NIJ and Ballistics: Protection Levels and Alternatives

In part one of this two-part blog series, we looked at some basics on the NIJ, or National Institute of Justice, and its ballistic protection levels. The NIJ offers several services and standards in this area, including setting specific bullet-resistant ratings that are used around the bulletproof product industry, and understanding these ratings is important for any such product you're purchasing.

At URBH CHC, we're proud to offer a wide range of bulletproof bags, bulletproof purses, bulletproof vest bags and more, all of which come with NIJ-level rated ballistics protections. Today's part two of our series will go over the five actual NIJ ballistic protection levels and what they mean, plus will dig into a few alternative standards or ratings that may be used for bullet-resistant products.

NIJ Level IIA

The lowest level of NIJ ballistics projection is level IIA, which refers to soft body armor that's extremely light and can barely be detected by the naked eye. This armor protects the wearer or product from 9mm and .40 Smith & Wesson bullets.

These products are often used by police officers and other law enforcement officials who need lightweight, comfortable protection while on the job. They're also commonly used in everyday items like bulletproof backpacks or laptop cases for personal protection.

NIJ Level II

Level II armor provides slightly more protection than level IIA and is generally used for the same purposes. It can stop 9mm rounds as well as .357 Magnum ammunition.

This level of protection is often seen in products designed for civilian use, such as bulletproof vests or jackets, but may also be found in some law enforcement gear.

NIJ Level IIIA

Moving up the scale, these products are soft and easily flexible - while offering great protection against not only the ammo listed above, but also .357 SIG and .44 Magnum ammunition. They even provide protection from longer-barrel handguns.

This is the minimum level all of our products at URBN CHC meet, offering comprehensive protection for everyday use. We prioritize the safety and well-being of our customers above all else, which is why we only offer products that meet or exceed this level.

NIJ Level III

Level III armor is considered hard body armor and can provide protection from a variety of rifle rounds. It's designed to be used in situations where high-powered firearms are expected and offers unparalleled protection against these types of weapons.

Products with this level of protection are often worn by law enforcement officers who may encounter heavily armed suspects or in military scenarios.

NIJ Level IV

The highest level of NIJ ballistic protection is level IV, which offers the strongest possible defense against some of the most powerful rifle rounds. This armor is designed to withstand multiple hits and provide protection in extreme situations.

Level IV products are primarily used in military or SWAT team operations, but may also be purchased by civilians for personal protection if they anticipate encountering heavy firepower.

Other Standards

Apart from NIJ standards, there are a few other rating systems that may be used for bullet-resistant products:

• UL 752: This is a standard that speaks specifically to the ammunition resistance of building components, such as walls or doors.
• European Standard DIN EN 1063: This standard refers to bullet-resistant glass, which has nine different classes.
• ASTM F-1233: For various security glazing materials that are used to guard against ballistic and forced entry attacks, this standard is often used. It categorizes the materials based on the level of protection they provide against various types of ammunition.
• British Standards Institution BS 5051: This is another bullet-resistant glazing testing standard, specifically for interior use.
• Councils of Standards Australia/New Zealand AS/NZ 2343: For bullet-resistant panels and other elements that are used in a wide range of settings, this standard 'measures' and rates bullet resistance.
• German Deutsche Institut fur Normung (DIN) 52-290: The German Institute for Standardization works across a number of industries, developing standards for that country.

As you can see, there are many different standards and rating systems that may be used for bullet-resistant products, but the NIJ remains one of the most widely recognized and respected authorities in this area. Understanding the various levels of protection is important when purchasing any type of bulletproof product, and we hope this blog series has provided valuable information to help guide your decision-making process.

At URBN CHC, we're committed to providing high-quality, reliable ballistic protection in all of our products, ensuring that our customers can feel safe and secure wherever they go. So don't hesitate to shop our collection today!