Premier Body Armor specializes in the production of body armor systems. Recently, the company used its armor expertise to develop a product for home defense: the Home Shield. The Home Shield utilizes patented processes that follow guidelines set forth by the DoD, offering users enhanced protection. Let’s take a look at it.
Premier Body Armor and the Home Shield
Established in 2013, the company’s genesis can be traced further back to when founder and CEO Frank Stewart won a United States military contract to build armored capsules for MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicles.
The company’s experience in armored vehicles led to the development of a patented process, allowing it to form a super steel to the standardized SAPI/ESAPI (Small Arms Protective Insert / Enhanced Small Arms Protective Insert) curvature standards set forth by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). This expertise gained by the company allows it to produce high-quality, reliable body armor systems.
The company is headquartered in Gastonia, North Carolina, and has served a diverse range of customers over the years. This includes the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), the United States Marine Corps (USMC), North American and International OEMs, the private security industry, government agencies, and the DOD.
Premier Body Armor has also developed armor solutions unique to civilian applications. Among these products are custom-fitted backpack inserts, armored laptop cases, and school products.
The company’s mission is to provide law-abiding citizens with the very best in personal protection. They stand behind their products. In the event that a Premier Body Armor vest or panel saves a life, they will replace it at no cost. However, an official police report of the incident must be provided.
Ballistic Shields
Ballistic shields, used by law enforcement and military personnel, provide mobile protection in high-risk environments. Designed to stop or deflect bullets and other projectiles, they are made from advanced synthetic materials like polyethylene or aramid. Some may also incorporate a ceramic layer to defeat armor-piercing bullets.
Steel is also a material traditionally used in the construction of some types of ballistic shields. Shields vary in size to protect different parts of the body depending on their design and intended use.
Ergonomics plays a pivotal role in the design of ballistic shields. It directly influences the shield’s comfort, usability, and effectiveness. Key considerations are the shield’s weight and mobility. A lighter shield is easier to carry and maneuver, especially during prolonged use, thus affecting the user’s endurance.
The design and placement of handles and grips significantly affect the ease of use. Some shields feature adjustable straps for a universal fit and comfort, while duty-rated handles provide a secure grip.
The size of the shield is another important factor as it determines its maneuverability and the level of provided protection. Larger shields offer more protection but can be more cumbersome to handle.
In addition, the shield’s shape can influence how it is held and maneuvered. Some shields have trimmed, angled corners to allow for the supported manipulation of a defensive handgun. On larger shields, additional features like viewports for improved visibility and attachments for lights or other equipment enhance the shield’s functionality.
Ergonomic features such as high-density forearm pads can be attached to the shield handle for added comfort and reduced injuries.
The Home Shield
The Premier Body Armor Home Shield is a state-of-the-art protective ballistic shield designed for home defense. It offers a unique combination of features that make it an excellent choice for this purpose.
The Home Shield provides National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Level IIIA protection, which is equivalent to the newly introduced NIJ Level HG2. This level of protection is suitable for defending against most handgun rounds and shotguns.
These are the most commonly used in home invasions. Statistically, 97% of the time, the firearm used in home invasions is a handgun. Rifles aren’t necessarily a threat in most cases.
This level of protection is ideal for any homeowner and provides a significant advantage in a home defense scenario. Taking the time to grab and put on a body armor vest is not always a practical option when things go bump in the night. The Home Shield addresses this. The shield can also be used to block other threats as well, such as knives or clubs for example.
Weighing only 3.8 lbs and with a thickness of only 5mm (thinner than an iPhone®), the Home Shield is designed to be handled and stored easily. Measuring 15″x 18″, it is large enough to cover most of the upper torso of an average-sized man. However, it is still compact enough to be stored discreetly in various areas of your home for quick access, from your bedroom to your living room.
The compact size and light weight also make it more maneuverable in tight quarters.
Construction of the Shield
The Home Shield is constructed of domestically sourced polyethylene and features a protective polyurea coating. Polyethylene is a type of plastic known as a polyolefin resin, widely used for its strength, durability, and lightweight properties. However, its ballistic applications rely on a specific form called Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE).
The ballistic effectiveness of UHMWPE is not solely due to its plastic nature. Its strength also comes from the polyethylene fibers that are woven, layered, and then pressed together under tremendous pressure. This process results in a material with the highest impact strength of any thermoplastic, making it ideal for use in ballistic shields.
The polyurea coating on the shield provides an exceptionally waterproof protective layer that enhances the shield’s longevity and durability. It forms a strong, flexible, and seamless coating on the surface and provides protection against abrasion and impacts. It is also environmentally friendly.
The Home Shield has hardened steel hardware that eliminates any vulnerabilities on the strikeface. There are no weak points that could be exploited by incoming projectiles.
Home Shield Design
The Home Shield takes its design cues from the proven design of Premier Body Armor’s Level III+ STRATIS ballistic shield used by law enforcement. Level III armor, which is equivalent to the newly introduced NIJ RF1, is tested to stop 7.62mm FMJ lead core rifle ammunition. This makes it suitable for situations where there is a risk of facing rifle fire. Level III+, while not an official NIJ armor level, exceeds Level III and is akin to the new NIJ RF2.
Premier Body Armor basically reduced the STRATIS into a lighter and more affordable Level IIIA shield that anyone in the family can use. From a small child to the elderly, the Shield provides all the protection needed. It has the same hardware as its big brother, and for home defense, Level IIIA is definitely not a compromise.
I found the Home Shield to be not only very easy to handle and maneuver but also convenient to use with a handgun. This is essential, considering its intended application. The Home Shield is equipped with two handles—one adjustable nylon strap for universal fit and comfort and one duty-rated polymer handle for a secure grip.
It can be used ambidextrously and either single-handed or two-handed, if you don’t have a firearm. The shield’s trimmed, angled corners allow for supported one-handed manipulation of a defensive handgun. This feature significantly enhances the user’s ability to defend themselves effectively.
NIJ Accredited Laboratory Tested
The Home Shield’s design is considered industry-leading. It is multi-hit capable, offering duty-rated durability and grab-and-go functionality.
I did not go out and shoot the sample Home Shield provided for evaluation. That would serve no useful purpose other than providing something additional to write about. Premier Body Armor has its armor tested by NIJ-accredited laboratories in accordance with NIJ standards. The lab test results are available on Premier Body Armor’s website.
Final Thoughts
The Premier Body Armor Home Shield is top-tier protective gear designed with the homeowner in mind. Its combination of Level IIIA protection, lightweight design, durability, versatility, and user-friendly features make it an excellent choice for home defense.
Whether you’re looking for a shield for everyday home protection or a higher level of defense with the Level III+ STRATIS shield, Premier Body Armor has you covered.
The Home Shield has an MSRP of $439.00 and comes with an 8-year warranty. Premier Body Armor offers quick fulfillment of orders and has an easy return and exchange policy,
For more information, please visit PremierBodyArmor.com.
Premier Body Armor Home Shield Specs
| Weight | 3.8lbs |
| Thickness | 5mm |
| Size | 15″x18″ |
| Construction | Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene w/ polyurea coating; hardened steel hardware |
| Features | Trimmed, angled corners; dual handles (adjustable strap and duty-rated handle) |
| Protection | NIJ Level IIIA |
| Origin | Made in USA |
| Warranty | 8-year |
| MSRP | $439.00 |
