Express Soft Armor Inserts
Express Inserts provide additional or stand alone protection. Typically used in the rear of a hard armor plate they can also be worn as stand alone IIIA and IIIA+ protection. Their slim, tapered profile and unobtrusive design allow for a highly concealable means of always having lightweight ballistic protection close at hand. The Express Inserts come in 10”x12” or 11”x14” sizes, and are available in our Light, Lighter, or Lightest ballistic materials.**
Light II
Light is the minimum standard for law enforcement and the general public seeking bullet resistant protection. Designed to protect against small handgun rounds, up to and including .357 magnum jacketed soft point
Lighter IIIA & IIIA+ Special Threat Protection
Lighter falls between these two, costing less than the Lightest, but weighing more than the Light. The standard IIIA ballistic profile is specifically designed and tested to stop the vast majority of handgun rounds. This includes .44 Magnum and .357 SIG, which are some of the most powerful handgun bullets. Level IIIA can stop lower velocity rounds such as 9mm, 40 S&W, and 45 ACP, providing protection against most handgun threats. Additionally, level IIIA will stop most shotgun rounds. Special threat IIIA+ protection includes stopping power for 2 grain RCC V50: 3013 fps, 4 grain RCC V50: 2545 fps, 16 grain RCC V50: 2225 fps, 17 grain FSP V50: 2077 fps, .44 Mag V50: 1615 fps, .357 Sig V50: 1735 fps, FN SS197 40 grain V0, Win SXT 9mm +P+ V0, 7.62x25 Tokarev 85 grain V0, .357 SIG Win SXT 125 grain V0, Speer GD .357 Mag V0.
Lightest IIIA & IIIA+ Special Threat Protection
Lightest is popular among LE, security, and other professionals looking for the lightest, thinnest, most concealable, and most flexible IIIA+ protection we offer, but it costs more. IIIA ballistic profile plus .357 SIG V50: 1887 fps, 9mm 124gr GDHP V0: 6-shot Passed, .44 MAG V50: 1696 fps, 9mm Ranger-T V0: 6-shot Passed, 2 gr RCC V50: 2927 fps, .40 cal Ranger-T V0: 6-shot Passed, 4 gr RCC V50: 2508 fps, FN SS197SR V0: 6-shot Passed, 16 gr RCC V50: 2245 fps, FN SS195LF V0: 6-shot Passed, 64 gr RCC V50: 1761 fps, .44 MAG Hydra-Shok V0: 6-shot Passed, 17 gr FSP V50: 2083 fps, 12 gauge 1 oz Slug V0: 6-shot Passed, 9mm 124gr V50: 1698 fps, 7.62x25, 85gr, Tokarev V0: 6-shot Passed, Abbreviated FBI Protocol: Passed 4 Panel Sequence.
Sizing
10”x12 Insert | 11”x14” Insert | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Light | Lighter | Lightest | Light | Lighter | Lightest | |
Thickness | 0.35” | 0.25” | 0.21” | 0.35” | 0.25” | 0.21” |
Weight | 1.26lbs | 1.06lbs | .88lbs | 1.51lbs | 1.31lbs | 1.12lbs |
Set includes:
2 Qty.
Express Inserts as selected
American Made
Our armor is made and assembled in the United States at facilities we contract with here in Florida, and is tested and certified under National Institute of Justice standards, the gold-standard for National Body Armor ratings here in the U.S.
Our “Best Fit” Guarantee
We are committed to providing you with the best fitting armor possible. If for any reason your armor doesn’t fit to your satisfaction, you can return it for exchange or store credit. Simply notify us within 10 days of receipt via our Returns Portal, then ship it back to us in new unworn condition with a free UPS shipping label provided from the returns portal.
Free Replacement
If you’re ever in an incident where your armor was used to save your life, we’ll replace it with new or equivalent armor. Simply send us a copy of the police report and a request for new armor, and we’ll contact you to make the arrangements.
Warranty
2 Year limited warranty on the carrier
5 year limited warranty on the soft armor
10 year limited warranty on hard armor
Free Shipping
We offer standard USPS shipping with tracking and upgraded UPS ground shipping with tracking.
Order Terms and Restrictions
National Body Armor is legal to buy and own by anyone over 18 and who is not a convicted felon.
Due to State regulations for New York and Connecticut, you must be a member of an eligible profession to purchase National Body Armor. We cannot facilitate purchases to regular citizens in these states and we must have copies of your qualifying ID. Please contact sales@nationalbodyarmor.com for more information or to send a copy of your ID.
Sizing
Stomach Circumference (Inches) | |
Small | 26.5" - 31" |
Medium | 31.5" - 37" |
Large | 37.5" - 40" |
XL | 40.5" - 44" |
2XL | 44.5" - 47" |
3XL | 47.5" - 53" |
4XL | 53.5" - 58" |
5XL | 58.5" - 62" |
Financing
We offer both Shop Pay and Paypal Credit to make sure you have the resources to stay safe. No credit checks, no social security numbers, this does not go on your credit report
Warranty
National Body Armor warrants nylon covers against any defects in workmanship or materials for twenty-four (24) months after the date of purchase.
We offer a limited 5-year manufacturer’s warranty on all of our ballistic products and 2 years on the carrier.
National Body Armor warrants that for a period of (5) years from the date of purchase, the panels will conform to the minimum requirements of the NIJ protocol for ballistic intervention during an actual confrontation at the stated threat level (if your ballistic panels are not labeled in compliance with NIJ requirements, then this warranty does not apply to your panels).
This warranty is subject to, and expressly conditioned upon, strict compliance with the following conditions:
The panel must not be torn, damaged, or altered in any way.
The panel must not be subjected to abuse or misuse during service.
The panel may only be used or placed in a cover or carrier it is designed or intended for.
The panel must not be permitted to be excessively wet.
The panel must not be subjected to excessive heat.
The panel must be properly stored (i.e., not in excessively hot or damp conditions).
Exclusive Onboarding
After your purchase, you’ll receive a link to an exclusive onboarding video from our Founder. This video will introduce you to the company now dedicated to safeguarding your life. You’ll learn about our mission, commitment to quality and safety, key product features, proper care and usage of your items, and available upgrade options.
We'll also cover limited-time discount offers, how to process an exchange online if sizing is an issue, how to register your item for warranty coverage, next steps for your order, and how to get in touch with us for any support.
As Seen On
Got a question? we are happy to help.
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Frequently Asked Questions
our most common questions when buying from us
Q What is the best way for me to get my order in?
Please make your purchase on our website to ensure that your order goes directly to our fulfillment center for packing and shipping. Our aim is to process and ship all in-stock orders the same day.
QDo you offer discounts?
Yes, we offer discounts. To receive our best deals and special offers, sign up for our email list.
QDo you offer payment plans?
Yes, we offer payment plans. At checkout, you can choose Shop Pay or Sezzle to split your payments into four installments. Make the first payment today, with the remaining three payments due every two weeks. A soft credit check will be performed using your mobile phone number, and over 90% of applicants are approved. We will ship your order after the first payment is processed.
QDo you accept POs?
YES! We accept POs from Federal, State, Local, Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS and all agencies plus private corporations. Send your PO to sales@nationalbodyarmor.com or contact us directly at 561-571-5424.
QDo all products ship the same day?
Each product on our website indicates whether it is available for same-day shipping or the current lead time for production. We aim to keep the Express Soft Armor Concealable T-Shirt in stock for same-day shipment at all times.
QWhat is your fit guarantee?
If you’re not satisfied with your purchase within 10 days of receiving it, you can request a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) through our Returns Portal, located at the bottom of our homepage. You can exchange the item for the correct size, another product, or store credit. All returns must be in new, unworn condition. We do not accept returns on products that have been used or damaged after delivery. We inspect all returns, and any signs of wear or tear will result in the item being returned to you at your expense. Only one exchange per order is permitted. Please note that if you exchange for a different size or item, the manufacturing lead time for the new product will apply. Clearance items are excluded from this policy and are considered final sale with no exchanges.
QDo you pay for return shipping?
Yes, we cover return shipping costs. Once you obtain an RMA through our Returns Portal, we will provide you with a prepaid UPS label.
QWhat is the real truth on non-certified compliant armor vs. Certified armor?
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is the research arm of the U.S. Department of Justice and is the group that created and manages the minimum performance standards against which our and many other brands of armor are tested.
The truth is that there is body armor being sold that is not NIJ certified or tested. Testing takes time and money, and some companies don’t want to go through the effort and cost. Some customers may be super budget conscious and want to save as much as possible.
National Body Armor’s products are tested in NIJ-approved labs and meet the NIJ’s standards for ballistic performance. In fact 100% of the armor we sell is Made in USA and Certified. This means that the quality of the materials and the way we have them assembled stop what they’re advertised to stop.
Cheap armor that hasn’t been tested? Maybe it would pass…but do you want to bet your life on it?
Pros of having National Body Armor NIJ certified armor:
Be confident in your personal safety. NIJ certification provides assurance of protection against specific ballistic threats
Higher quality. NIJ certification is a rigorous testing process that ensures armor meets specific standards and undergoes regular quality control inspections
Widely recognized: NIJ certification is a widely recognized standard in the law enforcement and military communities. Using certified armor can improve the perception of the armor vendor’s professionalism and commitment to safety.
For additional information please read https://www.certifiedbodyarmor.com
QYour vest saved my life, what should I do?
If you are a National Body Armor Save, please get in touch with us. Our company was founded with the mission of saving lives, and we would love to hear from you. Our CEO will personally reach out to learn about your experience and discuss your story. After all, you are our hero! The most recent Certified Save was a US National Guardsman from Pennsylvania.
QWhat is the highest level of body armor I can buy?
Currently, the highest rating/level for personal body armor is Level IIIA for soft armor and Level IV for hard armor plates.
QWhat does the “NIJ Rating” of body armor mean?
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) establishes and updates voluntary minimum performance standards for body armor, conducts testing against these standards to ensure that body armor complies with the standards, and sponsors research to improve body armor. NIJ Certified body armor is strictly regulated and randomly selected for testing by the NIJ to ensure the armor design meets the requirements listed on the build sheet. Armor that does not comply to the standards and fails any of the NIJ’s inspections is subject to a recall.
QDoes it hurt when you are shot wearing a vest?
Absolutely, getting shot will be painful, even with a vest. The impact can cause significant pain, and it may also lead to bone fractures and internal bleeding. While a bullet-resistant vest is designed to stop the bullet and minimize backface deformation, it is not intended to make the wearer comfortable after being shot. Bullets travel at speeds ranging from 800 to 2,400 feet per second, so the impact can still cause trauma. The primary purpose of the vest is to keep the wearer alive despite these injuries.
QDoes body armor really work?
Yes, body armor really does work. Although it's not 100% bulletproof, numerous news reports and online stories highlight cases where police, military personnel, and civilians have been saved by their ballistic vests. In the 1970s and 80s, the founder of one of the first major body armor companies would even demonstrate the effectiveness of his products by being shot with a .357 Magnum. While this was a bold way to prove the product’s reliability, modern testing and the extensive history of life-saving incidents make such demonstrations unnecessary today.
QCan I buy this for my kids?
We don’t offer child-sized armor vests, but our products fit anyone who meets the sizing guidelines. For school-aged children, we recommend using backpack armor. Our 10”x12” or 11”x14” ballistic panels fit well into many types of backpacks.
QCan I talk to someone? I have some general questions?
Yes, you can definitely talk to someone! Feel free to call us at 561-571-5424. We’re happy to discuss body armor and assist you in making the right purchase.
QDo you export your body armor products?
Yes, we do export! We’re registered with the US Department of State and can export globally with the necessary export licenses. Our Defense Trade Controls Compliance Registration Code is M44107. We adhere to all International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).
Body Armor Laws
QWho can buy body armor?
We sell body armor to any adult who may need the protection against handgun or rifle fire. From the general public that wants to protect themselves, law enforcement agencies, fire departments, EMS personnel, airport teams, security guards, Church security teams, business executives, Doctors, lawyers, professional sports teams, celebrities, Uber drivers, shop owners, bank employees, repo workers, process servers, hunters, gun range patrons and anyone else who wants one. There is no background check, waiting period, or federal registration required. Our company is dedicated to providing protection to ANY ADULT who feels they may need it.
QWho cannot buy body armor?
You must be 18 to buy and not a convicted felon. Residents of the State of NY and CT please see below.
QIs body armor legal for the general public?
Body armor is legal for the general public to purchase and own on the Federal level. Traditionally, body armor is not for sale to the general public in retail stores. NY and CT are the only State with additional requirements, see below.
QDo you sell to residents of CT and NY?
Only two States have special requirements regarding who can buy and shipping: Connecticut and New York. If you live in the State of New York you must have current identification in accordance with the eligible professions located at https://dos.ny.gov/body-armor. If you live in the State of Connecticut you must have an identification in accordance with the eligible professions located at https://www.cga.ct.gov/2009/rpt/2009-R-0401.htm. Please send your order # and ID to sales@nationalbodyarmor.com or your order will NOT be released for production. We do not facilitate in person buying for civilians in Connecticut.
QDo you offer payment plans?
YES! Select Shop Pay at checkout and pay over time at 0%. We ship your order and you continue to make payments after receiving.
QWhat forms of payment do you accept?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover Card, and PayPal.
QWhere can National Body Armor ship a vest from an online purchase?
We ship world wide in accordance with US laws.
QHow many days until my order ships?
We offer same day shipping on in stock items. Some products we manufacture in the order we receive orders and they take longer. The important part is you receive body armor with a recent date of manufacture to ensure you receive the full 5 year warranty on the ballistics. Our team will always focus on quality before speed as we sell life saving products.
QWhy do you have such a large shipping range?
Body armor is a life safety product and we want you to have a brand new product with a full warranty. We are the only online body armor factory that sells direct to consumer.
QI've seen shorter lead times with other companies?
In most cases they are offering Chinese made non-certified body armor that was manufactured up to a year a go or more that may have been sitting in a container for an extended period of time.
Warranty
QWhat is your carrier warranty?
National Body Armor warrants nylon covers against any defects in workmanship or materials for twelve (12) months after the date of purchase.
QDo you offer a warranty on your body armor?
We offer a limited 5-year manufacturer’s warranty on all of our soft armor products, 10 years on hard armor and 2 years on the carrier.
QWhat is your ballistics Warranty?
National Body Armor warrants that for a period of (5) years from the date of purchase, the soft armor panels and for a period of (10) years for hard armor we will conform to the minimum requirements of the NIJ protocol for ballistic intervention during an actual confrontation at the stated threat level (if your ballistic panels are not labeled in compliance with NIJ requirements, then this warranty does not apply to your panels). This warranty is subject to, and expressly conditioned upon, strict compliance with the following conditions:
- The panel must not be torn, damaged, or altered in any way.
- The panel must not be subjected to abuse or misuse during service.
- The panel may only be used or placed in a cover or carrier it is designed or intended for.
- The panel must not be permitted to be excessively wet.
- The panel must not be subjected to excessive heat.
- The panel must be properly stored (i.e., not in excessively hot or damp conditions).
Cleaning & Maintenance
QHow long does a vest last?
Our ballistics have a 5-year limited warranty. This is the industry standard recommended life cycle of a bullet resistant vest.
QHow should I store my body armor?
The recommended way to store your body armor is by laying them flat. Storing your vest in an upright position will cause the ballistic material to eventually start to “bunch up” on the bottom of the carrier.
QHow do I clean my body armor?
While the outer carriers are designed to be machine washed and dried, the ballistic panels should NEVER be placed in a washing machine or dryer. To clean your ballistic panels, simply remove them from the outer carrier and wipe them down with soapy water. Make sure to thoroughly dry your ballistic panels before inserting them back into the carrier. Again, it is important to remember to NEVER submerge your ballistic panels in water.
QHow do you recommend I store the vest?
When not in use, store your vest flat, and in a cool dry place
QCan I clean my vest?
Rinsing your vest with water and washing with mild soaps will not damage your vest. Never submerge your vest underwater - rinse your vest off after any extended use. In addition to preventing the buildup of odor and other body residues, frequent rinsing will make wearing your vest more pleasant. You can rinse your vest in a conventional sink or shower; use a small amount of mild soap and hand scrub the body side of the vest and elastic straps about every fifth rinse. Always rinse soap off thoroughly and towel dry vest immediately after rinsing. Refer to care instructions on vest.
QAnything I shouldn't do with a vest?
Submerging your vest in water is something that seems harmless yet can be very detrimental to your body armor. Exposing a ballistic package to water can significantly decrease the performance of your ballistics while the material is wet. Although our panels are sealed with ripstop material and are designed to keep water out, it is not recommended to submerge your panels.
QCan I alter my vest?
Only the manufacturer is exclusively authorized to make repairs and alterations to their vests and other equipment. Manufacturer will consider this warranty null and void if any alterations and/or repairs of any kind are made to the vest, or to any portion of the vest, by any person or entity other than the Manufacturer.
Privacy Policy
We take your privacy very seriously. All orders are shipped from us direct to the consumer. We do not share, trade, or sell your information to outside parties. Your purchase is handled privately.
QPrivacy Policy
We take your privacy very seriously. All orders are shipped from us direct to the consumer. We do not share, trade, or sell your information to outside parties. Your purchase is handled privately. We do cooperate with law enforcement on inquiries in regards to the original purchaser of our armor.
QWhat is your social media, email and phone policy?
Zero tolerance.