Designed for Low-Velocity Impacts: Riot gear (suits, helmets) is primarily engineered to protect against blunt force trauma from thrown objects (rocks, bricks, bottles), punches, kicks, and melee weapons like bats. It is NOT designed to stop bullets or high-velocity fragments.
Material & Padding: Protection comes from high-density closed-cell foam pads, thermoplastic plates, and tough, abrasion-resistant outer shell materials (e.g., Cordura). These materials distribute the force of an impact over a wider area, reducing the shock absorbed by the body and preventing bruising and broken bones.
Vulnerability Points: Gaps exist at the joints (armpits, inner elbows, groin) to allow for necessary mobility. These areas are often protected by chainmail or slash-resistant materials against edged weapons, but remain more vulnerable to thrusting attacks or targeted strikes.
Thermal and Chemical Threats: While some gear offers limited flame resistance, standard riot gear is not fully fireproof. Prolonged exposure to fire or direct contact with Molotov cocktails will cause failure. Similarly, it provides no protection against chemical or biological agents unless specifically designed as CBRN gear.
