confusion on armor plates

[Tofie]

Im looking to buy a set of armor plates. I'm looking for some direction as to which plates to purchase. My local gun store has these in stock for 85 dollars. they seem be rated to stop the slower rounds fps wise.

http://www.ar500armor.com/ar500-armor-curved-trauma-plate-advanced-shooters-cut-10x12.html#.VSgp3JNAn4Y

for a few bucks more I can get these. they stop the faster rounds? rated 3,000 to 3,100 fps.

http://www.ar500armor.com/ar500-armor-10-x-12-asc-level-iii-body-armor.html#.VSgqIJNAn4Y

or I can just get the ceramics lvl4 at 155 per plate. I would like to buy just once. I like the idea that the steel is more robust and doesnt expire. I dont want to cheap out. My life is worth more than the extra 20 bucks. But im not too sure how Common the highspeed rounds are. Is the regular plates, or the 3+ plates good enough or would you go the extra for the ceramic plates? I plan on using the plates for shtf or shooting out in the desert. any guidance would be appreciated

[SILENT GUNMAN]

You wouldn't happen to work at a mall, would you?

[Tofie]

yes

[barrage]

Any (reputable) 1/4" AR500 is going to do you just fine.

Just remember that they're heavy as hell and completely unnecessary for anything you plan on doing outside of walking into an active war zone (I discovered this myself by acquiring plates and a kevlar lined carrier which has been sitting in my back room waiting for the apocalypse since about a day after I got it).

[Tofie]

thanks barrage

[Mute]

If you can afford ceramic or any other non-steel plate it's worth it. The weight difference is noticeable.

[Twystd1]

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^

I have ceramics as well. They are thicker and MUCH lighter than steel.

If you have the dough. Get ceramics.