Help
If you've got questions about our products, service or using this site you'll probably find the answer below. If your query isn't covered here though, don't hesitate to contact us.
Topics covered on this page
- How do I know what size to order?
- How do I know what protection level I need?
- What's the difference between hard armour and soft armour?
- What is blunt trauma?
- What is KEVLAR®?
- What is Dyneema?
- What is GoldFlex®?
- Do you sell stab resistant vests?
- Are your products guaranteed?
- Are your prices subject to any tax charges?
- Are there any discounts available?
- Do you accept bulk/trade orders?
- What payment options do you offer?
- Can I cancel my order if I change my mind?
How do I know what size to order?
For non-armoured products such as tactical trousers, shirts or combat gloves, sizing is given with product information - simply order the appropriate size to fit. As you would any other garment.
For body armour products, sizes are given as a guide but should you require further assistance to obtain the correct fit, simply complete our measurements form and we'll do our best to advise you.
How do I know what protection level I need?
The protection level you require is determined by the level of threat you believe you will be confronted with.
Level IIIA
In brief, Level IIIA will stop the majority of handgun bullets out there (such as 9mm and .44 mm magnum rounds) and is reccommended by NIJ for use by police personnel.
Levels III & IV
To obtain III and IV levels of protection. hard armour plates would need to be inserted into a Level IIIA vest and this, of course, would add additional weight and cost - nonetheless you would be further armoured.
Level IV
The main difference between levels III and IV inserts is that Level IV also protects against Armor Piercing Bullets. This, therefore makes Level IV highly desirable under machine gun threats.
For Iraq, Afghanistan and other high risk areas, we would recommend a protection level of NIJ IV and no less.
Of course, no vest can provide absolute protection against firearm threat but nonetheless will offer the utmost protection possible under given circumstances.
See our protection levels page for more information on protection levels.
What's the difference between hard armour and soft armour?
Rifle and submachine guns are capable of delivering more power to the rounds, thus rendering soft armor ineffective.
Soft body armor vests only provide pistol and shotgun protection. Therefore, we would advise the use of hard armor inserts with soft armour vest which will upgrade a Level IIIA garment to a Level III or IV in the front and back.
What is blunt trauma?
When body armour stops an impacting bullet, there is a transfer of kinetic energy to the body from the vest. The damage to body tissue caused by this energy is called blunt trauma.
What is KEVLAR®?
KEVLAR® is 5 times stronger than steel on an equal weight basis, yet, at the same time, it's lightweight, flexible and comfortable. It is this unique combination of attributes that enable those who use it to realise success, to perform to their fullest potential and to achieve their personal best.
History
The year is 1965: Two research scientists working in a corporate lab create a remarkable fibre. The technology they developed was one that enhanced strength, lightweight and flexibility.
It offered numerous other benefits - ones that could be offered in a variety of forms. The scientists were Stephanie Kwolek and Herbert Blades. The company was DuPont, and the technology was KEVLAR® .
Technology of choice
Due to the superior protection it provides, KEVLAR® brand fibre quickly became the technology of choice for bullet-resistant vests. In fact, police officers have relied on the KEVLAR® brand for more than 25 years because of the superior bullet stopping power it offers.
That power and protection comes packed at an extremely lightweight, which provides both comfort and freedom of movement to those that wear KEVLAR®.
What is Dyneema?
Dyneema's strength is widely used in personal protection products, including bullet-resistant vests that afford people a high level of body protection without hindering them in carrying out their important duties.
Ultra-high energy absorbption & trauma minimising construction
Due to its ultra-high energy absorption, Dyneema UD provides protection against all major threats. The UD construction makes back face deformation wider and less deep, thereby minimizing blunt trauma effect. Where other materials require trauma-reducing aids, Dyneema UD does not.
Insensitive to water & UV light
Insensitivity to water and UV light - no water repellent treatment is required. Dyneema UD’s performance is not negatively affected by sunlight exposure or prolonged use, even in the hottest climates.
Lightweight, flexible & comfortable
Lightweight Dyneema UD-based vests provide maximum protection at an extremely low weight. Together with the high flexibility of Dyneema UD, this translates into high wearing comfort for the individual user, ensuring that police officers actually wear them on duty.
What is GoldFlex®?
GoldFlex® vests provide protection at an extremely low weight. Together with the high flexibility, this offers high wearing comfort for the individual.
Materials & construction
This soft armor material combines Honeywell's patented Shield technology with Aramid fibre and is a roll product consisting of four plies of unidirectional Aramid fibre tapes cross-plied at 0°/90°, 0°/90° and sandwiched with a thermoplastic film.
Attributes
GoldFlex® offers the following attributes:
- Excellent protection against steel jacketed rounds
- Engineered for added flexibility and comfort
- Excellent stopping power, with multi-hit and angle shot benefits
- Substantial reduction of blunt trauma - the injury caused by an impacting bullet
Do you sell stab resistant vests?
Yes we can provide this type of protection, however they are not included on our site, please contact us with your requirements.
Are your products guaranteed?
Yes, the following warranties are offered:
- Blackhawk products: 12 months
- 5.11 Tactical products: 12 months
- Vests - protection levels NIJ IIA and NIJ II: 6 or 10 years ballistic (dependant on vest)
- Vests - protection levels above NIJ II: 10 years ballistic
- Covers: 12 months
- Helmets: 10 years ballistic / 18 months harness
- Plates: 10 years ballistic
Warranty details
- The armour system has been extensively tested and certified, copy certificates are available upon request
- The soft body armour packs are warranted to be free from defects in the materials for a period of up to 10 years from the date of manufacture, as shown on the label
- The fabric cover is warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of twelve months from the date of purchase
- Warranty is terminated if the carrier has been abused or the laundry instructions are not followed
- Intelligent Armour Limited reserves the right to recall and inspect any equipment subject to a warranty claim prior to settlement
If any components are damaged due to neglect, misuse or abuse - any warranty is immediately null and void.
Are your prices subject to any tax charges?
All UK (excluding the Channel Islands) and EU orders are subject to VAT at the prevailing rate. Any associated delivery charges are also subject to VAT.
If you have a valid EU VAT registration number, you may enter this during the checkout process to have the tax removed from your order.
Orders destinated for locations outside of Europe are not subject to VAT and will automatically have the tax removed.
Other tax charges
For overseas orders, you may find that import duties or similar charges also become payable. However, since these are levied by the receiving country, we cannot predict their application (or not) to your order and cannot, therefore, be held in any way accountable for their payment.
Any and all such charges are the responsibility of the purchaser.
Are there any discounts available?
Yes, we currently offer a 10% discount to UK forces personnel (see forces discount page for more information).
We are also happy to negotiate discounts for orders of 5 body armour vests or more and for 10 or more items purchased - Blackhawk or 5.11 Tactical. Please email us via info@intelligent-armour.co.uk or call us on +44 (0) 1453 700574 to discuss your options.
Do you accept bulk/trade orders?
Yes we can, please contact us with your requirements.
What payment options do you offer?
We accept all major credit and debit cards online via the speedy and secure processing services of either Sage Pay or PayPal, both of which are fully Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) compliant providers.
All online payment processing is handled by either Sage Pay/Card Net or PayPal and we therefore have no sight of your card details if you place your order using either of these payment methods.
Alternatively, you can always place your order online and then call us with your card details on +44 (0) 1453 700574. In this case, card details are retained only as long as required to process your payment.
Other payment options available
We also accept payment by cheque/postal order (made payable to: Intelligent Armour Limited) and bank transfer.
In the latter case, we'll contact you upon receipt of your order with appropriate details to affect the transfer.
In all cases, no goods will be dispatched without full payment.
Can I cancel my order if I change my mind?
Most of our body armour is made to order, therefore, order cancellations will be accepted entirely at our discretion.
However, if you decide you that do not require the armour after payment has been processed (and we accept the cancellation) your refund will be less the 3.5% (approx.) transaction fee levied during payment processing.
Cancellation of orders from stock
Items from stock can more easily be cancelled prior to dispatch. Transaction fees, however, will still apply if the cancellation is made after payment has been processed.
Returning unwanted items
If your goods have already been dispatched at the time of order cancellation you can return them (unopened and in their original condition) upon receipt. Refunds will be less outgoing carriage/packaging and transaction charges. You will also be liable for your own shipping costs plus any that are incurred in the case of exchanges.
Returning faulty or damaged goods
In the unlikely event that your goods arrive damaged or develop a fault you may return them for a full refund - including carriage/packaging and transaction charges.
In all cases, please call us on +44 (0) 1453 700574 or email info@intelligent-armour.co.uk prior to making a return, see our terms and conditions for more information on our returns policy and proceed with the return as follows:
- Pack your items carefully to avoid damage and enclose a covering letter
- Ensure goods are insured against loss or damage as Intelligent Armour Limited cannot be held responsible for any returned goods that are not received or damaged in transit
- Obtain proof of posting (although this will not be considered as proof of delivery)
- Return the goods to us at the usual address