The top of the Lifestream range, specified where sustained tactical operation matters more than concealment. Full torso protection with optional high collar and groin, sized S to XXL rather than one-size, and a slip-over head design with an opening left shoulder for rapid entry and exit.
Construction and materials
Ballistic system
- Manufacturing standard
- N.I.J. 0101.03
- Ballistics fabric
- 1100dtex aramid (Kevlar / Twaron)
- Panel covering
- High frequency welded PVC, or 210D oxford nylon (waterproof)
- Standard levels
- IIA, II, IIIA — Level I on request
- Aramid
- Du Pont style 802, used exclusively in the combat range
- ZYLON
- Never used. Not in any Lifestream product.
Garment shell
- Outer fabric
- 900 / 600D texturised ripstop polyester
- Weatherproofing
- Dual layer polyurethane coated inner surface (waterproof); water repellent outer grain
- Inner lining
- Hard wearing Maximesh for comfort and ventilation
- Padding
- Full surface area foam padded, sandwiched between waterproof layers to prevent absorption of liquids and noxious gases
Fit and coverage
- Coverage
- Full torso protection
- Optional coverage
- High collar; groin protection
- Entry system
- Slip-over head, opening left shoulder for rapid entry and exit
- Adjustment
- Four point Velcro adjustment system
- Sizes
- S, M, L, XL, XXL — extreme sizing on request
- Ergonomics
- Designed for unrestricted ease of movement
Options and upgrades
- Trauma packs
- High density PE60/30 closed cell foam — optional
- Ceramic inserts
- Single or multi-curved, 250 mm × 300 mm, raising protection to Level III and IV
- Custom inserts
- Custom ceramic inserts available on request
- Steel inserts
- Steel and stainless steel, with or without anti-spallation, on request
- Seams
- All major seams double stitched, bar-tack reinforced at stress points
- Thread
- Industrial strength UV-resistant polyester, resistant to uric acid degradation
Weight by protection level
Kilograms per complete garment. Level III and Level IV figures include two basic ceramic inserts.
| Configuration | Level I | Level IIA | Level II | Level IIIA | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full torso | 2.50 | 3.10 | 3.70 | 4.20 | 9.00 | 9.20 |
| Full torso & collar | 2.60 | 3.20 | 3.80 | 4.30 | 9.10 | 9.30 |
| Full torso, collar & groin | 2.80 | 3.45 | 4.10 | 4.70 | 9.50 | 9.70 |
What each level stops
Test conditions per the N.I.J. ballistic resistance standard. Maximum permitted depth of deformation is 44 mm at every level. Levels III and IV are achieved with ceramic inserts fitted.
| Level | Test ammunition | Bullet mass | Minimum test velocity | Fair hits at 0° |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| II-A | .357 Magnum JSP | 10.2 g | 381 m/s | 4 |
| II-A | 9 mm FMJ | 8.0 g | 332 m/s | 4 |
| II | .357 Magnum JSP | 10.2 g | 425 m/s | 4 |
| II | 9 mm FMJ | 8.0 g | 358 m/s | 4 |
| III-A | .44 Magnum Lead SWC, gas checked | 15.55 g | 426 m/s | 4 |
| III-A | 9 mm FMJ | 8.0 g | 426 m/s | 6 |
| III | 7.62 mm (.308 Winchester) FMJ | 9.7 g | 838 m/s | 6 |
| IV | .30-06 AP | 10.8 g | 868 m/s | 1 |
Lifestream has never used ZYLON, and never will.
Du Pont style 802 aramid is used exclusively in our combat range. All products are available for witnessed testing by clients, to the relevant standard, at a professional controlled facility by prior arrangement.
Also in this range
Under Cover / Covert Vest
Worn beneath clothing. Micro-fibre brushed polyester shell, one size fits all, white or beige.
General Purpose Police / Security
Patrol and security duty. Vital organ or full torso, optional collar and groin protection.
NATO / UN Vest
Multinational deployment configuration with eight point Velcro adjustment.