In a world where personal safety is more important than ever, being able to trust what you wear is essential. Whether you're a security professional, work in transportation, report from high-risk zones, or simply want to be prepared for the worst-case scenario, your protection must be reliable.
At Dutch Body Armor (DBA), we are building a new benchmark in ballistic protection, stab resistance, and needle protection. Our first model, the SB-001, is a lightweight bulletproof vest designed specifically for the civilian market, but built to meet professional-level performance standards. It offers:
· VPAM 3 ballistic protection against handgun threats
· VPAM K1 stab protection against knives
· Certified needle protection against syringe punctures and sharp threats
None of this is accidental. In this article, we explain why we chose the VPAM certification for our bulletproof vests and why local European production is a critical part of our strategy.
Why we choose local manufacturing
Most bulletproof and stab-proof vests available on the market are produced in low-wage countries. At DBA, we’ve made a conscious decision to manufacture our body armor in the Netherlands or Western Europe. Here’s why this matters:
First, it gives us full control over quality. We know exactly what goes into every vest, from the ballistic core and the carrier to the stitching and lining. With this level of control, we can confidently meet the high standards our users expect from premium body armor.
Second, local production speeds up our ability to innovate and improve. If a design needs to be changed or upgraded, we can act quickly. There are no delays, no miscommunication, and no long waits between design and production.
Third, we believe in total transparency. When you buy a bulletproof vest from us, you will know exactly where it was made, what materials were used, and where it was tested. No vague marketing terms, just clear, honest information.
Lastly, we take responsibility for how our protective equipment is made. We believe life-saving products should be manufactured under fair, safe, and controlled working conditions. For us, that’s not a nice-to-have, it’s a baseline requirement.
Why VPAM is our standard and why it should be yours too
Many people are familiar with the NIJ IIIA standard for soft armor, especially in the U.S. But for our mission, delivering the best possible protection to European civilian users, the VPAM standard is more complete, more demanding, and more realistic.
VPAM stands for Vereinigung der Prüfstellen für angriffshemmende Materialien und Konstruktionen. It is a European testing norm designed to reflect real-world threats in a civilian context. Here's what makes it different from other ballistic protection standards:
Tests are performed at five meters, which better simulates close-range civilian threats such as handgun attacks in urban environments. VPAM also imposes stricter backface deformation limits. While other standards might allow up to 44mm of trauma to the body, VPAM limits this to 25mm, reducing the risk of internal injury even when the bullet does not penetrate.
The VPAM 3 ballistic test includes the use of DM41 ammunition, a 9x19mm hard-core round with a steel penetrator, often used by European law enforcement and military forces. It has a velocity of around 420 m/s and puts much higher demands on the armor than standard FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) rounds.
For stab protection, the VPAM K1 level uses a specially designed blade based on real European street weapons. The test blade has a sharp profile and high penetration force. The test is done at 20 joules of energy, and the armor must completely prevent full penetration while minimizing trauma.
Needle protection: a real but underestimated threat
One risk that’s often ignored in bulletproof and stab-proof vest design is the threat of hypodermic needle attacks. In reality, this is a major concern for professionals such as paramedics, mental health workers, police officers conducting searches, addiction care staff, and public transport security.
Even a single prick from a contaminated syringe can have serious consequences, including exposure to hepatitis C or HIV. That’s why the SB-001 includes certified needle protection, a dedicated layer engineered to stop thin, sharp threats that would pass through most soft armor.
This type of protection requires very specific materials and structural layering. We use high-density synthetic fibers, stacked in a way that prevents penetration without sacrificing flexibility or comfort. The result is needle-resistant body armor that doesn’t weigh you down.
Why the SB-001 is built for civilians
This is not a military vest. The SB-001 is built for private-sector professionals and civilians in high-risk jobs or environments. Think of:
· Event security staff
· Bouncers and nightlife personnel
· Investigative journalists
· Drivers transporting high-value goods
· Healthcare workers and public safety officers
Our vision is that civilians deserve the same level of protection as law enforcement, but in a vest that is lightweight, breathable, discreet, and easy to wear under everyday clothing. No bulky plates, no overbuilt tactical features, just real protection in real-world situations.
What’s next?
We are currently collaborating with leading materials partners like Honeywell to develop the soft armor panel system. At the same time, we’re working with European manufacturers to create a carrier that blends comfort with performanc, including Outlast® lining for active temperature regulation.
Our first prototypes are scheduled for VPAM 3 and K1 testing in mid-2025. Our goal is to launch a fully certified product in September 2025.
In closing: no hype, just hard protection
At Dutch Body Armor, we don’t make exaggerated promises. We don’t chase trends. We focus on building bulletproof and stab-proof vests that work, for people who actually need them. Locally made, honestly tested, and transparently delivered.
Want to stay up to date or be first in line for our pre-order launch? Sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Instagram using the icon at the bottom right of the screen.
