What Does Level IIIA Body Armor Stop?
When it comes to personal protection, one of the most critical decisions is choosing the right body armor. With so many options available, it’s essential to understand what each level of body armor is designed to stop. In this article, we’ll focus on Level IIIA body armor, exploring what it’s designed to stop, and what it’s not.
What is Level IIIA Body Armor?
Level IIIA body armor is a type of soft body armor designed to stop handgun rounds, typically up to.44 Magnum. It’s made from materials such as Kevlar, Dyneema, or other synthetic fibers. Level IIIA armor is considered a mid-range level of protection, offering a balance between protection and weight.
What Does Level IIIA Body Armor Stop?
Level IIIA body armor is designed to stop the following types of threats:
- Handgun rounds: Level IIIA armor is designed to stop handgun rounds, including:
- 9mm full metal jacket (FMJ)
+.40 S&W full metal jacket (FMJ)
+.357 Magnum jacketed soft point (JSP)
+.44 Magnum full metal jacket (FMJ)
- 9mm full metal jacket (FMJ)
- Fragmentation: Level IIIA armor is also designed to stop fragmentation from explosive devices, such as:
- Small arms fragmentation
- Shrapnel
- Blunt trauma: Level IIIA armor is designed to absorb the impact of blunt trauma, reducing the risk of injury or death from:
- Car accidents
- Falls
- Crush injuries
What Does Level IIIA Body Armor Not Stop?
Level IIIA body armor is not designed to stop:
- Rifle rounds: Level IIIA armor is not designed to stop rifle rounds, including:
- 5.56x45mm NATO
- 7.62x39mm
+.308 Winchester
- High-powered rifle rounds: Level IIIA armor is not designed to stop high-powered rifle rounds, including:
+.50 BMG
+.300 Winchester Magnum - Explosive devices: Level IIIA armor is not designed to stop explosive devices, such as:
- Grenades
- Bombs
- IEDs
- Sharp trauma: Level IIIA armor is not designed to stop sharp trauma, such as:
- Stab wounds
- Slash wounds
Comparison to Other Levels of Body Armor
Here’s a comparison of Level IIIA body armor to other levels of body armor:
| Level | Threats Stopped |
|---|---|
| Level II | .22 LR, 9mm FMJ,.40 S&W FMJ |
| Level III | 7.62x63mm AP,.308 Winchester FMJ |
| Level IIIA | Handgun rounds (up to.44 Magnum), fragmentation, blunt trauma |
| Level IV | 7.62x63mm AP,.30-06 Springfield AP |
Conclusion
Level IIIA body armor is a vital tool for individuals who require protection from handgun rounds and fragmentation. While it offers excellent protection against these threats, it’s essential to understand what it’s not designed to stop. It’s crucial to choose the right level of body armor for your specific needs and threat environment. Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations for proper use and maintenance of your body armor.
Key Takeaways
- Level IIIA body armor stops handgun rounds (up to.44 Magnum), fragmentation, and blunt trauma
- It does not stop rifle rounds, high-powered rifle rounds, explosive devices, or sharp trauma
- Choose the right level of body armor for your specific needs and threat environment
- Always follow manufacturer guidelines and recommendations for proper use and maintenance of body armor
