When it comes to body armor, understanding the difference between protection levels isn’t just academic — it can mean the difference between life and death. At Nelson Uniform, we believe every law enforcement and public safety professional deserves to know exactly what they’re wearing and why. That’s why we trust Slate Solutions to produce armor that meets the highest standards and real-world demands.
Below is a straightforward, no-nonsense guide to the current body armor ratings, what threats each level is designed to counter, and how to choose the right level for your mission.
NIJ - The Standards Behind Body Armor
The performance benchmark for body armor in the U.S. is set by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). The NIJ defines how armor is tested, what threats it must resist, and how it’s certified for use by law enforcement agencies.
As of 2025, current armor models are certified under NIJ Standard 0101.07, which references threat definitions in NIJ Standard 0123.00.
In plain language: the NIJ standard tells manufacturers and users what bullets, velocities, and test protocols the armor must handle. Armor that passes those requirements can be listed on the NIJ Compliant Products List (CPL).
What the Protection Levels Mean
Below is a breakdown of common protection levels (old and new nomenclature) you’ll see in the field, what kinds of threats they are rated against, and what trade-offs come with each.
Choosing the Right Level — What to Consider
- Threat assessment: What threats are officers likely to face in your jurisdiction? If rifle threats are rare, soft armor may suffice. But every agency should consider upgrading to Level III or Level IIIa for rifle resistance.
- Weight and mobility: Higher protection usually means heavier armor. Your team must balance protection with the ability to move freely.
- Multi-hit performance: Modern plates and composites are tested for multiple impacts, not just one shot.
- Compatibility and integration: Armor must integrate with carriers, trauma pads, and uniform systems.
- Certification & traceability: Always verify that the armor is certified and is current on the NIJ CPL or approved list.
Why Slate Solutions Is Our Go-To
At Nelson Uniform, we partner with Slate Solutions because they consistently deliver body armor that meets or exceeds NIJ standards while keeping operator needs in mind:
- Certified & Verified: Slate’s armor is tested by independent labs and listed on the NIJ compliance program.
- Real-world durability: Their plates and panels perform reliably under field stresses—not just lab conditions.
- Thoughtful design: From curve geometry to edge hardening, Slate focuses on ergonomics, spall containment, and weight distribution.
- Support & service: Slate stands behind every product with documentation, warranty support, and traceable serial systems.
When an officer’s life is on the line, you want armor you can trust — and that’s why Nelson Uniform chooses Slate Solutions for body armor across protection levels.
Final Word
Understanding body armor levels isn’t about marketing jargon or specs alone. It’s about preparing to go into harm’s way with clear expectations of what your equipment will and will not do. Whether your agency needs concealment, rifle protection, or everything in between, Slate Solutions offers proven, certified solutions you can count on — and Nelson Uniform is proud to bring those to your doorstep.
If you’d like help comparing models, layering soft + hard armor, or selecting gear for your agency’s unique missions, drop us a line — we’re here to help you serve safely.