Why don't they make full bullet proof clothing?

Question

They have bullet proof vests but why don't they have bullet proof pants and full sleeve jackets? Can't they have a mask as well?

Answer 1

The more fully armoured you are, the less mobile you are. Even though modern body armour is much lighter, more compact, and more flexible, weight, bulk, and rigidity are still problems. You must decide whether full protection or ease of movement are more important to you.

Answer 2

A bullet proof vest isn't exactly light. I used to wear a slash-proof kevlar vest (same material as bullet proof ones, but it can't stop a stab, just a slash) with a small titanium plate while doing mobile security and I was boiling when it became summer and heavy to wear around. What you're proposing is more for firefighters since any fall debris can hurt you anywhere, while someone with a gun only aims for the most critical part of your body: your torso. All other hits with a gun isn't life threatening, unless it hits an artery, but the chances of that are small.

Answer 3

Yes all this can be done. It is just a mater of weight. A full specification kevlar protector capable of stopping a high velocity riffle bullet weights about 5 kilos (10 pounds) and covers about 1/8 of your chest. To put this all over your body would mean you had to carry 200 kilos+ of weight.

Answer 4

Because if you're shot in the extremities, you will most likely survive. But your torso is full of vital organs.

Answer 5

most probably because it does not allow good mobility to soldiers and decrease their stealth presence on the ground

Answer 6

Too heavy, cumbersome and expensive.

Answer 7

If they did the criminals would have one and the police wouldn't be able to shoot to kill

Answer 8

They would be too heavy.

Answer 9

http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,usa3_042104.00.html

They will soon.