In this guide, we detail the key differences between riot and ballistic shields, including their protective capabilities, sizes, materials and most common applications.
We’ll also provide some useful pointers on how to choose the right shield, regardless of whether you need a riot or ballistic option.
Shields are essential items of protective equipment in high-pressure situations for security firms, military personnel and law enforcement. The most common shield types are riot and ballistic, which both play different roles in different situations.
If you need personalised advice, don’t hesitate to call the survival and wilderness experts at the Survival Island.
What is a ballistic shield?
Typically used by law enforcement, militaries and security personnel, ballistic shields provide you with protection against fragments, particles and projectiles. Many ballistic shields can protect you against shrapnel and bullets – though they’re not 100% bulletproof.
You can determine a shield’s capabilities by checking its protection level, which refers to a set of standards set out by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ).
Here’s a quick insight into what each protection level can withstand:
- NIJ Level II: Five .357 Magnum or 9mm bullets
- NIJ Level IIIA: Minimum of five .44 Magnum rounds and faster 9 mm bullets
- NIJ Level III: Five 7.62 mm or .308 Winchester rifle bullets
- NIJ Level IV: Protection against one armour-piercing bullet
What are bulletproof shields?
A bulletproof shield is often interchangeable with a ballistic shield. The difference between them is that some ballistic shields protect from bullets but may not completely be bulletproof. Bulletproof shields stop and protect from bullets and other projectiles. You should always check the ratings on the bulletproof and ballistic shield before you purchase so you know what level of protection the shield will offer.
What is a riot Shield?
Riot shields protect the user from knife attacks, thrown projectiles, batons and other blunt-force traumas. While riot shields don’t offer protection from gunfire, they’re compact design makes them mobile and comfortable to operate for extended periods of time.
Full-body riot shields are available, but most cover your head down to your knees to provide you with a balance of cover and manoeuvrability. Most riot shields are either rectangular or circular. As they’re transparent, they’re ideal for maintaining awareness and visibility in high-pressure situations.
The difference between ballistic & riot shields
Riot shields and ballistic shields have many similarities, but they’re usually used in different situations. Fundamentally, riot shields are designed to protect you against projectiles and blunt-force traumas, while ballistic shields offer protection against blasts, fragmentation and bullets. Here are the key differences between ballistic and riot shields in terms of how they’re made and why:
Materials
Riot shields are usually made from lightweight and durable materials that are highly impact-resistant, such as polycarbonate, acrylic or Lexan. As ballistic shields must withstand much higher impact levels, they’re made from heavier materials such as fibreglass, laminated glass, steel and high-performance polyethylene.
Shapes and sizes
Ballistic shields typically offer full-body protection – many are available on rollers that provide overhead protection for multiple law enforcement personnel at a time. Riot shields are smaller and lighter, usually protecting the head down to the knee, sacrificing coverage for manoeuvrability. While most riot shields are designed for use in close quarters, ballistic shields can be used in gun fights, and some can be mounted on buildings and vehicles.
Applications
Ballistic shields are often used to defend fixed positions such as government buildings, checkpoints and borders. Riot shields, on the other hand, are mostly used by security personnel and law enforcement for crowd control.
What are riot shields made of?
Most riot shields are manufactured with incredibly strong and impact-resistant thermoplastics that offer effective protection in riot control situations. One of the most common materials used is polycarbonate, which is tough, lightweight and easy to manoeuvre. Premium shields are often made from Lexan, a brand of polycarbonate that’s known for its exceptional strength.
While less impact-resistant than polycarbonate shields, some shields are made from acrylic or ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), which are suitable in situations where maximum mobility is crucial.
In situations where you’re anticipating a high threat level, you might want to use a composite shield of super-tough and impact-resistant materials like carbon fibre and fibreglass. On top of being exceptionally strong, composite shields are among the lightest available.
What are ballistic shields and bulletproof shields made of?
Most ballistic shields are made from a combination of Kevlar, steel, reinforced glass, ceramics and Dyneema, a manufacturer of high-strength synthetic fibre. These materials can withstand high-velocity impacts and absorb and dissipate a tremendous amount of energy while keeping you safe.
The armour plates are typically made from fibre-reinforced plastic composites derived from ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. Some shields feature an outer ceramic layer that protects you against steel-core armour-piercing rounds. Many shields also have bulletproof glass windows.
How to choose the right shield
The most essential factor to consider when choosing a shield is your intended use. If you require a shield for crowd control that can protect you against thrown projectiles and potentially knife attacks, you might want to look at riot shields. If you’re anticipating gunfire or need to protect a fixed position from attackers, ballistic shields could literally be lifesavers.
Regardless of whether you need a riot or ballistic shield, you should consider factors such as materials used, visibility, edge protection, size, weight, and compatibility with other gear and equipment.
Make sure the shield you purchase is compliant with the law and fully certified. You should only buy ballistic shields with certified NIJ ratings.
Expert range of shields
If you’re searching for the most capable riot and ballistic shields on the market, you’ve come to the right place. At The Survival Island, we scour the far corners of the globe for the most technologically advanced survival equipment and protective gear, which we aim to make available to you at unbeatably high-value prices. Browse our range of riot shields and ballistic shields to see what’s on offer. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions.