Bulletproof vests or jackets, far from being simple equipment, are a marvel of technology that ensures the safety of many professionals and civilians in the face of ballistic threats. At VEST PARIS, we partner with leading manufacturers of bulletproof vests to integrate this protection into jackets with a timeless design, embodying excellence and innovation.
But how do these bulletproof vests and jackets manage to neutralize the force of a bullet? The answer lies in advanced engineering and advanced materials.
The fundamental principle of ballistic protection : disperse the energy of the projectile
The main role of a bulletproof vest or jacket is not to rigidly block the bullet, but to disperse its kinetic energy over as wide an area as possible. A bullet, even a small caliber, concentrates a colossal amount of energy on a tiny spot. Without dissipation, this energy would cause a devastating perforation.
Our Furtiv bulletproof jackets, for example, are designed to transform this concentrated energy into a distributed force. Imagine the impact of a drop of water on a surface: if the surface is hard and small, the drop crashes into a point; if it is absorbent and large, the energy is dissipated. A vest and an approved bulletproof vest act in a similar way, absorbing and distributing the impact, which drastically reduces the pressure on a single point and prevents penetration. It's the secret to advanced ballistic protection.
Revolutionary materials for a high-performance bulletproof vest
The secret of bulletproof vests and jackets lies in the use of high-performance composite materials, the result of decades of research. VEST PARIS for example uses advanced technologies to guarantee the best body protection.
Aramid fibers: the excellence of kevlar
Kevlar, a name inseparable from ballistic protection, is a synthetic aramid fiber known for its exceptional tensile strength. It is up to five times stronger than steel at the same weight.
When a bullet hits a Furtiv by VEST PARIS vest or bulletproof jackets that incorporates Kevlar:
- The first layers absorb the initial shock, deforming the projectile and slowing it down.
- The energy is then transmitted to the underlying layers.
- Kevlar fibers stretch and deform, creating a dense mesh that “catches” the ball. The kinetic energy is transformed into deformation and heat energy and then dissipated through all the fibers.
- The ball is thus stopped before penetrating, its force being distributed over a large area.
Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers: the Dyneema And the Spectra
Lighter and often even more efficient than aramid, materials such as Dyneema and Spectra are UHMWPE fibers. They are at the heart of lightweight and discreet bulletproof vests and jackets, ideal for the civilian environment or operations requiring high mobility.
Furtiv by VEST PARIS bulletproof jackets using these fibers are often composed of unidirectional (UD) layers where the fibers are aligned. Upon impact:
- The long molecular chains of UHMWPE stretch, absorbing a considerable amount of energy.
- The UD structure allows optimal distribution of energy along the fibers, while the crossed layers reinforce the integrity of the ballistic protection.
Rigid plates for a Level III and IV protection
To counter higher caliber threats, such as rifle fire (Level III and IV protection threats according to the NIJ standard), bulletproof vests or jackets incorporate rigid ballistic plates. These plates are inserted into specific pockets, offering superior ballistic protection.
The materials commonly used are:
- Ceramic: Extremely hard material that fragments the projectile upon impact, dissipating much of its energy.
- Advanced composites: Often a combination of ceramic and dense layers of UHMWPE, they capture bullet fragments and absorb residual energy, minimizing trauma.
Blunt trauma and comfort, commitment VEST PARIS
Even if a bullet doesn't penetrate the bulletproof jacket, some of its energy is transmitted to the body, causing what's called blunt trauma or back deformation. This can lead to bruising or, in severe cases, internal injuries.
To minimize this risk, VEST PARIS Furtiv bulletproof jackets incorporate specific layers or “trauma pads” that absorb and disperse residual energy. VEST PARIS' commitment goes beyond simple protection: we prioritize comfort and ergonomics. Our lightweight bulletproof jackets are designed to be worn discreetly on a daily basis like a classic jacket and without discomfort, ensuring essential freedom of movement.
Les NIJ standards, the reference in terms of ballistic protection
The protective capacity of a bulletproof vest or jacket is standardized by organizations such as the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). This classification guarantees users, whether professional or civilian, to choose the ballistic protection adapted to their needs. VEST PARIS ensures that all of its bulletproof jackets meet or exceed these NIJ standards.
Common levels of protection include:
- NIJ Level IIIA: The standard for soft bulletproof jackets, stopping large-caliber pistol and submachine gun ammunition. This is the most sought-after level for a civilian bulletproof vest or jackets.
- NIJ Level III and IV: Requiring rigid plates, these levels protect against rifle fire, including armor-piercing bullets for Level IV. These levels are only accessible by professionals and under certain conditions.
Beyond the bullets, the anti-knife protection and anti-slices
Some bulletproof vests or jackets also offer anti-knife and anti-slice protection. This is the case with jackets from the Furtiv by VEST PARIS collection.
Unlike bullets, bladed weapons act by punching or cutting. To deal with this, bulletproof vests and jackets incorporate specific materials, such as metallic meshes or high-performance, puncture-resistant fabrics. A purely ballistic bulletproof vest or vest is not enough for this threat; dedicated knife protection is essential.
Maintenance and durability, guarantee the effectiveness of your bulletproof vest
The longevity of your equipment is essential. The typical lifespan of a vest or a soft bulletproof vest or jacket is 5 years on average. 7 years at VEST PARIS. Factors such as UV exposure, humidity, and poor handling can alter fiber integrity.
To maintain the effectiveness of your VEST PARIS ballistic protection:
- Store your bulletproof vest flat or suspended, away from heat and humidity.
- Inspect ballistic panels regularly.
- Respect the expiration date to ensure optimal protection.
VEST PARIS : French expertise and design at the service of your safety
At VEST PARIS, we are proud to design and manufacture level IIIA and IIIA+ bulletproof jackets at the cutting edge of technology. If you are looking for a discreet civilian bulletproof jacket for daily personal use or certified ballistic protection for high threats, our Furtiv products meet the most stringent requirements.
Our commitment is to provide you with reliable, comfortable, effective and stylish body protection. We focus on innovation, quality materials (like Kevlar and Dyneema), and compliance with NIJ standards to ensure unparalleled peace of mind.
