EnGarde

What EnGarde does

EnGarde B.V. is a Netherlands-based, privately held manufacturer of premium ballistic body armor founded in 2003 by Edgar Stek and Iwan Luiten. The company designs and produces soft armor panels (COMFORT-GEN7, MT-PRO-GEN7, FLEX-PRO, PRO-PLUS, TITANSKIN), hard armor plates (TUFF-PRO-LW, TUFF-PRO-HD), ballistic helmets, and a modular carrier system spanning concealable, tactical, and specialist vest categories. Its core technology relies on advanced fiber materials sourced primarily from DSM Dyneema (used in approximately 80% of products) and Teijin Aramid, supplemented with DuPont Kevlar and Honeywell Spectra, combined with proprietary engineering such as the PERA-PLUS ballistic material and FLEX-PRO package. The company emphasizes lightness, concealability, and multi-threat capability, holding multiple international certifications including NIJ 0101.06, NIJ 0115.00, German Schutzklasse 1 (TR03/2008), Swedish RPS 1, VPAM BSW 2006, VPAM KDIW 2004, and ISO 9001, with panel warranties of 7–10 years versus an industry standard of 5 years.

EnGarde operates a hybrid distribution model: direct sales to government, military, and law enforcement procurement, supplemented by an authorized reseller network spanning more than 30 countries (with claims of up to 50+) across Europe, North America, the Caribbean, South America, Asia, the Middle East, Oceania, and Africa. The company does not sell directly to end consumers but routes individual buyers to regional resellers; North American consumers are served through the EnGarde USA e-commerce platform. Revenue is generated through hardware sales of complete vest systems, separate ballistic packages, accessories (ballistic blankets, briefcases, upgrade panels), and government/military contracts. Customer segments are led by law enforcement, military, and private security (primary verticals), with secondary demand from journalists, humanitarian/NGO personnel, business travelers, and healthcare workers.

The customer base spans elite counter-terrorism units (RENEA Albania), national police forces (Greek Police across 247 stations, Aruba, Curaçao, Greenland, Vienna), military organizations (NATO in Afghanistan, US Army, Hellenic Navy), private security firms (Group 4 Securicor, Falck Security, IBA Bodyguards), and humanitarian organizations (Médecins Sans Frontières, Reporters Without Borders, Red Cross). Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed, handled through resellers experienced in government procurement. The company remains founder-operated with 11–50 employees and operates from a renewable-energy-powered office and warehouse in Amsterdam.

Name

EnGarde

Legal name

EnGarde B.V.

Website

https://engardebodyarmor.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

EnGarde B.V. is a Netherlands-based manufacturer of premium ballistic body armor founded in 2003, serving law enforcement, military, private security, and humanitarian customers across more than 30 countries with soft and hard armor panels, tactical and concealable vests, and specialty protective products.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Ballistic Body Armor

NAICS

Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing (332994)

SIC

Ordnance & Accessories, (No Vehicles/Guided Missiles) (3480)

akta.pro primary industry

Workwear, Uniform & Protective Apparel Manufacturers (CRAAAAAH)

Keywords

• Ballistic body armor
• Soft armor panels
• Hard armor plates
• Law enforcement body armor
• Tactical ballistic vests

Headquarters

HQ city

Amsterdam

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Ballistic Armor Products: Sale of body armor including soft armor panels, hard armor plates, concealable vests, tactical vests, specialist vests, and accessories. Products are sold as complete vests or as separate ballistic packages and carriers.
2. Accessories and Upgrades: Sale of ballistic accessories including bomb blankets, ballistic briefcases, vest upgrades (ENGARTEX, TITANSKIN panels), and hard armor inserts.
3. Reseller/VAR Revenue: Revenue generated through authorized distribution network including international resellers handling sales to government, military, and private security customers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

EnGarde designs and manufactures premium ballistic body armor products, including soft armor panels, hard armor plates, ballistic helmets, concealable vests, tactical vests, specialist vests, and accessories such as ballistic blankets and briefcases. Products are engineered using advanced fibers from DSM Dyneema, Teijin Aramid, DuPont Kevlar, and Honeywell Spectra, and are certified to multiple international standards including NIJ 0101.06, German Schutzklasse 1 TR03/2008, and Swedish RPS 1. The portfolio is sold as a modular system where soft panels and hard plates pair with purpose-built carriers for law enforcement, military, private security, NGO, and executive use cases.

Product overview

EnGarde is a premium body armor manufacturer offering a comprehensive portfolio of ballistic protection products. The product line consists of soft armor panels (COMFORT-GEN7, MT-PRO-GEN7, FLEX-PRO, PRO-PLUS, TITANSKIN), hard armor plates and helmets (TUFF-PRO-LW, TUFF-PRO-HD, HEAD-PRO), and wearable carriers organized into three categories: Concealable vests (DeLuxe, Dual Use, T-SHIRT) for covert operations; Tactical vests (Patrol, Panther, Leopard, Rhino, T.R.U.S.T.) for high-threat environments; and Specialist vests (Executive, Puma) for civilian/business use. Additional specialty products include ballistic blankets, ballistic briefcases, and upgrade panels (ENGARTEX, TITANSKIN). The system is designed as a modular architecture where customers select soft armor panels based on threat level (NIJ II through IIIA) and pair them with appropriate carriers, with the option to add hard armor plates for rifle-level protection. All products are designed and manufactured in the Netherlands using materials including Dyneema, Kevlar, and ceramics.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• EnGarde: Premium body armor brand offering soft armor, hard armor, concealable, tactical, and specialist ballistic vests.

Products and services

• COMFORT-GEN7 Soft Armor Panel Flexible ballistic panel certified to NIJ Level II, Swedish RPS 1, and German Schutzklasse 1 TR03/2008 standards. Uses PERA-PLUS material at 3.8 kg/m² areal density and 4.9 mm thickness with a 7-year warranty. Designed for covert wear and civilian operations, with extreme flexibility particularly suited to female users and smaller body frames; compatible with all EnGarde carrier systems.
• MT-PRO-GEN7 Multi-Threat Panel Next-generation multi-threat ballistic panel providing NIJ IIIA protection plus defense against special projectiles (9mm Ranger SXT, 7.62x25mm Tokarev, 5.7x28mm SS197) and knife threats per NIJ 0115.00. At 8 mm thickness and 4.8 kg/m², it is 25% thinner and 10% lighter than its predecessor. Built on PERA-PLUS material.
• FLEX-PRO Soft Armor Panel Lightest ballistic package in the EnGarde product line, designed for extremely concealable wear with top-tier NIJ protection. Provides very low weight and extreme concealability for situations where every gram counts and freedom of movement is required.
• PRO-PLUS Soft Armor Panel Most durable EnGarde armor panel featuring Avient Dyneema and Teijin Aramid construction. Tested to NIJ Level IIIA standard with a 10-year warranty. Offers optimal resistance with exceptional longevity and very low trauma values; V50 of 575 m/s for .357 SIG FMJ projectiles.
• TITANSKIN-L1 Anti-Stab Panel Next-generation anti-stab panel certified to NIJ-0115.00 Level 1 for blade and spike protection. Constructed with DuPont Kevlar technology, offering 5.3 kg/m² areal density, 7.7 mm thickness, and a 5-year warranty. Protects against knives, spikes, and needles.
• TUFF-PRO-LW Hard Armor Plate Lightweight hard armor plate providing NIJ Level III rifle threat protection. Designed for tactical applications requiring defense against high-powered rifle rounds while maintaining reduced weight.
• TUFF-PRO-HD Hard Armor Plate Heavy-duty hard armor plate for Level IV armor-piercing threat protection. Provides maximum protection against armor-piercing rounds and high-velocity rifle ammunition.
• HEAD-PRO Hard Armor Helmet Tactical ballistic helmet that completes the EnGarde hard armor product line, providing head protection for tactical operations.
• DeLuxe Concealable Vest Popular concealable vest carrier using moisture-wicking MicroFresh fabric that prevents heat buildup. Breathable design offers superior comfort for extended wear in hot climates. Compatible with all NIJ Level II or IIIA soft armor panels. Available in black and white.
• Dual Use Concealable Vest Premium covert protection vest with two pockets allowing insertion of Level III hard armor plates. Designed for high-risk covert operations requiring protection against powerful firearms while maintaining concealment.
• T-SHIRT Concealable Vest T-shirt style concealable vest offering discreet protection with ergonomic fit and moisture-wicking performance material.
• Patrol Tactical Vest Basic-model tactical vest with two additional pockets for optional hard armor plates. Entry-level tactical carrier suitable for patrol and general duty use.
• Panther Tactical Vest Next-generation tactical vest designed for non-combatant civilians in conflict zones. Features modular design accepting throat, shoulder/neck, groin, and deltoid protection options. Made with Cordura fabric and compatible with all EnGarde soft armor panels and two hard armor plates.
• Leopard Tactical Vest High-end tactical vest designed for premium customers requiring advanced threat protection in tactical operations.
• Rhino Tactical Vest High-end tactical vest designed for demanding tactical environments requiring maximum protection and durability.
• T.R.U.S.T. Plate Carrier System Plate carrier system configurable for various threat environments and rapidly deployable for different mission requirements.
• Executive Specialist Vest Specialist vest designed for business travelers working in dangerous areas, can be worn with a complete business suit while providing ballistic protection.
• Puma Specialist Vest Jacket-style specialist vest with removable soft ballistic inserts inside, designed for casual environments with concealed protection.
• Ballistic Blanket Bomb blanket that can be adapted to various threat scenarios, helping to contain the destructive force of explosive devices.
• Ballistic Briefcase Ballistic briefcase that unfolds quickly into a mobile ballistic shield for portable protection.
• ENGARTEX Upgrade Panel Upgrade panel providing additional trauma reduction for vest wearers as an add-on to compatible EnGarde vests.
• TITANSKIN Upgrade Panel Additional panel offering maximum protection against knives, spikes, and injection needles as an upgrade option for compatible EnGarde vests.

Quantifiable outcome

• NIJ Level II protection at 3.8 kg/m² areal density with 4.9mm thickness (COMFORT-GEN7)
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers23 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• TacSource GroupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Strategic distribution partnership with TacSource Group, a leading tactical equipment provider in Australia and New Zealand. The partnership enables EnGarde products to reach customers in the ANZ region through TacSource's retail store in Brisbane and e-commerce platform, serving military, law enforcement, ambulance, fire, and outdoor professional markets.
• DSM Dyneema (Avient)coreTechnology or IntegrationPrimary materials supplier providing Dyneema ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fiber used in 80% of EnGarde products. Dyneema is 15 times stronger than steel while floating in water. DSM has developed Bio-Based Dyneema using bio-based raw materials to reduce CO2 emissions and is pursuing sustainability goals including reduced packaging and waste.
• Teijin AramidcoreTechnology or IntegrationStrategic materials supplier providing aramid fibers (Twaron brand) used in combination with Dyneema for enhanced trauma reduction in PRO-PLUS ballistic panels. Teijin Aramid actively pursues sustainability objectives including recycling programs and circular economy initiatives to ensure ballistic products are reused and recycled.
• DuPont (Kevlar)supportingTechnology or IntegrationSupplier of Kevlar aramid fiber technology used in TITANSKIN anti-stab panels, providing NIJ-0115.00 Level 1 certification for knife, spike, and needle protection.
• Honeywell (Spectra)supportingTechnology or IntegrationAlternative high-strength polyethylene fiber supplier (Spectra) mentioned alongside Dyneema as one of the world's strongest and lightest fibers, pound-for-pound 15 times stronger than steel with 40% greater specific strength than aramid fiber.
• Beschussamt Mellrichstadt (German Ballistic Testing Institute)supportingOthersOfficial German ballistic testing institute that certified the COMFORT-GEN7 panel according to Schutzklasse 1 TR03/2008 standard, validating its performance for the German market.
• NIJ-Certified LaboratoriessupportingOthersSelf-regulating NIJ-certified testing laboratories that conduct ballistic performance testing on EnGarde products, with authority to retest products already on the market to ensure ongoing compliance with NIJ standards.
• Beschussamt MellrichstadtsupportingOthersGerman government ballistic testing facility providing certification services including extreme temperature testing at 70°C and -20°C, contact shots, and other rigorous protocols beyond NIJ requirements.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Point Blank Enterprises: One of the largest US-based body armor manufacturers supplying NIJ-certified soft armor, hard plates, and tactical vests to US military and federal law enforcement — directly comparable product portfolio (NIJ II/IIIA/III/IV) and target customer segments (military, federal/state LE, corrections).
• Safariland (The Safariland Group): Major US-based law enforcement equipment manufacturer offering concealable and tactical body armor alongside a broad public-safety portfolio. Closely comparable soft armor product lines and law enforcement channel overlap.
• Mehler Vario System: German-based manufacturer of ballistic protection including body armor, ballistic plates, and protective clothing for military and law enforcement — comparable European premium positioning, similar modular soft/hard armor architecture, and overlapping European defense customer base.
• Revision Military: Manufacturer of ballistic helmets, armor plates, and tactical protective equipment serving NATO and allied militaries — directly comparable in head-protection (HEAD-PRO vs Revision's batlskin line) and hard armor plate offerings.
• ArmorSource (Elbit Systems): Israeli-based ballistic helmet and hard armor plate manufacturer, now part of Elbit Systems, supplying militaries globally — directly competes in the tactical hard armor and helmet categories where EnGarde's TUFF-PRO and HEAD-PRO products operate.
• TYR Tactical: US manufacturer of premium tactical plate carriers and ballistic armor systems for military special operations — comparable high-end tactical vest positioning (Leopard/Rhino/TRUST) and special-forces customer overlap.
• Rabintex: Israeli body armor and tactical equipment manufacturer offering NIJ-certified soft armor and tactical vests — closely comparable soft armor and tactical vest portfolio with similar military/law enforcement target customers.
• Survival Armor: US-based manufacturer of concealable and tactical body armor serving federal, state, and local law enforcement — direct competitor in NIJ Level II/IIIA concealable vests and tactical carriers.

Broad incumbents

• Avon Protection: Global leader in respiratory and ballistic protection including body armor, helmets, and CBRN equipment serving military and law enforcement — broader portfolio than EnGarde but overlaps directly in soft armor and helmet product categories.
• BAE Systems (Personal Protection): Large defense prime operating across multiple body armor programs for US DoD and allied militaries — competes in the same procurement channels as EnGarde but as part of a much broader aerospace and defense portfolio.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/concealable
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCWc4pVCsm-51_wawAAMqJLA
• Facebookfacebook.com/engardebodyarmor
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/engarde-body-armor
• Instagraminstagram.com/engarde_body_armor
• Pinterestpinterest.com/engardearmor

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about EnGarde