Soft body armor is made from woven fibers that are sewn into vests or clothing. The most common type of soft armor is Kevlar, a man-made, liquid-crystalline polymer. It is very light and can absorb a great deal of energy. It can also be extremely durable. Vectran is another man-made fiber, with ten times the strength of steel. While this type of protective gear is primarily used by soldiers, it is also useful for civilians.
Hybrid materials are the lightest and most flexible of the three types of soft armor. These are typically made of ballistic fibers and are typically manufactured to fit the end user’s size. They can be worn over or around obstacles with ease. They are also extremely thin and lightweight, weighing only one-half to one-fourth the weight of steel. They are also ideal for lightweight and fast deployment. But the main difference between the three types of soft armor is in their price.
Hard body armor is the most durable type, offering high levels of protection from rifle and handgun threats. However, the plates may be ill-shaped and not mold to the individual’s anatomy. In addition, they can be cumbersome and not conform to the shape of the body. In contrast, soft armor inserts are lightweight and can be hidden under clothing. They are a great option for professions involving a large range of motion. They may provide less protection than hard body armor, but the comfort they offer may outweigh this disadvantage.
Types of Armor 