HESCO Body Armor FAQs

We are not attorneys, or experts on the law (you should consult one if you have questions), but YES! Body armor is legal for almost anyone in the USA to own! Body Armor is regulated by Federal Law. No armor can be sold internationally.

At the time of writing, body armor is legal in all 50 states with the following three restrictions:

• Body Armor is illegal to possess if you have been convicted of a violent felony.
• Body armor may not be shipped to any civilians in Connecticut (CT). It is legal to purchase, possess and own body armor in CT, but it cannot be shipped.
• Wearing body armor while committing a crime can increase penalties greatly.

Check your local laws before ordering if you have any questions.

In addition to possible department regulations, some factors to consider regarding NIJ Level include:

• Select armor designed to defeat ammunition used in your own firearm or in weapons known to be used in the area you patrol
• Know if your armor will be used as part of an Active Shooter Kit or worn for extended periods (consider how the weight of the plates might affect you)
• Know what firearms are used by your workforce (friendly fire?)
• Be aware of sport shooting or hunting in your area

If you are interested in reading more, you can visit the NIJ website and read more about the NIJ Body Armor Performance Standards.

It is also important to note that if you do not require NIJ certification, there are several "Special Threat" options that may provide some benefit for your intended use. For an overview of the various protection levels offered by HESCO plates, consult the "Threat Matrix".

Ceramic (aka composite) body armor plates are lighter than steel plates, which can increase comfort and maneuverability, especially when wearing the armor for longer periods of time. Ceramic body armor technology advancements continue to offer better threat protection, which can meet and often exceed the threat protection offered by steel plates.

Selecting the proper body armor size, to allow maximum protection and maintain ease of mobility, is of utmost importance. The NIJ (National Institute of Justice) has taken steps to address issues that affect law enforcement personnel’s use of body armor, including issuing guidance that advises agencies to consider comfort when selecting body armor as well as information on design elements that can affect comfort. NIJ’s body armor guidance also provides information on proper fit and advises agencies to inspect armor for proper fit. In addition, the guidance advises agencies to select armor that provides full front, back and side protection and includes information about the balance between comfort and protection. For more information, visit the article on the NIJ websites: “Factors that Affect Officers’ Use of Body Armor.” The primary organ to be protected is the heart. Since the heart is located with its apex near the left center chest, for optimum protection the chosen ballistic insert should be wide enough to ensure complete coverage of this area as shown in the illustration below. Typically, vital organs can be covered if you measure nipple to nipple and clavicle notch to belly button. A properly fitted torso plate should not interfere with the comfortable movement of the arms and shoulders. If a plate is too large it may impede mobility and result in difficulty holding, aiming or discharging a weapon which can result in fatigue and inaccuracy.

CHEST MEASUREMENT

Measure under arms around fullest part of the chest. Be sure to keep measuring tape level across back and comfortably loose.

LENGTH OF PLATE

Determine the length of the plate that best suits your body type while protecting all vital organs and vessels. Plate should fit comfortably when standing or sitting.

BE SURE PLATES FIT YOUR CARRIER

If you already have a vest or plate carrier, or if you will be purchasing one later, make sure it accommodates your new ballistic inserts.

STEP 1 – determine your chest measurement and length of plate that best suits you

STEP 2 – select your plate style and appropriate size

MOBILITY AND COMFORT

Once the proper plate size has been determined, it is critical that plates be worn in the correct position on the body so as to allow maximum protection with minimal discomfort. When in a standing position, the top edge of the plate should rest at the level of the suprasternal / jugular notch (the soft spot right above the sternum). When your finger presses in that spot, the top edge of the plate should touch the bottom of your fingertip. Where the bottom plate edge rests depends on the wearer’s physical height. To insure protection of vital organs and vessels, the bottom edge of the front plate should extend to the bottom of the rib cage, or approximately 4.5 inches (114 mm) from the top of the service belt when standing. For comfort when seated, the space between the bottom plate edge and the service belt closes naturally preventing the insert from riding up into the neck area. A properly fitted torso plate should not interfere with the comfortable movement of the arms and shoulders. If a plate is too large it may impede mobility and result in difficulty holding, aiming or discharging a weapon which can result in fatigue and inaccuracy.

POSITIONING THE BACK PLATE

When positioned properly in a plate carrier, the top and bottom edges of the back plate should align with the top and bottom edges of the front plate when viewed from the side. This coverage area provides maximum protection from the rear as well as user comfort while seated or standing. For additional back protection, some users prefer a full cut plate for the rear facing pocket which provides more upper left and right corner area coverage.

Improved comfort and fit is a distinguishing factor between single and multi-curve designs. The more comfortable the armor is to wear, the more likely it is to be worn. Multi-curve models are designed to fit more ergonomically and anatomically when positioned against the human torso. This translates into an improved range of motion and longer wearability in the field. Hesco offers both single and multi-curve models to accommodate most any budget.

Generally, plate shape is a matter of personal preference. For some using plates in a professional capacity, it may be a choice made at department/unit levels.

• Shooter Cuts with more severe shoulder angles offer an increased range of motion over the older, now discontinued "full cut".
• SAPI Cuts with slightly less severe angles are a military cut now available for law enforcement and other use.
• Some users prefer SAPI Cut (and maybe even up one size) with slightly more coverage for use as a backplate. Often a larger plate on the back will not interfere with presenting your weapons, or limit your mobility like it might if worn on the front (plus it can counterbalance all the extra gear weighing down the front of the plate carrier...)

The body armor plates are priced and sold individually to allow maximum flexibility and configurability in purchasing options. Many users prefer different configurations, and selling the plates individually allows everyone to build their body armor system to their own specifications.

For example - some users may prefer a "shooters" cut for the front plate, but a SAPI cut for the rear. The rationale behind this option is that is allows slightly better coverage on the rear, with minimal impact to mobility and flexibility.