Fiber reinforced articles having utility for ballistic resistance to multiple high velocity bullets, impact absorption and penetration resistance in body armor, helmets, breast plates, helicopter seats, spall shields and other applications. The articles are comprised of at least a frontal laminate and a second laminate, with the frontal laminate comprising at least one ply of strong inorganic fiber in a polymeric matrix and the second laminate comprising at least one ply of strong polymeric fibers in a polymeric matrix.