A need to change the industry paradigm around comfort
To serve end-users with a new testing protocol
66% feel their body armor is not as comfortable as it could be¹
1Source: Lippincott brand research North American market study, September 1 2020
The cost of discomfort
Discomfort and restricted mobility can cause wearers to adjust or remove armor too soon, leaving them vulnerable. Fatigue and strain weaken focus, slow reactions and raise the risk of injury.
Leveraging on wear trials and end-user feedback, DuPont collaborated with Hohenstein to introduce a new testing protocol to standardize comfort and mobility assessments, helping to ensure protective gear enhances safety, endurance and operational effectiveness.
Real body motion to develop 3 new testing methods
By focusing on scenarios and movements identified by law enforcement and military forces, we developed tests based on anatomical principles that more effectively capture mobility constraints and sources of discomfort.
Lower costal bending test
Double curvature compression test
Edge pressure test
Watch the video
Innovative testing for real-world performance
These new mobility and comfort protocol redefine body armor evaluation, offering materials and designs in support of maximum agility and long lasting wearability without sacrificing ballistic performance.
LCB - Lower costal bending test
DCC - Double curvature compression test
Critical factors in armor selection
These new test methods provide measurable data on comfort and mobility, giving purchasers of soft body armor critical insights allowing for more informed decisions. With concrete numbers now available, safety, mobility and long-term wearability can be objectively evaluated, helping to ensure armor that can truly protects without compromising comfort.
Involving the value chain at the Service of end-users
Integrating these tests into procurement and early evaluation can drive material innovation, advancing flexible high-strength fibers that can enhance protection, mobility and long-term wearer support.
To develop more flexible innovative fibers and structures with high mechanical properties
To maximize combination of materials to reduce pains and mobility constraints while meeting required ballistic performance
To specify a test method for comfort and mobility assessment into tenders and in early stage of the candidate selection process
A new standard for mobility & comfort
Together, DuPont and Hohenstein are setting a new test protocol in body armor. By combining DuPont’s protective expertise with Hohenstein’s independent textile testing, we help manufacturers provide top ballistic performance while maximizing comfort and mobility.
This testing protocol is available to all manufacturers, providing an industry-wide benchmark to help ensure armor protects without hindering those who wear it.
Ready to put your ballistic solutions to the comfort and mobility test?
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