If you’ve ever wondered whether body armor has an expiration date, the short answer is yes – and understanding what that means can make all the difference when it comes to your safety.
Like any high-performance gear, body armor is built from specialized materials that gradually degrade over time. Wearing your vest, exposing it to the elements, or even just storing it for years can cause the ballistic fibers or plates to break down. This doesn’t mean your armor suddenly “stops working” the day after it expires, but it does mean that its protective capabilities may be compromised when you need them most.
At RTS Tactical, we use advanced ballistic fabrics, multi-hit rated ceramics, and the highest manufacturing standards to give you maximum protection. But even the toughest armor has a lifespan, knowing when to replace it is key to staying safe.
How Long Does Body Armor Last?
With proper care, quality body armor can last for years. However, the NIJ (National Institute of Justice) recommends replacing soft armor panels every 5 years – and that’s the same timeline we, at RTS Tactical recommend for our NIJ 0101.06 soft armor inserts, such as:
For hard armor plates, lifespan depends on the material:
- Ceramic & Composite Plates (like our NIJ 07 RF2 ICW 7200, 7800, and 9800 Series or NIJ 06 Level IV Plates): Typically warrantied for 5–7 years depending on the model.
- Polyethylene Plates: Highly durable but still subject to wear and environmental damage, follow the same 5–7 year replacement guideline.
- Steel Plates: Can physically last 10+ years if the strike face coating remains intact and they’re not exposed to rust, deep pitting, or significant impact damage. However, most steel plates are still warrantied for around 5 years due to coating wear, spall risk, and evolving NIJ standards.
Heavy use, high humidity, frequent exposure to extreme temperatures, or repeated impacts can shorten the life of your armor.
Interested in testing RTS Tactical gear? Police departments can request a FREE T&E today!
RTS Tactical Warranty & Replacement Policy
RTS Tactical stands behind our armor with industry-leading warranties:
- Ballistic Protection Products – 5 Years
- Ballistic Armor Panels
- Hard Armor Plates and Inserts
- Soft Armor Plates and Inserts
- Ballistic Shields
- Tactical Bunker Systems
- Carriers, Tactical Gear, and Accessories: 2 years
- Plate Carriers and Tactical Vests
- Pouches, Attachments, and Load-Bearing Gear
- Medical Kits and Accessories
Line-of-Duty Guarantee
If you are injured in the line of duty while wearing RTS Tactical gear, we will replace the affected equipment at no cost. This replacement is our way of standing behind you, just as you stood in harm’s way. To qualify, submit official documentation of the incident and proof of gear use at the time of injury. Learn How to File a Warranty Claim Here.
Caring for Your RTS Tactical Armor
Proper care keeps your armor performing at its best:
- Remove panels before cleaning the carrier.
- Never machine wash or dry ballistic panels: Wipe with mild soap and water, then air dry flat.
- Carriers can be hand washed or machine washed on a delicate cycle with medium-temp water (Velcro closed, no bleach).
- Air drying is best, but you can tumble dry on low if needed.
- Always ensure panels and carriers are fully dry before reassembly.
What Damages Body Armor?
Even the best armor can degrade over time from:
- Moisture & Sweat: Long-term exposure to water, sweat, and body oils can weaken ballistic fibers.
2. Extreme Temperatures: Heat above 140°F or freezing temps below -10°F can damage materials and shorten lifespan.
3. Ballistic Impacts: While our plates and panels are multi-hit rated, each strike reduces structural integrity. Always replace armor after it stops a round.
Interested in testing RTS Tactical gear? Police departments can request a FREE T&E today!
When to Replace Your Armor
- You see visible damage (cracks, warping, tears).
- It’s been shot or struck by shrapnel.
- It’s been exposed to extreme conditions for extended periods.
- It’s past its warranty period.
Final Word
Your body armor is only as good as its condition. Expired or damaged gear can mean the difference between walking away and becoming a statistic. At RTS Tactical, we engineer every plate, panel, and carrier to meet or exceed NIJ standards, and we back them with warranties that put your safety first.
Whether you’re replacing aging armor or upgrading to a higher threat level, equip yourself with the gear trusted by law enforcement, military, and security professionals across the country.
Want to see if your department qualifies for hands-on testing?
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