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Kevlar vs Steel vs PE Body Armor

Kevlar vs Steel vs PE Body Armor


Kevlar, steel, Polyethylene (PE) and ceramic are four common materials in body armor manufacturing. In this handy guide, we'll explore each of these materials and when they're most suitable. So, sit back and relax as we take you through the exciting journey of body armor comparisons — you'll probably be an expert by the time we're done.To get more news about best bullet proof vest, you can visit bulletproofboxs.com official website.

Ceramic plates are typically about 37% lighter than steel plates and cheaper than PE, typically costing under $200. They're generally good for five to seven years — provided that they don't take a bullet, obviously — which is a pretty impressive life span for their price and fragility.

Also classified as hard body armor, they can offer equal protection as steel plates in some cases. All things considered, they might seem like the top choice right off the bat.

Ceramic cannot take precision fire, or multiple shots to the same spot. Though the plate won't completely shatter into pieces, the spot hit cracks badly, or completely shatters the roughly one-inch diameter tiles in that area. That plate then becomes ineffective, as it's almost certain the bullet will go through when hit at the same spot again.

They're ideal if you're certain you won't be facing heavy gunfire threats — but you'd better know that for sure. When considering ceramic vs. steel body armor, for instance, you'd likely pick steel if there's a chance you'll face precision fire on the job.
Next up is Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene. Thankfully, the name is usually shortened to polyethylene, or PE, which is much less of a mouthful. Considered a type of hard body armor, PE body armor is often placed in a carrier vest.

While it's almost as hard as steel, it weighs less and provides greater comfort for the wearer. A plate constructed from PE generally weighs between 2 and 5 pounds, making it the lightest rifle-protective plate available.
PE armor plates can take multiple hits without shattering, provided the bullet threat is not above level III. The material quality and manufacturing process both contribute to this effectiveness. When the UHMWPE sheets are subjected to high pressure and form a perfect bond, the plate can withstand multiple rounds.

This characteristic makes it a favorite among military personnel, law enforcement and civilians alike. Another glowing benefit of PE is that while it's the lightest type available, it's also 15 times stronger than steel.
PE armor plates weaken when exposed to extremely high temperatures (158 F). For military personnel working in hot regions like deserts, for instance, the environmental conditions could theoretically limit PE's effectiveness. Otherwise, PE armor plates are incredibly durable.

Additionally, PE body armor is more costly than other materials due to its expensive composition and manufacturing process. When weighing steel vs. PE body armor, for instance, you'd probably opt for steel if you want the lower-cost option. On average, PE plates are 200%-300% more expensive (but also 200%-300% lighter than steel) than ceramic or steel — pretty steep, we know. But if you're willing to spend the extra dough and won't be spending time in the desert, PE is an excellent investment.

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