Body Armour Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I ensure that my body armor fits correctly?
   For valuable tips on ensuring the correct fit of your body armor, refer to this informative article from PoliceOne.com.
   
   

2. Is it legal for civilians to purchase body armor?
   Body armour protection is regulated differently in each province in Canada. Be sure of the rules in your jurisdiction before purchasing. Read our article on Who Can Buy Body Armor in Canada for more information.
   
   

3. Do you offer discounts for first responders or military personnel?
   Absolutely! Contact us to learn more about the discounts we offer to first responders and military personnel.
   
   

4. What is the is NIJ?
   NIJ stands for the National Institute of Justice. As stated on their website, the NIJ is the research, development, and evaluation agency of the U.S. Department of Justice. Their mission is to improve knowledge and understanding of crime and justice issues through scientific research. They provide objective and independent knowledge and tools to inform decision-making in the criminal and juvenile justice communities. The NIJ also sets the standards for Body Armor performance in North America and offers a Voluntary Certification process for armor products.
   
   

5. What is back face deformation?
   Back face deformation refers to the effect of a non-penetrating projectile on the rear face of a strike plate or body armor. The National Institute of Justice sets the allowable extent of deformation at 44mm, as specified in their standards.
   
   

6. Do trauma pads provide additional ballistic protection?
   No, trauma pads do not offer additional ballistic protection. Their purpose is to reduce blunt force trauma if your armor is struck by a bullet. Trauma pads are meant to be worn behind ballistic body armor panels, providing added comfort and enhancing the effectiveness of the hard armor plate.
   
   

7. Are all your products compliant with NIJ standards?
   All our body armor plates have been thoroughly tested to meet or exceed the NIJ requirements for their respective levels. For plates that do not fall under a NIJ threat level such as the GT2 plate from ShotStop or the MMD855SRT plate from MMD Armor, these plate undergo rigorous testing that mirrors the NIJ requirements and this testing data is available for interested customers. 
   
   

8. Can I test shoot my product?
   Rest assured, all our products have undergone rigorous testing by NIJ-accredited ballistics laboratories and third-party entities. Official lab reports of NIJ tests are available for all plates. Contact Us to speak to a product specialist or to request the test reports. 

9. How do I know if my body armor fits correctly?
   For expert advice on ensuring the correct fit of your body armor, please refer to this article.
    

10. What type of body armor do I need in the event of a rifle threat?
    Find detailed information on body armor suitable for rifle threats in the article "Choosing the Right Armour for the Right Risks"
    
    

11. How should I clean my body armor panels?
    To clean your body armor plates, use a damp towel to wipe them down, then allow them to dry before returning them to a carrier or vest.
    
    

12. I'm on a budget. What is the most cost-effective option for good protection?
    At Arctos Industries, we offer several cost effective plates with great warranties that will allow you to get quality made in North America protection.
    
    

13. What material are your plates made of?
    Armorplates are made for a proprietary blend of advanced UHMWPE fibers, ceramics, thermoplastics and other materials to create a unique combination of protection in all of our rifle plates.
    
    This advanced armor solution allows our plates to defeat various ballistic, blast, spike, and edge threats with exceptional efficiency and effectiveness.
    
    

14. How do I determine which plate I need?
    To identify the plate that suits your needs, you need it determine what ammunition threats you want to be protected against and then look at the options that meet that threat. 
    
    

15. Are any of your plates stab-proof?
    Yes, all our hard body armor panels are designed to be stab and spike proof, offering enhanced protection in those scenarios.
    
    

16. What is the difference between hard and soft body armor?
    Hard body armor plates are rigid and made of materials like steel, ceramic, composite, or polyethylene. They are designed to stop rifle rounds and armor-piercing ammunition, depending on the specific plate. Soft body armor, on the other hand, is more flexible and movable. It is intended to defeat handgun and shotgun fire.
    
    

17. Can I order customized plates?
    Yes, we offer custom orders upon request. Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements, and we will provide a quote. Minimum order quantities may apply in some cases.
    
    

18. How long do your plates last?
    The longevity of our plates depends on the type of body armor you purchase. Our plates all come with a NIJ standard 5 year warranty.
    
    

19. What is the difference between single and multi-curve?
    Single Curve plates are curved on a vertical axis so that conform to the curve of the body from side to side. Multi Curve plates typically have three curvatures so that conform better to the chest form side to side, vertically over the pecs and on an angle at the bottom corners. MultiCurve plates are much more comfortable but more expensive to manufacture. There is no loss or increase in protection due solely to the curvature style.
    
    

22. Do your plates float?
    Yes, some of our plates float. They are either buoyancy neutral or buoyancy positive. They will either stay afloat or become slightly buoyant in water. In contrast, buoyancy-negative plates are heavier than water and will sink.
    
    

23. What is the V50 Report?
    The V50 report measures the upper limit capability of a plate. It determines the maximum velocity at which a specific bullet (e.g., 7.62/M80) can pass through or be stopped by the plate. The report includes indicators such as "P" (passed) and "C" (complete penetration) to signify whether the plate successfully stopped the bullet or allowed it to pass through, respectively. The average of multiple shots determines the V50 speed, representing the point at which the bullet penetrates the plate 50% of the time. The V50 report provides insight into the durability and performance of a plate.
    
    

24. Do you sell plates at wholesale?
    For information on becoming a dealer please contact us.
    
    

25. How hot or cold can Armor plates withstand before their ballistic protection integrity is compromised?
    Our rifle plates have undergone internal and unofficial tests, subjecting them to repeated temperature cycles between approximately 250°F and 0°F over several days. These tests revealed that while the polyurea cover developed bubbles (cosmetic effect), the ballistics protection performance remained uncompromised.
    
    

26. Who wears your plates?
    Our body armor plates are worn by a range of professionals, including police officers, security personnel, ERT team members, and military personnel. 
    

Did we miss anything? Contact us below with additional questions, to book a meeting with a product specialist, to place an order or discuss your teams unique armor needs. 

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