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The Baker Batshield® - MYTH Versus FACT

The Baker Batshield® is a revolutionary new concept in personal ballistic protective equipment. The following information will answer important questions about this advanced “Personal Shield TM” design and how it performs under fire.

MYTH
The Baker Batshield® will be torn from my hand when the shield captures a high-energy handgun or shotgun round.

FACT
The Baker Batshield® WILL NOT be torn from your hand. High-energy handgun or shotgun impact(s) are effectively absorbed by the entire mass of the shield. We have simulated this by holding the shield and having someone take a full swing at the shield with an aluminum baseball bat. This is a “worst case” simulation of a ballistic impact event. A solid impact with a PR-24 baton is a more realistic simulation of a high-energy handgun impact upon the surface of the shield.

When either wing is impacted, the wing moves slightly towards the operator, and automatically returns to its’ normal extended position. If the center armor panel is impacted, the lower portion of the shield swings towards the user, and can simply be re-positioned as desired.

Baker Batshield® Training Shields are available (and recommended) so users can experience multiple simulated ballistic impacts in a training environment. This will increase the user’s confidence in the product, and enhance the operational performance of personnel using the Baker Batshield® in live situations.

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MYTH
The outside perimeter “bat-like” scalloped shape of the Baker Batshield®'s edges were created only for appearance and marketing purposes.

FACT

This shape was chosen for three important reasons:

First, the scalloping allows a much smaller area of the shield edge to drag along a wall. The small “tips” of the shield edge that come in contact with the wall actually “feather” the surface, greatly aiding the silence of operation. This shape also lessens the chance that the shield will snag a nail or protrusion from the wall.

Second, the indents on the sides of the wings give a second officer two protected shooting positions per side to choose from, one high and one low.

Third, the scalloped areas along the narrowed edges of the bottom allow leg clearance while running, enabling the user to keep the shield entirely vertical. Vertical positioning gives the shield user maximum bodily coverage and proper weapon positioning under a wide range of field conditions.

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MYTH
The lightweight ballistic material used in the Baker Batshield® isn’t compliant with NIJ ballistic standards.

FACT
The Baker Batshield® is constructed of 100% polyethylene thermoplastic pressed into a multi-curved hard composite. This ballistic configuration is manufactured to comply with NIJ-Std 0108.01 affording free-standing Threat Level IIIA performance.

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MYTH
The Baker Batshield® is not effective against multiple hits and tight impact groups.

FACT
The polyethylene thermoplastic composite is the most effective and appropriate ballistic material that can be used to protect the user from multiple hits and tight groups. It has truly amazing ballistic properties. Repeated impacts of common handgun, sub-machinegun and shotgun pellets are easily defeated.

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MYTH
Deflections and/or ricochets are possible off the Baker Batshield®.

FACT
Deflections, unlikely. Ricochets, no. The polyethylene thermoplastic composite is the most effective and appropriate ballistic material that can be used to protect fellow team members from deflections and ricochets. Projectiles are safely contained within the composite material.

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MYTH
It is possible to penetrate the area between the outboard wings and the center ballistic panel, endangering the user.

FACT
The design affords a minimum of a one-inch overlap. The overlap is curved and stacked so that a direct impact into this area could only come from a shooter located behind and to the side of the operator. At this extreme angle, a round that found the seam between the armor panels would harmlessly follow the inside curve along the center armor panel, and be captured by either the center panel or opposite wing edge.

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MYTH
The Baker Batshield® is too “soft” to be effective against absorbing hard hits.

FACT
The Baker Batshield® is soft to touch for stealth-like properties and composite protection. The three polyethylene thermoplastic composite panels are completely surrounded by lightweight foam padding. This construction method allows the Baker Batshield® to be extremely quiet during use while giving the plastic armor panels a durable protective coating. It may feel “soft”, however the Baker Batshield® is an extremely tough and effective personal protective shield.

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MYTH
The Baker Batshield® is too thin and light to hold-up to rough law enforcement and military use.

FACT
By designing a shield without extensive plastic or metal protective skins, nor metal or rubber edges, the Baker Batshield® has saved much unnecessary weight and thickness. Traditional “bunker” ballistic shields incorporate extra materials that enhance their toughness proportionally to weight increases.

Lower cost, high impact plastic non-ballistic “training shields” are available from Baker Batshield tm that closely simulate the shape, flexibility, weight and function of the actual ballistic Baker Batshield®'s.

It is recommended that the actual Baker Batshield® be used only during live operations. Do not throw, sit on, or stack it beneath heavy gear. The Baker Batshield® should be granted the same level of care and respect that is normally afforded to your primary weapon.

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MYTH
The Baker Batshield® isn’t sized for everyone.

FACT

Two sizes are available that will effectively protect everyone, regardless of size. Full size and Compact size.

The “Compact” sized shield provides excellent coverage to 85% to 95% of the U.S. adult population. It weighs only 9 pounds.

The “Full” sized shield is designed to protect very large individuals, personnel over 6'2" tall AND above 280 pounds. It weighs approximately 12 pounds.

See the new Baker Batshield® “in action” videos on a high-speed internet connection at http://www.bakerbatshield.com/video.asp or call 717.295.6800

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