Front Armor Plate is Different from the Back Plate

[kurzweber]

Random question. If you had two sets of rifle armor plates (one set is rated at LVL 4 and one set is rated at LVL 3), would you consider wearing one LVL 4 plate in front and one LVL 3 plate in the back? Thus having two sets of armor with the same "threat protection profile"?

Or you keep the same plates together in a set?

Some info to consider:

1) The LVL 4 plates weigh 7 lbs each, and is multi-curve.
2) The LVL 3 plates weigh 3.5 lbs each, and is single curve. Will not stop M855.
3) You live in an urban area (if that matters, though it would interesting to see if things change if you live in a rural area).

Edit:
4) This is for LARPing/SHTF. Definitely not operating (unless its for Meal Team Six).

Bonus question. What if you had a third armor set (special threat-rated to stop M855/M193 and AK rounds, but not 308). Would this change your set-up?

[Master_Prestige]

[Lonestargrizzly]

If you’ve ever watched BLACK HAWK DOWN you know that your back plates are essential.

[tradecraft]

Random question. If you had two sets of rifle armor plates (one set is rated at LVL 4 and one set is rated at LVL 3), would you consider wearing one LVL 4 plate in front and one LVL 3 plate in the back?

No

Bonus question. What if you had a third armor set (special threat-rated to stop M855/M193 and AK rounds, but not 308). Would this change your set-up?

Not enough info given

Also which special threat plates don’t cover 308 m80 ?

A lot of them? That's the whole point.

[Master_Prestige]

No



Not enough info given



A lot of them? That's the whole point.

[tradecraft]

It's basically the whole point of a special threat designation. Some Hescos and Tencates off the top of my head.

[kurzweber]

Yeah, I guess the philosophy is "mission drives gear". So if you're worried about M855 or 30-06, why only protect your front for it and not the back with the same threat protection.

The unbalanced thing makes me wonder too. Wouldn't a cummerbund hold everything in place?

For the purposes of this discussion, the special threat plates are Hesco L210. This probably leads into a discussion on what's the bigger threat: M855 or 308?

[Dirk Tungsten]

For the purposes of this discussion, the special threat plates are Hesco L210. This probably leads into a discussion on what's the bigger threat: M855 or 308?

M855. There's tons more of that ammo out there, and I'd wager guns chambered in 5.56 are more common.

[Master_Prestige]

Yeah, I guess the philosophy is "mission drives gear". So if you're worried about M855 or 30-06, why only protect your front for it and not the back with the same threat protection.

The unbalanced thing makes me wonder too. Wouldn't a cummerbund hold everything in place?

For the purposes of this discussion, the special threat plates are Hesco L210. This probably leads into a discussion on what's the bigger threat: M855 or 308?

[broadside]

If it's what you got, it's what you got. IV upfront and III in the back. You should not be letting the danger get in behind you anyway.

[Jesse 2]

Front Armor Plate is Different from the Back Plate

Does L210 fit JPC 2.0 medium properly, with back padding? Is shoulder pad adequate and comfortable?

[Master_Prestige]

I have L210, looking for a carrier. Does it fit JPC 2.0 medium properly, with back padding? Is it comfortable to wear them? Is shoulder pad adequate and comfortable for 11lbs plates? Thanks.

https://www.spartanarmorsystems.com/copy-of-swimmers-cut-trauma-pad-set-of-two-8x10/

[CheapBloke]

If in urban/structured areas, wear lvl 4 front.
If in wooded/jungle/forest areas, wear lvl 3 front.
If in desert/open areas, wear lvl 4 front.
If in an area that is dark or at night, wear lvl 3 front.
If in an area where an ambush could be expected, wear lvl 3 front.
If you're in retreat, wear lvl 3 front.
If you're on the offensive or defensive, wear lvl 4 front.

If you or your squad is up against a sniper, it won't matter as they are aiming for headshots.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[Tere_Hanges]

My general philosophy is armor is too heavy and expensive to be practical in most realistic situations. However, I prefer level IV in front and level III in back. Speed and mobility is my primary concern. I just cant move well enough lugging around two level IV plates. More power too you if you can. Also I cant afford the latest lightweight plates.

Realistically, I only wear armor when Im shooting in the forest to protect from ricochets and accidents. So front protection is my primary concern.

And the only situation I could see myself wearing armor at home would be if there was a crazy mob trying to break in and so again front protection would be my main concern.

My plate carrier balances just fine with a lighter plate in the back.

[Tere_Hanges]

You should not be letting the danger get in behind you anyway.

Agreed.

If there is a "bad guy" behind you, you're probably screwed anyway.

Making sure you arent out in the open exposed is probably a good idea.