Vest Question

[usmcgunnerm4]

Level II/II-A/III

I am a little confused when I read about the NIJ stadards for these levels.
I understand that II-A is less effective than level II, and Level III is the best protection, is this correct?

[SRT936]

Bigger the number, the better the vest. IIA is currently the lowest level available for street wear. IIA, II, IIIA are the concealable, street level vests. Level III and IV vests are big, bulky tac vests.

IIA are the lightest and most comfortable to wear, but you sacrifice protection. IIIA are the best protection, but you sacrifice a certain level of comfort. II are kind of a compromise between both.

Personally, I wear the IIIA. The amount comfort I lose is so negligible that I don't care.

[usmcgunnerm4]

Okay, got it. I had II and II-A confused. My department issues level II, and I was thinking that I had previously worn a II-A which offered better protection. I was backwards. Thanks for the info.