Concealed body armor: types, protection classes. Kevlar body armor

Since the time the first weapons were produced, people began to face the question of personal protective equipment. Let's remember what was the very first - bearskins, armor and chain mail. Gradually, personal protective equipment began to improve; a bulletproof vest was invented that can protect against bladed weapons and firearms.

Let's take a closer look at what knife armor is, how it protects, and whether it can be pierced with a knife. All the most interesting and useful things can be found below.

Design

Most often, a concealed body armor vest has two layers of protection - Kevlar fabric running along the entire perimeter and a plate, which is necessary to stop a bullet from a machine gun or machine gun. It is important that it has an excellent ventilation and shock-absorbing system (externally represented by inserts in the form of permanent vertical stripes). The fabric from which the protection is made must be waterproof and heat-resistant.

Which body armor is better

Choosing the most reliable armored clothing depends on various factors. For this reason, it is impossible to offer a universal model. Some vests are lightweight, but only protect against a pistol; others can withstand a shot from a machine gun, but are heavier. Situations in which body armor may be required also differ in their eventuality and the weapon used. The VyborExperta.ru team recommends the following brands:

• Cuirass Universal SN Br2-1 – for private individuals and bodyguards;
• Torus-1 – choice of private security;
• Segment 4 – for police officers and cash collectors;
• Ratnik 6B45 – for special forces personnel.

All the special products presented in the review are worthy of the attention of individuals and professionals, but only the most reliable brands received the status of the best in their categories.

Criterias of choice

When choosing a concealed body armor, you need to consider the likely threat. It’s one thing if a person wants to protect himself from a neighbor with whom he has quarreled, and he has a hunting rifle. And it’s a completely different matter when you need to protect a businessman who has probable cause to fear competitors at work. Therefore, the main question that you need to ask yourself when choosing is why the protective clothing should protect. Depending on the spoken answer, the material, weight, thickness and other important parameters of the future design will be selected. Be sure to determine the characteristic data:

• required protection class;
• is a person ready to carry extra pounds;
• choose aramid fiber or need something denser.

Where can I buy

If you decide to purchase body armor against a knife, it is worth evaluating the range of specialized and online stores that focus on selling various protection elements. Most often, buyers are offered ready-made models, but some manufacturers are ready to carry out individual orders, which is also very popular.

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Peculiarities

A concealed body armor vest is considered very convenient protection and has the following parameters:

• does not require additional clothing for camouflage;
• it lacks various unloading elements (pockets, as well as the systems by which they are attached);
• no variety of safety belts;
• the color does not differ from ordinary everyday clothing;
• all fastenings do not protrude and are fastened on the back or sides;
• the body armor itself is very thin and is quite easily attracted to the body;
• should allow a person to perform at least the simplest actions;
• when sitting down at the table, it does not rise to the chin and does not stick out.

Voting for the best chainmail gloves

Which chainmail gloves would you choose or recommend?

Crewware MGA515L

33.33 % ( 2 )

Chainmail gloves for hand protection, Hard Steel (Germany)

0.00 % ( 0 )

Kitchen accessories Collini Five-fingered chain mail glove

0.00 % ( 0 )

Metal protective glove with strap L, XL

16.67 % ( 1 )

Diaklon chainmail gloves S, M, L

0.00 % ( 0 )

Protective glove Microplane

16.67 % ( 1 )

Cut Resistant Gloves

0.00 % ( 0 )

Spectra Crewware SG10-BL-M

16.67 % ( 1 )

Virtus gloves to protect hands when working with graters and knives

0.00 % ( 0 )

Cut protection gloves “CHAIN ​​MAIL” Bradex TD 0464

0.00 % ( 0 )

Protective glove for cutting vegetables Moha

16.67 % ( 1 )

Cut protection gloves Hornet XL

0.00 % ( 0 )

Body armor protection classes

There are different characteristics depending on what weapons the attacker can use.

1. “BR1” - will help protect against traumatic weapons. 2. “Br2” - can help protect oneself from a “TT” pistol, which means it will save lives in the popular version of an assassination attempt in a situation where the killer attacks the victim in the entrance and at the same time hits the torso several times, and then quickly disappears. 3. “Br3” - will help provide protection against a Yarygin pistol with an exposed steel core. There is also a possibility that you will not receive AK-74 and AKM bullets with a non-heat-strengthened steel core. Most often used for collection service employees. 4. "Br4". It will stop bullets from an AKM or AK-74 assault rifle, only with a heat-strengthened core. Such a weapon is used very rarely in Russia, but exceptions are still possible. 5. “Br5” is relevant if there is a possibility of a hit from a sniper rifle.

History of protective ammunition

The first armor naturally appeared along with weapons - it was the protection that allowed the warrior to protect himself from a fatal blow. The first models were made from available materials - leather, bronze.

Even an ordinary bear skin was quite suitable protection and could reduce the damage from a direct hit with a club or fully protect a warrior from tangential blows from a bronze weapon.

As metallurgy developed, protection made of copper and bronze appeared - such accessories were very expensive, and therefore not all fighters could afford them. Basically, only knights and military leaders could purchase expensive metal armor.

Ordinary warriors made do with a more affordable option of protection in the form of metal rings and plates sewn onto clothes - such armor was called brigantines; chain mail protection and mirror (chain mail with additional plates) were also in use.

In addition to providing protection, the armor had to provide the necessary mobility. Therefore, the protection kit included not only a cuirass, but also a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads.

The technology for making armor differed in different countries, and the names also differed, but in any case, all these options represent the prototype of modern body armor.

It is worth noting that metal armor is losing its relevance with the development of firearms. After all, a layer of metal that a person can withstand without loss of mobility does not protect against a cannon shell. Moreover, the maneuverability of troops was becoming increasingly important.

So heavy armor was gradually replaced by light armor, additionally reinforced with horsehair - this design made it possible to protect the user from a pistol bullet, as well as from a chopping saber strike.

Body armor against a concealed knife.

The lethal force of weapons largely exceeded the capabilities of protection until the early 70s of the twentieth century - new materials, in particular synthetic fibers (Kevlar, twaron and nylon) made it possible to create quite lightweight and at the same time reliable protection that can save human life not only from a knife and a pistol bullet, but also from a rifle.

Comfortable to wear

Lightweight body armor "Br1 and 2" fit well and reliably to the body and have a small thickness of up to 1 cm. Such armor hides perfectly under a T-shirt or a weightless shirt, so it can be worn at any time of the year, including when it’s hot. Models “Br4 and 5” are thicker and heavier and are more difficult to hide, which is why they are often worn under a coat, windbreaker or jacket. This kind of armor is not suitable for wearing to work in the office or going outside in hot weather. Of course, “Br5” is much more reliable than “Br2”, but it is not as comfortable and it is difficult to wear it every day. And there is another danger in this, since after several days of putting on such protection, a person will get tired and will be left without any concealed body armor at all.

Rating of the best models

A chainmail glove is a device that protects your hands from cuts from a kitchen knife.
Our rating presents the best products that are characterized by increased durability and ease of use. Each model has optimal characteristics and positive user reviews.

The best budget products

This section includes models costing up to 1000 rubles.

No. 7. Hand protection glove, gray Security

A high quality product that provides reliable protection for your hands from cuts and scratches when chopping food with a grater or knife. It fits well on the hand, does not cause discomfort, and does not hinder movement. It is characterized by wear resistance and a long service life.

Characteristics:

• color – gray;
• material – polyethylene, spandex, nylon, fiberglass;
• complete set – 1 pc.

pros

• reliable protection;
• high quality;
• comfort of wearing;
• does not hinder movements, does not deprive fingers of sensitivity;
• wear resistance;
• long service life;
• low cost.

Minuses

• only one piece included;
• lack of resistance to high temperatures;
• Can only be washed by hand at temperatures up to 30 degrees.

No. 6. Cut protection gloves Hornet XL

A high-quality model made of dense material that protects the hand from mechanical influences. The product is equipped with an elastic band that fits tightly to the wrist, preventing the glove from falling off. The model can be used at home, during gardening work, at a construction site, in production, etc.

Characteristics:

• color – gray;
• material – spandex, PVP, nylon, fiberglass;
• complete set – 1 pair;
• weight – 65 g.

pros

• Ease of use;
• do not interfere with air circulation;
• do not hinder movements;
• long operational period;
• high-quality protection of hands from mechanical influences;
• wear resistance;
• low cost.

Minuses

• cannot be used in damp, oily environments;
• difficulty of care.

No. 5. Protective glove for cutting vegetables Moha

The model is intended for use not only for cleaning and cutting vegetables, but also for cutting meat, fish, and other products. Suitable for wearing on any hand. It is easy to use. Does not limit movements, preserves sensitivity of fingers.

Characteristics:

• color – gray;
• size – M/L;
• material – synthetic thermal fiber;
• complete set – 1 piece;
• size – 23x9.5 cm.

pros

• does not cause discomfort when wearing;
• does not limit movements;
• reliable protection;
• high-quality fabric, resistant to cutting;
• long service life.

Minuses

• lack of thermal protection, so you cannot touch hot surfaces with a glove;
• special care conditions are required.

No. 4. Cut protection gloves “CHAIN ​​MAIL” Bradex TD 0464

A model designed for safe use when working with sharp products - a knife, grater, etc. Made of high quality material, characterized by increased strength, resistance to cuts and tears. The product does not reduce the sensitivity of the fingers and does not hinder movements. Suitable for any brush size.

Characteristics:

• color – white, blue;
• palm girth – 20-32 cm;
• length – 21-28 cm;
• material – UHMWPE;
• complete set – 1 pair.

pros

• high quality durable material;
• reliable hand protection;
• long period of operation;
• can be used for palms of different sizes;
• low price;
• does not hinder movements.

Minuses

• wear out quickly.

No. 3. Virtus gloves to protect hands when working with graters and knives

High quality budget product. Provides your hand with reliable protection from cuts. It does not hinder movement, which indicates the ease of use. Does not deprive fingers of sensitivity. Can be worn on any hand. It is characterized by wear resistance and a long service life.

Characteristics:

• color – blue;
• size – M/L, S/M;
• material – textile;
• complete set – 1 pc.

pros

• low cost;
• can be worn on any hand;
• provides reliable protection against cuts;
• ease of care;
• wear resistance;
• long service life;
• ease of use.

Minuses

• small size

No. 2. Spectra Crewware SG10-BL-M

A product made of durable, wear-resistant material. Provides reliable protection of hands during cooking from mechanical influences. At the same time, the model does not limit movements and allows you to perform all relevant processes as if without gloves. It is comfortable to wear. Does not cause irritation to the epidermis, allows air to circulate.

Characteristics:

• blue color;
• size – M;
• material – high-tech Spectra thread;
• complete set – 1 piece;
• weight – 17 g.

pros

• elasticity;
• high-quality durable material, resistant to cutting;
• ease of use;
• compliance with current regulations;
• can be worn on any hand;
• wide scope of use;
• does not hinder movements.

Minuses

• only 1 piece included.

No. 1. Cut Resistant Gloves

Reliable quality model. Protects hands from mechanical influences during cooking, gardening, etc. It is made of polyester thread, which is superior in strength to metal thread. At the same time, the product is soft to the touch, comfortable to wear, and does not irritate the epidermis.

Characteristics:

• color – gray;
• size – universal;
• country of origin – China;
• weight – 100 g;
• complete set – 1 pair.

pros

• suitable for any size of palms;
• provide reliable protection against mechanical influences;
• do not cause irritation to the epidermis;
• durable but soft fabric;
• allow air to circulate;
• do not hinder movements;
• ease of care;
• low price;
• long service life;
• wear resistance.

Minuses

The best mid-price models

The best products are selected here, costing from 1,000 to 3,000 rubles.

No. 3. Protective glove Microplane

A model with a universal size that can be worn on any hand. Provides reliable protection against mechanical influences. It is easy to use and easy to maintain. Can be washed in warm water.

Characteristics:

• color – gray;
• size – universal;
• material – synthetic fiber;
• complete set – 1 pc.

pros

• ease of care;
• ease of use;
• reliable hand protection;
• wear resistance;
• does not limit movements;
• does not reduce finger sensitivity;
• durability.

Minuses

• only one piece included;
• overpriced.

No. 2. Diaklon chainmail gloves S, M, L

Products intended for professional use by surgeons. Provide reliable protection of hands from cuts and scratches during relevant manipulations. They are sterile, which allows them to be used in operating rooms. Meets hygiene requirements and other standards.

Characteristics:

• White color;
• purpose – surgical;
• strength – increased;
• sterility - yes;
• powder - no;
• complete set – 1 pair.

pros

• high quality;
• protection of hands from cuts;
• sterility;
• wear resistance;
• affordable price;
• Ease of use;
• do not reduce the sensitivity of the fingers;
• do not hinder movements;
• increased strength.

Minuses

• They only protect against cuts, not punctures.

No. 1. Metal protective glove with strap L, XL

A highly durable product designed to protect hands from injury when using a grater or knife. Recommended for use at home, in professional kitchens, and in production. It is distinguished by reliability, wear resistance, durability. Sold together with a polyester glove for ease of wearing.

Characteristics:

• color – gray;
• material – stainless steel;
• Contents: 1 metal glove, 1 polyester glove.

pros

• high strength material;
• copes well with its function;
• long operational period;
• wide scope of use;
• wear resistance;
• can be worn on any hand.

Minuses

• hinders movement.

The best premium models

The best products are selected here, costing from 4,000 rubles.

No. 3. Kitchen accessories Collini Five-fingered chain mail glove

A model that is suitable for use not only at home, but also in catering establishments and in production. Provides protection for hands from cuts, scratches and other mechanical damage. Withstands increased loads. It is wear-resistant and has a long service life.

Characteristics:

• color – gray;
• material – stainless steel;
• complete set – 1 pc.

pros

• increased strength;
• abrasion resistance;
• durability;
• reliable protection against cuts and scratches;
• wide scope of use.

Minuses

• one piece included;
• Suitable for right-handed people only;
• high price.

No. 2. Chainmail gloves for hand protection, Hard Steel (Germany)

High quality product made in Germany. Reliably protects hands from cuts and other mechanical damage. The material is characterized by increased strength and wear resistance. The model lasts for a long period. Suitable for use in both home and professional kitchens, as well as in production.

Characteristics:

• color – gray;
• material – stainless steel;
• complete set – 1 pc.

pros

• durable material;
• reliable protection;
• wear resistance;
• durability;
• wide scope of use.

Minuses

• one piece included;
• inconvenience of use.

No. 1. Crewware MGA515L

Model for professional use. Recommended for use where great effort is required to cut meat, fish, and other food products. Place it on the hand that does not have a cutting tool. The product provides reliable protection against scratches, cuts, etc. A comfortable strap ensures a secure fit of the model on your hand.

Characteristics:

• material – stainless steel;
• color – silver;
• size – L;
• weight – 0.14 g;
• complete set – 1 pc.

pros

• high quality;
• increased material strength;
• wear resistance;
• can be washed in water with detergent and machine washable;
• comfortable adjustable antibacterial strap;
• reliable protection against cuts.

Minuses

• one piece included;
• high price.

Who are they suitable for?

Most often, such a device is used by those who do not want anyone to know that they have such a design. There can be many reasons for this. Among them is often a reluctance to disturb family and friends, as well as to demonstrate a Kevlar bulletproof vest to colleagues and business partners. But the main goal is still the same; the attacker should not know that his victim is wearing armor. In this case, he will almost certainly choose to inflict several wounds to the torso. If the attacker knows about the protection, he will definitely try to hit the head.

Class "Br1" and "Br2" are easy to hide under a shirt. Most often, such protection is used by bodyguards, businessmen, and those who are interested in transporting expensive goods. Much less often, but still they are bought by private individuals to calm their own fears. It is widespread to provide them to people undergoing witness protection programs.

Requirements for the latest body armor

1. Such clothing should be firmly adjusted to the figure of a particular person, and also not hamper his movement.
2. The design must have a ventilation system, external and internal pockets in order to carry weapons and other necessary things.
3. The design must be resistant to atmospheric phenomena and their changes.
4. The materials from which the best concealed body armor is made must undergo preliminary testing for reliability and other parameters.
5. Such designs come only with markings indicating the class, trademark, batch number, size, and release date of the clothing.

Kevlar body armor

Kevlar is a commercial aramid filament developed by DuPont. It is much stronger than steel at the same weight, which allows it to be used in soft elements of armor protection. At the moment, most companies are producing their own aramid materials, and the word “Kevlar” has become generally accepted for all known aromatic polyamides.

Thanks to the soft thread, such designs are best suited for concealed carry. Unfortunately, the maximum protection class available to this material is first and second, it helps protect against pistol bullets. For better protection and higher level, such body armor is equipped with special plates, which in turn slightly unmasks the design.

Review

1. “Bodyguard-A” is a well-known Russian body armor that has first-class protection; it has plates in the set, so if there is a need, you can purchase second-class protection. It hides well under thin clothing. Using a belt, you can adjust the product in the shoulder area. Similar fastenings are also present on the sides, thanks to which the armor can be tightened at the waist.
2. The Cossack 4M S-01 body armor is considered excellent protection against light knife strikes. It is also the most basic option for simple protection. A distinctive feature is comfort. This product does not show through under clothing, so you can easily wear it all day long, since it weighs only a few kilograms. It consists of a special mesh on which first-class armor packages made from Tvaron fabric are attached.
3. “Comfort 1U-1U Bochka” is a high-quality body armor for concealed carry against a knife. This model has excellent side protection. There are fabric armored packages over the entire surface. The product is listed as first class protection. The weight is literally 2.3 kg. This design is liked by many consumers for its ease of wearing and excellent ergonomics. Another feature is the fairly large covered area of ​​protection on the sides, right up to the armpits, so the risk of injury to the side is reduced to zero. You can also get a second class of body armor protection; for this you need to install additional armor packages on the product.
4. Another excellent option from a similar series is “Comfort 1M-1M UNI”. It can also be worn under fairly thin clothing. It even has its own brand name - “invisible”. The storage area is very large, and it literally weighs 1.5 kg. It belongs to the first class of protection, but through the use of aluminum plates, this figure can be increased.
5. An excellent foreign option is the Greek ELMON Hybrid IIIA body armor, which is also intended for concealed wear. This composition is considered a hybrid, as it is made from 3 different fabrics. The weight is literally 1.6–1.8 kg, but it, in turn, already belongs to the third class of protection. It is very easy to wear for a long time, since it has a layer of air between the body and the surface of the product.

Metal alloys and ceramics

If we compare protective equipment based on modern alloys and modifications that use traditional steel plates, they differ significantly in weight and functionality:

• Models made of aluminum - this material is lightweight, can be welded without problems and is strong enough to protect the wearer from being hit by a blade, shrapnel and bullet wounds;
• Titanium alloy is characterized by excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance;
• Ceramic armor - made from composite ceramic elements;
• Composite armor made of laminated plastic or a combination of viscous, elastic and highly hard material, for example, steel / aluminum + ceramics / quartz glass / corundum, etc.;
• Combined - multi-layer option.

Aluminum body armor.
The protective properties of armor are determined by the properties of the materials and technologies used. In any case, it must protect its owner from blows from sharp objects and shots.

The requirements for sapper body armor are much higher - they must be highly impact resistant. At the same time, the thickness and weight of such models are small, which makes it possible not to limit the user’s movement.

Such properties are possible through the use of hydrophobized Kevlar and a special gel substance with nanoparticles - this combination allows you to increase the durability of the material several times.

Fakes

There are many cases where, as excellent protection, instead of body armor, products were sold to customers that do not have any degree of savings. In order not to get caught in such a tricky situation, you need to carefully consider the choice of brand, and also require all certificates of quality compliance. It is recommended to ask for shot samples and test reports for inspection. Excessive whimsicality and meticulousness should not embarrass anyone in this case, since one is buying something that is necessary to save the life of someone who will be wearing it in a difficult situation.

Myths

There are stories related to body armor, but should they all be believed one hundred percent?

If the bullet does not penetrate the product, then no physical harm is caused to the human body. This is not true, because part of the kinetic energy is still transferred to the fighter’s body. As a result, the soldier receives minor hematomas or abrasions, or severe injuries, which include organ ruptures and bone fractures. Sometimes such damage can even be fatal. The injury that will occur depends entirely on the bullet and its caliber, as well as various other characteristics.

You need to check the quality of the body armor on yourself. Doing this is strictly prohibited. There are many recorded cases where the product perfectly contained a bullet, but did not save from severe concussion injuries.