Anti-trauma plate: Often underestimated protection

Trauma pads may, at first glance, seem like a minor, even unnecessary, mistake. However, this is a serious mistake. These inserts play a vital role in reducing rear trauma caused by a ballistic impact on a plate. But why is this so important?

1. Rear-end trauma: a silent danger

When a bullet strikes a ballistic plate, even if it is stopped, the impact causes a backward deformation: this is called backface trauma. This phenomenon, often underestimated, can cause serious bodily damage.

On a steel plate, this deformation can resonate through the torso, breaking ribs and damaging internal organs. But be careful, even composite plates (ceramic, UHMWPE, etc.) can cause serious injuries if the rear trauma is too severe.

In short: a plate stops the bullet, but not necessarily the resulting physical damage. Any technology that can reduce or redistribute this energy is therefore valuable.

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2. Trauma pads: foam or ballistic fiber

Trauma pads are additional layers, often made of high-density foam or ballistic fiber. Their role? To absorb and distribute shock, significantly reducing the depth at which the plate penetrates the body.

• Ballistic fiber trauma pads are generally more effective. Made from materials capable of absorbing violent impacts, they are particularly suitable for composite plates (ceramic, PE, etc.).

• Foams , on the other hand, are often used with steel plates. Their flexibility allows them to distribute the load well and absorb vibrations. Being lighter, they can also be preferred in configurations where weight is a key criterion.

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3. ICW ≠ traumapads! Beware of dangerous confusion

A crucial reminder: NEVER use a trauma pad alone behind an ICW (In Conjunction With) plate.

These plates are designed to work only with NIJ IIIA protection (capable of stopping 9mm or .44 Magnum projectiles). A trauma pad, no matter how good, has no ballistic stopping power.

Using a trauma pad instead of 3A protection makes your system extremely dangerous. Too often, this confusion is made in the industry. Let's not forget: ICW = mandatory NIJ 3A protection.

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4. Any trauma pad is good to take (except on ICW alone)

Whenever you're wearing stand-alone plates, adding a trauma pad is always a plus. It won't make you invincible, but it will potentially reduce internal damage in the event of an impact.

Personally, even in addition to an ICW + 3A, I would gladly add a trauma pad. Yes, that's three layers. But when it comes to preserving your ribcage, your organs, and your breath, it's not a luxury, it's common sense.

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5. Figures that speak for themselves

At Pangolin, internal tests show:

• Ballistic fiber trauma pads reduce rearward deflection by nearly 20%. For example, an API BZ plate with an initial deflection of 33 mm reduces to 25 mm with our fiber pad.

• Foam trauma pads offer a reduction of approximately 15%, or a reduction to 28 mm.

Airpads, on the other hand, are designed for comfort and ventilation, but do not significantly reduce rear-end trauma.

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Conclusion

A trauma pad doesn't replace a plate, but it significantly improves its safety and effectiveness . Whether you're a professional or a sport shooter, don't underestimate this often-overlooked feature. Protecting your body isn't just about stopping a bullet: it's about minimizing the impact and its consequences .