Armor 101:
Find Your Protection
Everything you need to select the right ballistic protection for your role — from NIJ levels and armor types to fit, sizing, agency procurement, and purchase eligibility.
Your Complete Body Armor Buying Guide
Choosing the right body armor starts with understanding NIJ ballistic standards, armor types, and fit. Specifically, this guide covers everything law enforcement officers, security professionals, and responsible civilians need to make a confident, informed decision. Browse by role or topic below, or continue reading for a full overview of the selection process.
What NIJ Level Do You Need?
NIJ protection levels determine which ballistic threats your armor is rated to stop. The table below shows both the current 0101.06 nomenclature and the new 0101.07 designations side by side. As a result, you can evaluate armor under either standard with confidence.
| NIJ Level (0101.06) | NIJ Level (0101.07) | Threats Defeated | Armor Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level II | HG1 | 9mm FMJ, .357 Magnum | Soft armor | Detectives, administrative roles, low-profile assignments |
| Level IIIA Most Common | HG2 | .357 SIG, .44 Magnum, 9mm +P+ | Soft armor | Patrol officers, plainclothes, security, executive protection |
| Level III | RF1 | 7.62mm FMJ NATO, 5.56 M193, 7.62×39 MSC | Hard plate | Rifle threat supplement, active shooter response |
| No equivalent | RF2 New | All RF1 threats + 5.56 M855 Green Tip | Hard plate | M855 threat environments, enhanced patrol rifle protection |
| Level IV | RF3 | .30-06 M2 AP (armor-piercing) | Hard plate | SWAT / SRT, high-threat, mil-supplement operations |
For a full breakdown of NIJ 0101.07 changes, see our NIJ 0101.07 standards guide → | For soft armor specs, see the soft armor comparison → | For hard plate specs, see the hard armor plate comparison →
Four Steps to the Right Armor
Soft Armor vs. Hard Armor Plates
Soft armor is constructed from flexible ballistic fibers — typically Dyneema or Kevlar — and is rated for handgun threats up to NIJ Level IIIA / HG2. Because it’s flexible, it fits closely to the body — making it the right choice for daily concealed wear or external patrol carriers where comfort over a long shift is essential.
Hard armor plates, in contrast, are rigid panels made from ceramic, polyethylene, or a combination of both. They provide rifle-rated protection at NIJ Level III / RF1, Level III+ / RF2, or Level IV / RF3. As a result, they are worn in plate carriers rather than concealable vests and add meaningful weight compared to soft armor panels.
Why Fit Determines Whether Armor Protects You
Research consistently shows that compliance — whether officers actually wear their armor — is the single biggest predictor of whether it protects them. Specifically, armor that is too heavy, too hot, or too uncomfortable gets skipped. Therefore, fit and wearability are not secondary considerations in the body armor buying process. They are central to the protection the armor provides.
Our specialists are available by phone and email to guide you through sizing for every product in our catalog. Moreover, for department orders, we coordinate sizing across multiple officers to ensure consistent fit before bulk shipments go out.
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Trusted by Law Enforcement
Across the Country
From individual officers to full department contracts, Armor Exchange has been outfitting law enforcement and security professionals for over a decade. Furthermore, every order benefits from the same specialist-guided process regardless of order size.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are the questions our specialists answer most often. If yours isn’t listed, call or email — we’re happy to help at no charge.
Talk to a specialist.
Body armor is restricted in some jurisdictions. It is the buyer’s sole responsibility to verify eligibility prior to purchase. Federal law prohibits purchase or possession by convicted felons (18 U.S.C. § 931). See our full eligibility guide.
