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

[BDR529]

Well the plates from Maingun are available for order now. I must say, I am a bit disappointed at the lack of information on the website with the release. I'll definitely be waiting to hear some reviews, and for a package that includes a pair of 10x12's and 6x8's. My biggest question right now would have to be what is the actual weight and thickness of these plates? I saw that d-r mentioned 4.5mm in an earlier thread, post, but also that he hasn't had any to test yet. Definitely keeping an eye on these as information progresses though!

[d-r]

D-R...can post the above PM info. I think we would all be able to learn from it.

Will you have some spall guards ready when the Main Gun plates come out. Really looking forward to some light weight steel plates that are level 3+ which can stop M193, Green Tips, M80, etc?

Sent.

The guards for Armour Wear are currently available. The Maingun Advance are available for the 8X10, waiting to see if the 10X12 profile is the same as the original Patriot Plate.

[d-r]

I've learned much from this thread but sometimes get lost in the jargon and slang used. What is a "backer" in the above context? I think what is meant is that something like a level IIIA Kevlar vest is being worn behind the level III plate carried in front of the Kevlar vest. Or is something else meant?

"Backer" panels are, as you guessed, IIIA Kevlar soft armor panels that go behind hard armor plates. You can utilize a IIIA soft armor vest with a plate carrier over it (lots of guys do). Backers are convenient because they are cut to fit inside the plate carrier, and thus you always know they are with the plates.

[twinfin]

You are correct in your understanding.

The most common way is to get a soft armor vest that will accommodate plates in a separate pocket.

Got it. Thanks!

[Steve_In_29]

I've learned much from this thread but sometimes get lost in the jargon and slang used. What is a "backer" in the above context? I think what is meant is that something like a level IIIA Kevlar vest is being worn behind the level III plate carried in front of the Kevlar vest. Or is something else meant?

You are correct in your understanding.

The most common way is to get a soft armor vest that will accommodate plates in a separate pocket.

[dwalker]

I've learned much from this thread but sometimes get lost in the jargon and slang used. What is a "backer" in the above context? I think what is meant is that something like a level IIIA Kevlar vest is being worn behind the level III plate carried in front of the Kevlar vest. Or is something else meant?

I had in mind a soft vest under a plate carrier, but what it looks like d-r is recommending is a plate carrier with the best plates I can buy in them with Kevlar soft backers behind the plates in the carrier, so its a one-step on solution.

[twinfin]

...This gives you a plate carrier that is scalable, allows you to run 11X14 backers and 10X12 plates (best practices is to have backers larger than your plates)...

I've learned much from this thread but sometimes get lost in the jargon and slang used. What is a "backer" in the above context? I think what is meant is that something like a level IIIA Kevlar vest is being worn behind the level III plate carried in front of the Kevlar vest. Or is something else meant?

[neomedic]

D-R...can post the above PM info. I think we would all be able to learn from it.

Will you have some spall guards ready when the Main Gun plates come out. Really looking forward to some light weight steel plates that are level 3+ which can stop M193, Green Tips, M80, etc?

[d-r]

Currently? Velocity Systems LWPC, D-Rmor Gear backers, either Armour Wear AR680 or Maingun Advance plates. This gives you a plate carrier that is scalable, allows you to run 11X14 backers and 10X12 plates (best practices is to have backers larger than your plates), and extremely durable hard armor that will stop all current common threat calibers.

PM sent on remainder.

D-R I have never really thought much about armor and so have really enjoyed your thread here. I am a little bit confused as to what is up to date and what I should really look into getting.

If I were to go for a soft armor with a plate carrier over setup, what would you recommend that is both financially reasonable and effective?
Also, just curious, but what would you recommend as an effective "executive" soft armor package for my wife?

ETA: the gong in my avatar with the hole in it is a 1/2" AR500 gong shot at 100yds with a 300WSM Ballistic Tip (non-armor piercing, but teflon coated) and it went through it like butter, while the dent next to it is from a 7.62x39 steel core round...

[dwalker]

D-R I have never really thought much about armor and so have really enjoyed your thread here. I am a little bit confused as to what is up to date and what I should really look into getting.

If I were to go for a soft armor with a plate carrier over setup, what would you recommend that is both financially reasonable and effective?
Also, just curious, but what would you recommend as an effective "executive" soft armor package for my wife?

ETA: the gong in my avatar with the hole in it is a 1/2" AR500 gong shot at 100yds with a 300WSM Ballistic Tip (non-armor piercing, but teflon coated) and it went through it like butter, while the dent next to it is from a 7.62x39 steel core round...

[d-r]

In there email maingun said 2 plates + condor sentry plate carrier "less than 14 lbs" which I took to mean greater than 13 but less than 14

I think they may have been hedging on the weight. The plates should weigh less than that, since they are thinner than everyone elses. Until I have some in-hand, I won't know for sure though.

[d-r]

D-r, what if any difference is there between your spall guard and soft armor backer? Would someone with above mentioned maingun plate need to use both spall guard and soft backer?

Soft armor backers are rated to stop bullets and overmatch rounds that cause rear-face spallation of plates. Spall guards are not armor, they do not stop rounds. They are intended to catch front face splash that results from rounds impacting and stopping on steel plates. They protect your face and throat from being peppered by lead and copper slivers. I recommend backers with all rifle plates, even standalone.

[Eric_Oh]

D-r, what if any difference is there between your spall guard and soft armor backer? Would someone with above mentioned maingun plate need to use both spall guard and soft backer?

[smashycrashy]

In there email maingun said 2 plates + condor sentry plate carrier "less than 14 lbs" which I took to mean greater than 13 but less than 14

[d-r]

Ar6680 10x12 from armour wear is 6.2 lbs no coating, sentry plate carrier is 1.8 lbs, so 14 lbs. Exactly the same weight as claimed by maingun for their new 10x12 plates..

Spall guards for AR680 plates are currently available. The actual weight of the Maingun plates have not been verified, but since they are 4.5mm thick, I would imagine they will be lighter.