FAQ

Many of our products are built and ready to be shipped, but in case we do have to produce your order there is an extended lead time ranging from 1-2 weeks. Please refer to the individual product page(s) for more information.

Shipping costs vary per purchase, which would show up during the online purchase process, or when purchases are made offline either directly with Shadow Armor Systems or one of its global distributors. On occasion, discounts are available on surplus products. If you have questions on pricing, please contact us.

SHIPPING—NEW PURCHASES
– Shadow Armor Systems ships within the United Kingdom via Royal Mail.
– Shadow Armor Systems ships internationally by way of FedEx.
– We estimate up to 5 business days to deliver, however, some destinations may take longer.
– Shadow Armor Systems offers free shipping on orders over 99 Pounds when you checkout through the Shadow Armor Systems online store.

ON-LINE PURCHASE RETURNS–UNITED KINGDOM. DOMESTIC ONLY*
– If you are not satisfied with your on-line purchase, you may return it within 60 days of your receipt of shipment.
– There are no refunds or exchanges on build-to-order or custom products.
– Returns will only be accepted if the item is unused, in its original condition, and in its original packaging.
– A full refund, minus a 15 GBP restocking fee, will be applied to your credit card, if your return meets these conditions. The restocking fee will be waived if it is determined your return meets our warranty policy.
– Please allow 7-14 business days from the date and time the item is received by Shadow Armor Systems to process a refund.
– You are responsible for all shipping costs and risk of loss in transit of the item, unless it was our error.

RETURN PROCESS
– Before returning your item(s), please contact customer service (+447520641942) to obtain approval for the return.
– For your protection, please use FedEx or DHL for return shipment, and insure the shipment according to its value.

DELIVER ALL ONLINE RETURNS TO:
Shadow Armor Systems
Attn: Returns, Order #___:
128 City Road London
EC1V 2NX

*For non-online or international online order purchase returns, please contact customer service.

Shadow Armor Systems ships internationally by way of FedEx.

-We estimate up to 5 business days to deliver, however, some destinations may take longer.

No, all orders will be shipped complete. We do not offer partial shipments.

No. Orders do not require signatures.

The FAQ Page Widget is provided by the SEO Rich Snippets App.

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Orders with a shipping address in the United Kingdom ship via Royal Mail.

Orders with a shipping address outside the United Kingdom ship via FedEx.

Shadow Armor Systems does not charge freight for shipping on orders over 99 pounds. Orders under 99 pounds will incur a price calculated at checkout.

The FAQ Page Widget is provided by the SEO Rich Snippets App.

It can be used to enter a series of frequently asked questions with their answers.

The App detects these widgets and creates structured data that can generate rich snippets in Google. Google requires at least 2 questions for this feature.

We do not send invoices. We do send an email notification with confirmation of payment.

If you require an invoice add a note in the “Additional Notes” section at checkout when placing your order.

Please use our contact us page to ask for a manual.

To arrange for a live product demo or trial, contact us.

Continued investment in state-of-the-art in-house design & engineering, manufacturing and testing facilities brings Shadow Armor System’s innovative solutions to life and into the hands of customers quickly—with quality they can count on

Please use our contact us page to ask for a specifications sheet.

Available product sizing information is located on individual product pages of this site. If you need or would like to discuss sizing for any of our products, please contact us for assistance.

All of Ganex Limited or known as Shadow Armor Systems products may be purchased either through this site*, the individual brand sites*, through their network of global distributors, or by contact us directly.

*Not all products are available for online purchase.

Forms of payment will vary depending on quantity, location and other factors and whether you purchase your product through this site*, the individual brand sites*, through our network of global distributors, or by contacting us directly. Whichever form of payment is made, we will work with you to ensure the process is easy.

*Not all products are available for online purchase.
 

Yes, they are.

We offer a variety of armor configurations and options, allowing customers to customize their armor. For configurations not available through the website, contact Customer Service at info@shadowarmorsystems.com.

Pricing and discounts may vary depending on order volume or other factors, which would show up during the online purchase process, or when purchases are made offline directly with Shadow Armor Systems. On occasion, we do offer discounts and run promotional sales. Please follow us on social media, sign up for our mailing list, or contact us for more information.

TO MANAGE YOUR ORDERS:
– Click on the My Account Link in the top tool bar of the Shadow Armor Systems site.
– Login into your account.
– Through the Orders Feature, you can check the status of your orders, review your past completed orders, view order details, print old invoices, initiate returns, and even reorder old orders.

SET UP FOR A NEW ACCOUNT
By creating an online account with Shadow Armor Systems you’re able to:

• Check Out More Quickly (On and Offline)
• Receive Order Messages
• Receive Special Pricing and Promotions Messages
• View Order Status
• View Completed Orders
• Initiate Return Requests
• Create and View an Address Book
• Create and View Wish Lists
• View and Change Your Account Details
• See Your Recently Viewed Items
• View Store Credit
• Expedite Customer Service and Support

CHANGE AN ACCOUNT
– Click on the My Account Link in the top tool bar of the Shadow Armor Systems site.
– Login to your account.
– Through the Account Setting feature, you’ll be able to update your information and then save it.

CLOSE AN ACCOUNT
To ensure all facets of your online account are properly closed, please send a request to customerinfo@shadowarmorsystems.com. Once received, they will work to provide you an account summary and notification of your online account closure for your records.

Manual Verification Needed means that your order requires additional information. Our Customer Service Team will contact you directly.

Awaiting Production means that your order is in production. We ship once inventory becomes available.

Once your orders ships, the order will be updated to show shipped, and an automatic email notification with tracking information will be sent.

Your credit card will be charged once your order is placed.

A tax-exempt certificate is not required. Enter your government email address while placing the order and make a note in the “Additional Notes” section at checkout.

Sales Tax is already charged on orders placed from the United Kingdom.

Orders are usually processed within 48 hours of receipt.

Yes, an automatic email notification is sent once your order is placed.

Shadow Armor Systems does not charge freight for orders over 99 pounds. Orders under 99 pounds will incur a shipping fee calculated at checkout.

Each time your order status changes you will receive an automatic email notification:

• Awaiting Fulfillment – When you place your order. Please allow 48 hours for update.
• Shipped – When your order has shipped.
• Canceled – If your order is canceled.

When a bullet or projectile strikes the body armor, it is caught in a web of high performance fibers that are layered and stitched to exceed certain bullet resistant specifications. The engaged fibers absorb and disperse the impact energy that is transmitted to the vest from the bullet, causing the bullet to deform or “mushroom”. Additional energy is absorbed by each successive layer of material in the vest, until such time as the bullet has been stopped. Because the fibers work together in both the individual layer and with other layers of material in the vest, a large area of the garment becomes involved in preventing the bullet from penetrating. Even though the bullet may not penetrate through the body armor, there is still a possibility that the person wearing the body armor may receive injuries to their internal organs. These injuries are a result of blunt trauma force.

The body armor provides some protection against these, but it is impossible to prevent it completely especially since it is soft body armor. The reason there are blunt trauma injuries to a person that has been struck by a bullet while wearing body armor is because when the bullet or projectile strikes the vest, there is some initial backward movement by the vest. That means, the bullet does not come to a complete stop upon initial impact yet it comes to stop after a short distance of still going inward towards the body of the person wearing the body armor. When the bullet strikes the body armor, the body armor moves backwards into the body of the wearer creating a force and the body absorbs some of the force and then acts a barrier to stop the backward movement of the vest. The absorption of the force can cause injuries to the wearer. Those injuries could include anything from bruising to major internal damage that could lead to death. While the number one priority of body armor is to prevent the bullet from penetrating, it is still very important for the body armor to prevent blunt trauma.

In regards to hard armor versus soft armor, each type has its own strengths and weaknesses. Hard body armor is made of steel, ceramic or other similar, inflexible materials. Soft body armor is made from Kevlar, Spectra, or similar fabric-like ballistic material. Hard body armor is much stronger than soft body armor – only hard armor is capable of defeating rifle caliber ammunition and some types of armor-piercing ammunition. However, hard armor is typically heavier and is only capable of covering just the vital areas of a person – the heart and lungs, usually.

Total number of shots for soft armor

NIJ 0101.04 (Interim 2005): 48 shots / 24 each cal
NIJ 0101.06 (NIJ 06): 144 shots / 72 each cal
 

Number of shots new armors

NIJ 0101.04 (Interim 2005): 48 shots / 24 each cal
NIJ 0101.06 (NIJ 06): 72 shots / 48 each cal
 

Number of shots artificially aged armors

NIJ 0101.04 (Interim 2005): none 
NIJ 0101.06 (NIJ 06): 48 shots / 24 each cal
 

Total number of BFS measurements

NIJ 0101.04 (Interim 2005): 16 BFS / 8 each cal
NIJ 0101.06 (NIJ 06) = 48 shots / 24 each cal
 

Wert conditioning of armors

NIJ 0101.04 (Interim 2005): 6 minutes / shower
NIJ 0101.06 (NIJ 06): 30 minutes complete submersion
 

Number of test samples per NIJ Level/Gender

NIJ 0101.04 (Interim 2005): 6 complete armors
NIJ 0101.06 (NIJ 06): 28 complete armors
 

Template size/shots NIJ Level/Gender

NIJ 0101.04 (Interim 2005): 48 shots large size
NIJ 0101.06 (NIJ 06): 72 shots smallest size / 48 shots largest size
 

Increased velocities Level IIA -9mm / 40 S&W

NIJ 0101.04 (Interim 2005): 1120 fps / 1055 fps.
NIJ 0101.06 (NIJ 06): 1224 fps / 1155 fps
 

Increased velocities Level II -9mm:

NIJ 0101.04 (Interim 2005):  1205 fps.
NIJ 0101.06 (NIJ 06): 1306 fps
 

New Threats IIIA

NIJ 0101.04 (Interim 2005): 9mm eliminated
NIJ 0101.06 (NIJ 06): .357 Sig at 1470 fps
 

Sample conditioning – Artificially Aging

NIJ 0101.04 (Interim 2005):  none
NIJ 0101.06 (NIJ 06): Tumbling for 10 days at 149 deg. At 80% humidity
 

Shots to edge distance

NIJ 0101.04 (Interim 2005):  3 inches
NIJ 0101.06 (NIJ 06):  Small cal. 2” from edge / large cal. 3” from edge
 

Shot placement

NIJ 0101.04 (Interim 2005): Widely spaced
NIJ 0101.06 (NIJ 06): 3 near edge / 3 closely spaced
 

V50 with both calibers

NIJ 0101.04 (Interim 2005): 9mm only
NIJ 0101.06 (NIJ 06): Both calibers
 

Conformity assessment

NIJ 0101.04 (Interim 2005): none
NIJ 0101.06 (NIJ 06): Manufacturing facility audits and random testing over 5 years
 

Certification life

NIJ 0101.04 (Interim 2005): No time limit
NIJ 0101.06 (NIJ 06):  5 years soft armor 10 years hard armor
 

Cost of Certification per model 

NIJ 0101.04 (Interim 2005) = 2,050 – 2,660 pounds
NIJ 0101.06 (NIJ 06) = 14,500 – 20,150 pounds
 

Level I eliminated 

NIJ 0101.04 (Interim 2005): Yes
NIJ 0101.06 (NIJ 06): Eliminated
 

Total number of shots Level III hard armors

NIJ 0101.04 (Interim 2005): 18 shots 
NIJ 0101.06 (NIJ 06): 24 shots
 

Total number of shots Level IV hard armors

 NIJ 0101.04 (Interim 2005): 8 shots
NIJ 0101.06 (NIJ 06): 24 shots
 

The most important element of choosing the right level of protection is to understand the expected threat you will face whether you are a law enforcement officer working the streets or a combat operator facing heavy enemy opposition.  In general Level III will defeat most pistol/handgun rounds and rifle rounds from low velocity up to high velocity. Shadow Armor Systems specifically focuses on the distribution of Level III and Level IV hard armor.

Level of protection is the term used to describe the threats that may be defeated by specific armor models that state this level.  Again be careful that you are choosing NIJ certified because this is a guarantee that the models have been tested and passed a rigid set of standard that the government declares acceptable.  However, always go beyond this and investigate that the certification offered by your supplier is legitimate and still valid.  Many certifications are removed by NIJ due to changes in design, materials, processing, location, and other factors.  If you believe you have purchased or are being persuaded to purchase non certified product that the supplier claims is certified call NIJ immediately here:

Type 1: This armor would protect against 2.6 g (40 gr) .22 Long Rifle Lead Round Nose (LR LRN) bullets at a velocity of 329 m/s (1080 ft/s ± 30 ft/s) and 6.2 g (95 gr) .380 ACP Full Metal Jacketed Round Nose (FMJ RN) bullets at a velocity of 322 m/s (1055 ft/s ± 30 ft/s). It is no longer part of the standard.

Type IIA: New armor protects against 8 g (124 gr) 9×19mm Parabellum Full Metal Jacketed Round Nose (FMJ RN) bullets at a velocity of 373 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (1225 ft/s ± 30 ft/s); 11.7 g (180 gr) .40 S&W Full Metal Jacketed (FMJ) bullets at a velocity of 352 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (1155 ft/s ± 30 ft/s) and 14.9 g (230 gr) .45 ACP Full Metal Jacketed (FMJ) bullets at a velocity of 275 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (900 ft/s ± 30 ft/s). Conditioned armor protects against 8 g (124 gr) 9 mm FMJ RN bullets at a velocity of 355 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (1165 ft/s ± 30 ft/s); 11.7 g (180 gr) .40 S&W FMJ bullets at a velocity of 325 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (1065 ft/s ± 30 ft/s) and 14.9 g (230 gr) .45 ACP Full Metal Jacketed (FMJ) bullets at a velocity of 259 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (850 ft/s ± 30 ft/s). It also provides protection against the threats mentioned in [Type I].

Type II: New armor protects against 8 g (124 gr) 9 mm FMJ RN bullets at a velocity of 398 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (1305 ft/s ± 30 ft/s) and 10.2 g (158 gr) .357 Magnum Jacketed Soft Point bullets at a velocity of 436 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (1430 ft/s ± 30 ft/s). Conditioned armor protects against 8 g (124 gr) 9 mm FMJ RN bullets at a velocity of 379 m/s ±9.1 m/s (1245 ft/s ± 30 ft/s) and 10.2 g (158 gr) .357 Magnum Jacketed Soft Point bullets at a velocity of 408 m/s ±9.1 m/s (1340 ft/s ± 30 ft/s). It also provides protection against the threats mentioned in [Types I and IIA].

Type IIIA: New armor protects against 8.1 g (125 gr) .357 SIG FMJ Flat Nose (FN) bullets at a velocity of 448 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (1470 ft/s ± 30 ft/s) and 15.6 g (240 gr) .44 Magnum Semi Jacketed Hollow Point (SJHP) bullets at a velocity of 436 m/s (1430 ft/s ± 30 ft/s). Conditioned armor protects against 8.1 g (125 gr) .357 SIG FMJ Flat Nose (FN) bullets at a velocity of 430 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (1410 ft/s ± 30 ft/s) and 15.6 g (240 gr) .44 Magnum Semi Jacketed Hollow Point (SJHP) bullets at a velocity of 408 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (1340 ft/s ± 30 ft/s). It also provides protection against most handgun threats, as well as the threats mentioned in [Types I, IIA, and II].

Type III: Conditioned armor protects against (rifles) 9.6 g (148 gr) 7.62×51mm NATO M80 ball bullets at a velocity of 847 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (2780 ft/s ± 30 ft/s). It also provides protection against the threats mentioned in [Types I, IIA, II, and IIIA].

Type IV: Compliance at Type IV for hard armor or plate inserts requires that samples be tested in a conditioned state with .30 caliber armor piercing (AP) bullets (U.S. Military designation M2 AP) with a specified mass of 10.8 g (166 gr) and a velocity of 878 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (2880 ft/s ± 30 ft/s). Compliance at Type IV for flexible armor requires that samples be tested in both the “as new” state and the conditioned state with .30 caliber AP bullets (U.S. Military designation M2 AP) with a specified mass of 10.8 g (166 gr) and a velocity of 878 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (2880 ft/s ± 30 ft/s).
WHAT IS THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE (NIJ)?
 
Firearms are one of the most dangerous threats faced by law enforcement officers in the United States. During the past three decades, ballistic-resistant soft body armor has saved the lives of more than 3,000 police officers. Body armor is critical safety equipment that law enforcement and corrections officers need for personal protection. National Institute of Justice (NIJ) establishes and updates voluntary minimum performance standards for body armor, conducts testing against these standards to ensure that body armor complies with the standards and sponsors research to improve body armor. NIJ’s predecessor, the National Institute of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, began developing lightweight body armor in 1971 and testing it in 1978. Today, police body armor is one of the best-known products resulting from NIJ-funded research. NIJ’s police body armor performance standard for ballistic resistance, most recently updated in 2008, is the only national standard for police body armor. Recognition and acceptance of the NIJ standard have grown worldwide, making it the performance benchmark for ballistic-resistant body armor.

You should never purchase used body armor as it is nearly impossible from visual inspection alone to determine the quality and/or capability of these armor systems.  Most likely used means it has been deployed in situations where the handling and care of the armor is unknown and you simply would be risking too much in purchasing used armor.

Excerpted from the 2001 NIJ Report “The Selection and Application of Body Armor”

Note: Body Armor should be cared for and handled as specified by the documentation you received from the manufacturer when you purchased your body armor. The below information should be used as a guide, but not as a replacement for that information.

The proper care of today’s modern body armor requires taking precautions when cleaning the garment. Every model of armor that complies with NIJ standards has an instruction label indicating how to clean the components. Individuals should follow these instructions, making certain that anyone else who cares for the garment is also aware of the correct cleaning procedures.

The protective panels, or inserts, of body armor should be washed by hand with cold water, using a sponge or soft cloth and mild home laundry detergent. Most manufacturers strongly recommend that the protective panel never be submerged in water. Bleach (including non-chlorine or peroxide-based bleach) or starch, even when highly diluted, should not be used as these may reduce the garment’s level of protection. If a model of armor has a removable carrier, it is possible that the carrier may be machine washable. However, it is imperative to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions found on the protective panel and carrier labels. Body armor panels or inserts are not to be machine washed or dried, either in the home or commercially. The fabric can be damaged by laundry equipment, ultimately affecting its performance. Commercial laundries also use commercial detergents, which are much harsher than home detergents, and pose another threat to maintaining the ballistic- or stab-resistant properties of the fabric. According to DuPont, perchlorethylene is the only dry cleaning solvent found so far that does not significantly degrade the ballistic protection provided by current body armor. However, to eliminate the possibility of an accident and avoid the variety of dry cleaning solvents in use, dry cleaning armor is not recommended.

Most modern body armor contains water-repellant treated or inherently water-repellant fabrics, making hand washing possible by preventing the water used to wash the vest from degrading the ballistic capabilities of the vest. However, rinsing thoroughly is still important to remove all traces of soap. Rinsing properly prohibits the accumulation of residual soap film, which can absorb water and reduce the protective properties of certain types of ballistic- or stab-resistant fabric.

Body armor fabric should never be dried outdoors, even in the shade, as ultraviolet light is known to cause degradation of certain types of ballistic fabric. Tests have demonstrated that ballistic efficiency is significantly and adversely affected by exposure to sunlight for extended periods of time. Each time body armor is washed, it should be inspected for any signs of wear. If the protective materials are not covered with a permanent cover (which is highly uncommon for a typical modern vest), and it appears that the thread used to sew layers together is wearing badly or that the fabric is unraveling, the vest should be returned to the manufacturer for replacement. Officers should never attempt to repair armor themselves under any circumstances.

Today, most manufacturers market concealable body armor with the protective panel sealed within a moisture barrier, such as thin rip-stop nylon or coated cloth, instead of chemically waterproofing the fabric. The owner of such armor must routinely inspect it to be sure that the cover of the protective inserts has not been cut or damaged, which would allow moisture to penetrate the protective panel. Even if the outer covers have not been cut or otherwise damaged, the moisture barrier can still be damaged. When the protective material or the outer shell carrier rubs over the protective panel cover as a result of the normal flexing that occurs when body armor is in use, it can wear through the cover and expose the armor to moisture penetration. It should also be noted that certain types of covering materials tend to make the armor much warmer to wear, because it significantly reduces the rate at which perspiration can evaporate or be absorbed. The exceptional ballistic- and stab-resistant efficiency of materials used to construct body armor compensates for any of these limitations associated with maintenance and care.

The user can easily care for and properly maintain body armor and ensure that it provides its rated protection throughout its service life. When caring for hard armor, it is important to remember that hard body armor, particularly ceramic material, must be handled carefully because it is fragile. Ceramic materials–such as boron carbide, aluminum oxide, or silicon carbide–are extremely brittle. Such armor should not be dropped on hard surfaces and when used, the ceramic must serve as the striking (exterior) surface. It should also be inspected before each use to ensure that no surface cracks are present that would degrade ballistic performance.