When body armor is in play, certification only scratches the surface of its true performance. Real-world testing showcases what it takes to stop the rounds that matter.
Armor Matrix Systems wanted its new GEN7-IIIA-PP ballistic panel to prove itself beyond the lab, so they invited a trusted, independent third party to put its new GEN7-IIIA-PP soft ballistic panel to the test at a shooting range in New Mexico. A “torture test”, designed to showcase how well the GEN7-IIIA-PP soft armor panel performs under extreme conditions.
Every stage of the testing was captured on video, so you can see firsthand how Armor Matrix Systems’ latest NIJ-certified Level IIIA body armor withstood intense live fire.
Torture Test: Round-by-Round Breakdown
The testing began with 9mm Luger rounds to establish a baseline. The armor panel was mounted on a stack of hay with a cardboard layer between the armor and the haystack to help evaluate any potential backface deformation.
With 8 rounds of 9mm Luger fired directly into the panel, the armor showed no signs of penetration. The front of the armor absorbed each impact, showing only minor puffiness on the surface, while the back remained untouched and intact. Encouraged by these initial results, the testing team moved on to additional calibers.
For the second stage, 6 rounds of .38 Special 130 FMJ rounds were fired. With a total of 14 rounds embedded in the panel, the GEN7-IIIA-PP continued to demonstrate incredible durability.
The cardboard layer was still intact, indicating that the armor was not allowing rounds to pass through or cause significant deformation on the backside. Even after multiple impacts, the GEN7-IIIA-PP showed little visible wear, signaling that it could take on even higher-caliber threats.
The third phase brought .45 FMJ rounds into play, which have a larger diameter and heavier weight than the previous rounds. By this stage, the armor was visibly puffy and warm to the touch, but still retained its integrity. The testing concluded with several rounds of shotgun buckshot, after which the panel was visibly impacted but still without backface penetration.
All in all, the GEN7-IIIA-PP took on a total of 30 rounds across multiple calibers, demonstrating its resilience and capacity to withstand diverse ballistic threats in the real world.
Post-Test Analysis: No Penetration, No Compromise
After firing all 30 rounds, the testing team conducted a thorough inspection of the GEN7-IIIA-PP ballistic panel. Removing the panel from the haystack revealed slight impressions where the bullets hit, but no visible holes in the back layer of the armor. Even with the surface showing the effects of multiple impacts, the panel remained fully intact, and all rounds were contained within the panel’s layers. The cardboard layer behind the armor was torn slightly, but this was determined to be from the force of impact alone, with no actual penetration.
Upon cutting open the GEN7-IIIA-PP, the team found all 9mm, .38 Special, and .45 rounds embedded inside. Despite the substantial firepower, no rounds penetrated through the back, proving that the GEN7-IIIA-PP meets and exceeds NIJ Level IIIA standards in a live-fire setting. This remarkable performance reinforces the GEN7-IIIA-PP’s protective reliability, even when pushed to extremes.
PERAPLUS-GEN7™ Fabric Technology: Flexibility Meets Protection
One of the primary factors contributing to the GEN7-IIIA-PP’s outstanding performance is its construction from PERAPLUS-GEN7™ fabric technology. This advanced material is engineered to be lightweight, flexible, and capable of high ballistic absorption. The panel’s V50 Ballistic Limit was tested at 1934 ft/s (357 SIG), setting it apart as one of the highest-performing NIJ Level IIIA panels available. This V50 value means the GEN7-IIIA-PP has an exceptional ability to absorb and dissipate energy from high-velocity impacts, making it both protective and comfortable to wear.
Special Threat Protection: Meeting Real-World Needs
Beyond the standard requirements of NIJ Level IIIA certification, the GEN7-IIIA-PP panel also provides protection against several “special threat” rounds. It has been tested to withstand rounds including 9mm Ranger SXT, 7.62x25mm Tokarev, and 5.7x28mm SS197. This broader protection range is especially important for law enforcement and security personnel who may face diverse threats in the field. With special threat protection built into its design, the GEN7-IIIA-PP is a versatile choice that goes beyond conventional standards to provide real-world protection.
Free Sample Panel Offer for Law Enforcement Agencies
To celebrate the NIJ certification and successful independent testing of the GEN7-IIIA-PP, Armor Matrix Systems is offering free samples of this next-generation ballistic panel to law enforcement agencies and qualified companies. Organizations interested in testing the GEN7-IIIA-PP for themselves can request a sample by visiting the Armor Matrix Systems website and completing the contact form.
