
Why HighCom SA3100 and SA3920 Are Top Level IIIA Soft Armor Picks
Feeling unsafe in your own neighborhood? You're not alone.
Recent surveys from Gallup reveal that an alarming 40% of Americans now fear walking alone within a mile of their home -- the highest level in three decades. As security threats continue to rise, the need for reliable personal protection has never been greater.
The good news is that cutting-edge soft body armor is now available to shield civilians, not just the military and law enforcement. Today, Level IIIA soft armor like the HighCom SA3100 and SA3920 provide reliable protection for professionals and civilians alike. These models stand out due to their advanced materials, great concealability, and tough safety tests, among other factors.
Read on to see how these cutting-edge solutions can enhance your safety and confidence.
NIJ Certified Level IIIA Protection
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) has rules to prevent the sale of uncertified body armor . Armor must meet strict standards before it can be sold. These rules apply to Level IIIA soft armor, like the HighCom SA3100 and SA3920.
HighCom SA3100 and SA3920 are top choices for soft body armor because they offer strong protection. Both models are certified by the NIJ 0101.06 standard, meaning they can stop common handgun rounds like 9mm, .40 S&W, and .44 Magnum. The NIJ tests and sets standards for body armor, ensuring it keeps officers safe.
For over 30 years, soft body armor has saved over 3,000 police officers' lives. The NIJ continues to improve armor by testing and researching new ways to improve it. These HighCom models are safe and comfortable. They are lightweight, allowing officers to move freely and respond quickly. Officers can wear them for long periods without feeling weighed down.
Advanced Materials
Advanced materials in Level IIIA, soft body armor, are important because they keep the armor strong but light. They help absorb the impact from bullets to reduce injury. These materials also make the armor more durable, so it lasts longer.
A HighCom Armor comparison reveals that SA3100 and SA3920 use advanced materials that make them stand out . SA3920 is made with a mix of DSM Dyneema® UHMWPE and Twaron® Aramid fibers, while SA3100 is made fully of Twaron® Aramid.
The SA3100 and SA3920 offer both protection and comfort. They are flexible, allowing movement while still providing strong defense. This balance of durability and flexibility makes them top choices for Level IIIA soft body armor. Below is an overview of the pros and cons of each material.
Dyneema® UHMWPE/Twaron® Aramid (SA3920)

DSM Dyneema® UHMWPE -- Picture for material visualization purposes
Pros:
- Lightest Option: Lightest soft armor solution from HighCom Armor.
- Max Thinness: UHMWPE fibers require less material, thus a thinner final product at 0.19".
Cons:
- Stiffness: While UHMWPE may be thinner and lighter, it is in turn stiffer than aramid alternatives.
- Costly: Lighter and thinner armor demands a higher price point.
Twaron® Aramid (SA3100)

Twaron® Aramid -- Picture for material visualization purposes
Pros:
- Cost Effective: Near similar ballistic protection as SA3920, at an excellent entry-level price point.
- Closer Fit: Aramid is slightly more flexible than UHMWPE, allowing panels to closely hug the shape of the body.
Cons:
- Heavier: While still light, Aramid is heavier than UHMWPE counterparts.
- Thicker: Those with balance issues may find it challenging initially.
Exceptional Concealability

Concealability is important in Level IIIA soft armor. Many people want to wear armor under their clothes without it being noticed. The best Level IIIA soft armor is designed to be slim, lightweight, and discreet so that it can be easily hidden.
The HighCom SA3100 and SA3920 are great choices for Level IIIA soft armor because they are easy to hide. In particular, the SA3920 is streamlined and lightweight as HighCom's lightest and thinnest Level IIIA model.
Both models are comfortable and allow you to move freely , so you won't feel restricted. However, when looking at SA3100 vs SA3920 features, the SA3100 offers protection and concealability. While it's a bit thicker, it's still discreet enough to wear under clothing.
Contact Shot Protection
Contact shot protection became important as armor improved. People saw the need for protection not just from distant bullets but also from close-range shots. Armor was then designed to handle the strong force of a gun pressed against the body.
Being DEA and FBI Compliant SA3100 and SA3920 can protect against contact shots. A contact shot happens when the gun's muzzle is pressed directly against the armor. Both models can handle this type of point blank shot, offering the following Level IIIA protection benefits :
- Extra Safety: They offer more protection than regular armor for close shots.
- Impact Absorption: The armor absorbs the strong force of a shot up close.
- Increased Confidence: You can feel safer knowing the armor can handle contact shots.
- Durable Construction: Both models are built to work well, even in extreme situations.
HighCom is among the top soft armor brands known for body armor that protects in close-range situations. The tests on the SA3100 and SA3920 show how committed they are to safety and proves that HighCom focuses on keeping the wearer safe, even in unordinary conditions.
Made in the USA
HighCom is a US-based company, and all their soft armor, including the SA3100 and SA3920, is made fully in the USA. This means the armor is built under strict American manufacturing standards. The company ensures high quality through local production and quality control.
By making the armor in the USA, HighCom supports American workers and manufacturing. This also ensures that the armor meets high standards of safety and reliability. You can trust that the armor is made with care and attention to detail.
Never a Failure
HighCom takes pride in their long and blemish-free track record of producing top quality armor. Since their inception in 1997, HighCom has never had a failure, penetration, or recall of any of its armor, soft armor included.
Comparing Testing
In addition to standard NIJ Level IIIA testing, both SA3100 and SA3920 Level IIIA soft armor undergo DEA, FBI, and Special Threat testing. While the testing profiles between the two are very similar, there are also a few differences as pictured below.

As seen above, both soft armor models are extensively tested to multiple standards, even military frag standards. SA3920 provides a slight edge offering protection from .45 Auto and Tokarev 7.6x25mm rounds.
Equip Yourself With Level IIIA Soft Armor
The HighCom SA3100 and SA3920 bring new standards to Level IIIA soft armor . They combine advanced materials, strict testing, and user-friendly designs for reliable personal safety. Don't compromise -- choose HighCom Armor for your protection needs.
Top Armor offers NIJ-certified, U.S.-made body armor from trusted brands like HighCom Armor and Leading Technology Composites. Our Level IIIA soft armor gives you safety, comfort, and durability. Browse the HighCom SA3100, SA3920, and other options to find the protection you need.