Should you ever not be sure, there are a variety of ways to verify this.
If a listing has ballistic protection there will be a notification of an NIJ Protection Level (IIA, II, IIIA, III, III+, III++ or IV) in either the name or the description, or both. If you do not see a protection level listed, this means it has no protection and is only a carrier; if it specifies an NIJ Level this is the level of protection of its ballistics inside the carrier.Note: Eventually, we should see the new NIJ 0101.07 standard implemented, which will replace the current levels with a new method for ranking ballistic protection tiers.
Check the heading of the item's page. If it says "carrier" and the page's description offers no references to its protection level in the description, then it is a carrier and offers no ballistic value whatsoever. If you do see a NIJ level specified as protection that would be the level of protection offered.The price is also a tip-off. Carriers for concealable ballistics normal range between about $95.00 to $150.00 while a full vest (ballistics w/ carrier) can range on average from $350.00 upwards to $1,500.00+ depending on what combination you get. Please note that we do get used or unsold vests in from time to time that will often be on sale for far less.If you are still unsure, contact us and we'll be happy to make sure that you purchase what is actually needed for your specific application.See BAO's Armor Carriers and Plate Carriers here.Concealable, Crossover, and Tactical Armor vests, as well as Active Shooter Kits can be found in subcategories under Body Armor.