Pros & Cons, Covert vs Overt Body Armor

Rogersville, MO -(AmmoLand.com)- There are many different types of bullet and stab/spike proof vests for sale on today’s market.

Vests often fall into both ‘Covert’ or ‘Overt’ categories and are all individually graded with varying levels of protection against guns, knives and spikes.

SafeGuard Clothing have been providing over 5000 bullet and stab proof vests a year to security, law enforcement and military personnel for over ten years. Here they discuss the difference between covert and overt bullet proof vests and the benefits and disadvantages that each type offers.

What are the Differences between Covert and Overt Armor?

Put simply, covert armor refers to bullet or stab proof vests that can be worn beneath other clothing, keeping the vests invisible to the outside word, whilst still offering a layer of protection for the person wearing them. Overt vests on the other hand, can be worn on top of other clothing, often becoming part of a uniform, and clearly marking out security personnel/law enforcement officers or military to the public.

Both covert and overt bullet proof vests have their own individual advantages and disadvantages. It’s also crucial to remember that a bullet proof vest will not necessarily protect from a knife or a spike, as all vests are designed with specific threats in mind in terms of their protective technology.

Covert Body Armor:

Covert armor is important for individuals when they want to be protected but do not want to be seen as wearing body armor. Because covert bullet and stab proof vests can remain hidden beneath other clothing, they can help to keep members of covert security teams both hidden and protected as they still cover a number of NIJ protection levels.

Not only can covert vests be worn comfortably beneath a standard uniform or regular clothing, but they can retain flexibility and regulate heat whilst being worn. Some covert vests can even be fitted with extra SAPI plates in order to give them an extra layer of protection, should there be a danger of a high level of ballistic threat on a given exercise.

Ideal in professional, covert security situations, covert bullet and stab proof vests allow individuals to remain comfortable, cool and flexible whilst protecting both themselves and whoever they are guarding on any given task. Security staff can walk freely around on their duty with an added layer of protection against certain types of ballistic fire and knives, but invisible to the naked eye.

Overt Body Armor:

Overt armor is often heavier and bulkier in appearance than overt armor. It is designed for higher protection levels and has to be worn on top or regular clothing due to its size and weight. Overt bullet and stab proof vests protect whoever wears them up to the maximum NIJ protection levels, protecting from heavy gun fire and large blades/spikes.

Overt bullet proof vests are often bulkier than covert vests and heavier, as they are engineered using various layers of Kevlar in order to disseminate gun fire or to trap a knife or edge blade weapon.

They can be fitted with SAPI plates and are often manufactured to be durable and hard standing through all weather conditions. They often have technology to either cool down or heat up the security personnel using them, this is so that they remain comfortable and protected across all environments.

Overt armor has connotations of preparedness and authority. It shows potential threats and attackers that your security personnel are professional, prepared and confident in the face of danger.

When choosing a bullet or stab/spike proof vest for you and your family. Consider the worst case scenario in terms of the threat that you may face before you make your purchase.

Also consider comfort, weather conditions as and when you will need the vest and take a look at the NIJ protection level guidelines to ensure you have bought the correct vest in line with the caliber of weapons that you may be up against.

About SafeGuard Armour:

Leading body armor manufacturers and premium body armor designers www.safeguardarmor.com & www.safeguardclothing.com has been established online for about 7 years. They specialize in combining soft Kevlar armor with hard armor plates to their carrier designs.

For more information, visit: www.SafeGuardArmour.co.uk.