Frequently Asked Questions

Below is an extensive list of frequently asked questions. If you are unable to find your query, please forward your question to info@safeguardarmour.co.uk or 01138800795. Within our office hours, we aim to reply to e-mails within 2 hours of receiving them.

What is body armour?

Body armour is an engineered clothing piece that has specific protective capacities against potentially fatal threats such as bullet, knife, bottle, needle, or syringe. 

What types of body armour are available?

Among the hundreds of varieties of body armour pieces available are helmets, shields, and bullet proof vests. SafeGuard ARMOUR™ primarily offers stab proof vests, bullet proof vests, hard armour, and ballistic helmets, but has the capacity to source additional types of body armour. Please contact us is you don’t find your required type of body armour on the website.

 How does body armour work?

A bullet proof vest brings bullets to a complete stop through successive layers of extremely strong woven fibers. In contrast, stab and spike proof pieces prevent weapons from penetrating the vest through the use of laminated materials of super-tight weave, which act as a physical barrier against attacks. To learn more about the way in which body armour resists specific threats, visit An introduction to body armour

What is body armour made of?

Body armour features a diversity of material components, depending on its use and manufacturer. At SafeGuard ARMOUR™ we feature products with protective panels of durable and lightweight DuPont™ Kevlar®, which has been the industry standard for more than three decades. Our Armour materials & technologies section offers further details about the types of materials that go into body armour construction. 

How long does body armour last?

The Kevlar® panels in all of our body armour pieces come with a 5 year extended warranty. Independent studies have demonstrated that, with proper maintenance and care, DuPont™ Kevlar® will continue to provide equivalent levels of protection for far longer than the lifetime of the warranty. 

What is the difference between covert and overt? 

 Typically manufactured in light colors, covert vests are extremely thin and made to slip under existing clothes without attracting notice. Heavier and bulkier than covert vests, over vests are deisigned to be worn over clothes. They generally offer enhanced strength qualities and are well-equipped to withstand the outside elements on a daily basis. 

How concealable are the covert vests?

Our covert vests are engineered with maximum concealability in mind, without sacrificing protective capacities. In contrast with thick older models, our vests feature a thin and flexible layer of DuPont™ Kevlar® that provides extremely high levels of protection. Our covert vests are an ideal choice for door supervisors, members of security details, and close protection officers, who want to maintain a high degree of bullet and knife threat protection, while hiding the fact they are wearing body armour.

Who sets the protection levels for body armour?

While numerous standards of body armour protection exist, those most widely accepted worldwide are set by NIJ and HOSDB.

What do the numbers mean?

The numbers are a convenient way of understanding the level of protection provided by a specific body armour piece, and the type of threats it resists. Higher numbers denote increased protection levels, with a NIJ Level IIIa bullet proof vest offering superior ballistic protection to a NIJ Level II bullet proof vest.

What ballistic protection level should I choose?

The answer to this is highly dependent upon the threat level and type of attack you will likely encounter on a daily basis. The NIJ Level IIIa vest will defeat rounds from guns up to the .44 mm Magnum range, while the  NIJ Level II vest is effective against regular handgun rounds. Worn together with an NIJ Level III or Level IV hard armour plate, the  NIJ Level IIIa vest can additionally halt rifle rounds. Many people assume that the highest level of vest protection possible is “the best,” without considering the fact that these higher-rated vests are also bulkier and more restrictive. For this reason, we recommend selecting a vest only up to the level of threat that you will face, not higher. For more information about the range of ballistic protection available at SafeGuard ARMOUR™ visit our protection levels section.

What is the difference between soft and hard armour?

As the name implies, soft armour is designed to be flexible and lightweight, and is contained in the protective panels of ballistic, stab and spike proof vests. Depending on their level of ballistic protection, these vests will typically defeat rounds from normal hand guns up to the .44 Magnum range. Providing an increased level of ballistic protection, hard armour is generally worn by soldiers in military combat situations where they encounter rifle rounds. Formed of inserts more rigid than soft panel inserts, hard armour is typically worn in front of soft armour, where it will absorb the largest part of the projectile’s impact and shatter it. Hard armour additionally comes in “stand alone” models, with no accompanying soft armour required. 

*Hard armour is also available 'stand alone', which means no soft armour is required.

Which vest should I choose?

Selecting the most suitable vest depends on a variety of factors, including the threat level and the environment in which it will be worn. The section Choosing the right armour should assist you in choosing the best armour piece for your needs. If you still have questions about finding the proper armour piece, please contact us and our account managers will make every effort to assist. 

What is blunt trauma?

Blunt trauma is an injury that occurs when a high-velocity ballistic projectile is halted by a piece of body armour. The generated energy is quickly dispersed throughout the vest, as well as the part of the body directly beneath the impact point. The severe bruising that frequently occurs as a result is known as 'blunt trauma'. The more flexible an armour piece is, the greater amount of blunt trauma, as the projectile travels further into the armour before being stopped. While blunt trauma is a common side effect of being shot while wearing body armor, it is not known to be fatal. 

How do I choose the right size?

We offer a full size guide and details of the body armour sizing system at choosing the right size.

How do I wear body armour?

Body armour provides directional attack resistance, meaning that it must face in the proper direction to provide proper protection.  Each Kevlar® panels has clear markings that guide the wearer in inserting the protective panel into the carrier vest correctly.

Are we limited to what you offer in the website?

No. SafeGuard ARMOUR™ fulfills a variety of unique contracts on a daily basis, meaning that we may have items available not found on the website. We encourage customers to contact us directly about sourcing body armour related items that are not listed on the website. 

How much do you charge for shipping?

We provide free shipping on all orders, utilizing the FedEx express delivery service.

How will I know you have received my order?

We automatically send a confirmation email to the address you provided us upon completion of any order within our online system. 

Do you have a printed catalogue?

Yes, to receive our 2011 SafeGuard ARMOUR™ brochure simply email us your street address at info@safeguardarmour.co.uk. 

What is the cheapest vest with a good level of protection?

The Stealth Combo II Bullet Proof Vest and the Stealth II Bullet Proof Vest both deliver threat protection at the NIJ Level II / UK HG1 levels at a price point under £300.

Do you offer any discount on bulk orders?

Yes we do. Whether you intend to place a large single order, or small quantity orders on an ongoing basis, our dedicated account managers can assist you in determining the percentage of discount available.