Protecting your community starts with protecting yourself. Personal protective equipment is designed to shield officers from life-threatening injuries. It includes a variety of devices and garments such as goggles, gloves, helmets, vests, gas masks, etc. Here’s a look at some of the latest offerings.
Point Blank’s Vision, the new NIJ-certified level-IIIA ballistic armor (AIIIA-1), offers cooler, dryer and more comfortable all-day wearability with Outlast temperature-regulating technologies, Thorshield Electroshock Weapon Protection and a Self-Suspending Ballistic System. Vision is lightweight (0.98 lbs. per square foot) and only 0.3 inches thick for mobility. It’s special-threats tested against fragmentation projectiles including the 2gr, 4gr, 16gr and 64gr RCC, and reduces the effects of blunt trauma. Paired with Point Blank’s new Q4 tactical vest, which features a fully integrated modular design and a quick-release system, it makes an effective ballistic system. Point Blank Body Armor— 800/413-5155www.pointblankarmor.com
Safariland’s Hatch Model SOG-HKG Operator HKG Gauntlet glove features a longer length to protect the wrist and forearm in tactical applications and close-quarters combat. The gloves are constructed of durable goatskin in the palms and knuckles for superior abrasion and tear resistance. They feature a hard-knuckle design for protection and sound buffering for a more tactical posture. The Operator SOG-HKG backs are constructed of a Kevlar/Nomex blend that provides fire resistance and wicks moisture and perspiration away. For shooting, the patented Cut-Ring on the index finger allows for the optional removal of the trigger finger without unraveling the remaining edge. The Operator SOG-HKG is offered in three colors—black, foliage and coyote tan. Safariland— 800/347-1200www.safariland.com
The new Zak eyewear is a recent addition to Wiley X’s Black Ops Collection—a high-performance series of protective eyewear inspired by covert operators and designed to meet the demands of elite-level military personnel and law enforcement officers. Like all Wiley X Black Ops eyewear, the Zak features stealthy matte black frames and military-spec neutral grey lenses. These shatterproof, scratch-resistant Selenite polycarbonate lenses provide visual clarity and feature 100% protection against UVA/UVB rays. The glasses meet ANSI Z87.1-2003 high-velocity and high-mass impact and optical performance standards. The Zak has a lightweight, durable frame that fits medium to extra-large faces. Rubber nose and temple grips ensure a snug, secure fit. Wiley X Eyewear— 800/776-7842www.wileyx.com
The GH Helix concealable armor is made for comfort and wearability with a lightweight and flexible tactical design. The armor features a hybrid construction of Spectra Shield and Goldshield materials, and meets the 0101.06 NIJ Standard. The product has a water-resistant ballistic panel cover with heat-sealed seams for extra protection. It also comes with an exclusive ProTect internal ballistic desiccant system for durability. The armor accepts 5-x-8- and 8-x-10-inch soft, hard or special-threat trauma plates. G.H. Armor Systems— 866/920-5940www.gharmorsystems.com
TurtleSkin’s SoftPlate IIIA body armor is a new concealable ballistic-resistant system. Constructed from materials found in hard plate armor, it offers coverage and protection with the benefit of soft armor comfort. The unique composition of the SoftPlate armor dissipates impact across the entire surface to reduce the effects of localized blunt trauma. It features a soft, neoprene yoke across the width of the shoulders/upper-back and a lumbar support strap that wraps around the lower back. This feature is designed to shift the weight off of your shoulders and relieve lower back stress. TurtleSkin— 888/477-4675www.turtleskin.com
MSA’s TC-2000 Combat Helmet features ballistic, fragmentation and impact head protection. The helmet has a low-profile design for stealth operations and is compatible with NVGs (night-vision goggles), MSA’s CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) gas masks and MSA’s communication devices. Adjustable pads conform to your head shape to distribute helmet weight evenly and comfortably. Two sizes (medium and large) accommodate most head sizes, from approximately 20.5 inches (XXS) to 24.5 inches (XL). The helmet is available in green, black or tan with a flat non-reflective finish. MSA— 866/672-1001 www.msapoliceline.com
Avon’s new EZAir airflow system is a lightweight (around 12 oz., including battery) and compact device that delivers cool, purified air directly to your mask. It allows you to breathe easy through efficient airflow, reducing mask-wearing fatigue and enabling responders to easily communicate and perform critical tasks. The Avon EZAir requires a single filter with a run time of eight hours, and has an adjustable filter sheath accommodating most filter sizes. The product has three battery options: CR123, rechargeable lithium-ion and non-rechargeable, all of which can be “hot-swapped.” It has two mounting options: duty belt or MOLLE. Both options provide quick attachment and have minimal interference with existing equipment, vests and utility belts. Product includes a crush-resistant hose with a flame-retardant protective cover. Avon— 410/273-1300www.avon-protection.com
All-Inclusive Tactical Armor The new Lighthawk XT body armor (Extended Tactical series) from Armor Express uses concealable soft armor panels for mobility and secure protection. The product meets the NIJ Standard 0101.06, with models certified to threat levels II or IIIA. The Lighthawk XT features shoulder flanks with an integrated collar, a retractable groin guard and nape, structured deltoid protectors and a removable throat protector. It has a quick-release cable system and communication wire restraints, along with front and rear hard plate armor pockets for extra storage. Armor Express— 866/357-3845 www.armorexpress.com
