New Orders

• Free Shipping Time: 3-10 days inside the United States. (Unless faster shipping is purchased during checkout.) 
• Handling Period: 1-4 days. **During peak times, the delays page will show per-product delays in our manufacturing process.
• First Responder Discount:  Follow the instructions here.
• International, State, and County Government Purchases:  Please contact [email protected] if you don't already have an account.
• Equipment Limitations:  For access to armored vehicles, ammunition, contracts, and more - contact [email protected] or submit a quote form.

Quick Comparison of Armor Types

• Our Armor: Better than Kevlar or steel.  We use the more advanced, lighter, and longer lasting Polyethylene.  Over 50 years in the making.
• All Body Armor in General: Retains stopping power over 5 years and degrades over time. (With proper care)
• Body Armor Standards:  You'll see things like IIIA and IV across our site.  These signify the stopping power of the armor.  Below is a very simplified list and explanation. All of our body armor is "+" rated, regardless of what the standard titles and descriptions show.  For example, we no longer produce III, only III+.
• IIIA (3A) = Stops select pistol bullets - Example: 9mm & .45
• III (3) = Stops select rifle bullets - Example: 5.56 & 7.62
• IV (4) = Stops select AP (Armor-Piercing) bullets - Example: .308 AP & 7.62 API
• More Information
• Armor Materials: 
• Steel = Heavy, thin, 10+ year lifespan, unsafe shattering of bullet, and cheapest to make.
• Polyethylene (PEAD) = Lightest weight, a bit more expensive, longer lasting, most effective, safest. Weight for weight, 40% stronger than kevlar and more than 10 times stronger than steel.
• Kevlar = Short 5 year lifespan, lighter than steel, very low durability.

Quick Maintenance Guide

• Safe Use: Any body armor you buy from anywhere: Use for 5 years with proper care.
• Cleaning Bulletproof Vests: Separate body armor from carrier.  Begin by carefully scraping off large mud clumps.  Use warm water and a soft brush to gently clean remaining stains (Only apply water to brush). Let air dry away from the sun. *Most of our vests are machine washable and you can skip this if there is a "Machine Washable" tag.*
• Cleaning Carrier Vests: Separate all parts and armor plates.  Begin with carefully scraping off large mud clumps.  Use warm water and a soft brush to gently clean remaining stains. Let air dry away from the sun. *Most of our vests are machine washable and you can skip this if there is a "Machine Washable" tag.*
• Care of Body Armor: Do not wash. Do not leave in sunlight. Do not soak in water.  Body armor isn't washable. If damaged or machine washed, replace as soon as you can.

F.A.Q.

Q: What are our plates and armor made of?

Polyethylene (UHMWPE) and/or Ceramic because it provides better protection and usage.  Pure Polyethylene (UHMWPE) on all NIJ IIIA and lower ratings.

Q: Does our armor meet all NIJ guidelines?

Yes, all guidelines from the National Institute of Justice are always met and then exceeded.

Q: Who can purchase our body armor?

Everyone.  Unless you intend to commit a crime while wearing body armor or have a felony conviction.**

Q: What is the lifespan of armor plates?

5 years for ceramic and Kevlar, and don't let anyone tell you longer.  However, we use newer production methods with PEAD/UHMWPE materials that last many more years.

Q: Are Atomic Defense plates multi-hit capable?

Yes, all plates are tested for a minimum of one round, per NIJ standards.  Then we go above that standard depending on the type of round and type of armor.

Q: How much do your plates weigh?

They are all different.  Our NIJ III (3) plates are less than the 6+ pound standard.  A lot lighter than steel plates and are even lighter than Kevlar.

Q: Do you offer custom orders?

Yes, please contact [email protected] with your orders and questions.

Q: What is the difference between X-line coating and the cloth armor plates?

X-Line helps compress and slow the wear of the armor. Cloth does the same but less effectively.

Q: Can you private label for me or can I be a dealer for Atomic Defense?

Yes, we can private label all of the products we manufacture.  Contact us to become a dealer or to start private labeling.

Q: Do you accept wire transfers?

Yes, on large orders and before production. 40/60

Q: Do you sell AR500 or steel armor plates?

No, we consider steel unsafe when compared to our polyethylene (PEAD/UHMWPE) or Kevlar.

Quick Legal

• **Safe For Travel: No need to worry, you can travel through TSA security with our polyethylene and/or ceramic armor.
• **Legal To Own: Civilians in the USA can own and use body armor.  Consult an attorney for specific use cases.

**Consult a legal representative from your state and specific jurisdiction if you have questions regarding the legal aspects of any items listed here.  

**Laws constantly change and we do not promise that you will be able to purchase our equipment tomorrow.

**US law states that you cannot wear body armor while committing a crime.  

**You agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless Atomic Defense, its officers, directors, employees, agents, distributors, advertisers, sponsors, content partners and affiliates from and against any and all claims, actions, demands, liabilities, costs, or expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, resulting from your breach of the Terms of Use.

Is your question not listed?  Please contact us:  [email protected]