Hard Armor Plates

[harley536]

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the different brands out there of rifle/hard armor plates. My experience is limited to the ESAPI's I was issued. I'm kicking around the idea of a plate carrier (w/ plates obviously) for the holy s*** situations. Recent events at work have made me realize that their are a lot more people (criminals) out there with the ability to zip a round right through my vest if given the opportunity.

[Heiko]

I don't think enough guys think like you. I talk to many guys who don't think they need hard plates or even an active shooter rig. It's always better to have and not need than need and not have.

Check out AR500 Armor. They are a site sponsor and offer a 10% off discount code for Calguns. There are going to be those who think that AR500 steel armor is bad but take a look for yourself.

[harley536]

Its funny that you mention the AR500 plates. Despite not being an approved plate in my department, I was looking at those quite a bit. Although the splatter/fragmentation risk with a bare plate scares me away from these, it looks like the coating they put on these now take care of it. And in the event I'm "caught" using these plates, I guess I'd take an admin spanking rather than a bullet.

Guess I'll have to shop around though, I'd like to have approved plates.

Sent from my LG-LS980 using Tapatalk

[Heiko]

The videos for the PAXCON build-up AR500 plates are pretty impressive and the price is pretty good. One of the appeals of it is that unlike typical ceramic plates you can be less careful with it and with the in and out of your trunk each shift (unless you have an assigned unit) could result in some damage to ceramic. Steel would be far more durable.

If you need NIJ certified ceramic plates though, check out Midwest Armor. It's some of the most reasonably priced plates I found online. There is also an active coupon code for $48 off so a set of curved NIJ05 would be $276 shipped.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=791398

http://www.midwestarmor.com/body-armor

[CBR_rider]

I'm personally looking at adding a set of FM3 plates from Midwest armor to my current vest... only about 5lbs of weight for hard armor. Of course, you pay quite a bit for them. But here's the deal: Is this something you are going to wear all the time? If so, don't waste your money on AR500 unless you want to contribute to the back problems you are already prone to based on your job.

[micro911]

The hard plates are too heavy for everyday wear for me. I just used level IIIA when I worked the streets.

[mixicus]

Take a look at bulletproofme.com several of us have purchased from them with great satisfaction.

Suggestion for a MACTAC up-armor rig: stuff their Level 4 multi-hit triple curve shooter's cut plates (~$200/plate) in a Shellback Tactical Banshee, stick a "police" velcro patch on front and back (Blackhawk), a triple kangaroo pouch on the front for your extra M4 and pistol mags and hang your TCCC kit on the off side. You can always add side plates too.

I suggest going with the stand alone plates, that way you can simple put this rig on with or without your normal duty vest underneath. Something to consider being able to grab-and-go if you are in soft clothes (court, station duty, training). Triple curve shooters cut plates are more comfortable than a single curve. I find them easier to shoulder a long gun as well.

[SoCalDep]

I have several plate carriers and we did some ballistic testing with US Armor level III polyethylene plates and III+ ceramic (not multi-hit rated). We're planning to test some steel plates as well.

I really like the polyethylene plates but they aren't cheap and they won't stop green-tip. For those that need a lighter plate, these are less than half the weight of many ceramics and definitely steel plates. Speaking of steel, it's not a horrible option if money is really tight, though it does have limitations. Of course ceramic has it's own limitations as far as potential cracking, weight, and a limited multi-hit capability.

I currently run MaxPro level IV multi-hit ceramics in my active shooter rig, which is a Shellback Banshee. I actually have two of them. One is set up with a dual kangaroo mag pouch in the admin pocket and a Blue Force Gear 10-Speed triple AR pouch in front. I have a trauma kit on the support side and a slim admin pouch on the strong side so as not to impede my handgun draw.

The other (my main rig) has a two-mag stacked AR-mag pouch on the right side of the actual plate carrier that holds my radio or two mags depending on what I'm doing. Then I have a Blue Force Gear 10-Speed dual mag pouch in front of a Tactical Tailor open top dual mag pouch. One of the 10-Speed pouches holds my "emergency load" magazine and the other holds my SOF-T/W tourniquet pretty much center-line. I also threw a dual open top mag holder on the inside of the support side cumberbund to allow carry/storage of two additional magazines. On the support side I run a single pistol mag pouch which holds a multi-tool, an ATS-Tactical small tear-away IFAK which works great, and a dump pouch.

Here's the main rig at a recent rifle-class:


I also have an older Diamondback Tactical plate carrier with some old bare steel plates, but I'm not super happy with the carrier and haven't found a really good use for it yet. Lastly, I have a Condor plate carrier but that just holds soft armor and is set up for as an "oh-crap" throw on vest.

[harley536]

My Banshee is in the mail as a few days ago, heard nothing good things about the company. To answer some questions ppl were asking, no, not an everyday rig. MACTAC/active shooter set up.

Someone mentioned messing up a back, yup, already accomplished that. Can't wear a sam brown without back issues unless I have suspenders. Backdefensesystems.com is an absolute life saver. Takes some getting used to but my back feels great after a shift. I wear it under my vest so it does wear the vest liner fast but I don't care. Best $200 I have ever spent.

Sent from my LG-LS980 using Tapatalk

[sava]

I recently bought a pair of Level IV plates from bulletproofme.com.

I thought it would be a good idea to have an active shooter rig just in case. I'll put pics and a description in a few days.

[Triad]

My active shooter rig is the SKD PIG carrier with some lightweight AR500 plates. I have a mag load out, a blowout kit and a red marker.

[sava]

This is an active shooter rig designed to be thrown over my uniform and supplement the equipment I already carry. It's designed to be extremely simple/lightweight, carry what I don't already have on my person, and be as low profile as possible.


SKD Pig
Level IV Standalone Plates
HSGI Rifle Taco x 3
HSGI Pistol Taco x 2
CAT Tourniquet
Dark Angel IFAK
Bee Folder
Flex-Cuffs

[harley536]

Nice setup, everything you need and nothing you don't. I like your style. The biggest debate I had with myself was the mag pouches. Open top, bungee, Velcro flap, etc. Debating between a tactical tailor x3 w/ bungees or a standard Blackhawk x3 dual pouch with Velcro flaps.

I like the bungee because it seems simple and fast. The Blackhawk has the ability to hold 6 though and the flap you can always tuck it back. I realize what i just said has a dbl meaning, especially to a bunch of cops. Lol.

Anyways, anyone have experience with both?

Sent from my LG-LS980 using Tapatalk

[Heiko]

I recently got a Shellback Banshee (Tactical Assault Gear brand but made by and labeled Shellback) from Dvor (Optics Planet subsidiary "deal" site) for $139. Seemed like a great price. They also had TAG mag pouches so I got a bungee topped kangaroo triple AR pouch with pistol pouches in front for $35. It's like this setup minus the optional side plates.