How Long Will A Bulletproof Vest Last?

Bulletproof vests can only last for a certain amount of time. After that time has elapsed, the protection that is offered by the vest may begin to diminish. You need to consider all of the factors that can affect the life of a bulletproof vest so you know when the time is right to replace your body armor. 

Kevlar® Care Is The Key To A Long Vest Life!

How well you care for and maintain your body armor will greatly affect the length of time that it will remain useful. A vest that is properly cared for will last substantially longer than a vest that is never maintained.

Your carrier will need to be cleaned regularly; many of our vest carriers are even machine washable.

The Kevlar interior needs to stay out of direct content with liquids and sunlight. The vest needs to be stored properly as well. You need to store your vest in a place that will allow it to rest in a flat position. Many people choose to hang their vests or store them in a drawer.

How often you wear your bulletproof vest will also affect how often it will need to be replaced. A vest that is worn daily will need to be replaced sooner than a vest that is only worn on rare occasions.

The carrier may become damaged over time. All carriers need to be inspected regularly to ensure that they fit well; if straps begin to stretch, or the Velcro is not working properly, you may want to purchase a replacement carrier. The carrier must remain undamaged, or the vest's protection level may be lowered as a result.

The last thing that greatly affects the length of time that body armor can be used is the way it is worn. Vests are made to be worn in a certain way. When the wearer gains or loses weight, it can decrease the lifespan of the body armor. Someone who loses a large amount of weight will put excess stress on the ballistic panels because they will be able to move around inside of the carrier rather than press snuggly against the body. If someone gains weight, it could cause their vest to crease and damage the ballistic panels. You need to wear a vest that fits you well and make adjustments when needed to ensure that the body armor works as well as it possibly can. Taking the time to be sure that your vest is well maintained, stored properly, and the carrier is replaced when needed, will allow the body armor to last for a very long time.

At the first sign of damage or wear, a replacement vest should be purchased.