Ballistic shields are used for protection in situations requiring heavy weaponry. They prevent bullets and other projectiles from hitting the wearer or carrier when they are thrown at them. It is also used to protect against less grave threats such as thrown objects, especially in a situation where riot shields would not be adequate. Saddled with this kind of responsibility, a ballistic shield is usually designed with certain features which help in giving utmost protection to its user. Some of these features are:
- A ballistic shield consists of a panel, sheet of advanced plastics polymers that is composed of many layers of either Kevlar or Spectra Shield. The panel provides protection but not so much comfort. It is placed inside of a fabric shell that is usually made from a polyester/cotton blend or nylon. A ballistic shield may also have nylon padding for extra protection.
- For ballistic shields that are meant to be worn in dangerous situations, built-in pouches are provided to hold plates made from metal or ceramic. These shields can also protect you from car accidents or stabbing.
- Different devices are used to strap the shield on. Sometimes the sides are connected with elastic webbing. Ballistic shields or shields are secured with straps of either cloth or elastic, with metallic buckles. Some bulletproof shields are custom-made to meet the customer’s specific needs or size. On the other hand, most shields meet standard protection regulations and standard clothing industry sizes.
- Ballistic shields undergo many tests similar to that of normal clothing. However, bulletproof shields, unlike regular clothing, must undergo strong and extreme protection testing as required by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). Some ballistic shields protect against lead bullets at low velocity, and some protect against full metal bullets at high velocity. Shields are classified numerically from the lowest to highest protection: I, II-A, II, III-A, III, IV, thereafter, the shields that were custom made. Each of these classifications specifies which type of bullet at what velocity will not penetrate the shield.
- The size label on a shield or shield is also very important. It includes size, model, style, and care instructions like other regular clothing. Other information like a serial number and a note indicating it meets NIJ approval standards. The shield also carries the protection rating, lot number, date of issue, an indication of which of the sides should face out.
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