Guides

Do you need body armour, a risk-based guide — R Supply Store
Do you need body armour? A risk-based guide
A practical, risk-based way to decide whether you need body armour, and which type and level suits your situation. Read more...
Body armour and PPE glossary — R Supply Store guide
A glossary of body armour and PPE terms
A plain-English glossary of the body armour and PPE terms you'll meet while shopping: NIJ, UHMWPE, MOLLE and more. Read more...
What bulletproof really means, body armour myths — R Supply Store guide
What 'bulletproof' really means: five body armour myths
No armour is truly bulletproof. We bust five common myths about levels, coverage, weight and stab resistance. Read more...
How soft body armour stops a bullet — R Supply Store guide
How soft body armour stops a bullet
How woven fibre armour catches and slows a bullet by spreading its energy, and why that's different from stopping a blade. Read more...
K9 body armour for working dogs — R Supply Store guide
K9 body armour: protecting working dogs
What ballistic dog vests are, how K9 armour is shaped for movement, and what to look for in a working dog vest. Read more...
Stab and spike resistance explained — R Supply Store guide
Stab and spike resistance explained: SGS and VPAM Level 5
Stab vs spike protection and what SGS and VPAM Level 5 ratings actually mean for knife- and needle-resistant armour. Read more...
How to choose a covert vest — R Supply Store guide
How to choose a covert (concealable) body armour vest
Picking a concealable vest comes down to level, fit, weight and coverage. Here's a practical buyer's checklist. Read more...
What is UHMWPE soft body armour — R Supply Store guide
What is UHMWPE? The material behind soft body armour
UHMWPE is the lightweight, strong fibre behind much modern soft armour. Here's what it is and how it compares to aramid. Read more...
Body Armour and PPE Questions Answered
Honest answers to common body armour and PPE questions. UK legality, NIJ protection levels, sizing, care, and how to buy from R Supply Store. Read more...
Best Body Armour for Security Professionals and Door Supervisors
Concealable NIJ IIIA vs overt body armour for security staff and door supervisors. Compare comfort, threat level and fit for long shifts and choose well. Read more...
Stab-Resistant Protection for Couriers and Delivery Riders
How stab-resistant vests work for couriers and delivery riders, the protection levels available, plus how to stay discreet and comfortable on shift. Read more...
Ballistic Shields Explained: Handheld vs Arm, Steel vs Composite
Ballistic shields compared. Handheld vs arm shields, steel vs composite, weight and protection levels, plus when a shield actually makes sense. Read more...