Does your bulletproof vest only last for a few years lesser the average five years prescribed by the NIJ? It might be that you are not paying attention to proper routines that can help improve its lifespan. There are many people who own bulletproof vests and still feel that their vests can offer them 100% ballistic protection. Also, some owners feel that their vest is still in good shape simply because it is yet to be hit by bullet rounds or damaged. This is not a totally valid assumption.
The truth is that the potency of your bulletproof vest starts reducing from the very day you take it out of the package. The older your vest gets, the lesser its ability to offer your quality ballistic-rated protection. So, in order not to make deadly assumptions, you must understand the lifespan of your bulletproof vest. Knowing this would keep you safe and help you know when you need to get a new bulletproof vest.
Most bulletproof vests that have been certified and verified by the NIJ can maintain ultimate ballistic resistance capabilities for about five years. After that, they would begin to deteriorate. Dyneema bulletproof vests can have a lifespan of seven years. Therefore, you need to conduct adequate research before you drop the cash for any bulletproof vest. There is no special trick to improving the lifespan of your bulletproof vest. Above all things, maintenance is key.
If you take good care of your vest, it will serve you well. A bulletproof vest that is well taken care of will last much longer than one that is not adequately managed. Also, take out time to clean it with mild soap and clean water from time to time. Doing this will take out all the residue dirt and stains from the vest. Most bulletproof vest carriers can be washed in a washing machine. However, before washing, ensure that all ballistic panels and sheets are removed. The reason why some bulletproof vest last longer than other is because they are better maintained.
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