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

[Munny$hot]

Thinking about swapping out my AR500 plates and spall protector for ceramic plates. Anyone got thoughts on this? Anyone know a good ceramic plate sellers?

Switching is a smart move IMHO

https://store.appalachiantraining.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=1875

[dx2]

i was intrigued by the bulletsafe 3a vest which incorporates plate pockets, but looking at it closely, it appears that the plates are carried too low, an inch or 2 below the sternal notch.

[97F1504RAD]

Using soft armour backers serves two purposes, one is impact absorption and the other is to be a backup to the hard armour should a round penetrate.

[dx2]

would a level IIIA soft armor insert work as a trauma pad behind III+ plate? it seems actual trauma pads are somewhat different, designed for just force reduction, but i'm looking for versatility along w/ function. ie, using just IIIA inserts in a carrier for certain applications, and III+ plates for others.

i did see a IIIA vest w/ plate pockets, perhaps that w/ III+ plates AND trauma pads? but then weight becomes an issue i'd think.

[dx2]

I also test stuff too I think the Spartan and AR500 Armor have the toughest Level III+ so far. But remember there is no NIJ III+. So it's basically a manufacturer saying "Hey this is NIJ III and then some". Company A's "then some" may be M193 in 16" barrel velocities, and Company B's "then some" may be M193 20" velocities

which spartan are you referring to, the armaply or the ar550? the 550 is heavy! i'd be interested in an armaply vs patriot plate 2 comparison.

[Buffman]

Check out the chopping block and the wound channel on you tube. Both have done a lot of testing on body armor.

I also test stuff too I think the Spartan and AR500 Armor have the toughest Level III+ so far. But remember there is no NIJ III+. So it's basically a manufacturer saying "Hey this is NIJ III and then some". Company A's "then some" may be M193 in 16" barrel velocities, and Company B's "then some" may be M193 20" velocities

[jcri0006]

I have been using Crye Precision. As comfortable as a carrier gets.

[cantankerous]

This is a great thread. Is there a verdict on which lvl 3+ plate is the best overall performer?

Check out the chopping block and the wound channel on you tube. Both have done a lot of testing on body armor.

[357manny]

This is a great thread. Is there a verdict on which lvl 3+ plate is the best overall performer?

[epilepticninja]

Thinking about swapping out my AR500 plates and spall protector for ceramic plates. Anyone got thoughts on this? Anyone know a good ceramic plate sellers?

[cantankerous]

Any new information about this testing d-r? I've been ready to purchase a set of the Maingun plates, just holding out for some good testing...

+1

[BDR529]

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).

Any new information about this testing d-r? I've been ready to purchase a set of the Maingun plates, just holding out for some good testing...

[chris]

Someone mentioned the Cyre JPC, great rig. I like cummerbunds. If you can get around that it is worth looking into the Shellback Banshee, SKD PIG, Warrior DCS and the Mayflower APC.

I 2nd on the Banshee.

[MAC USMC]

CONTINUED - - -

being put out about body armor that no one really knew what was factual. The Second Chance people actually recommended machine washing and tumble drying their vest.

KEVLAR is the only way to go without a doubt. There have been exhaustive test done by the Natick Lab in Mass. for the government that included body armor on live animals and on cadavers. Kevlar was proven a true stopper.

Armor will get hot no matter what you do and it will get smelly. In my SWAT days we bought a second vest so we could rotate. Some excellent undershirts are available that help with cooling and to wick sweat away.

Again, kudus to the contributors here as you may safe some lives out there.

[MAC USMC]

There is some absolutely priceless info put forth here that is totally accurate. I did a study (with clay shooting tests) back in the late 70's for the San Diego Police Department. There was so much BS