How Much Does a Bulletproof Vest Cost? 6 Factors that Influence the Price

So you're thinking about purchasing body armor and wondering how much a bulletproof vest costs. Good question! Naturally you want don't want to overpay, but you don't want to skimp on quality.

A bulletproof vest is designed to save your life, and it can only do that if it's made with high-quality materials and provides a level of protection that can handle the ballistic threats you're most likely to come up against.

There are a number of factors influencing body armor prices. In this article, we're going to look at each of them in detail so that you know exactly how much you can expect to pay for a bulletproof vest -- because the sooner you get some protection, the better!

How Much Do Bulletproof Vests Cost?

How much does a bulletproof vest cost? In general, ballistic vests go for anywhere between $300 to $2,000 or more. This vast range of prices is due to several factors, but the key takeaway is that there are many different types of body armor, with different protection levels, materials, and degrees of quality. Some cost more than others, and we're going to get into that in more detail below.

How Much Does Backpack Body Armor Cost?

Backpack body armor is another option for regular people seeking ballistic protection. Bulletproof backpacks typically cost between $99 to $490, with plate carrier backpacks costing a bit more. Our bulletproof backpack buyer's guide goes into the many different types of backpack armor available.

Why Is Body Armor So Expensive?

What makes body armor such a pricey purchase? Firstly, a lot of research and development goes into making a ballistic vest. They're complicated pieces of gear, if you think about it -- plates or panels designed to stop an incredibly fast projectile from entering the most vital areas of your body -- so there are a lot of physics and materials science involved in their production. That can be expensive for the manufacturer, and the final price tag reflects this.

Body armor also has to undergo testing to ensure that it works. If the manufacturer is opting for official certification by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), there are more costs associated with that. Whether a manufacturer intends to make that model of armor NIJ certified or NIJ compliant, they still have to pay money for the testing lab at the very least.

Finally, there are factors like material, weight, and even the brand that influence the price of bulletproof vests. A lot of these factors overlap, but let's break it down and simplify it.

Factors That Influence Body Armor Cost

NIJ Certification

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ), in existence since 1968, is the official agency of the United States Department of Justice for research, development, and evaluation. They oversee not only the standards for body armor but also areas like biometrics, information technology, and communications interoperability.

The NIJ's body armor testing procedures and standards are some of the most rigorous and cited across the world. If a piece of body armor is NIJ certified, you can bet a whole panel of very knowledgeable experts were behind the assessment of that bulletproof vest's capacity to save your life. As a result, it may cost more than armor that isn't.

Don't ask yourself, "Is certified body armor worth it?" Instead, ask: "Is my life worth it?"

That is, are you willing to save a few bucks but possibly trade out your life with a piece of body armor that hasn't been NIJ certified or at least tested to be NIJ compliant?

Protection Level

Bulletproof armor is described by its NIJ protection level -- a letter (or letters) and a number. That protection level tells you whether the vest is designed to stop handgun threats or rifle rounds. It also indicates specifically which range of ammunition within those categories it can defeat. As far as cost goes, you can typically expect a higher price tag with a higher protection level: Level II costs less than Level IIIA, which costs less then Level III, etc.

Something to keep in mind for the future is that the NIJ recently changed their protection levels, making improvements to the way armor is tested and labeled. However, you'll still see body armor described according to the old NIJ Standard 0101.06 for quite a while, though, and we will use that specific phrasing throughout this article.

Level II

Typical price range: $250-$600

The lowest NIJ level of protection, NIJ Level II bulletproof vests consist of soft armor of a lightweight ballistic material that is often concealable. This level of protection stops handgun rounds up to .357 Magnum.

Some Level II vests feature stab- or spike-proof protection as well, which can increase their price. They make solid protection for occupations such as security personnel. When you purchase body armor with this protection level, you're typically looking at Kevlar vests.

Level IIIA

Typical price range: $300-$800

A ballistic vest with a rating of NIJ Level IIIA defeats high-velocity 9mm and .44 Magnum ammunition. These are the most common soft armor vests you'll find, as they offer a robust level of handgun protection at a relatively light weight and are often concealable vests. Due to this, they're commonly used by security guards or law enforcement officers.

Level III

Typical price range: $300-$900

At this protection level, you're looking at hard armor inserts that fit into a plate carrier. Level III stops most rifle rounds and can withstand multiple hits. These vests are typically heavier and more cumbersome but offer significantly more protection against higher-caliber threats. They are commonly used in military operations and high-risk law enforcement activities.

Level III+

Typical price range: $400-$1,000

Not an official NIJ rating, Level III+ armor offers enhanced protection beyond standard Level III, capable of stopping additional higher velocity rifle rounds like Green Tips. This level typically includes hard body armor plates made from advanced materials like ceramics or polyethylene, increasing both the cost and weight. Law enforcement agencies and military units often opt for Level III+ for its superior stopping power and durability in high-threat environments.

Level IV

Typical price range: $500-$1,500

Level IV plates are the highest-rated protection available, capable of stopping armor-piercing rifle rounds. These plates are usually made from advanced ceramics or composite materials, which contribute to their higher cost. Due to their exceptional protective capabilities, Level IV vests are commonly used in military operations and by law enforcement personnel in extremely high-risk situations. These plates are the ultimate choice for maximum ballistic protection.

Materials

The material that a bulletproof vest or hard armor plate carrier is composed of significantly impacts its cost. The type of material affects the vest’s weight, flexibility, and level of protection, which in turn influences the price.

Soft Armor Materials

Soft bulletproof vests are typically made from materials like Kevlar, Dyneema, or Spectra.

• Kevlar is the most widely recognized soft ballistic armor material and provides high protection. Kevlar body armor works by dispersing the energy of incoming projectiles across its multiple layers of woven fibers, effectively slowing down and stopping the bullet. Its high tensile strength and flexibility allow it to absorb and distribute the force of impact. Kevlar vests can come at a higher cost depending on their protection level and design. They typically run for between $150-$800.

• UHMWPE (Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene) is another option, balancing cost and protection, though it may still fall short compared to Kevlar in stopping high-velocity rounds. This synthetic fiber boasts an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and is highly resistant to abrasion and chemicals. Its flexibility allows for comfortable wear over extended periods, making it a preferred choice for those needing agility in their protective gear. Ballistic soft armor of this material runs for between $100-$300.

Hard Body Armor Materials

Hard body armor materials, used in ballistic plates, include steel, ceramic, and composite materials.

• Steel armor plates are the most affordable and durable, with one plate typically between $300-$500, but they are also the heaviest and can cause spalling, which necessitates additional protective coatings. Spalling is when the material of the body armor breaks into fragments upon being hit, potentially causing additional injuries from the flying bits and pieces.

• Ceramic plates provide excellent protection against rifle rounds and are lighter than steel, but they are more expensive at around $500-$800 and can crack under multiple hits. Ceramic hard body armor works by utilizing ceramic plates to shatter and disperse the energy of incoming projectiles upon impact, effectively reducing their velocity and preventing penetration.

• Polyethylene plates can offer great lightweight protection for less. Polyethylene ballistic armor works by leveraging its lightweight yet durable properties to absorb and dissipate the energy of incoming projectiles, thereby preventing penetration. A quality polyethylene Level III plate runs from around $300-$800, and a Level IV version can go for between $500 to $1,000.

Quality and Durability

Quality ballistic vests and armor plates are built tough to take on whatever the world throws at them. Sure, they might cost a bit more upfront, but trust us: It's worth it in the long run.

What sets apart the high-quality body armor from the rest? It's all about what goes into making it -- think top-notch materials and cutting-edge manufacturing techniques. Even the stitching on higher-quality bullet proof vests affects the price tag.

As we said before, a lot of these factors overlap. For instance, quality and durability have a lot to do with the material a vest is made of and the brand that manufactured and tested it, and this all impacts body armor prices. However, there is a simple test you can perform to make sure the bullet proof vest you're wearing isn't low in quality: meet the pinch test.

Pinch Test

To perform the pinch test when you're looking to buy a ballistic vest, simply pinch the armor material. Do you feel foam backing? If you do, that's not a good sign, and whatever bullet proof vest cost is on that price tag, it's too high. That foam has been put there to get the vest to pass the NIJ standards for back face deformation (BFD) because the ballistic armor alone isn't well-made enough to pass.

BFD occurs when a bullet hits a piece of body armor and causes the inside of the armor to deform in shape, denting inward toward the wearer's body. That inward deformation can cause some serious blunt force trauma to the wearer. No, the bullet won't enter their body, but the force from the BFD can break bones and injure organs.

The NIJ has strict standards for what degree of BFD a body armor plate or insert is allowed to have and still receive certification, so some manufacturers use foam as a crutch or "helping hand" to pass the BFD requirements. But that armor still likely has a higher BFD than a better-quality specimen, leaving you open to more internal injuries if you do take a hit.

Weight

Weight is a major factor related to quality. When planning to buy body armor, it's important to consider personal protection that actually allows you to move freely while wearing it for the period of time you'll need. Ballistic armor that's too heavy can fatigue you and be a major distraction, and that can put you in a dangerous situation.

As far as cost is concerned, it's not always true that lighter armor is more expensive within its NIJ protection level, but generally speaking, this is the case. That's because of the many special manufacturing processes required to make light armor that protects against the same threats as heavier materials.

A good example is the Level III ProtectVest compared to the Level III Air ProtectVest. Both offer protection against the same rifle threats and both are made with UHMWPE (which is going to be far lighter than something like steel, remember), but the advanced technology behind the lighter weight of the Level III Air ProtectVest naturally comes with a higher price tag.

So which would be better? It really depends on how the wearer will use the vest, how long they anticipate wearing it, and how much weight the wearer's body can probably support. In some cases, the absolute lightest option might be exactly what you need, despite the cost.

Brand

There are a lot of body armor manufacturers out there, and they're not all equal. The best particular brand to buy body armor from depends on your needs and budget.

Here are some of the most well-regarded body armor manufacturers known for both quality and cost-effectiveness, with the cost spectrum for ballistic vests ranging across all protection levels.

• ProtectAgainst: The ProtectAgainst line offers a range of affordable, reliable body armor in a variety of shapes and styles, from bulletproof vests to plates and backpack inserts.

• BulletSafe: BulletSafe is a body armor company known for providing affordable and dependable bulletproof vests and other ballistic protection products, aiming to offer effective safety solutions without compromising quality.

  • Price Range: $299 - $499

• Spartan Armor Systems: Spartan Armor Systems provides reliable and robust body armor solutions, often with competitive pricing relative to other high-end brands.

  • Price Range: $200 - $700

• AR500 Armor: AR500 Armor is known for its cost-effective, durable body armor products, offering a range of options that balance affordability and protection.

  • Price Range: $150 - $600

• Ace Link Armor: Ace Link Armor provides cost-effective body armor solutions that don't compromise on quality and protection.

  • Price Range: $300-$1,200

• Shellback Tactical: Shellback Tactical offers well-rated and reasonably priced body armor solutions suitable for various tactical applications.

  • Price Range: $150 - $500

Save Money But Don't Sacrifice Quality

In conclusion, the cost of bulletproof vests reflects the extensive design and testing required for their effectiveness. While price is a consideration, the paramount concern should always be the quality and reliability of the armor when one's safety is on the line.

Factors such as NIJ certification, protection level, materials, quality, brand, and weight all contribute to the overall cost of bulletproof vests. However, among this variety, there are options available to suit different budgets and requirements. Whether you're seeking basic protection or top-of-the-line security, there's a vest out there for you.

How much are you looking to spend on a bulletproof vest? Leave us a note in a comment below!