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-a...b-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/produc...t-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.