What Does Level I Armor Mean? Old NIJ Type I vs CE Level 1
Level I armor was the lowest NIJ ballistic rating (.22 LR, .380 ACP), dropped in 2008. CE Level 1 on riding armor is a different, impact rating.
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The Back of Armor: Backplate, Culet, Pauldron Wings and Modern Back Protectors
What covers the back of armor: backplate and cuirass, culet, gorget and pauldron wings, mail at the gaps, and EN 1621-2 back protectors for riders.
Read guideArmor Types Compared: How Padded, Mail, Scale, Brigandine and Plate Armor Differ
How armor types differ in construction: padded gambeson, mail, scale, lamellar, brigandine, plate, hardened leather and modern soft vs hard plates.
Read guideTypes of Armor and Their Uses: Body, Vehicle, Animal and Riding Armor
Armor types sorted by use: mail, plate, brigandine, modern soft and hard body armor, motorcycle impact protectors, vehicle and horse armor, with sources.
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What Is D3O Armor? How the Soft Protector Works and What Its CE Levels Mean
D3O armor stays soft until struck, then stiffens. See how it works, why the CE level belongs to each protector, Level 1 vs 2 limits and care rules.
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What Is Hardened Leather? Cuir Bouilli Explained
Hardened leather (cuir bouilli) is molded leather set rigid with water and heat. Three disputed recipes, museum examples and riding-leather contrast.
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How to Put On Armor: Fitting Protectors So They Stay Over Your Joints
Putting on armor the right way: match protectors to pockets, close them, add a back protector and check the fit while riding, plus how knights armed.
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Armor and Protective Gear: CE Levels, Standards and Armor Types Explained
CE Level 1 vs 2 armor, EN 1621 parts 1-4, EN 17092 classes AAA to C and EN 13594 glove levels in short tables, plus where sources disagree.
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