INFORMATION ABOUT ARAMID MADE VESTS

Aramid has many uses in the modern world. It is used for a variety of purposes including bicycle tyres, bowstrings, racing sails and body armour. Aramid made protective vests are becoming increasingly popular as more and more people realise what a great option for protection they are. Aramid is an extremely strong synthetic plastic material that has a high tensile strength-to-weight ratio – it is five times stronger than steel on an equal weight basis, making it an excellent choice for body armour and an investment certainly worth making.

Body Armour Origins

The development of body armour throughout the ages has been largely been led by a desire by manufacturers to make body armour lighter and stronger. When body armour was first originated, its use was solely limited to soldiers going into battle. Back then, the body armour available was extremely heavy and made it difficult for soldiers to manoeuvre. As technological and economic advances have developed, it has been possible to manufacture much lighter armour at a faster and cheaper rate, making it become available to the masses.

Since then many advances have been made in the manufacturing of body armour, meaning it is now easier than ever for individuals to find the body armour that is right for them. There are many different forms of body armour available on the market today that offer you a choice between a range of styles and levels of protection that you may require. Aramid is perhaps the most widely accepted material used in body armour today, having being used as a main component in body armour by the US military since the 1980s. Aramid has key properties which lend themselves well to body armour, such as low weight and high protective qualities.

Overt Aramid Vests

When choosing a aramid made vest, it is important to consider the type of vest you would like to wear. Some situations call for the undetectable protection of a covert vest, while in others it can be a benefit for others to know that overt protection is being worn, as this can often act as a deterrent. If an individual works a dangerous job where conflict is likely, they may choose to wear an overt aramid made vest for this reason. Visible body armour acts as a warning that an individual is prepared for conflict – it shows the wearer has taken the initiative to protect themselves and will not walk away from the situation until it is resolved. Many hostage negotiators and different law enforcement details choose to wear overt vests on a daily basis. In their professions it is important that others know that they are willing to take steps to resolve a situation by any means necessary, and are not intimidated by the threat of danger. The sight of a person in a vest can be intimidating, and can often cause criminal or dangerous individuals to rethink their actions and back down from the situation.

Covert Aramid Vests

There are many situations where an individual can benefit from the protection of a covert Aramid made vest. A covert vest will offer you the protection that you require in order to remain safe but is worn underneath your usual clothing, allowing you a greater degree of anonymity and discretion. Covert vests are lightweight and practically undetectable. The carriers are manufactured using softer fabrics so that they remain comfortable when in contact with your skin for a long period of time and can be made in different colours in order to be worn underneath any clothing. A lot of people buying vests for personal use choose to purchase covert vests as they offer protection without causing the individual to stand out. This is helpful for individuals who live or work in areas with high levels of crime and want added protection without drawing any additional attention to themselves.

Caring for Aramid vests

Taking proper care of your aramid is a necessity in order to ensure that your vest will maintain its protection levels and perform to its full potential. Always read the washing instructions carefully before washing your vest. Carriers can be hand or machine washed but the aramid panels must always be removed prior to this as they should not be submerged in water. It is recommended to wash the carrier with warm water. The vest should not be washed with bleach or dry cleaned. If needed, the Kevlar® panels can be gently cleaned with a damp sponge. When not in use, the vest should be stored somewhere clean, dry and out of direct sunlight. Finally, make sure you check your vest regularly for any flaws or damage – spotting wear and tear early on allows you the time to take preventative measures or replace the necessary component of your vest.