Body Armour Grid


Ballistic Vest Quick Reference Guide - NIJ Threat level II
Determining the differences between ballistic vests can be a daunting situation when comparing specifications among several manufacturers. We have designed this guide to help you gauge construction features and ballistics and their impact on the final cost of various vests. While all of the vests listed below are certified NIJ Threat Level II they do represent different capabilities within that level.

NIJ Threat Level	Test Bullet	Bullet Weight	Bullet Velocity	Notes
Level I	.22 Caliver - LRN .380 ACP - FMJ RN	40gr. / 2.6g 95gr. /62.g	1080 fps - 329 m/s 1055 fps - 322 m/s	Not commonly used by Law Enforcement
Level IIA	9mm - FMJ RN .40 Caliber S&W - FMJ	124gr. / 8.0g 180gr. / 11.7g	1120 fps - 341 m/s 1055 fps - 322 m/s	Low threat level
Level II	9mm - FMJ RN .357 Magnum - JSP	124gr. / 8.0g 158gr. / 10.2g	1205 fps - 367 m/s 1430 fps - 436 m/s	Most common concealable level
Level IIIA	9mm - FMJ RN .44 Magnum - SJHP	124gr. / 8.0g 240gr. / 15.6g	1430 fps - 436 m/s 1430 fps - 436 m/s	Highest concealable level
Level III	7.62mm NATO - FMJ .308 Caliber	148gr. / 10.8g 148gr. / 10.8g	2780 fps - 847 m/s 2780 fps - 847 m/s	Hard armour plates Tactical vests only
Level IV	30-06 M2 AP .308 Cal Armor Piercing	166gr. / 10.8g 166gr. / 10.8g	2780 fps - 878 m/s 2780 fps - 878 m/s	Hard armour plates Tactical vests only