In a hands-on struggle, riot gear is subject to grabbing, pulling, and tearing. The outer shell material must possess high tear strength to prevent an aggressor from ripping the suit and compromising its protection or gaining a handle to control the officer. This is achieved through the use of high-denier, high-tensile strength synthetic fabrics like Cordura nylon or Dyneema Composite Fabric. These materials are woven with robust, thick threads and are often made with a ripstop grid pattern. This grid, created by weaving thicker threads at intervals, contains any tear that starts, preventing it from propagating across the entire panel. The seams are also critical points; they are double-stitched or, ideally, bar-tacked (a dense pattern of stitching) at high-stress areas like the shoulders and crotch. This combination of tough base material and reinforced construction ensures the suit remains intact and functional during physical confrontations.
Core Knowledge:
High-Denier Fabric: The use of thick, strong threads (e.g., 1000D Cordura) in the outer shell provides inherent resistance to tearing and abrasion.
Ripstop Weave: A grid pattern of reinforced threads is woven into the fabric to stop any small tear from spreading into a large rip.
Reinforced Seams: Stress points are strengthened with double-stitching or bar-tacking, which is a small, dense pattern of stitching that distributes load over a wider area.
Material Choice: Advanced materials like Dyneema Composite Fabric offer exceptional tear and slash resistance while remaining lightweight.
