There are no federal laws prohibiting the purchase or possession of general body armor by law-abiding citizens of the USA over the age of 18. 

While legal in all 50 states to purchase and own body armor if you are not a convicted felon, Connecticut and New York have additional restrictions on purchase and ownership of body armor. 

In Connecticut, all transactions must be in person unless you meet any of the following requirements:

• You are a sworn member or authorized official of an organized local police department,
• You are a member of the Connecticut State Police, the Division of Criminal Justice, the Department of Correction, the Board of Pardons and Paroles or the Department of Motor Vehicles,
• You are an authorized official of a municipality or the Department of Administrative Services that purchases body armor on behalf of police, 
• You are an official of the Judicial Branch who purchases body armor on behalf of a probation officer or a judicial marshal, or
• You are a member of the National Guard or armed forces reserve.

If you do not meet one of these requirements, it is a class B misdemeanor to purchase body armor without meeting the seller face to face. It is also illegal to own body armor if you are a convicted felon. Failing to keep this ordinance is punishable by imprisonment, a fine, or both. 

The law was updated in December 2023 and its full context can be read here:  https://www.cga.ct.gov/2023/rpt/pdf/2023-R-0301.pdf

If you are located in Connecticut, meet one of the requirements listed above, and would like to purchase body armor from WarBird, please contact our customer service department at (231) 922-5000 or contact our support team.

In New York, only those engaged or employed in an “eligible profession,” as defined by New York’s Department of State, are eligible to purchase or own body armor. Such purchases are required to take place in person.  For a list of professions currently deemed eligible, see New York State Penal Law Section 270.21

At this time WarBird does not sell in the State of New York.

It is recommended that you check the most recent TSA regulations as the restrictions are constantly changing. As of this writing, the TSA website states that body armor is allowed in both checked and carried luggage with the caveat that "our officers make the final decision on whether an item is allowed at the checkpoint." 

Body armor is a protective garment designed to absorb and reduce the impact of projectiles or blunt force trauma to the wearer's body. Our body armor utilizes advanced materials such as woven Twaron Aramid fiber and Dyneema UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) to provide an effective level of protection while maintaining flexibility and comfort.

We offer body armor solutions that comply with various ballistic protection levels, including NIJ (National Institute of Justice) standards. Our products range from Level II (HG1) to Level IV (RF3), providing protection against different types of threats such as handguns, shotguns, and high-powered rifles.

Choosing the right body armor depends on your specific requirements and the potential threats you may face. Our product descriptions and customer service team can help guide you through the selection process, assuring you get the optimal protection for your situation.

Yes, we provide body armor solutions to civilians, law enforcement, and tactical personnel. However, please be aware of your state and local laws and regulations regarding the purchase and use of body armor, as they may vary. (See above: Is body armor legal in my state?)

Proper care and maintenance are essential for the longevity and effectiveness of your body armor. Follow the care instructions in the Body Armor User Manual provided with your purchase, including guidelines for cleaning, storage, and inspection. Regularly inspect your armor for any signs of damage or wear and replace it if necessary.

For more questions on caring for body armor, contact support.

Our body armor products each come with a limited warranty, differing whether a carrier or ballistic panel. Details of the warranty coverage can be found in the Warranty Policy product documentation included with your Body Armor purchase or on our website here.

his warranty does NOT cover defects or damage resulting from misuse, neglect, alteration, cosmetic damage, or improper care and storage. ​The warranty is null and void if ballistic panels are used with any carries that are produced by any manufacturer other than WarBird Protection Group, INC.​​​

Please contact our customer service team for specific warranty-related inquiries.

WarBird’s broad range of in-stock styles and sizes provides customers with options for most body types and sizes to allow for immediate shipping on virtually all armor product orders. Please check the product details or contact our customer service team to inquire about customization options for specific body armor models.

Our commitment to quality, safety and comfort is paramount in delivering reliable and effective protection to our customers. Our body armor undergoes rigorous testing to ensure compliance with industry standards. This may include NIJ certification, military specification compliance, international standard certification, and/or special threat testing for ballistic protection. Ballistic Specifications for each of our body armor products can be located and downloaded on the specific product pages.

A trauma plate, also known as a trauma pad or trauma insert, is an additional plate added to the strike face side of body armor. Its purpose is to further absorb and distribute the impact energy, reducing the risk of blunt force trauma and enhancing overall protection over the chest cavity. For example, when used in conjunction with (ICW) Level II armor, our Side Kick trauma plate increases ballistic protection to Level IIIA and provides added trauma protection.

While trauma plates are optional, they provide additional protection by minimizing the impact energy transferred to the wearer over the chest cavity. Trauma plates are especially recommended for those who seek added protection against blunt force trauma, increasing the overall effectiveness of the body armor system.

WarBird’s trauma plates are designed to be compatible with all of WarBird’s soft body armor vests. 

Our trauma plates are made with 100% woven Aramid construction and foam encapsulated in a PU-coated polyester cover.  These materials are chosen for their ability to dissipate and absorb energy, providing additional protection against blunt force trauma associated with ballistic impacts.

Installation instructions for trauma plates may vary depending on your carrier or vest. Generally, trauma plates are inserted into specially designed pockets on the inner side of the body armor. Follow the guidelines provided in your carrier or vest with purchase or refer to the specific user manual for proper installation and positioning.  For additional support feel free to contact our customer service department here or by calling (231) 922-5000.

The lifespan of trauma plates depends on factors such as usage and exposure to environmental conditions. Regularly inspect your trauma plates for signs of wear or damage, and replace them if any compromise is detected. While there is no set expiration date, routine checks are advisable.

Advancements in materials and design have allowed our trauma plates to be lightweight and slim, while providing additional protection for comfort and mobility.