The Armor List: A Practical Guide to Thinking Clearly About Body Armor Decisions
Body armor decisions are rarely simple—and the information needed to make them is often scattered. This guide explains how professionals actually use The Armor List to research products, verify manufacturers, understand standards, and make defensible decisions across procurement, use, and lifecycle.
The Operating Reality for Small U.S. Body Armor Manufacturers Entering 2026
As small and mid-sized U.S. body armor manufacturers enter 2026, the market is clearer and less forgiving. Costs remain elevated, regulatory transitions are unresolved, and market noise has not corrected itself. This analysis explains why these pressures are now structural rather than temporary, and how disciplined manufacturers are responding through verification, compliance maturity, and operational rigor.
BA 9000 Certification: Boosting Quality, Compliance, and Edge in Ballistic Armor
BA 9000 certification is no longer optional in the ballistic armor industry—it’s the benchmark that defines credibility. For manufacturers, it means higher upfront costs but stronger bids and reduced risk. For buyers, it streamlines sourcing through pre-vetted, compliant suppliers. And for end users, it guarantees armor that performs as tested. By 2025, nearly every leading U.S. manufacturer has integrated BA 9000, while non-certified firms are increasingly left out of major procurements.