Body Armor Lead Times Explained
Having been in the body armor and protective gear business for over five years, one of the most common questions we hear is, "How long until my order arrives?" At Bulletproof Zone, our team gets it. We want to assure you—we understand your concerns. That's why in this article, we'll provide a clear, transparent overview of body armor lead times and walk you through the entire process. We guide you from when you place your order to when it arrives at your doorstep.
"So, you've placed your order. Now what?"
Why Do Body Armor Lead Times Exist?
First, it’s important to acknowledge why lead times are common in the body armor industry. Body armor production isn't as simple as mass-producing consumer goods. It involves detailed processes and strict quality standards. While demand for body armor has surged in recent years, supply chain disruptions and the nature of body armor manufacturing have all contributed to longer lead times.
Since 2020, factors like the COVID-19 pandemic, increased social unrest, and a rise in personal safety concerns have dramatically heightened the demand for protective gear. Despite this demand, body armor cannot be mass-produced at the rate many might expect. This is mainly due to the need for high-quality materials and the fact that body armor has a shelf life of 5-10 years, depending on the material.
Another key factor is the supply chain. The global manufacturing sector has faced significant disruptions due to the widespread lockdowns during the pandemic. Logistics challenges, temporary business closures, and employee quarantines have all contributed to longer lead times than anyone could have anticipated.
Given the life-saving nature of these products, we and our partner suppliers are committed to maintaining the highest quality standards. We never cut corners or reduce costs at the expense of safety. Once you place an order with us, it’s processed immediately and added to the production line.
The good news is that manufacturing times have significantly improved compared to a few years ago.
Current Body Armor Lead Times
To assist you in making your purchasing decision, here's a quick rundown of our current lead time range. You can also find the estimated lead time of each of our products in the Product Details section of the page.
- Plate Carriers/Bulletproof Vests: 1-3 weeks
- Armor Plates/Backpack Inserts: 2-5 weeks
*Armor plates and inserts from RMA Defense, Spartan Armor Systems, and Shellback Tactical can ship out sooner with 1-5 days lead time depending on availability.
- Body Armor Packages: 2-6 weeks
*Body armor packages include several different components and are shipped as one once the longest lead time in the set has been met.
- Ballistic Helmets: 1-4 weeks or 6-8 weeks for Protection Group Denmark (manufactured and shipped from Europe)
- Bulletproof Clothing: 6-12 weeks
- Accessories: 1-2 weeks for pouches, holsters, medical supplies or 30-50 days (including shipping time) for overseas partners
Priority Fulfillment
We offer the Priority Fulfillment service option because we want our customers to have the best shopping experience possible.
When stock is limited, you can have peace of mind knowing that your order will be prioritized over others. We make sure you won’t encounter the frustrating "Sorry, we're out of stock" message after placing your order.
However, keep in mind that this is not the same as expedited or overnight shipping. Feel free to send in a request and our team will be happy to arrange that for you.
We're Here to Help
We are dedicated to providing high-quality protective gear to guarantee everyone's safety at all times, especially when it is most needed. If you have any questions or concerns throughout the process, feel free to leave a comment down below or contact us. Our world-class customer service team would be happy to assist you.
Stay safe!