The following is a list of factors to consider prior to implementing ballistic or stab resistant body armour:
Storage
While soft armour panels are durable, creasing and crushing them can degrade their performance, so vests should be stored on hangers rather than laid flat. Panels removed from vests should be laid flat on a flat surface.
Each vest will weigh north of 3.5kg, so you’ll need heavy duty racks and hangers.
Damage and Inspection
Ballistic or stab body armour should be inspected periodically for damage. If armour exhibits visible damage, do not use it - contact us (with photos) for further advice.
Cleaning
See our Care page for full care details
Armour panels must not be washed or submerged.
Vests should be warm machine washed in mild detergent, with all zips and hook and loop fasteners closed. Do not dry clean or tumble dry.
Asset Tracking
Given ballistic armour is a prohibited weapon in Australian jurisdictions, it is critical that records are kept of wearers' security licences.
All Hellweg ballistic and stab resistant panels are serial numbered, so serial number records should be maintained, along with their assigned wearer and the build date of the armour.
We keep records of all panel serial numbers indefinitely, but not wearer details (unless requested).
Armour Life
The performance of Hellweg ballistic and stab panels is guaranteed for 5 years, subject to appropriate use and care.
We recommend keeping records of all armour build dates against their serial numbers.
Armour and Vest Fit
While the vests and armour panels are sized based off wearer measurements, some adjustment may be needed.
There are adjustment points at each waist and shoulder. The vest should fit snugly but not too tightly around the waist and come down to around the navel – adjust as required ensuring that the position of the adjustments is roughly the same on each side.
See our Body Armour Size and Fit page for more details.