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

[Buffman]

This plate like the level IV employs edge to edge protection with a monolithic strike face. It did well against our threats EXCEPT M855A1.
Link To BS III+/RF2

[Buffman]

https://www.andoutfitters.us/collections/minuteman-collection/products/level-3

Discount: ARMORUP

[Buffman]

Yes, you are correct, my bad, I meant Level III. That's what I bought from LAPG (not the IIIa).

(gonna go back and edit that)

They essentially are a way overbuilt level III. The only reason they handle M2AP is because 99% of youtubers will shoot surplus M2AP at plates, which lacks upwards of 300 fps to meet spec. They are one of the few plates I've tested in a "level III" that stopped M80A1. Mainly because the strike face is almost as thick as most level IV They are imported and lack things like NIJ certification, but it would appear the company who actually makes them is keeping the quality good.

[crufflers]

BOTACH Level IV 10x12 $89.98

https://botach.com/battle-steel-level-4-armor-plates/

[xrMike]

I think you mean level III not IIIA. IIIA is for handgun rounds.

Yes, you are correct, my bad, I meant Level III. That's what I bought from LAPG (not the IIIa).

(gonna go back and edit that)

[Tere_Hanges]

This thread is huge. Without having to eat the whole thing, is there a consensus on the LAPG Level IIIa plates I picked up a year ago, when they were on sale? Got an LAPG carrier shortly after that also.

I remember seeing a couple of youtube videos after my purchase where a guy did some rifle testing on them, and they did surprisingly well. They actually should have been classified as Level IV plates, because they stopped .30-06 armor piercing, or maybe it was some other Level IV round like 5.56 green-tip, I don't remember the details.

I think you mean level III not IIIA. IIIA is for handgun rounds.

[xrMike]

This thread is huge. Without having to eat the whole thing, is there a consensus on the LAPG Level III plates I picked up a year ago, when they were on sale? Got an LAPG carrier shortly after that also.

I remember seeing a couple of youtube videos after my purchase where a guy did some rifle testing on them, and they did surprisingly well. They actually should have been classified as Level IV plates, because they stopped .30-06 armor piercing, or maybe it was some other Level IV round like 5.56 green-tip, I don't remember the details.

[Buffman]

Import level III UHMWPE plate. Good demonstration on why I think these shouldn't be used if you need M855 protection:

[Buffman]

Spartan Armor Systems Hercules Level IV: https://bit.ly/3vqrQtP

[Buffman]

New variant/revival of the DragonSkin armor concept:

[Buffman]

Here's a very rare 8mm SMKH vs modern body armor

[crufflers]

HESCO L210 at OP Tactical are $149 with 53 left in stock

https://www.optactical.com/hespthshcutr.html

[sirgrumps]

Just wanted to let everyone know I have been off the site for over a year due to demands of work and dealing with unprecedented demand for gear.

I apologize, and will be back on here regularly.

Hope everyone is staying safe!

[crufflers]

L210 competitor

Great video, as usual. Thanks.

[Buffman]

L210 competitor