Armor 101
An honest buyer's guide in plain English: what the ratings mean, what plates are made of, how armor should fit, and the laws that apply. No hype and no scare tactics.
Protection levels
NIJ 0101.07In late 2023 the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) replaced the old armor levels with new names in its 0101.07 standard. "HG" levels are for handgun rounds and are usually soft armor. "RF" levels are for rifle rounds and are hard plates. A higher number means it was tested against tougher rounds, and it is usually heavier.
| Level | Old label | Type | Tested against |
|---|---|---|---|
| HG1 Handgun 1 | II | Soft armor | 9mm FMJ and .357 Magnum |
| HG2 Handgun 2 | IIIA | Soft armor | 9mm FMJ at higher velocity and .44 Magnum |
| RF1 Rifle 1 | III | Hard plate | 7.62x51 NATO M80 ball, 7.62x39 mild steel core (AK) and 5.56 M193 (AR-15) |
| RF2 Rifle 2 | III+ | Hard plate | Everything in RF1, plus 5.56 M855 "green tip" |
| RF3 Rifle 3 | IV | Hard plate | .30-06 M2 armor-piercing |
Simplified summary of the NIJ test threats. The rating applies only to the area the armor covers and only to the rounds it was tested against.
Old labels
IIIA, III, III+ and IVYou'll still see the old 0101.06 labels everywhere, including on armor made before the change. Here's how they line up:
- IIIA → HG2. The common soft-armor rating for handgun rounds.
- III → RF1. RF1 tests against more rounds than old Level III did. It adds the AK's 7.62x39 and the AR's 5.56 M193 to the old 7.62 NATO test.
- "III+" → roughly RF2. "III+" was never an official NIJ level. Each maker used it to mean something different. RF2 finally gives it a real definition: RF1 plus 5.56 M855 green tip.
- IV → RF3. Rated against .30-06 armor-piercing.
- II → HG1, and the old Level IIA was dropped.
Some armor on the NIJ list is still rated under the older standard during the changeover. Either way, the label tells you the standard and level, and the model number lets you check it.
Plate materials
steel vs ceramic vs PESteel
Pros
- Cheapest per plate
- Thin, and survives drops and rough handling
- Takes repeated hits well
Cons
- Heaviest option
- Bullet fragments (spall) fly off the face, so it needs a good anti-spall coating
- Fast rounds like M193 and M855 can defeat some steel
Ceramic
Pros
- Stops the toughest threats, up to RF3 armor-piercing
- Lighter than steel at the same rating
- Breaks up the bullet instead of throwing spall
Cons
- Thicker than steel
- Can crack if dropped on a hard floor, and cracks can be invisible
- Each hit weakens the area around it
Polyethylene (PE)
Pros
- Lightest by far. Some plates float
- No spall, and it shrugs off drops
- Comfortable for long wear
Cons
- Thickest plate
- Pure PE struggles with fast steel-core rounds like M855
- Sensitive to high heat over long periods
Many modern plates are composites, such as a ceramic face with a PE backer, to get the best of both. In our current lineup, the Spartan Omega 10x12 is AR500 steel (base coat only, so wear it with a spall cover). The exact build of each plate is on its product page and the maker's label.
Why plate placement matters
the most common mistakeA plate protects your heart, lungs and the big blood vessels above them. It doesn't cover your belly. The most common mistake we see is wearing the plate too low, like a belt buckle, which leaves the parts that matter most exposed.
- Top edge at the throat notch, where your collarbones meet. If you can see the notch above the plate, raise it.
- Side to side, it should cover about nipple to nipple.
- Bottom edge about 2" above your belly button, so you can sit, bend and get in a car.
- Back plate level with the front plate or a little higher. Don't let it sag.
- Snug, not tight. You should be able to take a full breath. If the carrier shifts when you move, tighten the cummerbund.
That's why Bruce fits every carrier in person. Bigger isn't automatically better: a plate that's too tall jabs your throat when you sit, and armor you hate wearing ends up in the closet.
Care and storage
- Keep it dry. Leave plates and soft panels in their covers. Never machine-wash or soak armor.
- Wash the carrier, not the armor. Take the plates out and hand-wash the carrier in cold water. Air-dry it.
- Store it flat or hanging, somewhere cool and dark. Don't stack heavy things on soft armor or leave it folded.
- Watch the heat. Don't leave armor on a dashboard or in direct sun in a closed car for long stretches.
- Don't drop ceramic. If a ceramic plate takes a hard fall, have it inspected or replace it.
- Check it now and then. Look for cracks, bulges, tears in the cover and the date on the label. Replace any armor that has been shot, even if it looks fine.
Michigan and federal law
Body armor is legal for most adults in Michigan. You don't need a license or permit. The main rules:
- Violent felony = no armor (Michigan). Under MCL 750.227g, a person convicted of a violent felony may not buy, own, possess or use body armor. There is a narrow exception for some people who need it for work and get written permission from local law enforcement.
- Violent felony = no armor (federal). Under 18 USC 931, a person convicted of a felony that is a crime of violence may not buy, own or possess body armor. There is a limited defense when an employer certifies the armor is needed for lawful work.
- Wearing armor during a violent crime is its own felony in Michigan (MCL 750.227f).
- “I am 18 years of age or older.”
- “I am not prohibited from owning body armor: I have not been convicted of a violent felony (MCL 750.227g, 18 USC 931).”
This is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. Laws change, and other states and cities have their own rules. If you're not sure whether you can legally own armor, talk to a lawyer before you buy.
Where we can't sell
Connecticut and New YorkWe don't sell to buyers in Connecticut or New York. Both states restrict body armor sales: Connecticut generally requires armor to be bought in person, and New York limits who may buy it. Our reservation form won't accept a Connecticut or New York address.
We don't ship at all right now. Every order is reserved online and picked up in person at a Michigan gun show or by local pickup in West Michigan. Reserve online, pay at pickup. No card is charged online.
Other states and cities may have their own rules. You're responsible for following the laws where you live.
FAQ
straight answersIs body armor legal to own in Michigan?
Yes, for most adults. The exception is anyone convicted of a violent felony, who can't buy, own, possess or use body armor under Michigan law (MCL 750.227g) or federal law (18 USC 931). We sell only to buyers 18 or older. See Michigan and federal law below.
Do I need a license or permit?
No. Michigan doesn't require a license or permit to buy body armor. You do have to be legally allowed to own it.
How does reserving online work?
Add items to your cart and reserve them with your name, contact info and pickup choice (a show, or local pickup in West Michigan). Nothing is charged online. You look the armor over, get fitted and pay when you pick it up.
Bruce will confirm your reservation and the payment options he takes at pickup. See Terms for details.
Will armor stop anything?
No. Armor is rated to stop specific rounds under lab test conditions. It lowers your risk; it doesn't remove it. Hits can still cause blunt injury, and armor only protects the area it covers. That's why we use the NIJ level names and tell you exactly what each one was tested against.
What does "NIJ-listed" mean?
The National Institute of Justice tests armor models through its compliance program and publishes the ones that pass on its Compliant Products List. NIJ doesn't "certify" individual pieces. Every armor piece we sell has the maker's model and protection level on the label, so you can look the model up on the list yourself. Ask to see it at the table.
Does a rifle plate also stop handgun rounds?
Rifle plates usually do stop common handgun rounds, but the RF ratings are tested against rifle rounds, so the label doesn't promise it. If you need a specific handgun rating as well, ask Bruce and check the maker's spec sheet.
How long does armor last?
It depends on the maker and the material. Many makers warranty soft armor for about 5 years, and hard plates vary. Check the date and warranty on the label. Heat, water, crushing and drops shorten its life. See care and storage.
Do you buy, sell or trade used armor?
No. You can't see damage inside a plate, so we only sell new armor from the maker, and we never resell anything that's been returned after use. See our returns policy.
Will standard plates fit a smaller frame?
Usually. 10x12 shooters-cut plates fit most adults, and smaller frames often do well with SAPI Medium. The Fit Finder gets you close, and Bruce fits it on you at pickup.
Can I wear it in public?
Michigan doesn't ban wearing body armor in public for people who can legally own it. Wearing it while committing a violent crime is a separate felony (MCL 750.227f). Private property owners, schools and workplaces can set their own rules. This isn't legal advice; if you're unsure about your situation, ask a lawyer.
Do you ship?
Not right now. Every order is picked up in person at a Michigan show or by local pickup in West Michigan, so we can check your eligibility and fit you before you pay.
Have a question we didn't answer? Call or text Bruce at (616) 999-2815 or email bruceballistics@gmail.com.