Soft armor degrades from heat, UV exposure, and moisture cycling. Storing armor in a hot vehicle accelerates fiber breakdown and shortens warranty life by years.
Never machine-wash soft armor panels. Wipe the panel carrier with mild soap and water; air dry away from direct sunlight. The carrier can be washed separately on a delicate cycle.
Hard plates are durable but brittle in compression. A dropped ceramic plate may have invisible internal fractures that compromise ballistic performance. Plates should be inspected after any drop, and replaced if cracking is found.
Five-year soft armor warranty is the industry standard for a reason — beyond that, fiber elongation properties degrade below NIJ thresholds. Plan replacement cycles accordingly.
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