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

[BDR529]

I'm 6'4", 290 lbs, and am interested in purchasing some hard plates. Based on another write up (which I can't remember where or who posted it) I took a liking to the Tencate SAPI Hybrid plates, Defense Tech DT855, and TAP Gamma Plus. Unfortunately I couldn't find any of these for sale in my searches. Reading through here I found a lot of great information, but I'm looking for some advice. I'm looking for a large or XL sized plate, that weigh less than 6 pounds each. (thinking some of the dyneema or other polymer options). Cost is a bit of a factor, I'm hoping for less than 500 per plate. Lastly, looking for Level III or III+. Any leads would be great! Thanks for any help!

***Edit: Does anyone have any information regarding the Hardwire Dyneema ballistic plates? Botach has them listed as Level III+, but their website only states Level III. Since III+ isn't an official rating, just wondering if anyone has any experience with these plates or if they're worth it. 250 each for a 4.25 lb level III plate seems like a great deal if they're not garbage!***

[Steve_In_29]

I agree and on top of that from all the research I have done the ceramic plates are not as fragile as some think. Can you be careless and through them around like an AR500 plate, No but then again I don't treat any of my gear that way so I am not to concerned with it.

Though the likelihood of anyone on here EVER needing plates in real life is infinitesimally slim, in the event of a true shtf situation where they ARE actually called into use you won't have the luxury of carefully picking the spot nor lowering yourself gingerly when you suddenly need to throw yourself to the ground under fire. Treating them carefully in training when there is no real need for them, isn't going to guarantee the same care can be taken if they are ever called into REAL play.

Again absent a supply chain in a long term shtf where plates are needed, the ability to order a new set isn't going to be there. So how long do you expect them to last and how many rounds are you expecting the plates to absorb? Ceramics have a limited lifespan and I sure wouldn't want to trust my life to one that has already taken a hit. Which is where the AR500s really come into their own.

[Steve_In_29]

That's a risk I'm willing to take. The cost to me maybe less of a hit than it is to others so it's relative to each person.

I'd take the highcoms anyday for a few bucks more over those heavy AR500 plates.

If you're really that concerned team Wendy makes training plates you can use for training then keep you ceramic plates for SHTF

Your life so it's your risk to take and I won't argue with that.

[97F1504RAD]

That's a risk I'm willing to take. The cost to me maybe less of a hit than it is to others so it's relative to each person.

I'd take the highcoms anyday for a few bucks more over those heavy AR500 plates.

If you're really that concerned team Wendy makes training plates you can use for training then keep you ceramic plates for SHTF

I agree and on top of that from all the research I have done the ceramic plates are not as fragile as some think. Can you be careless and through them around like an AR500 plate, No but then again I don't treat any of my gear that way so I am not to concerned with it.

[SideWinder11]

That's a risk I'm willing to take. The cost to me maybe less of a hit than it is to others so it's relative to each person.

I'd take the highcoms anyday for a few bucks more over those heavy AR500 plates.

If you're really that concerned team Wendy makes training plates you can use for training then keep you ceramic plates for SHTF

[Steve_In_29]

Reading comprehension my friend.
Read my post again and you'll see the 25% off code that I ever so kindly listed which brings that price down to that which I stated.

Sorry missed that but the rest of my post is actually the MORE important info and still valid so take it how you will. The military can depend on ceramic's since they have a supply chain to quickly replace any that become suspect. You drop yours and YOU are laying out the replacement cost or simply hoping that nothing was damaged but not knowing for sure until that CRITICAL instant. Since the only way to know for sure is via an x-ray which most of us have no access to either.

[97F1504RAD]

No comment on the quality of plates themselves but either they upped the price or your math is off. The only plate listed as multi-curved is $169 each so x2 = $338 a pair.

These are ceramic based plates so a user needs to be extremely careful with how they treat the plate. The military uses this style due to it's lighter weight but anytime the plates get banged around they are swapped out for a new set to maintain max protection. As civilians we don't have the luxury of stopping by Supply to survey our suspect plates after inadvertently dropping our vest on the concrete.

For us the AR500 plates (while definitely heavier) are MUCH more durable and keep working through MANY more hits then the lighter ceramic or poly plates will.

Price is correct if coupon code is still valid and it was when I purchased my two plates with it a couple weeks back.

[SideWinder11]

No comment on the quality of plates themselves but either they upped the price or your math is off. The only plate listed as multi-curved is $169 each so x2 = $338 a pair.

These are ceramic based plates so a user needs to be extremely careful with how they treat the plate. The military uses this style due to it's lighter weight but anytime the plates get banged around they are swapped out for a new set to maintain max protection. As civilians we don't have the luxury of stopping by Supply to survey our suspect plates after inadvertently dropping our vest on the concrete.

For us the AR500 plates (while definitely heavier) are MUCH more durable and keep working through MANY more hits then the lighter ceramic or poly plates will.

Reading comprehension my friend.
Read my post again and you'll see the 25% off code that I ever so kindly listed which brings that price down to that which I stated.

[Blackrain7557]

ARFCOM has quite a large thread about plate carriers and armor.

From my reading these are highly recommended use code USAMADE for 25% off and free shipping

Level IV $253 for two multi curved plates.

http://highcomsecurity.com/collections/plates/products/guardian-4sas-7

What are your thoughts?

I own a pair of these, got single curve for $223 shipped, I figured at that price it was worth the money. By the time you add in multi-curve and extra coating on AR500 the price is comparable.

And sure AR500 can take more hits, but that energy is being transferred to you. Ceramic is made to dissipate that energy through the failure of the plate. Trade-off's, either system will serve someone well.

Either way I suggest either IIIA plate backers or trauma pads behind the armor system as taking a hit with either ceramic or steel is going to hurt.

[Steve_In_29]

ARFCOM has quite a large thread about plate carriers and armor.

From my reading these are highly recommended use code USAMADE for 25% off and free shipping

Level IV $253 for two multi curved plates.

http://highcomsecurity.com/collections/plates/products/guardian-4sas-7

What are your thoughts?

No comment on the quality of plates themselves but either they upped the price or your math is off. The only plate listed as multi-curved is $169 each so x2 = $338 a pair.

These are ceramic based plates so a user needs to be extremely careful with how they treat the plate. The military uses this style due to it's lighter weight but anytime the plates get banged around they are swapped out for a new set to maintain max protection. As civilians we don't have the luxury of stopping by Supply to survey our suspect plates after inadvertently dropping our vest on the concrete.

For us the AR500 plates (while definitely heavier) are MUCH more durable and keep working through MANY more hits then the lighter ceramic or poly plates will.

[smashycrashy]

D-r appears to be on hiatus, will be interested in hearing his thoughts on the new Midwest armor offerings

[wpage]

Seems fair for that level of protection...

[DeliveryBoy]

Any news on the body armor front?

[97F1504RAD]

ARFCOM has quite a large thread about plate carriers and armor.

From my reading these are highly recommended use code USAMADE for 25% off and free shipping

Level IV $253 for two multi curved plates.

http://highcomsecurity.com/collections/plates/products/guardian-4sas-7

What are your thoughts?

That's a great deal on plates, all the reviews seem to be good.

[SideWinder11]

ARFCOM has quite a large thread about plate carriers and armor.

From my reading these are highly recommended use code USAMADE for 25% off and free shipping

Level IV $253 for two multi curved plates.

http://highcomsecurity.com/collections/plates/products/guardian-4sas-7

What are your thoughts?