View Full Version : Plate sizing question?
I've been thinking about getting at PC and some plates for quite a while now and since the ban talk is starting I've decided to pick some up before there's a shortage. I'm not expecting the ban to pass but just the talk of a ban gets people buying (just like me). :)
I'm trying to figure out plate sizing and it looks like I need XL, I wanted to bounce the question off those of you who know a lot more than me before I spend the money.
I'm 6'1" and ~220lbs, my measurements for top of sternum to bottom is 12" and nip to nip is about 11.125. I'm working on getting in better shape but my chest isn't flappy and I don't see those measurements changing by much at all.
On a side not, does anyone have experience with buying from AMI with a CCW? Looks like it's questionable if they'll sell to non LE/Mil.
Just develop Ninja moves,,, no plates needed.
Great-Kazoo
10-01-2014, 17:35
If weights not a factor, buy a few AR500 plates from Banks / AAtargets? bed liner them, save a few $$$$
Thank god for LE creds and discounts.
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mcantar18c
10-01-2014, 18:01
If weights not a factor, buy a few AR500 plates from Banks / AAtargets? bed liner them, save a few $$$$
They would be flat...
Thank god for LE creds and discounts.
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Does that mean you're offering to buy them for me and resell them at a slight markup? :)
bside303
10-01-2014, 18:05
Probably 11x14 for a bigger guy like yurself. You can check out:
Life and Liberty Gear
Address: 9910 E Costilla Ave, Centennial, CO 80112
Phone:(303) 999-6053
He has different types of plates and sizes. You can figure out size and weight on the plates.
jerrymrc
10-01-2014, 18:31
Does that mean you're offering to buy them for me and resell them at a slight markup? :)
You have no idea how funny that comment is to the staff.[panic]
beast556
10-01-2014, 18:41
Ar500 armor, has the best prices and has some killer package deals going right now. Make sure to get curved plates with the extra build up. Ar500 plates are the way to go there heavy but rock solid and not fragile. Just my 2 cents for what its worth.
You have no idea how funny that comment is to the staff.[panic]
Sorry about that, I was just giving him crap since his post didn't add anything to the conversation. :)
Ar500 armor, has the best prices and has some killer package deals going right now. Make sure to get curved plates with the extra build up. Ar500 plates are the way to go there heavy but rock solid and not fragile. Just my 2 cents for what its worth.
Agree, and they have them on Ebay.
Good points on the AR500, I tend to buy more than I need.
Does that mean you're offering to buy them for me and resell them at a slight markup? :)
no can do. I'm just glad I don't have to jump through those hoops.
AR500Armor.com has cheap stuff that's decent quality.
You have no idea how funny that comment is to the staff.[panic]
You confuse the hell out of me and refuse to talk to me so I have no idea how to take you.....
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ZERO THEORY
10-01-2014, 19:21
I bought Large AR500 plates. I'm 6'2" 195. They're heavy, but they don't have an expiration date like SAPIs, and you can use your carrier as a supplement to your strength and conditioning with steel plates.
Here's something I wrote for another forum with a very similar question:
Getting the right size and using the correct sized plates are more important than brand. Padded straps don't mean shit if the carrier isn't for you. When getting plates, they should cover from your jugular notch to just below your rib cage in the front and from about C6-7 to T8-9 in the back (I run back plates a bit higher than pictured due to greater threat from elevated positions and to allow more mobility). See picts below:
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/h366/275RLTW/netter_thorax_plate.jpg
http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/h366/275RLTW/netter_thorax_posterior.jpg
Once you figure out what size plates you need, you can pick your carrier size. Large plates won't fir well in a Med. You can run Med plates in a Large PC but they may shift a bit. It's not uncommon to run a med PC with a Large cumberbun. It's better to run plates a tad small rather than too large. Too large of plates will restrict your arms forward movement, espetially when pushing forward with a pistol.
How often and what you intend to use the gear for will determine what price range. Condor/Voodoo stuff is cheap and good for the occasional class but don't expect it to hold up to routine use. You do get what you pay for. My LBT 6094 costs about $400 but I can load it down and run with it all day long, every day without it moving around. My JPC cost less and is a snugger fit however it sucks with more than 15-20 lbs on it. Stick to well reviewed (reviewed by shooters, not air softers) kits like SKD, Mayflower, Crye, LBT, VS, etc...
Trying some on and out is the key. While this may not be easily done at the local gun store, finding some locals at the range who can let you try their kit out will help you make better decisions. You'll find that 1 PC can't do everything you want. Mission drives the gear...I have 4 different PCs I use frequently depending on the mission.
Regarding types of plates-do your research. Hopefully Mick-boy will chime in with some of the articles he's written about ceramic vs. steel. I've worn ceramic and steel (with and without backers) and I prefer ceramic every time. Thickness isn't as much as an issue for me as is weight and protection level. If you're looking to protect your life, don't go cheap. If you're looking for range/training stuff then look on armslist. (I've seen ESAPIs for less than $200 there)
Colorado Springs Craigslist (Ft Carson) and Armslist often have ESAPIs for good prices.
Great-Kazoo
10-01-2014, 21:06
They would be flat...
I have a guy who can arch them off the sheet.
Here's something I wrote for another forum with a very similar question:
Your article is probably the one I read that pointed me to an XL due to the 11+ nip to nip. For a PC I'm thinking of a PIG or Mayflower APC, I'm not sure who might have those locally.
I wouldn't do ar500 plates lots of info out there about spall etc
if you plan on using them for more then just to take up a spot in your closet buy yourself a set of stand alone triple curve ceramic plates
im about the same size as you I run a large plate up front and an xl in back with a mayflower apc
sellersm
10-02-2014, 11:43
The AR500 spall "problem" has been addressed by their LineX coatings. Or run a soft armor 'plate' behind it?
The spall is reduced by line x not stopped. You would need to run soft armor in front to catch the spall.
The spall is reduced by line x not stopped. You would need to run soft armor in Behind to catch the spall.
Run soft armor or backers between you and steel plates to protect from spalling.
Figured thats what you meant, just clarifying for you.
beast556
10-02-2014, 15:54
There are numerous you tube videos on spalling. The ar500 plates with the build up not just the single coating are showing 99% containment.
AMI will only sell to government entities, law enforcement, military (inc. AD/Reserve/NG/Ret), first responders, and other qualified personnel with proper credentials(ie. CCW permit, PI license, Armed Security Guard license, etc...). it doesnt look questionable. it says they sell to people with CCW.
there are sales all the time on Esapi plates. you have to decide if the price is worth it.
my level 4 plates were $289 a set last year from tyr tactical. someone posted the info here.
That's the way I read it too, it looks like is for CYA. Many places are now asking for you to signe and notarize a form saying your not a psycho.
Run soft armor or backers between you and steel plates to protect from spalling.
Figured thats what you meant, just clarifying for you.
I don't understand this placement. If the round aren't penetrating through the back, isn't the concern from shrapnel going to be in the front?
clublights
10-02-2014, 16:16
I don't understand this placement. If the round aren't penetrating through the back, isn't the concern from shrapnel going to be in the front?
Spalling happens on the "inside" too ...
that is why the insides of modern battle tanks are covered in kevlar... the round might not make it thru but fragments of metal bouncing around inside the tank are not good for the.. health.. of the tank crew
Great-Kazoo
10-02-2014, 16:22
That's the way I read it too, it looks like is for CYA. Many places are now asking for you to signe and notarize a form saying your not a psycho.
How long that document good for? Looks like more fall out from the joker / aurora shooter.
I don't understand this placement. If the round aren't penetrating through the back, isn't the concern from shrapnel going to be in the front?
Not as much as from out the back. Spalling is the Kinetic Energy (KE) from the projectile transferring to the plate and a portion(s) of the plate breaking off and continuing as a new projectile(s). The KE is transferred in the original direction unless acted upon by an outside force (Newtons 1st Law). Thus, spalling is most commonly seen with parts of the steel broken off the back of the plate where the heat and energy of the round has weakened the integrity of the steel. This is why ceramic is used as it dissipates heat better than steel and a woven ceramic/kevlar firbrous blend (ESAPIs) has better multiple impact protection than sold steel.
Great-Kazoo
10-02-2014, 17:13
Not as much as from out the back. Spalling is the Kinetic Energy (KE) from the projectile transferring to the plate and a portion(s) of the plate breaking off and continuing as a new projectile(s). The KE is transferred in the original direction unless acted upon by an outside force (Newtons 1st Law). Thus, spalling is most commonly seen with parts of the steel broken off the back of the plate where the heat and energy of the round has weakened the integrity of the steel. This is why ceramic is used as it dissipates heat better than steel and a woven ceramic/kevlar firbrous blend (ESAPIs) has better multiple impact protection than sold steel.
Couldn't make it any more clear then that. Thanks.
Not as much as from out the back. Spalling is the Kinetic Energy (KE) from the projectile transferring to the plate and a portion(s) of the plate breaking off and continuing as a new projectile(s). The KE is transferred in the original direction unless acted upon by an outside force (Newtons 1st Law). Thus, spalling is most commonly seen with parts of the steel broken off the back of the plate where the heat and energy of the round has weakened the integrity of the steel. This is why ceramic is used as it dissipates heat better than steel and a woven ceramic/kevlar firbrous blend (ESAPIs) has better multiple impact protection than sold steel.
This all makes perfect sense. I was confused because I only watched a few of the AR500 videos where .308 rounds were hardly even deforming the back side. Otherwise, I had no previous knowledge of spalling. Thanks for clearing it up.
How long that document good for? Looks like more fall out from the joker / aurora shooter.
Roger Ronas
10-02-2014, 19:30
Wanting to get some armor soon.
I have heard that the Israel stuff is very goo, any truth to that?
Also I am a big boy 12.5" nip to nip and a 52" chest. I wear a 4x T shirt and a 48" waist. Looking for ceramic. What are these tri curve or whatever was mentioned Up above?
Any guidance is appreciated.
Roger
HoneyBadger
10-02-2014, 21:28
Not as much as from out the back. Spalling is the Kinetic Energy (KE) from the projectile transferring to the plate and a portion(s) of the plate breaking off and continuing as a new projectile(s). The KE is transferred in the original direction unless acted upon by an outside force (Newtons 1st Law). Thus, spalling is most commonly seen with parts of the steel broken off the back of the plate where the heat and energy of the round has weakened the integrity of the steel. This is why ceramic is used as it dissipates heat better than steel and a woven ceramic/kevlar firbrous blend (ESAPIs) has better multiple impact protection than sold steel.
Great explanation. Thanks!
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