Peace of Mind
With more and more rappers getting shot and beefs being brewed in the studios armored vehicles have become a fact of life which cannot be overlooked. But even beyond the would of “rap wars” and “label beefs” there is an important need to protect yourself especially if you’ve risen from the ranks to become an affluent member of society which is unfortunately filled with hatred, envy and greed.
Let’s face it. When you’ve worked this hard to have your money right the first thing you’ll need to look at is protecting your ass and insuring that it’s hater proof. Skeptics and haters alike may argue that this is the first sign of paranoia or an over inflated ego but Ballin’ is just here to show you how to protect your ass should the need arise.
Levels of Armor:
Level II
Ballistics Protection: .375 Mag. /158 Grain SP /1450 FPS /.9mm /124 Grain FMJ /1120 FPS. Description: Transparent areas: Polycarbonate/ glass Laminate (6.5 Psf) Opaque Areas: Laterals: “Armormax Pac50” /Floor: Fragmentation Blanket /Gas Tank: “Anti-explosive” /Roof: Armormax PAC 100 /Overlaps
Level III
Ballistics Protection: .44 Mag. /240 Grain L /1470 FPS /.9mm /124 Grain FMJ /1120 FPS. Description: Transparent Areas: Polycarbonate/ glass Laminate (7.94 Psf) Opaque Areas: Laterals: “Armormax Pac 100” /Floor: Fragmentation Blanket /Gas Tank: “Anti-explosive” /Roof: Armormax PAC 100 /Overlaps
Level IV
Ballistics Protection: AK-47 /150 Grain SC /2430 FPS. Description: Transparent Areas: Polycarbonate/ glass Laminate (13.7 Psf) Opaque Areas: Laterals: “Armormax Pac 300” /Roof: Armormax PAC 100 /Floor: Fragmentation Blanket /Gas Tank: “Anti-explosive” /Overlaps
Level V NATO
Ballistics Protection: 147 Grain M80 Ball /2775 FPS /30-06 Rifle /220 Grain SP /2410 FPS. Description: Transparent Areas: Polycarbonate /glass Laminate (17.2 Psf) Opaque Areas: Laterals: “Armormax Pac 500” /Roof: Armormax PAC 100 /Floor: Fragmentation Blanket /Gas Tank: “Anti-explosive” /Overlaps
True Story: In Mexico City and Executive of a chain of internationally known restaurants is approached by a long gunman while stuck in traffic and two shots are fired at point blank range, the gunman was severely injured by ricocheting glass shards and the Executive drives away without a scratch, though shaken bit.
FACTS:
Here are some of the cold hard facts of armored vehicles as well as some of the most interesting facts of an industry which was literally started by criminals who found a need to protect themselves from the law as well as other thieving bandits.
Fact: Some of the earliest examples of armored vehicles began with notorious criminals such as Bonnie and Clyde and Al Capone. Their historic technology consisted of mounting heavy plates of steel (non-ballistic) and layered glass on the doors. Materials that did not change until the 1970’s until the mounting and installation techniques improved.
Fact: Harry S. Truman was the first U.S. President to have an armored vehicle for his protection. The use of armored vehicles by U.S. Presidents was not considered mandatory until after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Then presidential vehicles were commissioned by the government and were produced “on the side” by Hess Company, a hearse manufacturer.
Fact: Ten years ago there were less than 20 manufacturers worldwide building about 750 vehicles per year. Today there are more than 180 companies, building about 18,000 units and growing art a rate of 30% per year.
Fact: The three largest manufactures of armored vehicles are based in the U.S. They are International Armoring Corporation, Ogara Corporation and Maloney Corporation. International Armoring Corporation (IAC) is a privately held company that has 11 facilities (including 2 in the U.S.) in 10 different countries and principal clientele includes multi-national corporations, private individuals, U.S. and foreign governments and special application vehicles (SmarTruck, Popemobiles, Olympics, etc.).
Fact: IAC is also the exclusive manufacturer of Ford Motor Company. Known for using the lightest weight armoring materials, known as Armormax, they reduce the weight added by 40 – 60% over traditional armoring companies. IAC has armored over 2,000 vehicles.
Fact: U.S. vehicles are usually built to accommodate a level III (random acts of violence) market while the Philippines would be level V (kidnapping threats) market. There are exceptions based on individual’s specific needs.
Fact: Costs for these full package upgrades range from $42,500 for a level III armoring package to $82,350 for a level V protection. This price does not include the price of the vehicle.
Fact: To order a custom vehicle customers generally have to put down 50% deposit on the armoring price upon order with the balance due upon final inspection of the vehicle.
Fact: Delivery time ranges between 30 and 60 working days. Vehicles of choice tend to be Sport Utility Vehicles like Suburban, Excursion, Escalade, Tahoe and Jeep. The most common is the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Fact: The most stylish choice of armored vehicle in the U.S. is currently the Hummer H2 built up to a protection level III for an out the door price of $99,000.00. This vehicle offers protection for the urban roads as well as the ability to go off road to evade a dangerous situation. U.S. clients tend to be business executives who buy them for themselves or for their spouses (“Peace of Mind”) and family.