BulletBlocker FAQ Bulletproof Product Line
How to use our packs, bags and cases
Hold bag between yourself and the shooter using the straps as handles. Use as a shield to provide cover for upper torso and head whenever possible. While taking shelter use bag to protect yourself in the direction of the threat. While running away, hold bag high on your back or in the direction of the threat to protect your head and upper torso (vital organs).
Delivery
We custom make our products and will not jeopardize quality. We employ human professional seamstresses and each product must pass a strict QA analysis. The process between your order and the shipment of your product is centered around quality control and not speed. Please allow at least 10 business days.
Why does it take longer than normal to get my product?
While we stock most of our products, each bulletproof panel is custom crafted to order. We do not pre-make our panels because ALL anti-ballistic materials, purchased from us or any other company, has an industry standard life of only 5 years. We will not further shorten its longevity by stocking it on our shelves. This is why we do not offer overnight or expedited shipping. Our strict QA standards demand that we inspect each product closely due to the nature of its intended use. We pride ourselves in delivering the highest quality product to our customers.
Now ask yourself how another company can get you their bulletproof product so quickly. How long has it been sitting on their shelves? Failure of anti-ballistic material can result in severe injuries or death. We will not rush these products out the door!
Airports/Airlines
The US Transportation Security Administration does not prohibit Body Armor.
"The prohibited and permitted items list is not intended to be all-inclusive and is updated as necessary. To ensure everyone's security the screener may determine that an item not on this chart is prohibited."
Wholesale pricing
Contact us for quantity pricing.
Legality
Convicted felons may not be in possession of any body armor.
Connecticut residents require a face-to-face transaction when buying body armor unless the buyer is a police officer, a Police Department, or the military. We will ship your product to a Dealer in Connecticut.
Check your local laws for any additional constraints.
Exports
Shipping Level III and IV plates outside the US requires a U.S. State Department export permit which can take at least a month or two to obtain. Plan your purchases accordingly.
Level IIA, Level II and Level IIIA products generally does NOT require a Bureau of Industry & Security export license to most countries.
Consult your own government to check on body armor regulations in your country including estimated import duties and taxes.
Comfort
Very comfortable until it gets hot! Only an extra 4 - 5 lbs. and barely noticeable. If fitted properly, mobility is not an issue.
Concealment
Much depends on body type, clothing and the properly fitted body armor.
Affordability
Do not skimp on safety.
Different levels of protection
There are pistol threats and rifle threats. Soft bullet resistant material stops pistol rounds and fragmentation but only a rigid rifle plate stops a rifle round. Level IIA, Level II and Level IIIA will stop the majority of pistol round plus 12 gauge and OO buckshot but no material is ever 100% ‘bulletproof’.
The tradeoff between protection, wear-ability and conceal-ability determines the level of protection and is a personal choice. The biggest difference between Levels is the amount of blunt trauma impact protection.
Level IIA generally ~4 mm thick
Best if thinness, comfort and conceal-ability are the most important factors. May be worn for extended periods and allows for greater mobility. However, many prefer the extra blunt trauma protection from Level II or Level IIIA.
Level II generally ~5 mm thick
Often worn by police officers and a balanced choice between blunt trauma protection, cost and thickness/conceal-ability/comfort. Recommend if concealment under light clothing is a priority.
Level IIIA generally ~8 - 9 mm thick
Thicker, stiffer, heavier and more expensive but will stop more of the uncommon pistol threats. Tested for 9mm sub-machinegun and .44 magnum; plus it offers more blunt trauma impact protection.
Rifle protection
Rifle rounds require Level III or Level IV Ballistic Steel, Ceramic or Polyethylene - usually 10" x 12" weighs from 4 to 9 lbs per plate to cover the Chest and/or Back. Doubling up two (2) Level IIIAs WILL NOT stop a rifle projectile!
Can I Test Shoot my product?
No. If you have any questions or concerns about your product, please contact us immediately.
Can I add your bullet proof panel to the back pack I just bought elsewhere?
YES! Our BulletBlocker Backpack Inserts in a number of sizes to fit just about any pack or compartment.
Can you make a panel to custom fit my tactical bag?
YES! Our BulletBlocker Custom Bulletproof Panels are available in a number of sizes to fit just about any bag or compartment.
Are your products tested for reliability?
YES! We proudly the display the test results we have from White's Laboratory of Maryland, the premier testing facility for NIJ standards.
How much weight will it add to my backpack?
The BulletBlocker Bulletproof Panel in our backpacks or bought separately on our site, as a build your own bulletproof backpack shield panel, weighs only 12 ounces; less than a 1L bottle of water!
Is there a number I can call to discuss a purchase?
Due to the detailed nature of our custom products, we ask that you direct inquiries with specific details via email. We are better able to address documented detailed inquiries.
Why do you use the term "bulletproof"?
Bulletproof is the common term that is well known and well searched by the civilian market. We put a lot of effort into trying to educate our customers about the limitations of NIJ standards and ballistic materials. We consistently reinforce the qualifier of being NIJ Threat Level 3a. Although the professional community avoids the use of "bulletproof", the definition fits our products...to the NIJ Threat Level 3a standards.