Your Position: Home - - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Author: wenzhang1

May. 06, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

What is BulletSafe? BulletSafe makes a great bulletproof vest at an unbeatable price. Our vest offers Level IIIA protection for only $299.97. It will meet the needs of most every customer, will stop almost all handgun bullets, and will keep you safe, all for a price that many people cannot believe. Read below to determine if our bulletproof vest is right for you.

Check now

What is so great about the BulletSafe Vest? It's a really nice bulletproof vest and will stop handgun rounds up to a .44 Magnum, but what is really amazing is the price. $299.97 is way less than any equivalent bulletproof vest. Our vests offers all of the safety, and all of the features, at an unbeatable price. The Bulletsafe Vest is the best value in bulletproof vests.

The BulletSafe vest is available in six sizes: S, M, L, XL, 2XL, and 4XL.

The BulletSafe Bulletproof Vest Size Chart: Please use this helpful BulletSafe size chart. We use your height and weight as a good way to fit a bulletproof vest. This size is probably be different from your shirt size. Please check the chart before you order your vest.

You can download a full spec. sheet about the BulletSafe Vest here.

Another note on bulletproof vest sizing: Your bulletproof vest needs to fit across your stomach. So the most important thing is how big your belly is. That's why we use your height and weight to pick your size. The length of the vest is adjustable. We are only concerned with the diameter of your midsection and chest. If you are a thin man with a large belly, try to order at the top of your size range so that you can fasten the vest around your mid-section. If you are a very fit, order at the bottom of your size range. If you are very fit and muscular, you will probably be surprised at how small of a size you will need because you have a small mid-section.

 

 

What is the best way to put on a bulletproof vest? The first time you put on a bulletproof vest you should adjust the straps exactly as you want them. Make sure the bottom of the vest is where your navel is located. That will allow you to sit down and stand up all day in comfort while still protecting your vital areas. After you have your vest adjusted, you only have to undo one of the side straps to get the vest on and off.

 

 

How do you clean a bulletproof vest? First take out the ballistic panels and then wash the outer portion (called a carrier). The carrier can be machine washed. You can use detergent and everything. When you are done, insert the ballistic panels back into the carrier and you are ready to go.

Do you have bullet proof vests in XXXL (3XL), and XXXXXL (5XL) sizes? We have U.S. sizes S, M, L, XL, and XXL. Our XXL vest is really generous and is almost a XXXL, and we make a size 4X vest. Use the height and weight chart on this page to see what size is best for you.

What payment methods do we offer? Our website takes payments from Visa, Mastercard, Amex., Discover, Paypal, and we offer payment plans using ShopPay Installments. This allows you to receive your vest now and pay in four installments.


Municipal customers (like Police, Fire, and EMS departments) are welcome to purchase with a purchase order.  Please contact us at 1-248-457-6877 for that. 

Can you make a custom-sized vest? Unfortunately, we cannot. Bulletproof vests are made from over 60 pieces of fabric, so making custom sizing is very expensive. BulletSafe offers great value, so we do not offer custom fitting.

What level of protection did you choose for your vest and why? We choose a NIJ Level IIIA (3A) vest. This is the highest level you will find in soft armor.  We didn't want to sell a bulletproof vest with any compromises.  Our vest is more protective than a level I (1), level IIA (2A) or II (2) vests.  Our level IIIA (3A) vest will protect you from almost all handgun rounds. It is tested for rounds up to a .44 Magnum. That's a big, powerful bullet that will easily kill you if you are not wearing a vest.

Does your vest offer complete side protection? Everyone has a different sized belly and a large belly keeps the vest panels from overlapping on the sides.  Some people will get complete protection from this, some very thin people may even see a little overlap. However, if you are a little bit larger in the belly, there may be a gap on the side. If you want complete side protection, we made armored side straps to cover the gap.  You can find our side armor here.

What is your ballistic material made from? Our ballistic panels are made from Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE or High Strength Polyethylene). Most bulletproof vest manufacturers have moved beyond Kevlar into stronger materials and so have we. Our material is not a brand name, but comparable brand names are Dyneema or Spectra. UHMWPE is incredibly strong. It is the same material used in the US Military's Interceptor Body Armor. UHMWPE has been used successfully in body armor since the 1970's. UHMWPE is also used in cut-resistant gloves, bow strings, fishing line, parachutes, sales, yacht rigging and climbing equipment.

How long does a bulletproof vest last? The generally accepted length of service is 5 years, but we have never seen scientific data available beyond that. They may be effective beyond 5 years, but no one has run tests to determine if this is true. Our research into the materials used would indicate a longer life if it is kept dry and out of the sun, but the testing to prove that vests are durable past five years does not exist.

What is the warranty on BulletSafe Vests and Products? Our vest is warrantied to maintain it's ballistic performance for 5 years. BulletSafe products are warrantied against manufacturer defects for a period of 5 years, not including normal wear and tear.

Do bulletproof vests last for more than one shot? Tough Question. During the testing of bulletproof vests they are shot six times and required to protect against all six. But the six shots are done in six different spots on the same vest. What happens if two bullets hit in the same spot? On our Videos page we have a video where we shot a vest repeatedly in the same spot and even after multiple rounds there still was no penetration. After examining the vest post-test, however, the bullets were traveling further and further into the fabric of the vest, so the impact would be more and more severe. It was obvious that bulletproof vests will protect you really, really well. That said, if you are shot wearing one, you will probably want to get a new one.

Anything I shouldn't do with a bulletproof vest? You shouldn't take the inserts out and leave them in the sun. This will degrade the performance of the vest.

Does it hurt when you are shot wearing a bulletproof vest? Yes. The vest doesn't make the energy of the bullet disappear, it just dissipates it to a wider area. This is why people who are hit often suffer significant pain, bruising, and often have a few broken ribs. Our testing indicates that being shot while wearing a bulletproof vest is about the equivalent impact as being struck in the gut with a rubber mallet. Of course, that's much better than having a bullet penetrate your body and pierce internal organs. In short, a bulletproof vest allows you to trade death for pain.

What do you think of a "plate carrier" type of vest? Armor plates usually offer less than 1/2 the protection area of a full vest, we prefer if people choose a vest design.

Who buys these vests? We sell vests mainly to people who live, play, and work in potentially violent environments. These folks include: Armor Car Companies, Cops, Security Guards, Shop Owners and Workers, Surveyors, Park Rangers, Volunteers, Bank Employees, Couriers, War Photographers, Urban Explorers, Paramedics, People Who Don't Trust The Other Patrons At The Gun Range, Repo Men, Process Servers, Bail Bondsmen, Bounty Hunters, Bouncers, ATM Repairmen, Jewelers, people who transport cash, etc.

Who can buy a bulletproof vest? As a resident of the US, you have the right to buy and own a bulletproof vest. The only people who cannot own a bulletproof vest are those people who have been convicted of a violent felony. If you have been convicted of a violent felony you have forfeited the right to own body armor.

There is no background check, waiting period, or federal registration required. You can order a vest here, on this website, and have it delivered to your home or office. You do not need to register it with any authorities and we do not share your information with anyone.

Who cannot buy a vest? If you have been convicted of a violent felony, you cannot own a bulletproof vest. If you have been convicted of a violent felony AND your job requires a vest, you may be able to contact the chief of police in the city where you reside and request a written waiver. 

Where can BulletSafe ship a bulletproof vest? We can send bulletproof vests to 49 states. We cannot ship vest to individuals in Connecticut, where vests must be purchased face-to-face. Connecticut customers should use our Find A Dealer page to locate their nearest BulletSafe Dealer.

Why are parts of your vest manufactured outside the USA?: We do everything we can to bring you the most protection at the lowest price.  The majority of the vest is manufactured outside the USA because the quality is the same, but the price is lower. Our vest passes the same United States NIJ standard as other vests and it is assembled here in Troy, Michigan so you can be assured you get great quality. Also, Police and military all over the world use bulletproof vests, and many countries have high-tech companies that can make them. Here at BulletSafe we are allowing more people to afford a bulletproof vest.

Should I buy a US-made vest or your vest? Honestly, if you have a few hundred extra dollars and you feel that you want to keep it within the borders of the US, you might want to shop elsewhere. If you have a limited budget and still want the protection of a well-made, safe bulletproof vest, you should shop here at BulletSafe.com.

What percentage of your vest is made in the US? Final assembly and inspection of your vest is done here in the USA. Your vest was also engineered and tested in the USA. All of the warehousing, packaging, marketing, and sales are handled in the US as well. All told, about 60% of the money you spend goes to workers in the USA.

Do you test the vests on yourself? The President of our company is a former military equipment Test Engineer. Mr. Nardone has handled the testing and certification of our vests. He won't wear one during the testing process though; here is what he has to say about that: "As a Test Engineer it is not unusual for things to go wrong. The simplest part of a test can go badly. I've been witness to some accidents and they are always ugly. If anyone were to ever be injured just so that we could have made a cool YouTube video, I would never be able to live with that. The test standard is enough to determine if the vest works or not. We don't need to risk anyone's life.

Featured content:
Questions You Should Know about China Round Anti-Riot Shield Supplier

longkui are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together.

Do you wear a bulletproof vest? Fortunately for us, we work in a warehouse in a nicer suburb of Detroit, so there is no reason for us to protect ourselves every day. We do participate in volunteer work in Detroit and wear a vest when we are in Detroit parks. See our volunteer group at http://www.MowerGang.com.

Do you sell vests specifically for women? Not specifically. But some women find that our vest fits them well enough to use. If a woman is especially busty (D-Cup or Larger), our vest will not fill well. In that case, we suggest a custom-made vest.

Do you sell other colors? Nope. We sell black only. We do this to simplify our manufacturing. This keeps our prices unbelievably low.

Are bulletproof vests comfortable? Is yours better than others? Bulletproof vests are much more comfortable than being shot or dying, but bulletproof vests are not all that comfortable. We'll be honest: they weigh five to six pounds. Our vest is just as comfortable or uncomfortable as any other. Most vests are very similar in design and performance. Ours just costs less, so it is more comfortable for your budget.

This vest will only protect me from handguns, what should I do if someone threatens me with a rifle? We sell ballistic plates that can be inserted into the vest carrier. These plates will upgrade your BulletSafe vest to level IV and will protect you from rifle rounds up to a 30-06.

Can I buy your vest and put the inserts in a different carrier? While our inserts are removable, they cover a larger area than most vests, so they probably won't fit in your existing carrier. If you have a custom fitted vest, it probably has custom fitted inserts and won't work.

What is the difference between your vest and DragonSkin Body Armor? The BulletSafe vest is made up of woven high density polyethylene. This same material is used by police and security departments all over. It is a flexible material, not an armor plate. The BulletSafe vest is very similar to the vests by Second Chance, American Body Armor, BulletBlocker, Point Blank, and GH Armor Systems. It is not the same type of material as DragonSkin. DragonSkin was a series of small hard plates that overlap like scales. They were meant to create hard armor that was flexible. DragonSkin was designed to protect against rifle fire that soldiers see in combat. Our vest and the vests most police officer/security wear are designed to protect against handgun rounds because that is what is used in most crime situations. We do offer ballistic plates to protect against rifle rounds; our plates are ceramic, and are not flexible. They are 10 x 12 inches and fit in the plate pockets on the front and rear of the BulletSafe vest.

Do we offer Wholesale Sales? Yes! We are always looking for new dealers. Call us at 817-225-1699 for wholesale sales information or fill out this dealer application form. Retail stores do really well with our products. Many customers want to buy a vest, they want it right away, and some want to pay cash. It is a great vest for an unbelievable price.  We have a few requirements for becoming a dealer, but if you own a retail store that is open to the public, we are interested in working with you.

Can I come in to your office and buy a BulletSafe vest? Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic we loved having people come in and buy a vest, but since the pandemic we have become more careful.  We have formed a bubble in our work environment where we do not have to wear masks. If we allow outside visitors into the space, we will all have to wear masks and that isn't good. For this reason, we are asking retail customers to find a dealer near you on this page to make an appointment. 

Can I exchange a vest for a different size? Yes, but only if it is still in new condition and within 30 days of your purchase. If you would like to exchange for a different size, the vest must be returned in as-new condition (clean, dust-free, unworn, not covered in animal hair, doesn't smell like cologne). Please include a note with your return telling us what size you would like to receive. We will mail the correct size free of charge.

Please contact BulletSafe/Sellmark Corporation Customer Support at 817-241-5745 to discuss your exchange and return process

Can I return a vest for a refund? Yes, but only if the vest is in new condition and you do it quickly.  Returns are accepted if they are postmarked within 7 days of receipt. All returns are charged a 15% inspection/restocking fee. The vest must be returned in as-new condition (clean, dust-free, unworn, not covered in animal hair, doesn't smell like cologne). All returns require a Return Authorization.

Please contact BulletSafe/Sellmark Corporation Customer Support at 817-241-5745 to discuss your refund and return process. 

Your vest saved my life, what should I do with it? Call us up. We celebrate every time a vest saves someone and we want to hear about you. Did a BulletSafe Vest save your life? If you want to keep it to show it to everyone you know, we understand, but if you don't want it, we want it! We want to get it back to test it out and see how it works.  We'll be able to use that information to make improvements to future vests. So, if your vest saved you, please contact us.

FAQ How to Buy Bulletproof Vest

FAQ How to Buy Bulletproof Vest

A bulletproof vest is an essential item when ballistic protection needed. Also known as simply as soft body armor, the vests help to safeguard your torso from firearm projectiles as well as from shrapnel created by an explosion. You’ve probably seen them worn by police SWAT teams and patrol officers but in reality bulletproof vests can be used by anyone who requires additional protection from firearm shots. There are many civilian uses for body armor such as body guards, armored car drivers and private security wear these vests in the course of their duties. Here are a few important things you need to know before you buy a bulletproof vest.

Is it legal to wear bulletproof vests if I’m not a police officer?

This is one of the most common questions civilians often ask when they consider beefing up their security by owning a piece of body armor. The simple answer is yes. You can buy and wear bulletproof vests without fear of contravening the laws. According to the laws regulating use of body armor in the United States, you are legally allowed to buy the additional protection against firearm threats unless you are either a convicted felon or below the age of 18 years. However, each state has its own set of rules that may differ from other states so be advised to check your state rules regarding purchase and use of bulletproof vests before you buy one. For example, In Connecticut you can only buy body armor when you show up for the purchase in person. You cannot buy it through a third party.

In Israel every civilian can buy body armor if it soft armor as ballistic vests or hard armor as armor plates.

What is the difference between soft and hard body armor?

Body armor is classified either as hard or soft armor. The difference between the two, as each name suggests, lies in the materials used to construct the vests and the level of protection each provides. Soft body armor is made of special aramid fibers and is mainly worn by police officers, security guards, and bodyguards. It is designed to stop bullets from handguns. It has several layers of special fabrics that stop the bullet in flight and distribute the force of the bullet’s impact around the body.

Hard body armor is made of polyethylene, steel, and ceramic materials. It is often worn by combat soldiers and SWAT teams because of the high level of protection it provides. It is designed to stop bullets shot from many types of firearms.

Find out more about bulletproof vests’ levels of protection

Simply buying and wearing a bulletproof vest does not make you invincible against all types of firearm bullets. It may happen in movies but real life is a different ball game altogether. Bulletproof vests provide different levels of protection depending on the thickness of the vest and the materials used in its construction.

Bulletproof vests are usually tested and rated by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) according to the amount of force or bullet impact each vest can stop. NIJ’s test protocol emphasizes on two things:

  • That the vest should not be perforated by the bullet or shrapnel
  • That the vest provides protection against blunt force trauma

All vests are rated and granted one of the following levels of protection according to their performance.

  • Level II-A: This is the thinnest type of vests available. It is basically 0.16 inches or 4 mm thick and often constructed from soft materials. It is comfortable and can be worn under normal clothing for a long time.
  • Level II: This type of bulletproof vests is usually 0.2 inches or 5 mm thick. These are the vests you normally see patrol officers wearing. They are usually worn over clothing or under a loose-fitting upper garment.
  • Level III-A: these vests are between 0.32 and 0.4 inches or between 8 and 10 mm thick. They are heavier than both level II and level II-A vests. They can stop bigger bullets from a variety of firearms such as a .44 Magnum and a 9mm submachine gun. They can be worn under clothing and are ideal for minor combat situations.
  • Level III and level IV: These are armor plates that usually come in  25 and 30 cm and 10 and 12 inches in size. They protect both the front and back of your torso. They are a bit heavier as each plate comes with additional 4 to 9 pounds over the usual 3 to 5 pounds of a soft body armor vest. You can’t wear this type of vest under clothing and it is often difficult move about swiftly adorned in one of these vests unless you are well trained and experienced. These are the types of vests worn by SWAT teams. These plates can be used in a plate carrier this plate can come as stand-alone or used in conjunction with a level III-A bulletproof vest.
  • Stab-resistant vests: Commonly worn by personnel at correction centers to safeguard themselves against stabbing by prisoners wielding improvised or smuggled-in knives, these vests are made of armor plates used to manufacture level III and IV vests. Resistance to stabbing is rated according to the amount of impact energy the vest can deflect. There are 3 levels of stab-resistance:
    • Level 1 that can withstand pressure up to 24 Joules
    • Level 2 that can protect against a stabbing attempt with pressure of 33 Joules
    • Level 3 that protects against 43 Joules of pressure.

Do you want a visible or concealable vest?

When shopping for a bulletproof vest, you may need to decide whether a visible or concealed vest best suits your needs. As is quite evident from the types and levels of protection discussed above, a more concealable vest can provides less protection. Concealed vests are worn under clothing and are usually white in color to make them look like an ordinary undershirt. They may provide a lesser level of protection but ensure nobody is aware of the fact that you are wearing body armor. They are also more comfortable and hardly impede on your mobility. The higher level of protection a vest provides the less mobility and comfort it offers.

All soft armor vest (levels II, II-A and III-A) can be worn under loose-fitting clothing or even an undershirt. They are easily concealable. Armor plates level III and IV  can only be concealed under a large jacket or full combat gear. These are bulky vests that are usually worn in plain visibility over clothing.

Whichever choice you make overt or covert vest, keep in mind that the more concealable a vest is the more comfortable it is but the less protection it provides. Your choice will definitely depend on your personal security preferences.

Choose a vest that best fits your body size

It is very important to find a vest that fits your body physique properly. A badly fitting vest has the potential to compromise your security. For instance, some vital organs can easily be exposed if you wear a very tight or a loose-fitting vest. It should fit you comfortably too. Make sure it’s not too loose to slip. Some manufacturers have standard sized vests which could pose a problem since people come in different body sizes. You should be very keen on size especially when buying a bulletproof vest online.

Are there add-ons for additional protection?

A bulletproof vest is designed to protect the front and back of your torso only. If you need additional protection to your neck, groin, and shoulders you’ll need to purchase add-ons. These add-ons are available in the market today. These add-ons provide extra defense for shoulders, the sides, the neck, and the groin. Ensure that the add-on you buy anchors well to the basic vest, fits properly to your body, and does not restrict movement.

Besides add-ons, you can purchase a bulletproof vest that allows you to insert more armor plates and anti-stab panels to enhance your protection. These types of vests have special pockets for plates and panels and can accommodate additional protection as anti-stab panels to make them stab-resistant too.

Which is the best vest for rifle threats?

Level III and level IV hard armor vests are ideal for protection against threats from rifles such as .223, .308, .556, and 30 to 60 among others. These vests are thicker, heavier, and designed to stop powerful bullets, for stand-alone plates plate carriers also can be used. With technology advances, such as the Israeli technology used in our products, hard armor vests are becoming lighter, stronger, and more comfortable for their users.

Do I purchase new or used armor?

The choice to buy used or new armor largely depends on how you expect to use it. If you intend to use the armor on a regular basis, such as at work, we highly recommend you purchase a brand new bulletproof vest. This way you get full warranty and a product in perfect working condition. All our vests and other body armor gear comes new and never used.

Does your bulletproof vest guarantee that I cannot be killed by a bullet?

Sadly, no. in the body armor industry, bulletproof vests are referred to as bullet resistant vests meaning that they offer additional protection but are never 100% bulletproof. In fact, no vest ever is. Having said that, it is important to state that as long as the vest you wear is designed meet the force or impact of the threat you face, you should be fine especially if the rounds strike the protected area. Remember, as earlier stated, vests are rated according to the level of protection they provide so wear body armor that is appropriate for the situation you expect to find. The armor plates used against needed if you expect rifle threats and level IIIA vests when the most serious threat you expect will come from pistols. All said and done, you are better off in a gun fight with body armor than without.

Is it safe to test-shoot my bulletproof vest?

We strongly advise against that. Test-shooting a vest weakens its structural design and may not work as well as it should in a real life scenario afterwards. You’ll weaken the vest making it vulnerable to shots fired close together.

Find out where the vests are manufactured

Quality is everything when it comes to shopping for body armor. Remember your life may depend on the quality of the materials and design used to make the vest. We source our body armor products from Israel, which is ranked among the best body armor manufacturers in the world. Israeli manufacturers are renowned for being thorough in development of weapons and body armor products.

The question of price

Investing in an additional layer of protection comes at a cost. There are some dealers who resell used vests from the police department to civilians and private security at a lower cost but if you want the best protection, find a high quality product made from the best manufacturer of body armor products. As stated, we only deal with the best body armor products from Israel that have been tested by the National Institute of Justice and found to be bullet-resistant. Our products are made of aramid and other high quality materials. We also provide discounts on dealers and wholesale bulk orders and warranty too.

Conclusion

When shopping for body armor, your first step should be to ensure that the product provides the level of protection you need. At minimum, ensure that it can stop rounds from the gun you carry just in case you are disarmed. Make sure it fits perfectly. Your comfort matters too. It makes no sense to burden yourself with so much body armor weight that you can hardly move. You may be discouraged to wear it and leave it at home the day you really need it.

Quality is everything as your life may depend on the bullet proof vest you are wearing. We specialize in the best quality level 3-A body armor manufactured in Israel. Contact us for any additional questions you may have on bulletproof vests.

For more Bullet Proof Vest Wholesaleinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

13

0

Comments

Please Join Us to post.

0/2000

All Comments ( 0 )

Guest Posts

If you are interested in sending in a Guest Blogger Submission,welcome to write for us!

Your Name: (required)

Your Email: (required)

Subject:

Your Message: (required)