Personal protection has evolved from leather and chainmail to high-tech ballistic armor—because the threats we face today are faster and deadlier. Whether you're on the battlefield, serving in law enforcement, or protecting your home, knowing what level of protection your gear offers isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
That’s where the NIJ (National Institute of Justice) comes in. The NIJ sets the standard for body armor with a tiered system known as the NIJ Protection Levels. Each level is tested to withstand specific calibers and types of ammunition, giving you clarity when choosing the right armor for your mission.
Here’s your tactical breakdown of NIJ protection levels—from lightweight handgun protection to rifle-stopping power.
NIJ LEVEL I – Obsolete & Out of Use
Level I body armor was first introduced in the 1970s but is no longer part of current standards. If you come across this rating, consider it a relic—not reliable protection.
NIJ LEVEL IIA – Lightweight, Concealable, Outdated
Level IIA is the softest, most flexible type of body armor still recognized—but it's largely outdated. Designed to stop low-velocity handgun rounds, it’s easy to conceal but limited in effectiveness.
PROTECTS AGAINST:
9mm FMJ at 1,165 ft/s
.40 S&W FMJ at 1,065 ft/s
NIJ LEVEL II – All-Purpose Handgun Protection
Level II armor is a solid upgrade from IIA—still soft and flexible but with better stopping power. It protects against higher-velocity rounds and offers improved blunt-force resistance.
PROTECTS AGAINST:
9mm FMJ up to 1,175 ft/s
.357 Magnum JSP up to 1,395 ft/s
Ideal for undercover law enforcement, security professionals, or civilians seeking concealment without sacrificing too much power.
NIJ LEVEL IIIA – Heavy-Duty Soft Armor
Level IIIA is the highest level of soft body armor and the most popular choice for those needing serious handgun protection without moving into bulky hard plates.
PROTECTS AGAINST:
.44 Magnum SWC up to 1,400 ft/s
9mm FMJ up to 1,400 ft/s
Often found in: Bulletproof backpacks, covert vests, and police tactical gear.
What About Level IIIA+?
While not NIJ-certified, IIIA+ is marketed to stop shotgun shells, Civil Defense rounds, and FN 5.7. It’s a niche, unofficial step above IIIA.
NIJ LEVEL III – Rifle-Stopping Hard Armor
Level III marks the shift from soft armor to hard plates. These are designed to stop standard rifle rounds and are used in tactical vests and plate carriers.
PROTECTS AGAINST:
Six shots of 7.62x51mm NATO FMJ (M80) up to 2,780 ft/s
Weight trade-off: You’ll sacrifice concealability and comfort, but gain rifle-level protection—ideal for military and tactical response teams.
Level III+?
Not officially rated by the NIJ, but commonly used to denote protection from high-velocity rounds like M855 “green tips” or M193.
NIJ LEVEL IV – Maximum Ballistic Protection
This is the top tier of ballistic protection under NIJ standards. Level IV plates are made to stop armor-piercing (AP) rifle rounds—but typically only one hit is guaranteed.
PROTECTS AGAINST:
1 shot of .30-06 Armor-Piercing (AP) at 2,880 ft/s
Use Case: Military personnel, SWAT, and high-risk operations where armor-piercing rounds may be encountered.
Why NIJ Ratings Matter for Your Safety
Each level exists for a reason: to provide the right armor for the right threat. Wearing Level IV in low-threat environments is unnecessary and uncomfortable. On the flip side, wearing Level II in a rifle scenario is a fatal mistake.
At Surge Tactical, we don’t just sell gear—we guide you through it. Whether you're looking for covert soft armor or hard plates that stop armor-piercing rounds, our catalog aligns with the latest NIJ standards.
Know Your Mission. Choose the Right Protection.
Before purchasing body armor, ask yourself:
What threats am I likely to face?
Do I need soft armor for concealment?
Am I facing high-velocity rifle threats?
We’ll help you navigate every level and gear up with confidence.
