sectors we serve, namely the military, police and private security, I am able to discuss our customer's risks and recommend to them the most suitable product to help mitigate those risks.

Do we make a profit you may ask and the answer is yes, although our profit margins are significantly lower than our competitors.  I have kept our prices as low as possible in order for them to be available to everyone who are legally allowed to posses them.

I have received many telephone calls from people who only want information rather than to be sold to.  I gladly give my advice and always say that if they do not buy from me, which is fine, buy from a company who the provide body armour which is made from material that has not been sat on a shelf for years, is the latest technology, is made in North America, has been tested to NIJ 111A and certified to the current 0101.06 standard.  I find it quite annoying when other retailers intentionally leave out the testing standard their body armour meet.

I look forward to being able to provide our loyal followers with further information about this company as we move forward.  Our aim is to bring innovative new products to the market and to meet the demand for ultra-lightweight, extremely thin, comfortable and inexpensive body armour.

I also look forward to speaking with our customers in the hope of exceeding their expectations when it comes to providing excellent customer service.

Take care!

BG

Welcome to my blog and indeed my first post!

Body Armour Canada is operated by myself, Bill Geraghty.  I am a former member of the UK military and have deployed to various hostile environments throughout the world.  I have been trained by, and operated with, some of the best covert units in the UK and have worked in the collection and dissemination of high-value intelligence within UK intelligence circles.

In addition to regular duties as a police officer with the Metropolitan Police Service in London, UK,  I was also public order (riot) trained and served as part of the elite Jury Protection Squad. 

I have worked in the private security sector in North America, Europe and the Caribbean for the last 14 years.

During my operational career I have worn a variety of bullet resistant vests in different climates and for long periods of time.  We all know that body armour technology has come a long way even in the last five years, which is exactly what needed to be done, and as I am sure those of you who are reading this (with even a small amount of operational experience) can attest to - body armour of old was think, heavy, uncomfortable, restrictive, bulky and hot!  Luckily technology has progressed and body armour manufacturers are now able to use new and innovative materials in order to bring to frontline workers ultra-thin and lightweight high performance bullet resistant vests. 

Between December, 2012 & July, 2015 I was President of PPSS Group’s North American operation and during this time I gained a high degree of insight into the body armour industry and the materials used. I also met a large number of body armour professionals operating within this fascinating industry and it is without a doubt that all of them had one thing in common, which is the heartfelt desire to help keep safe the numerous types of professionals who help protect people, places and products.

What makes Body Armour Canada stand out is that I have worked within a variety of organizations and have an understanding of the operational risks that go along with the various duties performed.  I understand what equipment works and what doesn’t and you can trust me to only offer products that I truly believe in.  I will do everything I can to continue to provide you, my friends, colleagues and customers, with unique, inexpensive and effective products, as well as provide an excellent customer service experience. 

Should you have any questions I can be reached via email at bg@bodyarmourcanada.com

Please come back often to my blog as I intend to highlight specific products and discuss operational threats, locally and globally: however, if I can leave you with one piece of advice - only buy products that use bullet resistant materials certified to the current National Institute of Justice (NIJ) level IIIa 0101.06 standard, rather than the old 0101.04 standard. Why accept anything else when your life depends on it?

- BG