NIJ 0123.00 rates helmets HG1, HG2, and RF1 — not Level IV. Learn which ballistic helmet rating matches your threat, material, and weight budget in 2026.
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These 7 body armor buying mistakes can be fatal: wrong NIJ certification, expired soft armor, mismatched threat levels, steel spall risk, and more. Full 2026 guide.
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Standalone plates work alone. ICW plates require a IIIA backer — skip it and backface deformation exceeds 44mm. 2026 guide: 7 FAQs, weight tables, expert picks.
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AR550 steel plates rate at 545-560 BHN and defeat 5.56 M855 up to 3,100 FPS. How AR550 differs from AR500, spall coatings, weight tradeoffs, and who should buy it.
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Level IIIA soft body armor stops .44 Magnum and .357 SIG at NIJ-certified velocities. Learn what it does and doesn't stop, how HG2 changes the standard, and how to choose the right vest.
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NIJ Level IV plates stop .30 cal M2 AP at 2,880 fps — the only hard-armor rating that defeats armor-piercing rounds. Weight, ceramic construction, lifespan, and who actually needs them.
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