Comparing Ceramic, UHMWPE, Aramid, and Steel Body Armor

Ceramic Body Armor

• Ceramic plates typically comprise materials like boron carbide, silicon carbide, or alumina oxide. These are often combined with a composite backing.

• Exceptional Hardness: Ceramics are incredibly hard, offering superior protection against high-velocity impacts from bullets like those from rifles.
• Lightweight: Compared to steel, ceramic armor can be lighter, which is crucial for mobility.
• Fragmentation Resistance: Effective at stopping bullet fragments, reducing secondary injuries.
• Superior Resistance: Currently, level IV protection against 30-06 armor piercing rounds can only be achieved by using ceramic body armor technologies. 

• Brittle: Once hit, ceramic plates can crack or shatter, necessitating replacement after impact. That being said, ceramic plates can be capable of defending against multiple rounds such as Jacobs Quality Tactical level IV plates.
• Cost: Generally ceramic is more expensive due to the materials and manufacturing processes.

UHMWPE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) Body Armor

• UHMWPE is a type of polyethylene known for its long polymer chains which give it strength.

• Lightweight: UHMWPE offers excellent bullet resistance with minimal weight, allowing for greater freedom of movement.
• Durability: Unlike ceramics, UHMWPE can withstand multiple hits without significant degradation.
• Fragmentation Resistance: UHMWPE armor is one of the best armor solutions for stopping bullet fragments and reducing secondary injuries.
• Comfort: Depending on the threat level, UHMWPE armor can be less bulky, making it ideal for extended wear.

• Cost: Can be pricier than traditional materials, though prices have come down over time.
• Thickness: To achieve equivalent protection, UHMWPE plates might need to be thicker than ceramics or steel.

Aramid (Kevlar) Body Armor

• Kevlar is an aramid fiber, a type of synthetic polymer with high tensile strength.

• Flexibility: Kevlar can be woven into flexible vests, offering protection against lower-velocity threats like handgun bullets.
• Concealability: There are many concealable armor systems made using Kevlar plates or panels because of how thin and flexible it can be. 
• Cost-Effective: Generally, it is less expensive than UHMWPE or ceramics for similar protection levels.
• Multi-hit Capability: Kevlar can absorb multiple hits, although with a decrease in effectiveness after each impact.

• Bulk and Weight: For rifle protection, Kevlar becomes very thick and heavy, reducing mobility. This is why it is best used in pistol armor systems (such as level IIIA) unless it is combined with other materials to make a rifle rated plate.
• Degradation: Over time or with exposure to environmental factors, Kevlar can lose some of its protective qualities. Kevlar body armor plates or panels are considered expired by most if not all armor manufacturers after a period of 5-8 years.

Steel Body Armor

• Steel plates vary from mild steel to high-hardness steel alloys.

• Affordability: Steel is often the cheapest option, especially for high protection levels.
• Durability: Steel can withstand multiple hits without the need for immediate replacement.
• Simple Technology: Less complex manufacturing process compared to others.
• Never expires if cared for properly.

• Weight: Steel is significantly heavier, impacting endurance and mobility.
• Comfort: Bulkiness and weight can make long-term wear uncomfortable.
• Corrosion: Susceptible to rust if not properly maintained.
• Spalling: Steel body armor is susceptible to spalling and fragmentation upon being hit, which could be dangerous. If you are considering investing in steel plates, it is important to make sure you get a spall mitigation coating or spall jacket applied to the plate. Here at Jacobs Quality Tactical, we offer build up coats for our steel plates as well as Kevlar spall mitigation sleeves.