Hard plates over external carrier?

[Atomic Donut]

I have to disagree with you in this. Most level IV plates these days are stand alone and do not require the soft armor ICW the plates. While overseas I only wore my esapi plates in a JPC without soft plates and can personally say that they saved my life. But that’s another story for another time. Infantry dudes who were part of big army wore more armor but mostly for frag protection.

I do agree that a plate carrier over an external vest is problematic which is the reason for the post. IMO armor that meets NIJ ratings function in a similar matter which is why personal vests are allowed. The issues I see with The external carriers is the presentation. Some departments, especially ones in nicer nieghborhoods do not want to perceive militarization so they limit the external carrier style to the one that still looks like a uniform with Molle on it.

And unless the person is running steel armor (AR500) there should not be an issue with spalling. Level IV plates are made of ceramic due to weight and do a good job of catching the bullet as opposed to deflecting it. Although if running level III or III+ Steel plates, I can see how that would be an issue. I’m not saying it’s not possible, just less likely and IMO a compromise worth taking if going against a subject armed with a rifle, especially a trained subject.

[CBR_rider]

Anyone using those extremely lightweight plates UHMWPE or whatever? I want to switch to just using plates but I want to run lightweight as possible while also trying to avoid any cracking/durability problems since I am responsible for maintaining the armor. Money isn’t too much of an issue to purchase the armor but I can’t afford to replace it yearly or something if it is very price you

[DNA]

Anyone using those extremely lightweight plates UHMWPE or whatever? I want to switch to just using plates but I want to run lightweight as possible while also trying to avoid any cracking/durability problems since I am responsible for maintaining the armor. Money isn’t too much of an issue to purchase the armor but I can’t afford to replace it yearly or something if it is very price you

If you're looking to pick up some lighter plates and money isn't an issue, there are hybrid ceramic plates that are level IV and just a tad bit heavier than the UHMWPE that'll stop ALL 5.56 rounds and not just the ones from a 14.5" barrel.

At most they'll be an extra 2-3lbs per plate, but they'll be less bulky, and they'll stop most threats you'll come across in an urban environment (the hood included).

https://www.skdtac.com/Tencate-CR-2000SA-Medium-ESAPI-Plate-p/amr.907.htm

two other decent picks..

https://www.skdtac.com/SKD-Armor-10-X-12-Carbine-Plate-Multi-Hit-p/amr.906.htm

https://www.skdtac.com/Velocity-Systems-Plate-Multi-Strike-Stand-Alone-p/amr.208.htm

Dan

[CBR_rider]

If you're looking to pick up some lighter plates and money isn't an issue, there are hybrid ceramic plates that are level IV and just a tad bit heavier than the UHMWPE that'll stop ALL 5.56 rounds and not just the ones from a 14.5" barrel.

At most they'll be an extra 2-3lbs per plate, but they'll be less bulky, and they'll stop most threats you'll come across in an urban environment (the hood included).

https://www.skdtac.com/Tencate-CR-2000SA-Medium-ESAPI-Plate-p/amr.907.htm

two other decent picks..

https://www.skdtac.com/SKD-Armor-10-X-12-Carbine-Plate-Multi-Hit-p/amr.906.htm

https://www.skdtac.com/Velocity-Systems-Plate-Multi-Strike-Stand-Alone-p/amr.208.htm

Dan

[DNA]

For the inner cheapskate... .8" thick, 5.5lbs and for the low low price of $100.

https://www.botach.com/battle-steel-level-iv-ballistic-plates-only-5-5-lbs-0-8-thick/

Dan

[hey_scooter]

I would look around at the rifle plates coming out right now that are designed to do your typical calibers as well as special threat ratings. Velocity Systems PBZ plates are probably the sweet spot for their capability and overall weight and width. The ULV titanium plates are also really great. I am a happy user of Velocity Systems.

Things you need to know, however:

- Most of these new plates are not NIJ rated. This is not a 'mistake' by these armor companies. As far as I can tell, this is because NIJ no longer really covers the needs of assessing how the armor defeats certain rounds. Look more into this to understand why this is now becoming more often the case.

- Spalling is another issue that is often forgotten. Research which armor assists with anti spalling.

[esy]

Reviving an old thread mostly because I didn’t want to make a new one and i’ve been trying to do some research. I just get lost with the millions of recommendations, so here we go.

I saw some recommendations from people about getting a carrier that accepts soft body armor and an external pouch for hard plates, however, didn’t see any recommendations of brands and such. I found a few, but some of the reviews made it sound like they’re meant for bigger officers. Like the Spartan Exo XL or Defender.

I’m 5’9” and about 190lbs. I contacted Spartan and waiting for a response. My department does not allow outer carriers unless we’re working a specialty unit or it’s during our overlap day in patrol. So, more often than not, the hard plates will be in place and I’ll take them out for those overlap days and such, so a little reversed. I have Point Blank IIIA soft armor if that makes any difference.

Anyone have experience with those or other recommendations? Thanks!

[1911su16b870]

So I use a simple Voodoo tactical "bib" type carrier for my rifle plates, nothing else on it except the "POLICE" velcro on front and back (a loop strip through the molle and the patch w/hooks on top), everything else I need is on my Sam Brown duty belt. It goes over the top of my uniform/L3 soft armor, two buckles clip and GTG.

[patriot_man]

A carrier that has the ability to add hard plates as well as soft armor would be FirstSpear CSV. I know they use Point Blank armor themselves so it may fit your cut.

Another carrier would be the Velocity systems low profile armor carrier but it uses its own proprietary cut. Very popular option with many LE departments I've been to and allows for a chest rig to clip in.

[esy]

Thanks for the suggestions so far. I’m really not trying to drop that much coin, but if I have to, I have to. The search continues. I’m looking at some of the Condor systems right now and see if I can find one that works.

[code_blue]

Esy, for patrol you just need a minimalist carrier. I think that the side plates will add too much bulk when donned over your polyester blues (I guess black for you) and soft armor.

AR500 had a sale recently on one of their modular systems that included plates for appox. $300. You really just need spare mags and a med kit on your carrier since it'll be an "active shooter" type rig.

https://www.ar500armor.com/catalog/product/view/id/9985/s/veritas-lite-plate-carrier/category/92/

[esy]

Esy, for patrol you just need a minimalist carrier. I think that the side plates will add too much bulk when donned over your polyester blues (I guess black for you) and soft armor.

AR500 had a sale recently on one of their modular systems that included plates for appox. $300. You really just need spare mags and a med kit on your carrier since it'll be an "active shooter" type rig.

https://www.ar500armor.com/catalog/p...r/category/92/

[Rico911]

Great question. LASD might authorize an outer carrier for patrol deputies. If it's a load bearing type soft panel carrier with pockets, that could create challenges for rifle plate carriers that we throw over a uniform shirt/concealable armor.