Currently there are two highly recognized test methods to evaluate stab-resistant vests: The gravitational drop tester. The air cannon tested at H.P. White and other laboratories. When testing with the gravitational drop tester, the fabric is placed over a clay or gelatin backing and a 16.1 pound (7.3kg) weight holding a penetrator is dropped from a set height. The penetrator may not penetrate the vest more than a few millimeters or as stated in the specifications.

With the air cannon, the fabric is placed on a clay or gelatin backing, and the cannon uses compressed air to shoot the penetrator, which is shot at specific energy levels. Most prefer the air cannon test for several reasons: 1. The air cannon uses a 1.25kg (2.7lb) weight which is, in fact, a typical weight of an actual penetrator coupled with the human arm.  2. The air cannon simulates human attack conditions better.  3. The air cannon's velocity can be matched to any human attack profile.  4. The air cannon provides better accuracy and is more realistic. We believe the air cannon will become the industry standard in the United States as it has in Europe. However,we are prepared to produce test results from the gravitational drop tester or the air cannon measured in either joules or foot-pounds. The decision is yours. Home | Bulletproof Vests | Arms & Ammunition | Armored Vehicles | Blast Room | Contest # 8 Bulletproof Glass | Leupold Tactical Scopes | NightHunter | Compact Handguns | Cop Camera's Specialty Weapons | Legal Notice | Photos | Vehicle Armoring | Western Guns | World Record       First Defense International Group                            Tel : (949) 366-6444   Fax : (949) 366-8444         E-mail : info@firstdefense.com  Copyright © 2001 First Defense International Group. All rights reserved