Body Armor

[rxer311]

I have never really shopped for body armor...nor have I really a need to get any...

However, this deal showed up in my FB feed and was curious about it. The price seems too good to be true, and with body armor, I don't want to mess around with junk. I have been playing with the idea of purchasing this plate carrier and armor, but I don't want garbage gear. $162 for a carrier and a plate does seem like a good deal...but too good of a deal?

Has anybody had experience with this gear? Thoughts?

https://www.ar500armor.com/veritas-black-november.html?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Veritas+Facebook&utm_campaign=Veritas+Facebook&utm_content=Veritas&fbclid=IwAR0SUTxVM37t0HZvB18sqKLZEPM30COKQY_JVmC6a aQhiR5wOaBGKTaY4A4

[BoilerUp]

That looks like a lot of weight for level III protection. If you are OK with plates that heavy, might as well step up to level IV. Level III soft armor is probably more practical since most gunfights involve only handgun calibers.

[UWone77]

You want to wear 25lbs?

[FortTom]

You want to wear 25lbs?

Great point. I have a Cyre carrier with those heavy plates, and all loaded up, mags, gear....everything. First time I put it on, I thought my knees were going to buckle.[:D]

[rxer311]

See, these are the things I wouldn't think of necessarily. I don't really have a need, but was only looking because, why the heck not? 25lbs is a hell of a lot of weight.

[Joelski]

Ya'll are gonna need some of this:

https://pics.drugstore.com/prodimg/594607/900.jpg

[UWone77]

No one likes Aluminum in their deodorant.

[Joelski]

I prefer M390 myself.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191108/860542f7a1b772f5a36ea69e1334ae01.jpg

[UWone77]

That sword looks poor.

[tact]

AR500 steel is for targets......

[UWone77]

AR500 steel is for targets......

Bingo. If you want armor, spend a little more and get more lightweight options.

[Former11B]

They have ceramic level 4 plates that aren’t a huge jump in price but still seemed heavy for a single plate (8.3lbs). The ESAPIs I had (medium plate 9.5x12.5”) were 4.0lbs for one plate (large plate is 4.3lbs)

Looks like some “lightweight” steel plate offerings but it reduces the threat level. The Level 3+ I looked at was 11.5lbs for the 11x14 shooters cut curved front plate and 8.5lbs for the 10x12 back plate

[FortTom]

I think it's functionality and weight vs. your physical shape and age. 15 years ago it didn't even phase me to throw a (QUALITY) back pack on at 40 lbs. hike and camp for a week and come back. Don't know your situation but I can't do that anymore for a number of reasons. If you can load your vest with steel plates, 4 to 8 loaded 30 round mags, and pistol, spare ammo for that, and whatever else you prefer, and bounce around like a 18 - 25 year old, go for it. If not, rethink. Just a hint derived from my miserable experience.

FT[:D]

[BoilerUp]

The good, light stuff costs a few bucks extra. Some to consider:

https://store.atarmor.com/Hesco_U210_Special_Threat_plate_p/hs-u210.htm

https://store.atarmor.com/AT_Armor_Special_Threat_Optimized_Plate_p/at-stop-sa.htm

https://store.atarmor.com/Hesco_3810_Level_III_Plus_Special_Threat_Plate_p/hs-3810.htm

[FortTom]

The good, light stuff costs a few bucks extra. Some to consider:

https://store.atarmor.com/Hesco_U210_Special_Threat_plate_p/hs-u210.htm

https://store.atarmor.com/AT_Armor_Special_Threat_Optimized_Plate_p/at-stop-sa.htm

https://store.atarmor.com/Hesco_3810_Level_III_Plus_Special_Threat_Plate_p/hs-3810.htm

Damn, BU, those specs and weight look outrageously tempting! However, at $699 a plate, I'll just have to hump the extra weight, if I ever actually need it, for now.[wow]

[BoilerUp]

Damn, BU, those specs and weight look outrageously tempting! However, at $699 a plate, I'll just have to hump the extra weight, if I ever actually need it, for now.[wow]

I've read that the FBI uses those U210s. Half inch thick and 3.7lbs is nice for incog, but, yeah, you pay for it (if your employer won't).

[Pyzik]

Here are my thoughts and experiences.... Like everything in life it's worth what you paid for it.

I took a 2 day shoot house class at Alliance Police Training. I needed to have body armor for the class. I had already spent $450 for the class, plus the cost of the trip there, the ammo and the cost of hotel stays. I picked up a set of Semper Fi (same company that did plates for ERA3) armor plates (AR500). They had a sale buy one get one half off or something like that. I think I paid $150 for the pair. I believe mine were touted as 8.5lbs each?

I also picked up a simple condor carrier ($60?).

That has been the one and only time I've worn the plates/carrier other than for a couple photos here and there.

I was ready to take the plates off as soon as I got out of the shoot house. It wasn't comfortable. And it was the middle of summer and HOT.

For the purpose, I was happy with them. If I took classes more often where I needed armor I'd probably like something lighter. If I had to wear armor for work, there is no way I'd buy these.

So there you go. Plan on wearing them once for a class or infrequently? Probably they'd be fine.
Planning on wearing them for SHTF? Again, maybe fine? Better than nothing?

[FortTom]

Truly, my rig was conceived for a SHTF scenario. I would want lighter gear if I was in a pistol fight. I do have another "no name" brand chest rig that seems very sturdy. Could put lighter plates in it. Not sure that I would ever voluntarily walk into a situation where I'd likely need one, as in a cop..etc. and it would probably just hang around in the closet.

FT[:D]

[voodoo_man]

There is so much to unpack on armor...

First and foremost if you want AR-steel type armor buy from CATIARMOR -> https://catiarmor.com/copy-of-cati-ar500-body-armor-10x12-swim-cqb-multi-curve/ <- their multicurve AR600 CQB plates are probably the best AR-steel type on the market (they have contracts with CBP from what I understand).

Second, the less the plate weighs the more the plate costs multiplied by the type of ammo the plate can stop multiple hits of.

My recommendation:

First figure out what type of threat / ammo you want the plate to able to stop.

Then figure out how much you want it to weigh.

Then figure out how much you want to spend on it.

If you try to get a steal for a standalone special threat plate, you are probably buying old/expired garbage.

If you buy ceramic, but new and certified, as ceramic plates can (and will) crack.

If you buy poly-ceramic plates you will be spending top money on them.

I have used about a dozen plate types over the years, some daily, some for training.

Right now I am running chase tactical DEA complaint special threat cqb plates ->https://www.chasetactical.com/product/chase-tactical-4s17m-level-iv-rifle-armor-plate-nij-06-certified-dea-compliant-multi-curve/ <- These are good to go.

One thing I would also recommend is buying some lvl 2 / 3 soft plate backers. Getting shot in the plate sucks, it sucks even more if the energy transfers into your rib cage or spine more. Plate backer are like $99 or cheaper, they don't have to top quality they just need to be the same size as the plates. I usually tape them to the plate.

As far as PC's go...that's a whole different conversation.