Resources

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. How does body armor work?
A. When a bullet strikes a body armor panel, the fibers absorb and disperse the energy of the impact across a generalized area. Most concealable body armor is made of a number of layers. These layers assist in the energy dispersion process and help to reduce the effects of blunt trauma caused by the force of impact energy that is delivered by the projectile.

Q. What types of materials are used to make body armor?
A. There are a number of materials used in the manufacturing of body armor. Concealable, or “soft” body armor can be made from a number of different types of woven or non woven materials. The most recognized of these is Kevlar®, which is made by DuPont. Other materials include Spectra®, which is made by AlliedSignal, and Twaron®, made by Akzo Nobel. These materials are manufactured in a variety of styles and weaves. Hard armor plates can be made from a number of materials, including metals, ceramics, and other composite materials.

Q. Which ballistic material is better?

A. Each fiber has its own advantages and disadvantages. The construction of the vest (what type or types of materials and the number of layers of each material used) and the weave of the fibers can influence the performance of the vest. To determine which is best for you, look at and try out a number of vests in the protection level you desire. When you narrow your choice to several vests, call NLECTC for the test data. In the end, it is your choice based on the factors that are most important to you.

Q. How long does body armor last?
A. There are a number of factors that can influence the service life of body armor. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) has done research (detailed in the publication entitled Old Armor Tests As Good As New and available from NLECTC) that indicates that age is not the only determining factor. Other factors to consider include: how regularly the armor was worn; how it was cared for; whether the armor fit the wearer properly (most people lose or gain weight over a period of years); and the overall condition of the armor (do the fasteners still work properly, and so on). We encourage departments that issue body armor to have a routine inspection program for body armor, just as they would for weapons, vehicles, and other types of issued equipment.

INTERNATIONAL ARMOR’S WARRANTY

THE ESSENTIALS:

  • All ballistic panels manufactured by International Armor Corporation are free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of 5 years from date of purchase.

  • All nylon covers carry a 3-year warranty from date of purchase.

  • All removable poly-cotton carriers carry a 18 month warranty from date of purchase.

  • If you are not fully satisfied with the comfort and fit of your tailor-made vest from International Armor, contact our warranty department immediately.

  • International Armor will make any necessary alterations free for a period of (90) ninety days form receipt of purchase.

By accepting any of International Armors products, the purchaser accepts all and full responsibility for all aspects of the product and its use including but limited to fit, style, size, body coverage, threat level, ballistic properties and configuration.

 

LIMITED WARRANTY

International Armor extends the following limited warranty to the original purchaser of this bullet resistant armor. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts and/or do not allow for the exclusion or limitation of incidental damages. As to purchases governed by the laws of these states the limitations herein set may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state.

This warranty shall apply only if the ballistic protective equipment is used and maintained in accordance with normal use. Any misuse or abuse voids this warranty. This warranty is void if the vest is altered in anyway, if another company not approved by International Armor manufactures materials used in conjunction with International Armor vests.

 

CONDITIONS

International Armor will inspect this product for wear and tear at the request of the customer during the life of this warranty. Should International Armor determine that abnormal wear and tear has occurred it will repair or replace necessary materials at the expense of the customer, which will keep in effect this warranty. Any damage found through normal use will be repaired or replaced free of charge.

Should this equipment prove to be defective during the warranty period, International Armor shall, at its sole discretion, repair or replace the defective ballistic panel and/or fabric carrier cover at no costs.

 

LIMITATIONS

This warranty is void if:

  • The vest is altered in any way.

  • If the materials used is conjunction with International Armor vests are manufactured by another company not approved by International Armor.

  • If proper care and washing instructions supplied with the vest are not followed.

  • If the vest is subjected to abnormal use.

If questions arise pertaining to care or maintenance of this vest, as subject t this warranty, contact International Armor for specifications.

All claims under this warranty shall be made via email or by writing to:

INTERNATIONAL ARMOR CORPORATION
Warranty Service
1315 Calle Avanzado
San Clemente, CA  92673
USA