Are these actually NIJ certified plates or do they just "conform to NIJ certification"? While I understand that NIJ certification is expensive, it is worth it to me to purchase something that is regularly tested as opposed to something with a label slapped onto it.
There are a LOT of companies that make their money by selling an inferior product to an unsuspecting consumer; in regards to body armor. In my opinion, those companies should be named and shamed. If the product does what they say it does, put up the money and get it tested. If not, don't advertise it as such.
The most common way that they do this is by saying that their products are "tested to NIJ level X".
Actual NIJ certification requires exacting, expensive, regular testing. The reason why the certification matters is that if one plate fails, the entire lot is trashed. Too many fails, and the plates' certification is revoked.
There are many companies who manufacture items that will stop a 30-06 AP round, yet turn your ribs into mush. For my money, I'd rather spend more on a life saving device that I can trust and I may never ever use, than to roll the dice when my life is on the line.
Are these actually NIJ certified plates or do they just "conform to NIJ certification"? While I understand that NIJ certification is expensive, it is worth it to me to purchase something that is regularly tested as opposed to something with a label slapped onto it.
Good question! The plates "have been tested and comply" with NIJ ...
If they had a NIJ certification, it would be listed on the plates. There is no entry for Full Forge Gear on this government website.
https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/equipment-and-technology/body-armor/ballistic-resistant-armor
I'm urging you to check with the manufacturer on this. It could mean life or death to the wearer.
Here are a set of RMA level IV plates for comparison. Note the certification on the back.
https://rmadefense.com/store/body-armor/level-iv-body-armor/level-iv-body-armor-plate-model-1155/
This is what the old style looked like.
https://rmadefense.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/1189-Back.jpg
I shall call them Monday.
It's been 11 days since you posted your article. Has the manufacturer gotten back to you in regards to certification?
Were you able to get a hold of anyone from the manufacturer? If so, what did they say regarding certification?
Thank you!
There are a LOT of companies that make their money by selling an inferior product to an unsuspecting consumer; in regards to body armor. In my opinion, those companies should be named and shamed. If the product does what they say it does, put up the money and get it tested. If not, don't advertise it as such.
The most common way that they do this is by saying that their products are "tested to NIJ level X".
Just to clarify:
Actual NIJ certification requires exacting, expensive, regular testing. The reason why the certification matters is that if one plate fails, the entire lot is trashed. Too many fails, and the plates' certification is revoked.
There are many companies who manufacture items that will stop a 30-06 AP round, yet turn your ribs into mush. For my money, I'd rather spend more on a life saving device that I can trust and I may never ever use, than to roll the dice when my life is on the line.
I thought half a plastic trashcan worked the same!