SAPI Level IV or AR500 Level 3+???

[GFC]

Hey folks,
Just looking for some advice. I'm shopping for my first carrier and plates and i'm on a budget, about $500. I know that limits things greatly but this is what i've found. US Palm SAP-C with level 4 SAPI plates for $450 or AR500 Banshee with level 3+ steel plates and trauma pads for $470. I want level 4 protection but the fragility concerns me. The level 3+ covers m193, m855 etc. and its steel so asides from the paxcon coating breaking off, the plate can still be used but no protection against 30-06 ap. The SAPI plates are lighter but I'm just concerned they'll break if i'm running and gunning a lot. Any info would help as i don't plan on buying another set anytime soon. Thanks in advance!

[coryhenry]

SAPI plates have been used for a long time in the military, I think you are underestimating their strength, they are just heavy.

[Ronin2]

This is "the" definative thread on calguns covering the subject...

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=498169&highlight=Body+armor

[GFC]

Great, I'll check that out. Thanks fellas much appreciated!

[Corbin Dallas]

Think of body armor like Motorcycle helmets.

Sure, the less expensive helmets will do the job, but if your life depends on it, don't you want the best you can't (yes, can not) afford?

Me personally, I wear the best helmet I can't afford. I just make concessions elsewhere, like my beer budget.

[PyroFox79]

If sapis were as fragile as you think they are most guys would be replacing them after every patrol. We broke one with a baton but we were trying to break it. That baton was also bent after we had whacked it on the plate for a while.

You running around on a regular range ain't gonna break a sapi plate just like me falling down a flight of stairs and landing on my sapi plate didn't break it. Get what you want.

[Noonanda]

I have seen sapis and esapis take some pretty rough use in combat and still be serviceable. I dont know what kind of "running and gunning" but if you get em to fail through normal use you are doing it wrong lol