BODY ARMOR: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

[cantankerous]

Thanks for doing the test!! Much appreciated.
Still trying to decided between AR680 and Patriot II plates. Any opinions?

Has anyone posted a video shooting the patriot 2 plates with m193 yet?

[RedMonkey]

Question for the group...

I got a pair of AR680 plates. While discussing sizing with the vendor, we talked about the option of running a 10x13 on the back since the mobility is not as crucial and it provides more coverage. It made sense to me so I went with a 10x12 shooters cut on the front and a 10x13 for the back. The plates came in today but when I installed the back one I noticed it sticks out from the bottom of the carrier (Banshee). I'm not overly concerned about the esthetics of it, but mostly the possibility of damaging the coating and creating an issue in the future. Any thougts? Has anyone run there's like this? Thanks!

12x13 back plate on Banshee

12X13 plate on Banshee

[97F1504RAD]

I wouldn't worry about it. It's Line x and that stuff is pretty tuff. I would also suggest you get some backers.

[RedMonkey]

I wouldn't worry about it. It's Line x and that stuff is pretty tuff. I would also suggest you get some backers.

Thanks for the reply. I spoke to the vendor this morning. They are more than willing to exchange it, but told me the same thing you did. I'm gonna keep it.


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[maxblockm]

Where can one get spall guards? I used google and found ways to DIY and a few home workshop sellers but I'd like such an important item to be from a reputable source. I plan on running AR-500 plates.

They have stand alone guards, but if you're planning on running ar500, you might as well just buy it with spall protective coating already on it. It'll be cheaper.

[maxblockm]

$ Beez Slick- Best value, durability, and comfort, especially if not running side plates/soft armor. Upgradeable to cummerbund if required.

I searched on Google, found Beez, but not the Beez Slick...could you post a link?

[Ralston]

Just bought an XL TAG Vanguard with standard cummerbund. Apparently it takes 11x14 plates. Anyone have one of these and any recommendations on plates. It's a plate carrier for work. It would be worn over my uniform and soft body armor. Looking for level IV shooters cut plates but I'm not having any luck. Any advice or recommendations? (I don't have the time or mental stamina to read the 532 earlier posts).


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[d-r]

I would like to point out, again, that unless you specifically need M2 AP protection, level III plates are nearly always going to be a better bet. 6 rounds of M80 ball is better than one round.

[d-r]

Has anyone posted a video of the new patriot 2 plate being tested? I've looked on you tube but haven't found anything.

Will be posting a side-by-side scientific comparison of the Patriot 2 and AR680, since the AR680 has not been tested in a scientific manner yet. If I was a betting man, my money is on the Patriot 2, but the AR680 might still perform as claimed when tested against a valid backing (hint: NOT angled on a berm, and NOT a rigid clamp).

[Ralston]

Thanks for the response d-r.


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[d-r]

As far as recommendations...the XL STOP plates from Appalachian Training look to be a good bet. They stop everything except M80 ball, in a very thin profile. If M80 is a requirement, the FM3+ from Midwest Armor in XL would be my next recommendation. Patriot 2 will most likely not be available in the 11X14 size.

[neomedic]

[smashycrashy]

7.5lbs, might as well go steel. I do like there level 3 mc plates tho, for 4.5lbs they are pretty good.

[Aldemar]

For a very basic set up, what if the consensus of this rig?

http://www.ar500armor.com/ar500-armor-urban-go-plate-carrier-w-level-iii-body-armor.html#.VnMv2r_SaEI

[cantankerous]

Will be posting a side-by-side scientific comparison of the Patriot 2 and AR680, since the AR680 has not been tested in a scientific manner yet. If I was a betting man, my money is on the Patriot 2, but the AR680 might still perform as claimed when tested against a valid backing (hint: NOT angled on a berm, and NOT a rigid clamp).

This would be great, hoping you will use a chronograph to verify velocity too. Thanks in advance for your efforts.