Over the last few years, there have been a rapid improvement in the design, shape, and functionalities of modern ballistic shields. Many of these shields now possess multiple functions that the manufacturers feel would be a great plus to the law enforcement who have to stand in the way of flying bullets and other multiple threats daily. Some of the top ballistic shields of the new decade feature increased protection and coverage. Take the Point-Blank Phalanx III, for instance. This 20 x 36 inches ballistic shield offers Level III protection to carriers. It is a hybrid composite shield that offers three positional shooting positions. Lightweight and highly functional, this ballistic shield weighs under 26 lbs.
Other classical examples of advanced ballistic shield design include the Boydd Products Compact Response Shield. You might never come across a ballistic shield as lightweight as this 7.7 lbs., Level III ballistic shield. This shield is designed with rifle-rated protection. Via its Velcro and MOLLE design, it allows carriers to easily attach items like medical kits, tourniquets, lights, slings, and ammo pouches. It is available in 21- and 26-inch-tall models. The ProTech® Defender X Ballistic Shield is another brilliant example of innovative ballistic shield design.
Apart from its extreme lightweight, this 11.7 lbs. shield offers whole Level IIIA protection for linear assaults, high-speed entries, and active shooter scenarios. It has a dimension of 20 x 34 inches. The METT-T Clear Ballistic Shield is another shield in its own class. This highly innovative ballistic shield is designed with a transparent design that enables responders to operate without visual restrictions. Finally, I would mention the United Shield MXV Shield. I bet you have never seen a ballistic shield with a trapezoid viewport until the United Shield MXV Shield. The shield offers Level IIIA ballistic protection with 77 square inches of the viewing area. It also provides peripheral vision and downward ground vision. It is available in 20 x 34 inches and 24 x 36 inches and weighs between 15 lbs. and 16.5 lbs.
Check out the rest of our blog posts here.