Safariland has released the PROTECH Z-BR01 Type IIIA front-opening, hybrid armor that meets the National Institute of Justice's (NIJ) new Voluntary Body Armor Compliance Testing Program under NIJ Standard-0101.06 (NIJ-06).

The Z-BR01 features Geometric technology and Curv material in an application that combines state-of-the-art ballistic material with Honeywell Gold Shield and Twaron Microlaminate ballistic materials. This combination of armor technology and ballistic material provides enhanced ballistic performance and reinforced protection along the spine, sternum and lower torso.

The Z-BR01 gives tactical officers the versatility of a front opening style vest that provides comfort and performance in the PROTECH tactical line of products that offer an array of carriers to accommodate front-opening-style vests such as the Rapid Response F1 and Cover 6 Plus.

"The Z-BR01 allows us to expand the PROTECH line of vests to fit the styles and preferences of tactical officers everywhere," says Dan McNeil, Safariland's director of tactical armor. "Leveraging similar ballistic technologies used in our concealable line-up, the Z-BR01 is a robust design that provides tactical teams with the performance they desire. Additionally, it the first NIJ-06 approved front-opening style tactical vests offered in the market."

According to the new NIJ-06 standard, body armor must now be able to defend against increased velocities of ammunition calibers to better reflect current street threats and law enforcement duty weapons. The Z-BR01 is rated for .44 Mag and .357 Sig.

An NIJ Compliant Products List (CPL) is available online.