Frequently Asked Questions About Bulletproof Vests

Who is Bulletproof Vests USA?Bulletproof Vests USA provides strong bullet resistant vests (and helmets!) to individuals, families and people in the USA who understand the need for personal protection. The vests and helmets that we provide offer strong ballistic protection to keep you safe, at an affordable price for people around America. We strive to keep the cost our bulletproof vests and bulletproof helmets as low as possible – we believe EVERY American should be able to have a bulletproof vest or helmet to keep them safe when times get tough.

What exactly is a bulletproof vest, or helmet?A bulletproof vest (or called a bullet resistant vest in scientific terminology), is a vest placed on one’s body to protect the user against ballistic threats. The vests and helmets we provide are tested to level III-A standards (ambient only) to protect users from handgun threats from 9mm to 44mag, including .357. They are very strong.

What kind of people buy bulletproof vests and bulletproof helmets?If you are a legal resident of the US, it is your RIGHT to buy a bulletproof vest or helmet. We provide our bulletproof vests & helmets to people around America who feel they need a helmet to stay protected. That includes families in suburban neighborhoods, or urban neighborhoods, individuals who work in risky areas, or those who feel that they need to be prepared for future events or threats. In the past, besides providing vests to everyday Americas, we have also provided vests to veterans, police & corrections officers, sheriffs, jewelers, postal / delivery workers, press / news staff, rangers, cash in transit workers, hunters, preppers, religious group, EMT / paramedics, and many other people of different professions. Please note: current US law stipulates that convicted felons cannot purchase body armor.

Where can we ship a bulletproof vest or helmet?We ship our bulletproof vests and helmets to all 49 states. The only state we cannot ship bulletproof helmets or vests to Connecticut, due to their local state laws.

Up to what level of protection do your bulletproof vests and bulletproof helmets offer?The bulletproof vests and helmets we provide are tested up to level NIJ III-A (ambient) in an accredited NIJ-approved laboratory. This ballistic resistance is one of the highest levels available for helmets, and will protect virtually against all handgun rounds (including 9mm and .357sig) up to .44 magnum. Being shot in the head with ammo like this will kill you if you do not wear a strong bulletproof helmet, or shot in the body without wearing a bulletproof vest. Bulletproof helmets and bulletproof vests are never 100% bulletproof, but this will definitely help keep you protected to the highest degree possible, and increase your chances of survival if you are shot at.

What are bulletproof vests and helmets made of?The bulletproof vests and helmets we provide are manufactured with tightly compressed para-polyethylene and para-aramid ballistic material, resectvely. Each material is pressed together to produce strong and safe ballistic protection inside our vests and helmets. The raw materials used in the vests and helmets we provide are sourced from some of the highest quality providers in the world in order to provide safe and reliable protection for the users of our helmet.

What sizes are bulletproof vests available?Most vests from Bulletproof Vests USA are available in S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL. Please check each specific product page to see which size (and color) each model is available.

What sizes are helmets available?Most helmets on Bulletproof Vests USA are available in S, M, L, XL. Please check each specific product page to see which size (and color) each model is available.
Do you make customized vests or helmets? Including different colors?
Yes, we sure do! If you need a vest or helmet in a customized style or color, please contact us and we can usually help with your request.

What is the best way to store and care for / clean a bulletproof vest and bulletproof helmet?Bulletproof helmets should be stored inside, in a room temperature environment. It’s not good to store bulletproof helmets excessively in areas that are too hot or too cold because over time this could affect the ballistic fibers within the helmet. Cleaning the helmet is very easy – simply use a damp rag with light soap on the outside or inside parts to clean it.

How do you wear and put on a bulletproof vest? Is it heavy?The Classic External Vests we provide weigh between approximately 2.5 lbs (size L) Overall, they are very comfortable, lightweight and extremely easy to wear for the majority of people – whether male or female, young or old.

To put our bulletproof vest on, simply remove it from the packing, unclip the side Velcro strap, put it over your head, and then re-clip the side Velcro straps. You can also adjust the shoulder straps to fit extra well. For our Ballistic T-Shirt model, you can adjust it with the two side zippers. To remove the bulletproof vest, simply unclip the side Velcro straps (or zippers) and remove it. It’s very easy!

How do you wear and put on a bulletproof helmet? Is it heavy?The helmets we provide weigh between approximately 2.8lbs – 3.8lbs (depending on the model and size). Overall, they are lightweight and extremely easy to wear for the majority of people – whether male or female, young or old.

To put our bulletproof helmet on, simply remove it from the packing, unclip the chin strap clip (if it’s clipped), put it on your head, and then re-clip the chin strap. For our High-Cut model, you can also adjust the small knob in the back in order to fine-tune the suspension system to your head. To remove the helmet, simply unclip the chin strap and remove it. It’s very easy!
Will your bulletproof vests & bulletproof helmets fit men, women, and children?
Yes! Everyone’s body and head size is different, but our vests and helmets have been used by men, women and children of all sizes. In today’s environment it is very important that the whole family is protected. For information on sizing, please check out the size chart on each of the individual vest or helmet product pages.

What payment methods do you accept?We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express (Amex), Discover, and we offer financing through AfterPay (where your order is divided into smaller 4 interest-free payments in case pay day hasn’t come yet and you need the vest or helmet ASAP). Once you select items to add to your cart, you will see the payment options prior to checking out. If you want to pay by check or money order, please contact us at info@BulletProofVestsUSA.com or call us at 1 (888) 577-8829.
If you are a government agency (Sheriff Dpt, Police Dpt, Fire Dpt, Jail, etc) then we accept government purchase orders (PO’s). Please contact us at info@BulletProofVestsUSA.com or call us at 1 (888) 577-8829 to purchase through a government purchase order.

How long will your bulletproof vests and helmets last for?There is a 5 year warranty offered on the ballistic material within the helmets and vests for the performance of the ballistic material. The helmets and vests may perform effectively for up to 8 years, but there are no tests to determine this and we recommend replacing your vest and helmet after 5 years.

Do you offer a T&E program for law enforcement?Yes! To learn more about our T&E program, please contact us and one of our law enforcement specialists will get back to you usually within 24 hours.
How many times can bulletproof vests and bulletproof helmets be shot?
The bulletproof helmets and vests that we provide are shot four (4) times in ambient temperature environment at an NIJ-accredited testing laboratory. During this ballistic test, the helmet is shot on the front, back, left, and right sides and there are zero penetrations of the bullet inside the helmet. After a helmet is shot, you should discard it and not re-use it. For vests, the front or back panel is shot 4 times in different areas on the front of the panel, as per NIJ guidelines. After a vest is shot, you should discard it and not re-use it.

How comfortable are your bulletproof vests & bulletproof helmets?The goal of wearing a bulletproof vest and bulletproof helmet is to protect you and your loved ones during dangerous situations. Bulletproof vests and bulletproof helmets are lifesaving products and are designed to save lives. With that in mind, our external bulletproof vests are manufacture with durable nylon fabric which is still, but not at all uncomfortable. Our ballistic t-shirts are manufacture with soft neoprene fabric which is extremely soft and comfortable. Our bulletproof helmets are lined with cushions and foam in order to make them as comfortable as possible for those wearing them.
If the bulletproof vest or helmet doesn’t fit, can I exchange it for a different size?
Yes! We want to make sure that the helmet or vest fits you well. If you receive the helmet or vest and it does not fit, please send an email to info@BulletProofVestsUSA.com with your order number or call 1 (888) 577-8829. You will receive a shipping label to send back the helmet or vest for a different size. Please note: if you want to exchange the helmet or vest for a different size then you must contact us within 5 business days of the helmet or vest being delivered and the helmet must be sent back within 3 business days of you receiving the return label from us by e-mail. The helmet or vest must be in as-new condition (no dust, clean, no scratches, unworn, no pet hair, etc.) otherwise we cannot process your exchange. As soon as we receive the helmet or vest back, we will mail you the correct size free of charge via standard ground shipping. Custom made helmets / vests / custom orders, or orders over 5 helmets or vests are not be subject to exchanges.

Can I return a bulletproof vest or bulletproof helmet for a refund?Yes! If you receive the vest or helmet and you want to return it, please send an email to info@BulletProofVestsUSA.com with your order number or call 1 (888) 577-8829. You will receive a return authorization from us by e-mail, and you are responsible to ship it back to our location in Pennsylvania (no return shipping label is provided from us). Please note: if you want to return the helmet or vest for a refund then you must contact us within 5 business days of the helmet or vest being delivered to you and the helmet must be sent back within 3 business days of you receiving the return authorization from us by e-mail. The helmet or vest must be in as-new condition (no dust, clean, no scratches, unworn, hair, etc.) otherwise we cannot process your return. As soon as we receive the helmet or vest back, a refund will be issued (minus the outbound shipping cost of the original helmet that was shipped to you, as well as shipping insurance if you had purchased shipping insurance). Custom made helmets / vests / custom orders, or orders over 5 helmets or vests are not be subject to returns.

What is Bulletproof Vests USA’s amazing money back guarantee?We guarantee that you will be happy with your bulletproof vest or bulletproof helmet, or YOUR MONEY BACK! Bulletproof Vests USA will refund 100% of your purchase price (less the outbound shipping cost and shipping insurance if you purchased it) for any reason. If you want to return the vest or helmet for a refund under our money back guarantee then you must contact us within 5 business days of the vest or helmet being delivered to you and the vest or helmet must be sent back within 3 business days of you receiving the return authorization from us by e-mail. The vest or helmet must be in as-new condition (no dust, clean, no scratches, unworn, hair, etc.) otherwise, we cannot process your return under our money back guarantee. As soon as we receive the vest or helmet back, a refund will be issued (minus the outbound shipping cost of the original helmet that was shipped to you, as well as shipping insurance if you had purchased shipping insurance). Custom made vests / helmets / custom orders, or orders over 5 vests / helmets are not be subject to a return or our money back guarantee.

How does shipping insurance work if I select it for my order?By selecting shipping insurance, during your checkout, your items will be protected in the case that your package is lost, stolen, or damaged in transit. With shipping insurance you can get a replacement for your item by simply by calling us at 1 (888) 577-8829 or emailing us info@BulletProofVestsUSA.com with your order number. Please note: shipping insurance is only applicable for orders of 4 vests / helmets or less. An order is considered lost if tracking never confirms it is delivered after exceeding the initial delivery date by two weeks, and a claim must be filed with us within 10 business days after the initial two week over-delivery period is over in order to use your shipping insurance. An order is considered stolen if tracking confirms it was delivered, but you have not received the package, and a claim must be filed with us after waiting 5 business days from the delivery notification up to a maximum of 10 business days thereafter in order to use your shipping insurance. An order is considered damaged if it arrives in unusable or unacceptable condition, and a claim must be filed with us within 3 days of receiving the damaged item in order to use your shipping insurance. A photo may be required.

Rest assured, selecting shipping insurance is the best way to protect your important bulletproof vest or bulletproof helmet purchase!

I was shot wearing your bulletproof vest or bulletproof helmet and it saved my life. What should I do now?Bulletproof Vests USA wants you to stay protected. In the case that you are shot at while wearing a bulletproof vest or bulletproof helmet purchased from our site (which given today’s environment violence has been happening more and more around America, unfortunately) we will replace the vest or helmet at no cost as long as a police report is provided and it happens up to to 5 years after purchase. Please note: you should NOT shoot at the helmet or vest when you or someone else is wearing it, because it can be a traumatic experience and also cause extreme bodily harm, or death in some cases.