Companies to Watch was developed by the Edward Lowe Foundation as a unique way to recognize and honor second-stage companies that demonstrate high performance in the marketplace with innovative strategies and processes. In addition to evaluating past growth and projected success, applicant companies are judged according to their special strengths and impact in their markets, communities, and within the state – thus deeming them worth watching.
82 finalists were announced earlier this year, and the 50 honorees were selected after a final round of judging by a panel of independent judges comprised of past honorees, economic development leaders and corporate partners of GrowFL. Companies were judged on several criteria including growth in number of employees; impact of the business in the job market; increase in sales and/or unit volume; current and past financial reports; innovativeness of the product or service; response to adversity; and contributions to aid community-oriented projects.
“This group of Honorees represents 20 counties, 20 different industries and almost 50% of them are women, veteran or minority-owned. They have demonstrated notable growth and have the courage and tenacity it takes to be a successful entrepreneur. Despite the challenges thrown their way and pivoting through a pandemic, these companies embody the unshakeable resiliency of Florida’s entrepreneurs,” said Lisa McIntosh, GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Chair and founder of C-E-Optimal Advisors.
“Year after year, these outstanding companies continue to impress me. These are the CEOs, managers, and team members who are making the biggest impact on our state’s economy,” said Russell Slappey, CEO of Nperspective CFO & Strategic Services and event title sponsor. “They deserve to be celebrated now and into the future as they continue to grow, continue to innovate and continue to be a company we all should watch.”
To qualify for the award, companies must be headquartered in Florida and have between 6 and 150 and revenue between $750,000 and $100 million in 2020. Even through the pandemic, these companies projected continued growth in 2021, with a 62% revenue increase and 49% growth in employees compared to 2020. If their projections hold, these companies will have generated $1.7 billion in revenue and added more than 1,500 employees over the last five years — a 263% increase in revenue and a 206% increase in jobs since 2017.
]]>In a Presidential Address to Congress on April 27, President Biden presented what he has accomplished in his first 100 days in office, as well as what direction he wants to take the nation going forward. Here we’ll recap the important points in his proposals for gun control reform.
Biden Addresses “An Epidemic In This Country”
A focus of the President’s address was his emphasis on what he calls “sensible gun control laws,” stating that “gun violence has become an epidemic in this country”. Biden is pushing for Congress to pass legislation to close loopholes in background checks as well as ban high-capacity magazines. On the latter he said that most hunters will tell you that you don’t need high capacity magazines, saying “You think deer are wearing kevlar vests?”.
DOJ Proposes New Rule on “Ghost Guns”
The Justice Department on Friday, May 7 released a proposed rule that would broaden the definition of a firearm and put new restrictions on so-called “ghost guns”, which are kits that allow buyers to assemble firearms without a serial number. It would force manufacturers to include a serial number on a firearm’s “frame or receiver” in easy-to-build kits. These serial numbers help the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives trace guns used in crimes.
Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement announcing the proposed rule, “Criminals and others barred from owning a gun should not be able to exploit a loophole to evade background checks and to escape detection by law enforcement. This proposed rule would help keep guns out of the wrong hands and make it easier for law enforcement to trace guns used to commit violent crimes, while protecting the rights of law-abiding Americans.”
The NRA Continues to Express Opposition
Biden promised a crackdown on “ghost guns” in April when he announced a series of executive actions to curb gun violence. While gun-control groups were pleased, the country’s largest pro-gun group, the National Rifle Assosiation, signaled its opposition.
The President has said that he doesn’t oppose the 2nd Amendment, but recent social media posts from the NRA suggest that they believe otherwise. “When the President of the United States says you don’t need guns and ammo… YOU NEED GUNS AND AMMO. #PresidentialAddress,” reads a tweet from the NRA on April 28.
Did Biden Really Say “You Don’t Need Guns and Ammo”?
While Biden didn’t directly make any general claim that Americans don’t need guns or ammunition, he did call for a ban on assault weapons and high capacity magazines and to expand background checks for gun buyers. “We need a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. Don’t tell me it can’t be done,” Biden said, according to a Rev.com transcript. “We did it before, and it worked.”
When Will This Proposed Law Go Into Effect?
The proposed rule still must go through a lengthy public comment process before it is finalized. Biden has made it clear that gun control reform is a priority for his Cabinet and has been moving swiftly on this. For now, they remain proposals. We will continue to keep you updated as the situation develops.
]]>Incident in New York
After a domestic dispute went south in Brooklyn, officers responded to a call of shots fired in a second story apartment. The assailant, who was suffering from a mental breakdown, shot one officer in the chest and grazed another as they approached the scene from the hallway. Luckily the officer’s ballistic package performed admirably, barely feeling the impact, he was able to apprehend the shooter. Thankfully both officers were able to walk away from the situation without sustaining any major injuries.
Incident in Sacramento
Another altercation took place this time in the Golden State’s capitol. Officers were on patrol after a report of shots being fired somewhere around the 5900 block of Tangerine Ave. An officer who was in his squad car was approached by a man who immediately fired a shot striking the officer in the abdomen. After quickly realizing his vest had done it’s job, the officer sprang into action firing a wounding shot that subdued the gunman. Fortunately his life was saved because he was equipped with a quality ballistic package.
Importance of Armor
While both situations are unique, the bottom line is that two heroes are still alive thanks to reliable armor. Outfitting yourself with high quality American Made body armor can save your life!
Are you an officer or security guard in need of ballistic protection? Contact us today and we’ll find the best armor option for you!
]]>The Incident
On March 10th 31 y/o Marine Veteran Yoseph Almonte was tragically shot and killed by Reggie Tagget, a disgruntled employee of Wynn Las Vegas, who subsequently shot himself. While the motive remains unclear, what is clear is that Wynn Las Vegas has seen first hand the consequences of unarmored security personnel.
A Call For Action
The widow of the deceased security guard, Marjorie Almonte, has stated that she feels ballistic protection could have saved her husbands life. Further stating that her husband had been seeking employer supplied body armor for more than three years. Mrs Almonte went on to say “The Wynn had neglected them because they say it did not look good for guests” and that they felt the hotel guests and casino patrons would be “intimidated” by armored personnel.
Constant Vigilance
This was an isolated incident but events like the 2017 Mandalay Bay massacre increase the need for armored security. Thankfully Wynn Las Vegas has made the decision to invest in the safety of their employees and clientele by providing ballistic protection to their security staff.
Do you work in a profession that warrants the use of Body Armor? If so, please contact us today to find out what Body Armor Direct can do for you and the safety of your work environment.
Whether you’re a police officer, active military, security personnel or in any other high risk profession that requires the use of body armor, we have the armor options to suit your needs. Let’s take a look at some of our most popular protective options to help you decide which armor is the best choice for you.
Express T-Shirt
The Express T-Shirt provides concealed ballistic protection and boasts a superior fit to maximize user effectivity and inconspicuous coverage. Its sleek design easily conforms to the contours of the body and under your clothes to keep you safe without drawing attention. This sophisticated concealable armor option is popular with personal protection specialists and other high end security who need ballistic protection while retaining the upmost discretion.
Victory Plate Carrier
The Victory Plate Carrier is a lightweight, comfort forward, and cost effective carrier option. This ultra versatile carrier combines a streamlined tactical design with user functionality to provide maximum protection and comfort. It features an easily accessible “kangaroo” pouch on the front of the carrier perfect for holding magazines or anything else for increased effectivity in the field. This is a great option for someone who wants to stay comfortable while utilizing hard armor plate protection.
Patriot Tactical
The Patriot Tactical Multi-Threat Vest is a MOLLE compatible, side closure ballistic vest that can utilize both Soft Armor Inserts and Hard Armor Plates. This completely adjustable vest is constructed with the ultra rugged 1000 Denier material for increased durability. Wrap around side coverage keeps you covered with out obstructing your mobility. The Patriot Tactical Vest is a great choice for an individual who wants to optimize their ballistic coverage depending on the level of risk in any given situation.
Advanced Plate Carrier with Cummerbund
The Advanced Plate Carrier with Cummerbund is our state of the art plate oriented armor. Fully adjustable “one size fits all” configuration, rugged durability, and extended side coverage make this vest ideal for homeland security officers, military contractors, or personal protection specialists. The exterior is MOLLE compatible and the cummerbund gives you the option to utilize more hard plates for increased side protection. Ideal for high threat situations the Advanced Plate Carrier with Cummerbund puts defense first while maintaining high function.
Your Choice
Settling on the right armor isn’t an easy decision to make. Hopefully after reading this you’re feeling more aware of the different armor options available to you. If you have any additional questions don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
]]>In today’s world it’s more important than ever for the average civilian to be protected. We are seeing an increased amount of people implementing body armor options for personal use. With more civilians purchasing body armor products to ensure their safety and the safety of those around them it’s important to know the in’s and out’s of basic ballistic protection. Let’s look at some top armor options for civilians.
Tactical Backpack
The Tactical Backpack is a great first line of defense. With the appearance of a humble book bag this option easily goes unnoticed. Containing a removable insert that’s capable of stopping all common hand gun rounds, this back pack is an inconspicuous armor option that can be utilized in an unexpectedly hostile environment.
VIP Concealable T-Shirt
The VIP Concealable Multi-Threat Vest is ideal for any individual who wants to be covert, comfortable and well protected from all handgun rounds. Providing covert ballistic protection and maximum user comfort it’s one of the most progressive concealable armor options on the market. With it’s super lightweight design and stretch compression material construction this ultra versatile “vest” a great option for anyone looking for dependable everyday gear.
All Star Tactical
The All Star Tactical Multi Threat Vest is a great option if you’re looking for something more pronounced. The Soft Armor Inserts provide wrap around ballistic protection while front and back pockets are capable of holding hard armor plates for increased ballistic coverage. It’s MOLLE compatible exterior will hold any pouches or patches you may have. Whether it’s a day on the range or out in the field this vest will provide the protection you need!
Active Shooter Kit
The Active Shooter Defense Kit is an armor plate carrier best kept in your home or office. This option optimizes the use of Hard Armor Rifle Plates to provide protection when you run, fight or hide in an active shooter situation. While the VIP T-Shirt and the All Star Tactical Vest are optimal armor choices for every day use this carrier is a great option to store in a frequented area to keep yourself and those closest to you safe in an unthinkable situation.
The More You Know
Now that you’re aware of some different armor options will you make the decision to invest in your safety? Contact us today if you have any questions about the right body armor for you!
]]>If you own or wear body armor regularly, it’s important to know the legalities and restrictions of traveling with your gear. While some airlines and countries have different policies, traveling with body armor isn’t as difficult or expensive as some may think as long as you’re prepared. Here we’ll offer some helpful tips to make your travel experience go as safely and smoothly as possible with your body armor.
]]>If you own or wear body armor regularly, it’s important to know the legalities and restrictions of traveling with your gear. While some airlines and countries have different policies, traveling with body armor isn’t as difficult or expensive as some may think as long as you’re prepared. Here we’ll offer some helpful tips to make your travel experience go as safely and smoothly as possible with your body armor.
Flying with Your Gear
On their website, the United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) states that body armor is generally allowed in your personal carry-on and checked bags. However, the TSA officers have the final say on whether certain specific items can pass through their checkpoints. In the case that an officer does not allow your specific body armor on the plane, allot yourself enough time to return to your vehicle to avoid the risk of confiscation or missing your departure. In general it is a good rule of thumb to arrive early to the airport if you are traveling with body armor as there is always the possibility of more extensive searches and questioning by airport security to make sure you are not a safety concern.
Domestic travel is pretty straightforward. It’s is legal to own Body Armor in all 50 states so traveling over state lines doesn’t present any issues. However, some airlines have different restrictions for their flights. We recommend checking your airline’s website to review their policies before arriving at the airport. Your airline should have a list of prohibited items on their website, so it should be easy to check beforehand and make sure that your gear is allowed on the plane.
If you are traveling internationally, the first thing you’ll want to do is make sure that the country or countries you’re visiting allow civilians to possess and wear body armor. Thoroughly check your airlines rules and regulations about traveling with body armor as well. Be aware of the laws specific to the country you’re traveling to before you plan your trip to avoid any issues. Some countries treat certain types of body armor as controlled items, so always make sure that the type of gear you’re packing falls within the legal parameters of your destination. To give an example, in Australia it is illegal to bring in anti-ballistic and anti-fragmentation armor without specific authorization from the Minister for Home Affairs or other authorized personnel.
Carry-On or Check Your Bag?
We recommend checking your baggage containing body armor. One of the biggest issues for flying with body armor is weight. Most airlines charge a fee if your checked bag is over a certain weight threshold. For instance packing a Carrier with steel plates will cost you more than a vest utilizing soft armor inserts. Know your airlines guidelines and if possible weigh your bags at home prior to going to the airport to avoid unexpected charges.
If you are carrying your body armor in your checked bags, there should be no problem with airport security. Just be sure to keep all documents, product information and receipts with your gear. If TSA has any questions you’ll be prepared, compliant and the body armor is safe to check. If your profession requires that you wear body armor, bring any documentation or credentials to help with any questioning.
While TSA states that body armor is allowed as a carry-on, you’ll want to keep it in a bag that is tough and compact. Some Body Armor will trigger the metal detector depending on the material and accessories. Most kevlar and ceramic/composite Body Armor is made of synthetic fabric that will not trigger metal detectors or alarms. So unless you have a bag specifically designed for it, the quickest and most efficient way to travel with Body Armor is in a checked bag containing all proper documentation.
Can You Wear Body Armor to The Airport?
We would advise against this in favor of packing your armor in your checked baggage. Wearing body armor into an airport or onto a plane will set off some red flags. As we’ve said, the TSA states on its website that body armor is generally allowed in your personal checked bags and carry-on, implying it can’t be worn for travel. Traveling with body armor is a hot button topic today and you’re better off avoiding any lengthy questioning with TSA to ensure a trouble free travel experience.
Yes, You Can Travel with Body Armor!
To summarize, yes you can travel domestically and internationally with body armor, and it can be an easy experience as long as you are properly prepared. Don’t wear it to the airport, check your airline’s policies on body armor and the rules and regulations of your destination prior to arriving at the airport. Remember all of your documentation and receipts, preferably in a checked bag, to avoid any unexpected fee’s or questioning from TSA. Now you’re ready for a smooth travel experience and a safe trip!
]]>The U.S. House of Representatives passed 2 bills earlier this month that would tighten firearm sales regulations and expand background checks on gun purchases. This marks the first significant movement on gun control since Democrats took control of both chambers of Congress and the White House. The two bills - H.R. 8 and H.R. 1446 - could mark the beginning of an overhaul of how firearms are bought and sold in the United States. Let’s break down what each of these bills mean.
H.R. 8, or The Bipartisan Background Check Acts of 2021, would expand background checks on individuals seeking to purchase or transfer firearms between private parties. It’s a background checks package meant to enhance reviews of those seeking firearms. While it would not create a registry, instead the legislation would expand the cases in which a background check is required for the sale or transfer for a firearm, including for private individuals and groups, and applying to online sales. This bill can presumptively ban any private transfer for a firearm. Essentially any time a firearm passes hands, the transfer would have to be processed by an FFL, or licensed dealer, which involves fees, background checks and government-accessible paperwork documenting the sale.
H.R. 1446, or the Enhanced Background Check Acts of 2021, is a bill that also revises background check requirements for firearm transfers from a Federal Firearms Licensee to an unlicensed person. Specifically, it increases the amount of time, from 3 business days to a minimum of 10 business days, that an FFL must wait to receive a completed background check prior to transferring a firearm to a licensed person. It is designed to close the “Charleston loophole”, a gap in federal law that lets gun sales proceed without a completed background check if three businesses days elapsed. Named so for the 2015 incident that occurred in Charleston, South Carolina. The major concern is this Bill would allow unelected government bureaucrats to indefinitely delay firearm purchases for law-abiding Americans – depriving them of the ability to defend themselves and their families.
The growing concern among legal gun owners is that together these bills could potentially transform the right to obtain firearms to a privilege administered by the government. Some argue that giving the government total authority to document and oversee the movement of every legal gun in America will only crackdown on law-abiding gun owners, while leaving criminals operating outside the bounds of the law untouched. If you feel strongly and want to take action, you can urge your U.S. Senators to vote “No” on H.R. 8 and H.R. 1446 here.
]]>In today’s world you never know when you will need to protect yourself. Being protected in the workplace is more important than ever and we are seeing more and more companies investing in body armor products. If you’ve been thinking about your safety at work or the safety of your co-workers here are some helpful tips and suggestions.
Protocol and Training
We suggest having routine meetings on safety and protocol. Your staff should know how to quickly and effectively equip themselves in emergency situations. Employee preparedness is an important part of having a safe environment in the workplace. You want to have ballistic protection options that are easily accessible in an emergency. Let’s look at some of the best options for armor in the workplace.
Your Best Options
The Active Shooter Defense Kit is a popular choice for employers with a large staff working at government or public buildings where a threat is more likely to happen. This Plate Carrier has an easily adjustable one size fits all strapping system that can be simply equipped to fit any individual. Front and back 10”x12” plate pockets can be outfitted with steel or polyethylene plates to offer NIJ certified III+ protection. Distribute these carriers to individual employees to keep in a desk drawer or keep multiple kits in an office armory for situational accessibility.
For individuals we recommend The VIP Concealable T-Shirt Multi-Threat Vest. It’s a great option if you want non-obstructive armor, perfect for wearing all day in the workplace. Our T-Shirt Carrier holds two Level IIIA+ NIJ-certified soft armor inserts to keep you covered from handgun threats. Superior comfort and ballistic protection make this some of the most advanced concealable armor on the market. Ultra lightweight design, stretch compression material, and maximum concealment makes this vest extremely popular with employees in corporate offices and banks.
Having readily accessible, easy to use, and comfortable body armor is important to have for your employees and co-workers to feel safe. Regular safety and protocol meetings ensure that everyone is comfortable with their protection. Equipping your staff with top quality armor is a great way to foster a safe and productive work environment.
]]>You may have heard about the new bill A.352 being proposed to prohibit the ownership of body armor and protective gear in the state of New York. As a valued customer of Body Armor Direct, we will keep you updated as the situation unfolds and clear up any questions you may have in regards to how it affects you.
]]>What Is Bill A. 352?
Bill A. 352 criminalizes the purchase and possession of body vests in New York, which state law defines as soft body armor that provides wearers with Level I or greater protection (the lowest common rating for body armor) intended to stop low kinetic energy rounds such as a .380.
What If I Already Own Body Armor?
If the bill is passed, body armor owners would be required to turn in their life-saving gear to law enforcement agencies such as local or state police, FBI or DEA within 15 days after the law takes effect.
What Is The Penalty?
Under the proposed legislation, the first offense for the purchase or possession of a body vest would be a Class A misdemeanor, which may result in up to a year in prison. Subsequent offenses would constitute a Class E felony, which carries a potential sentence of up to four years in prison.
I’m Not From New York. Why Do I Care?
This bill is not the first time your right to purchase body armor has been threatened. In 2019, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer announced he would push legislation to ban sophisticated armor for all civilians. No major changes have passed, however, if Bill A.352 gains momentum it could start a national trend within other blue state governments.
What Can You Do?
Second Amendment Advocates have begun speaking out against the proposed legislation. The Firearms Policy Coalition created the website BodyArmorBan.com to mobilize against the proposal. The group says on its website that Assemblyman Democrat Johnathan Jacobson’s proposed bill “deprives New Yorkers of their right to passive defense by instituting a confiscatory ban on body armor.” If you are interested in learning more about their Take Action Now initiative, you can visit: https://www.firearmspolicy.org/ny-a352
How Can I Follow This?
We will continue to update you as we receive any new information in this developing situation. For now, we suggest continuing to buy your gear to help curb the trend, and exercise your right to sign the various petitions in place to protect your Second Amendment rights.
In March of 2020 the pandemic ramped up in the US followed by civil unrest in May. Our sales increased from law enforcement, corrections, security companies and anyone that had a threat that wanted to prepare. Our lead times increased from 48 hours to much longer than planned. We work each day to reduce lead times without sacrificing quality.
We have made investments to start shipping standard products in 2 days starting in January 2021. In the interim our black VIP T-Shirt in Light and Lighter armor will be shipping quickly for the holidays.
]]>To elevate the warriors in our community by engaging them in a process of healing, growth and change in ways that benefit themselves, their families and the community. Using a community based approach, Connected Warriors strives to partner with all agencies that benefit veterans and their families. Connected Warriors acts as a leading advocate for veterans, active duty military, and veteran services with local, state, and the federal government.
Body Armor Direct is a small business that has experienced significant growth during the Covid-19 and civil unrest period and we'd like to give back to the local community supporting the mental health of our neighbors.
Both organizations share the same mission: to save lives.
]]>We understand not everyone will qualify for a payment plan with Quadpay. Therefore we have partnered with PayPal and can now guarantee EVERYONE a pay as you go payment plan from PayPal.
Please call our office at 561-571-5424 and ask to be setup on the Pay As You Go Payment Plan and you make payments at your convenience with 0% interest. Once it's paid off it ships!
]]>In order to fully understand how your life safety equipment is doing its job, you need to know the difference between the protective components in both hard and soft armor. Today, we’re focusing on the differences between soft armor inserts and hard armor plates.
Whether or not your armor utilizes a plate or an insert depends on the type of armor you have purchased. As the name suggests, soft armor inserts are materials inside of your soft armor vest, while armor plates fit in plate pockets. Read a little more about each protective component below.
Hard body armor uses layers of firm, durable materials, such as steel, ceramics, ceramic composites, polyethylene, bullet-resistant fibers, and occasionally, materials like Kevlar. The vest carriers themselves are typically made from fabrics such as nylon.
Although manufacturers have put a lot of effort into making hard armor plates as lightweight as possible, the amount of protection they offer requires that they weigh more than soft armor inserts. In short, the plates resist high-powered rifle ammunition, which necessitates using heavier, sturdier materials.
Soft body armor inserts are made of incredibly strong Kevlar and Para-aramid materials. These inserts are placed in the front and back of vests and are made of protective ballistic material, which is held inside of a carrier.
These vests (as well as their inserts) are usually manufactured with the end user’s size in mind, which ensures maximum comfort and body coverage. This means the end user has greater mobility. The materials for these inserts are woven together and work to spread the impact energy of bullets and other projectiles.
As we mentioned, both hard and soft armor exists to accomplish the same task (i.e., to protect you), but the ways in which it does so, as well as the effectiveness of each type, may vary depending on the situation.
Hard armor plates offer a high level of protection from rifle threats. Because of their sturdiness, they may be constructed to protect specific parts of your anatomy, rather than molding to your body shape.
Soft armor inserts are lightweight, and easy to conceal under your clothing. This makes them ideal in professions like airport security and law enforcement, which may require a large range of motion. Of course, the relative ease of movement and the way in which these inserts mold to the body means that they may cover lower threat levels than hard armor plates. Be sure to check on the product specifications with the manufacturer.
Although your armor’s level of protection is perhaps the most significant thing to consider during your decision-making process, it’s not the only factor that will influence your choice. Variables such as cost and product quality play a huge role in your purchase, as well.
Unsurprisingly, soft armor inserts and hard armor plates both come at different costs. What might come as a surprise is that, while more lightweight, soft armor inserts can run more in price than hard armor plates. This is because soft armor vests are often sold as one piece, while hard armor plates are usually sold separately.
For example, soft inserts may run from anywhere from $400-$1,200, but this would only require the one purchase. A hard armor plate may be around $150-$300 and you will most likely need two.
Are you looking for lightweight, breathable soft armor? Or perhaps hard steel armor plates to protect a specific body part? Are you shopping for products certified by the National Institute of Justice, or are you willing to settle for merely compliant plates and inserts? Be sure that you have a full understanding of your ballistic safety product needs before making your purchase.
Body Armor Direct manufactures and ships both plates for hard armor and soft armor inserts for soft armor. Our vests have passed rigorous NIJ testing and are stamped with a certification, which ensures that buyers are getting the protection they need and have come to expect.
We do what we can to keep costs low, and we’re pleased to offer both a lump sum and a number of partial payment plans. After all, a high level of protection shouldn’t necessarily mean a high price tag!
If you have any questions for us, we’re happy to help. Until then, we encourage you to take a look at our variety of safety products. You’ll find a variety of hard armor, soft armor, soft inserts, hard plates, and more.
]]>At Body Armor Direct, you’ll pay affordable prices for high-quality, NIJ government certified life protection equipment. But we recognize that not all of our customers are able to pay the full cost for their armor right up front. With this in mind, we’ve developed a number of convenient payment plans to make this a smooth and seamless process for our valued customers.
Whether you want to pay for your armor upfront or need to spread the cost out over several payments, we’ve got you covered. Check out both our partial payment and lump sum payment plans below.
We recently partnered with Quadpay to offer our customers greater flexibility in how they choose to pay for their life safety equipment. When you select Quadpay as a payment option at checkout, you’ll be able to put 25% down on a credit card, and then we’ll ship the product to you. Quadpay has 0% interest and absolutely no credit checks. Better yet, 92% of those who apply for this option get approved!
We’ve also partnered with PayPal Credit to offer you 6 months with 0% interest. When you log in to your PayPal account, make sure that your setting for PayPal Credit is on. When you checkout from our site, you will select “PayPal,” and then “PayPal Credit.” You’ll be able to pay over time, and again, we’ll ship the product right to you.
Rather than choosing a payment plan for body armor, some of our customers prefer to pay for their life safety gear in one lump sum. If you are one of those people, that’s just fine by us!
We sell directly to the customer (rather than going through a distributor), which is a huge part of what makes our armored vests so affordable. This also allows more and more customers to opt for the lump sum payment plan.
We are confident in the quality of our products, and we’re committed to meeting rigorous quality standards with every armored vest that we manufacture. However, in the event that you change your mind at any time during this process, Body Armor Direct has a 30-day, 100% money back guarantee on all its products. If we fail to meet your expectations for any reason, you may return your purchase in its original condition, and we’ll provide a refund. We’ll also gladly provide exchanges in the event that you need a different size or product.
With a variety of payment options available, high-quality body armor is within your reach. We encourage you to review our selection of NIJ government certified body armor in order to find the best product for your needs. Whether you’re looking for hard or soft armor, we’re confident that we can provide exactly what you’re looking for! Feel free to reach out with any questions about our products, payment plans, or guarantee.
]]>In order to have a better understanding of how your body armor protects you, it will first be helpful to know the principles of how this armor functions. Let’s take a look at both soft and hard body armor.
Life safety products, including soft and hard body armor vests, are designed to minimize blunt force trauma by dispersing the energy of a round. Both soft and hard body armor is capable of stopping bullets and ballistic strikes, but the ways in which they both do so vary.
Hard body armor uses layers of firm, durable materials, such as steel, ceramics, ceramic composites, polyethylene, bullet-resistant fibers, and occasionally, materials like Kevlar. The vest carriers themselves are typically made from fabrics such as nylon.
Although manufacturers have put a lot of effort into making hard armor plates as lightweight as possible, the amount of protection they offer requires that they weigh more than soft armor inserts. In short, the plates resist high-powered rifle ammunition, which necessitates using heavier, sturdier materials.
Soft body armor inserts are made of incredibly strong Kevlar and Para-aramid materials. These inserts are placed in the front and back of vests and are made of protective ballistic material, which is held inside of a carrier.
These vests (as well as their inserts) are usually manufactured with the end user’s size in mind, which ensures maximum comfort and body coverage. This means the end user has greater mobility. The materials for these inserts are woven together and work to spread the impact energy of bullets and other projectiles.
Another frequently-asked (and relevant) question for first-time buyers is whether or not body armor is stab-resistant. According to the National Institute of Justice, the answer is not necessarily. But it is possible, depending on the product. While both of these types of armor are designed to keep something from passing through and harming the body, the ways in which they do so are different.
As we mentioned earlier, both hard and soft body armor disperse a projectile’s kinetic energy through a strong, net-like material.. In some cases, the hardened panels may even be strong enough to redirect the projectile’s energy.
This type of body armor essentially catches the weapon as it strikes, rather than dispersing its energy. The edged weapon being used is caught inside several layers of strong material before it can make a cut, while the metal element of the armor damages the blade itself, further lowering its efficiency. Simply put, while the weapon in this case may penetrate the vest’s material, it also nestles there, preventing harm to the wearer.
Stab-resistant body armor is not your best bet for stopping bullets, as it allows for penetration of bullets. The reverse is also true—ballistic-resistant body armor is not designed to trap the edge of a weapon in its fibers. Both of these vests are likely to offer some level of protection in cases involving either ballistics or edged weapons, but you should always use the vest specifically designed for the expected threat level of a situation.
The short answer, then, to “do bulletproof vests actually work?” is yes. And now that you have a better idea of how the various types actually protect the wearer, you’ll be able to select the armor that is right for your needs.
You might have thought that expiration dates are limited to items like food and medicine, but body armor and other similar safety products also have a shelf life. This is because the chemical compounds that make up a vest, such as industrial fiber or Kevlar, degrade over time. A number of other factors can speed up the degradation process, too.
If you’re working in a moist, damp environment, your safety gear is much more likely to expire at an earlier time than the estimated 5-year cutoff. This also means that storing your vest in a humid location can quicken the degradation process.
Using your vest in environments with high exposure to ultraviolet radiation can also shorten shelf life. Commonly, body armor vests are exposed to UV rays when worn out in the sunlight for extended periods.
The type of body armor you’re using also makes a difference—for example, soft armor expires much more quickly than hard armor, as it is more vulnerable to hot, wet environments.
Even something as simple as a change in your weight can diminish the protective quality of your gear. If a vest presses too snuggly (or not snuggly enough) against your body, stress may be put on the ballistic panels as they move around inside the carrier.
A vest may not appear to be expired to the casual observer, or even to the person who is wearing it most frequently. Your product may look pristine on the outside, but on the inside it could be warped, cracked, or bent from use.
It doesn’t take much imagination to think of all the problems an expired vest could cause for its wearer. To put it bluntly, using an old, worn-out vest could lead to serious bodily injury by a bullet. At worst, such bodily harm could result in death. This is why it’s essential to abide by the manufacturer’s recommendations and stated expiration date.
We recommend that you have your body armor checked regularly for signs of both external and internal damage by an expert in your field. In the case that your gear has, in fact, degraded, it is encouraged that you replace your armor with a more recently-manufactured model.
The key thing to remember here is that you may need to replace your vest even before it has truly expired—it all depends on your individual circumstances. After all, don’t want to find yourself in a dangerous situation with damaged or underperforming body equipment.
At Body Armor Direct, we value each and every one of our customers, which means we don’t want you to risk using an expired or damaged vest if you can help it. When you’re ready to replace a vest (expired or otherwise), we hope you’ll reach out to our ballistic safety experts.
Body Armor Direct’s ballistic safety products are all backed by a warranty. This states that for a period of 5 years, your vest’s panels will conform to the minimum requirements of the NIJ protocol for ballistic intervention during an actual confrontation at the stated threat level.
All of our soft armor products are manufactured at a Florida facility, and we pride ourselves on using the highest-quality materials in our development process. In terms of fine-tuning our products, we wanted to make sure that our customers would get the most out of their armor; that’s why every vest is designed with the goal of lasting for the expected 5-year period.
Body Armor Direct vests are certified by the National Institute of Justice, meaning that all of our products have been sent to an independent, government-approved laboratory and have been tested to ensure they meet the standard requirements for government use. If your armor is not NIJ-certified, it may have been tested at one point in time to a portion of the NIJ standard.
If you have any questions about whether or not you’re due for a replacement vest, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll match you with reliable, consistent, potentially life-saving gear and provide you with the insights you need to use body armor successfully in your line of work.
]]>Searching for the best armor can turn up all kinds of conflicting information, which can be pretty overwhelming for a first-time user. What do we mean when we talk about certified versus compliant body armor, for example? How do we know which situations require soft armor, and which ones are better suited for hard armor? Let’s break this data down, then, so that you have enough background to confidently purchase what is truly the best concealable armor on the market today.
When we talk about the “best” body armor, we’re not necessarily focusing on surface-level appearances or a high price tag. Mainly, we’re looking at just how much protection our users need (which will depend on the situation) and determining whether an armor product is NIJ certified, rather than compliant. A better understanding of what each of these terms means will help you make informed decisions when searching for the body armor that’s right for you.
Needless to say, the type of body armor you require really depends on the threats you may encounter. In lower-risk situations, for example, you may prefer less-protective soft armor that stops all common handgun rounds, including .357, 9mm, 45ACP, and all the way up to .44 magnum following the National Institute of Justice accreditation standard 0101.06. On the other hand, if you’re in a high-risk threat area, you may opt for hard armor for greater protection.
As its name suggests, soft armor is more comfortable as it molds to the body. It’s made of a woven para-aramid that spreads the impact energy of a projectile, lessening potential damages. Soft body armor is typically used for concealable, tactical, and t-shirt vests, as well as backpack inserts.
Hard armor is constructed from steel plates, polyethylene, and ceramic composites, and is mostly worn over your clothes in a tactical vest, plate carrier, or active shooter kit. This type of armor is ideal for high-risk situations, such as handgun and rifle threats.
Certified body armor has met the National Institute of Justice standards, meaning that it has been sent to an independent government-approved laboratory and been tested to ensure it meets the standard requirements for government use. In its simplest form, if you see armor for sale and it doesn’t say “certified,” it’s not certified.
Many body armor companies end up misleading their customers and encouraging them to purchase compliant armor, rather than certified products. They typically state that their armor is “rated.” This means that you may be purchasing and wearing armor that does not meet the quality standards acceptable for law enforcement and government use. Check out the differences between certified and compliant armor below, so that you have a greater understanding of what you’re purchasing.
Compliant armor may have completed a lower level of ballistic body armor testing, but it isn’t subject to ongoing government inspection to ensure it continues to perform. Suppliers of compliant armor often use confusing phrases like “bullet safe” and “safe life,” but these words do not guarantee that their products meet the standards established by the National Institute of Justice. They completed some level of testing at some point in time, and there is no guarantee the vests currently being sold have even been tested! Many of these companies sell foreign-made vests and fail to disclose them on their websites.
Your best bet is to opt for certified armor, which could mean the difference between life and death in many cases. This armor is NIJ certified and contains the NIJ “Listed Model” stamp on the outside of the ballistics. These products have all been developed after March 1st, 2017, and have passed the required nationwide safety tests. This also means the company is subject to strict government oversight to ensure they continue to make the same vest.
Finding the best body armor out there may sound like a daunting task, but at the end of the day, you know better than anyone what you need to prioritize while at your job. Keep the following considerations in mind, and you’ll have a solid understanding of what the best body armor will be for your needs.
Quality body armor is sold to law enforcement for over $1,000 per vest. Body Armor Direct has no dealers or distributors, so we’re able to sell our vests at an affordable price with no middlemen! Foreign-made, non-certified vests are sold for $399 and under online, but again, these products likely don’t meet governmental safety standards.
Think again about the day-to-day requirements of your job. Body Armor Direct has over 75 five-star reviews from law enforcement, private security, and civilians that state they wear the vests daily.
This ties in with the “comfort” aspect of your decision. Are you looking for soft or hard plates? Something to wear under a t-shirt? Maybe a helmet would better suit your needs? Again, it all depends on your unique circumstances.
Will compliant body armor cut it for you in your job? Remember, this type of civilian armor may have protective capabilities, but it hasn’t undergone the rigorous NIJ testing that certified body armor has. Make sure to purchase body armor that meets the expected threat level of your situation.
Body Armor Direct prides itself on producing high-quality, bullet resistant safety products, with both NIJ certified soft and hard plates made in the USA. We manufacture level 3a body armor as well as dozens of related products. If you’re in need of potentially lifesaving body armor, you’ve come to the right place. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions about our products.
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