The PPSS Group Overt Reflective Stab-Resistant Body Armor in Navy is a CAST-certified KR1 and SP1 vest built for front-line security professionals who need reliable, visible protection against knives, spikes, and blunt-force weapons. Constructed around a 3.6 mm Fortifly carbon-fibre composite protective panel, it weighs 1.5 kg (size Large) and carries VPAM W5 certification for blunt-force impact resistance up to 100 joules. It also meets EN 17353, the EU standard for enhanced-visibility protective clothing in medium-risk environments. Available in sizes S through 3XL, with a Wide fitting at no additional cost.

Who this is for

• Security officers in public-facing roles: door supervisors, shopping-centre security, airport security, and stadium teams who require an overt, visible deterrent alongside certified knife and spike protection.
• Healthcare and institutional staff: hospital security personnel, university security officers, corrections workers, and court security professionals who face daily exposure to edged-weapon and blunt-force threats.
• Enforcement and government personnel: parking enforcement officers, local government enforcement agents, eviction officers, revenue collection officers, and border agency staff operating in environments where an overt security presence is appropriate.

Threat coverage

This vest is CAST certified to KR1 and SP1 standards. KR1 covers single-edged weapons from kitchen knives through to machetes and beyond. SP1 extends that coverage to makeshift shanks, sharpened screwdrivers, and double-edged weapons such as flip knives — threat types that KR1-only armor does not address.

The VPAM W5 certification confirms protection against 100 joules of blunt-force impact from objects including metal pipes, baseball bats, and crowbars. Blunt-force trauma is the highest-frequency injury faced by security professionals, and this vest directly addresses that threat alongside its edged-weapon ratings.

This vest is designed for stab and spike threats. It does not carry a ballistic (firearms) rating and is not intended to stop gunfire.

Construction and materials

The protective panel uses Fortiply, PPSS Group's advanced carbon-fibre composite, formed at approximately 3.6 mm thin. Panel edges are feathered to eliminate pressure points at the margins. The outer cover is high-grade nylon with an integrated spacer fabric that allows air to circulate around the body. Fully adjustable hook-and-loop side and shoulder fastenings allow a secure, custom fit across a wide range of body types. Hook-and-loop patches front and rear accept badge and insignia attachment. Two universal radio docks are fitted as standard. Reflective tape runs front and rear, satisfying the EN 17353 enhanced-visibility requirement.

Donning and daily use

The vest is redesigned for quick donning — the hook-and-loop adjustment system allows the user to put the vest on and secure it without assistance. The protective panel removes easily from the outer cover, allowing the cover to be machine washed independently. The carbon-fibre composite panel does not degrade in the way that aramid-based armor materials can, extending the practical service life of the vest under regular operational conditions.

Sizing and adjustability

Available in sizes Small through 3XL. A Wide fitting is available at no additional cost for users who need additional lateral coverage or carry additional equipment on the body. Adjustable hook-and-loop side and shoulder fastenings allow fine-tuning across the full size range. Alternative colours and bespoke designs are available — contact us for details.

Specifications

Frequently asked questions

What does KR1 mean, and what weapons does this vest stop?

KR1 is a CAST knife-resistance rating covering single-edged bladed weapons from kitchen knives through machetes and beyond. This vest is also SP1 rated, which adds coverage for double-edged weapons such as flip knives and makeshift spike weapons — sharpened screwdrivers and improvised shanks — that a KR1-only vest would not address.

Does this vest protect against firearms?

No. This vest carries stab, spike, and blunt-force ratings (CAST KR1, SP1, VPAM W5). It does not carry a ballistic rating and is not designed to stop bullets. For firearms protection, a separately rated ballistic vest is required.

What is VPAM W5 blunt-force protection?

VPAM W5 certifies protection against 100 joules of blunt-force impact. In practical terms, this covers strikes from metal pipes, baseball bats, and crowbars. Blunt-force trauma is statistically the most common injury type faced by security professionals, and W5 certification directly addresses that threat alongside the edged-weapon ratings.

What does the EN 17353 certification mean?

EN 17353 is a European Union standard specifying performance requirements for enhanced-visibility protective clothing used in medium-risk environments — situations such as working near slow-moving vehicles or in car parks. The reflective tape on this vest front and rear satisfies that standard. No other overt reflective stab vest in this category carries this certification.

Can I machine wash this vest?

Yes — the protective panel is removable from the outer cover, and the outer cover is machine washable independently. The Fortiply carbon-fibre composite panel does not degrade the way aramid materials can, so regular operational use and normal care cycles do not compromise the panel's service integrity.

What sizes are available, and is a wide fitting an option?

The vest is available in Small through 3XL. A Wide fitting is available at no additional cost for users with a broader frame or who carry additional body-worn equipment. Hook-and-loop side and shoulder adjustments allow fine-tuning within each size. Contact us if you need guidance on sizing for a specific role or fit requirement.