RESPONDER-1 STAB PROTECTION VEST

RESPONDER-1 Stab Protection Vest

The RESPONDER-1 stab vest is designed to suit both male and female officers, offering a versatile and ergonomic fit for a wide range of operational roles.

Following extensive field trials, multiple hospital security departments and several of Australia’s largest security companies selected the RESPONDER vest over products from leading national suppliers. This preference reflects its superior comfort, flexibility, and performance in real-world conditions.

The vest features adjustable sizing, with approximately 4 cm of waist adjustment on each side and around 5 cm of length adjustment (approximate). It is manufactured using patent-pending technology, resulting in a truly innovative stab- and slash-resistant garment that combines protection with exceptional wearability.

Unlike many rigid alternatives, the RESPONDER-1 allows for natural movement, including sitting comfortably while wearing the vest. This flexibility is critical for personnel required to remain protected throughout long shifts. Additionally, the design has been developed specifically with the Australian climate in mind, incorporating lightweight, breathable materials that promote airflow and assist with heat dissipation.

Customer feedback consistently highlights the advantages of our flexible, breathable design compared to traditional rigid vests, particularly for extended wear in demanding environments.

Engineered to meet the stringent requirements of a major Australian healthcare institution, the RESPONDER-1 represents the latest evolution of our original Responder stab vest. It was selected based on its flexible stab panels, lightweight yet durable construction, enhanced comfort, and comprehensive side protection.

Key Features

• Flexible stab and slash protection panels
• Lightweight, breathable, and climate-appropriate design
• Adjustable fit at waist and shoulders
• Durable outer fabric suitable for law enforcement and outdoor use
• Zipper closure with protective flap
• Hook-and-loop panel for identification patches
• MOLLE webbing for modular pouch attachment

Advanced Protection Technology
Our stab-protection garments are the result of years of research and development. The protective layer consists of high-strength aramid fibres combined with a specialised energy-absorbing polymer. This composite material delivers exceptional resistance while remaining lightweight and flexible.

At approximately 1.5 kg (Level 1), the vest is significantly lighter than comparable stainless steel plate solutions—up to 4.5 times lighter—without compromising protective performance.

Inspired by the natural flexibility of an armadillo, the vest utilises an overlapping, scale-like structure. Unlike similar designs, our structure cannot be forced apart, ensuring a high level of safety while maintaining maximum flexibility and breathability.

Sizing
Please refer to our measuring guide to determine the correct size. Measurements should ideally be taken while wearing the clothing you intend to use with the vest.

Protection Levels

• Level 1 & 2: Recommended for general security duties. Provides protection against knives, scissors, needles, glass, spikes, shivs, and slashing threats (up to 24 and 40 joules respectively).
• Level 3: Suitable for high-risk, short-duration tasks such as cell extractions or specialised response teams. Not recommended for extended wear exceeding two hours due to reduced flexibility.

We are able to supply all protection levels upon request; however, selecting the appropriate level at the time of purchase is essential.

Important Notes

• Panels are made to order; exchanges are not available for incorrect selections. Changes to protection levels may incur additional costs.
• As stock availability can change rapidly, placing an order does not guarantee immediate stock availability. Contact us first if you need to know if a product is in stock.

If you want to check stock availability before ordering please contact us first, as current turnarounds are approximately 5 weeks, if product is out of stock.

Before purchasing our stab protection clothing please make sure you read the requirements for purchase here.

After purchase please send a copy of the front and back of your security licence or reason to satisfy Response Wears legitimate purpose policy (Email is on our contact page) We require this within 24 hours of ordering, otherwise a full refund will be issued.

IMPORTANT MEASURING INFORMATION:
Please use the measuring guide, vest are not sized the same as a normal shirt size.
Use our stab vest measuring guide here to select the correct sizing. Our stab protection clothing is not ballistic rated and is stab protection rated only. We do not sell bullet proof vest.

Eg: A person that wears a size 4XL shirt often fits into the size 2XL stab vest and generally vest are 2 sizes lower than a normal shirt measurement. Always use the measuring guide before purchasing your vest.

Sizing
If your sizing falls outside the available sizes shown please contact us as there may be an extra charge for custom sizing.

Volume discounts: Contact us for volume discounts (3+)