Soft armor is typically constructed by tightly weaving ultra-light aramid fibers, 100 percent UV stabilizers, or a combination of UV stabilizers and ultra-light aramid fibers. These light materials enable the application of a soft, but sturdy barrier to reduce the destructive force of bullets. Common examples of soft armor include plate carrier, front plate, and backplate; however, some manufacturers have developed products with other similar applications including armor that can be attached to rifles and shotguns. Some of these products are called range guard plates, soft breeches, rail guards, and some even feature cheek welds that attach the soft armor to a user’s cheek instead of his back.
Ranges of protection for this product are broad, ranging from defense against blunt trauma, such as a hammer blow, to protection against high velocity energy projectiles, such as a rocket, missile, or aircraft. In addition, soft armor can also be used against projectiles that are aimed at an angle from which the force of impact will deflect the projectiles away from the user. For example, if a person is being shot at with a bow and arrow, the trajectory of the arrow may hit the person in the leg or foot, causing trauma. If the person was wearing soft armor, however, they would have little to no protection against the force of the impact, and would simply be impacted by the force of the arrow’s flight along the trajectory.
Another benefit of this product is its use as a weight accessory to increase the effectiveness of the user’s vest/armour. This means that soft armor will decrease the amount of weight the user adds onto their bullet resistant vest/armour, thereby increasing their ability to withstand force against bullets. As well, the decrease in weight translates directly into decreased drag, which decreases the time it takes for a bullet to reach its target after flight. As well, the weight polyethylene increases the ballistic efficiency of a bullet, which means the person wearing the soft armor will be able to shoot a harder and longer bullet with a higher velocity than someone wearing hard armor.
Body Protect 