From: "Gregory", [EMAIL PROTECTED] Level I (1) is not generally used anymore. Proof against light handgun fire. Level II is 'proof' against vast majority of low- medium power handgun rounds, Level II a (2a) is less so, but lighter. Level III a (3a) is proof against ALL standard handgun rounds; high quality combat vests are to this spec. Level III (3) Usually in form of adjunct (added chest/back area front/rear) 'trauma plate' is proof against all low and medium power rifles, to wit: 223, 308, 30-06, etc. Level IV (4) (trauma plates again is proof against ARMOR-piercing ammo; to wit: 308 and 30-06 armor piercing. Bomb squad SUITS are made to VERY, VERY 'heavy' specs. Same materials used, however. They also way upwards of 75 to 100++ lbs. Kevlar is the base material, generally. Two varieties - #29 and 120 ? Spectra is another....aramid fiber....newer, lighter and stronger. Some (?) construction methods use alternating POLYETHYLENE (1) plastic layers WITH the kevlar.... Bulletproof vests are NOT proof against "sticking", like an awl or the like. Prison riot vests often ARE, but less oriented to ballistics....(maybe still proof, though !) Kevlar and spectra offer signifigant but limited protection against fire.....virtually flameproof ! Kevlar's chemical cousin, Nomex, is used as such. The best and HEAVIEST and HOTTEST vests are 10+ lbs. or more. Level IIIa. Level III (3) trauma plates, front and rear, 10 x 13". That adds 10 - 15lbs. Total wt.: 25 lbs !!! Have extra materail around 'collar', to prevent skidding bullets from hitting neck... Arm openings are to a finite ergonomic minimum. Lower auxiliary frontal extend BELOW crotch to prevent fatal hits to femoral artery area. All vests ONLY provide very, very, very limited protection against rifle fire in peripheral areas. Gregory CT/USA Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___________________________________________________________ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
