Body Armor

[KevDen2005]

I'm looking for hard plate body armor and wondering if anyone has any connections. I'm not looking for AR500 steel. I'm looking for the ceramic style plates.

Thanks.

[TheGrey]

There's a place down here (Centennial) that sell armor plates. They've got a pretty good website.

http://www.lifeandlibertygear.com/

[hollohas]

IIRC, Ark Tactical had a couple ceramic plates a little while ago. Not sure if they still do, but worth a call.

[Jer]

Doesn't someone have plates for sale here currently?

[asmo]

I'm looking for hard plate body armor and wondering if anyone has any connections. I'm not looking for AR500 steel. I'm looking for the ceramic style plates.

Thanks.

Sounds like you have made a decision on what type of product you want without doing an actual threat assessment to see what type of product is appropriate. This is typically a Bad Idea(tm)

[Gunner]

Sounds like you have made a decision on what type of product you want without doing an actual threat assessment to see what type of product is appropriate. This is typically a Bad Idea(tm)

How do you know he hasn’t done any assessments? How do you know what will and will not suit his needs... if he wears it everyday he may not want AR500 plates. Do you know why he wants armor...?


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[hurley842002]

Sounds like you have made a decision on what type of product you want without doing an actual threat assessment to see what type of product is appropriate. This is typically a Bad Idea(tm)Wow, your magic crystal ball is working much better than mine, as I can't tell from his post rather or not he's done a "threat assessment", although I'm sure he has.

[00tec]

Pretty sure, based on knowing what he does for a living, he has considered the pros and cons of each. I highly doubt he wants to lug around the ar500.

[Gunner]

Pretty sure, based on knowing what he does for a living, he has considered the pros and cons of each. I highly doubt he wants to lug around the ar500.

Exactly what I was thinking. This isn’t a prepper wanna be situation


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[KevDen2005]

Thanks guys. I currently own the AR500 type plates, and they don't fit my daily needs.

[Great-Kazoo]

Thanks guys. I currently own the AR500 type plates, and they don't fit my daily needs.

Kid across the street use to work for them
https://angelarmor.com/

[OneGuy67]

Life and Liberty (as denoted by The Grey) have a unique set I've been looking at. It is a flexible plate system. Pricey, but I am leaning on adding them to my vest.

[asmo]

Thanks guys. I currently own the AR500 type plates, and they don't fit my daily needs.

Depending on what you need (Special Threat vs. NIJ), the Velocity STCPs are nice. If you have agency backing they can also custom cut for you. Otherwise, everyone I know running ceramics daily are using Ceradynes.

[Snowman78]

Here is what I went with for work
https://www.ar-15.co/threads/149115-Plate-carriers/page4?highlight=Snowman78
Post #40

[KevDen2005]

Here is what I went with for work
https://www.ar-15.co/threads/149115-Plate-carriers/page4?highlight=Snowman78
Post #40

Thanks, Checking their website out.

[MrPrena]

I am sure OP did his hw and watched YouTube on ceramic plates. Most are very reliable on stoppage.

As for me, if someone is going to wear that every day, weight would be another big factor.

[KevDen2005]

I am sure OP did his hw and watched YouTube on ceramic plates. Most are very reliable on stoppage.

As for me, if someone is going to wear that every day, weight would be another big factor.

Well I have done quite a bit of homework on levels and stoppage. But since I wear soft body armor every day I already know what and where to look for in that. I don't wear hard plates everyday and initially got into into the AR500 as something I could keep with my gear daily. However after several times training with it and loading and unloading it everyday have decided I really hate it. So I want a lighter weight reliable replacement. I am mainly looking for a reliable source that will be able to answer questions and be knowledgeable when I call to purchase in the nearer future.

[MrPrena]

I usually say:

Soft armor=> hypertension
Hard plate=> arthritis

[MrPrena]

Well I have done quite a bit of homework on levels and stoppage. But since I wear soft body armor every day I already know what and where to look for in that. I don't wear hard plates everyday and initially got into into the AR500 as something I could keep with my gear daily. However after several times training with it and loading and unloading it everyday have decided I really hate it. So I want a lighter weight reliable replacement. I am mainly looking for a reliable source that will be able to answer questions and be knowledgeable when I call to purchase in the nearer future.

I think the plate carrier gets updated so often that some people including myself would have outdated info.

However, I have seen one that is so light it float in the water and waterproof. I think I saw it at mac (Military arms channel) on YouTube. Now, they might have a better one in the market than when that video was released.

[KevDen2005]

I think the plate carrier gets updated so often that some people including myself would have outdated info.

However, I have seen one that is so light it float in the water and waterproof. I think I saw it at mac (Military arms channel) on YouTube. Now, they might have a better one in the market than when that video was released.

Dang I could just feel how expensive that sounds

[cstone]

Polyethylene seems to be the current light, hard plate armor and when used in conjunction with a ceramic plate can be very effective.

http://www.hoplitearmor.com/body-armor-101/

[KevDen2005]

Polyethylene seems to be the current light, hard plate armor and when used in conjunction with a ceramic plate can be very effective.

http://www.hoplitearmor.com/body-armor-101/

It appears that the hoplite plates are weighing in a bit more than the RMA Armament plates and technically don't hold an NIJ certificate yet.

However the price is not bad for a set compared to other options.

[Mick-Boy]

Call ATArmor. Knowledgeable and trustworthy. They’ll point you in the right direction.

http://store.atarmor.com

I use a couple of different sets of Velocity Systems front/back plates at work (DOD purchased) but I purchased AT’s side plates out of pocket.

[Snowman78]

If you email RMA Armament from your department email they should give you LE discount code.

[KevDen2005]

If you email RMA Armament from your department email they should give you LE discount code.

Thanks, I'll do that

[sigmanx]

Well I have done quite a bit of homework on levels and stoppage. But since I wear soft body armor every day I already know what and where to look for in that. I don't wear hard plates everyday and initially got into into the AR500 as something I could keep with my gear daily. However after several times training with it and loading and unloading it everyday have decided I really hate it. So I want a lighter weight reliable replacement. I am mainly looking for a reliable source that will be able to answer questions and be knowledgeable when I call to purchase in the nearer future.Poly plates are also a great alternative as well to steel. Very lightweight and good for M80 ball ammo. But it's all in what you need.

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[vectorsc]

Poly plates seem to come in two flavors = cheap-ish and doesn't handle M855 and expensive ceramic/poly hybrids that are quite effective but you are back in the ceramic costing. The poly plates are thick.

Again, this is research based and not experience based. Its from my last research round on plates.

https://www.ar500armor.com/ar500-armor-lightweight-10-x-12-level-iii-alsc-body-armor.html

I am interested in these as an option, as weight is like a ceramic but pricing is good and multihit is pretty good.

[LX470]

Try this from Lightfighter
http://www.lightfighter.net/topic/confused-about-buying-rifle-plates-carriers-and-helmets-for-patrol-officers-start-here

[KevDen2005]

Try this from Lightfighter
http://www.lightfighter.net/topic/confused-about-buying-rifle-plates-carriers-and-helmets-for-patrol-officers-start-here

Pretty good info

[KevDen2005]

The problem with the body armor question is with each company it seems there different ratings or I should say claim different protection abilities with their levels. Such as comparing the level three at one comp at is different than the level three at another company.

[Snowman78]

What did you end up going with?

[KevDen2005]

What did you end up going with?

I sent you a PM

[sigmanx]

It appears that the hoplite plates are weighing in a bit more than the RMA Armament plates and technically don't hold an NIJ certificate yet.

However the price is not bad for a set compared to other options.I've been interested in getting some of their swimmer cut lvl 4 plates myself.

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[KevDen2005]

I've been interested in getting some of their swimmer cut lvl 4 plates myself.

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I have been eyeing the swimmer cut as well. Plates have come a long way from when I started wearing them 16 years ago as an infantryman.

[sigmanx]

I have been eyeing the swimmer cut as well. Plates have come a long way from when I started wearing them 16 years ago as an infantryman.No kidding. And at about 5lbs per plate for lvl 4 protection at $150 per single curve or $300 per triple curve. That is a significant weight and Wallet savings. Yes it is slightly less coverage, but the trade offs are definitely there for sure. Also $200 per pair for 6x6 Lvl 4 sides isn't bad either.

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[KevDen2005]

No kidding. And at about 5lbs per plate for lvl 4 protection at $150 per single curve or $300 per triple curve. That is a significant weight and Wallet savings. Yes it is slightly less coverage, but the trade offs are definitely there for sure. Also $200 per pair for 6x6 Lvl 4 sides isn't bad either.

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$150 for level IV 5 pound plates? Who did you go with?

[sigmanx]

$150 for level IV 5 pound plates? Who did you go with?That's the hoplite armor swimmer cut plates I'm looking at.

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[KevDen2005]

That's the hoplite armor swimmer cut plates I'm looking at.

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I'll take another look at their site. I was waiting for a couple places to get back to me on some questions and the holidays to blow over since I'm spending a lot of money, plates aren't cheap. But I was really thinking of going with RMA.

[sigmanx]

That's the hoplite armor swimmer cut plates I'm looking at.

Sent from my 2PQ93 using TapatalkActually let me make an adjustment, I had apparently looked at the wrong section on that and they aren't 5lbs. They are a little more.

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[sigmanx]

I'll take another look at their site. I was waiting for a couple places to get back to me on some questions and the holidays to blow over since I'm spending a lot of money, plates aren't cheap. But I was really thinking of going with RMA.I'll check out RMA as well.

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[KevDen2005]

I'll check out RMA as well.

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Most likely I'm going to go with a level III or III+ style plate. Basically the threat level protection that level IV offers isn't really worth the increased weight, mainly for .30-06 and 7.62 x 54. I'm not terribly concerned with those calibers. M855 is a concern of mine but I am thinking most active shooter type people probably wont go with a more quality or better performing or more expensive ammunition. In addition that my plates will most likely be thrown over my IIIA soft body armor with trauma plate that I'm already wearing.

[sigmanx]

Most likely I'm going to go with a level III or III+ style plate. Basically the threat level protection that level IV offers isn't really worth the increased weight, mainly for .30-06 and 7.62 x 54. I'm not terribly concerned with those calibers. M855 is a concern of mine but I am thinking most active shooter type people probably wont go with a more quality or better performing or more expensive ammunition. In addition that my plates will most likely be thrown over my IIIA soft body armor with trauma plate that I'm already wearing.Ya, a 3+ is that setup would essentially give you lvl 4 protection anyway.

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[KevDen2005]

Anyone heard of Scorpius Tactical?

https://www.scorpiustactical.com/

Prices seem too good to be true but they meet a lot of the NIJ requirements

[sigmanx]

Anyone heard of Scorpius Tactical?

https://www.scorpiustactical.com/

Prices seem too good to be true but they meet a lot of the NIJ requirementsI haven't. Anyone else heard of cpg armor? I saw they have some great prices as well but I've never heard of them until the other day.

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[Joe_K]

Call ATArmor. Knowledgeable and trustworthy. They’ll point you in the right direction.

http://store.atarmor.com

I use a couple of different sets of Velocity Systems front/back plates at work (DOD purchased) but I purchased AT’s side plates out of pocket.

Second this, Mick knows of what he speaks. AT is a legit outfit.

https://youtu.be/fQo2iVvtruc

Good breakdown of NIJ Certs, STOP Plates, NIJ +, and why level IV plates may not provide the most/best protection for LEO’s and Responsibly Armed and Prepared Citizens here INCONUS.


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[KevDen2005]

Been doing some research and making some phone calls around, sounds like Scorpius is pretty legit and have numerous government contracts.

[KevDen2005]

Finally Got the plates and carrier together. Went with 3+ plates, 4 pounds each. The sides are 3A soft body armor. The Trauma kit's a little bulky, might have to tone that down a bit.

[KevDen2005]

This picture does not want to imbed for some reason!

Well I really want to post a picture but no matter what I do it won't let me. I'll figure something out soon.

[Snowman78]

I hope you get it figured out, I would love to see photos!

[KevDen2005]

I hope you get it figured out, I would love to see photos!

Now the pressure is on. I can't mess with it on my phone so I'll try in a bit when I get back in front of my computer.

[Irving]

If you can text them to me, I'll post them. If you don't want to use your phone at all, you can email them to me and I'll post them.

[KevDen2005]

Finally got it to work. Must have been the original photos for some reason. I retook the photos and they uploaded just fine.

73519 73521

[Snowman78]

Nice, looks like a great setup and really light! Let’s hope we never have to use them [Beer]

[sigmanx]

Nice setup.

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[KevDen2005]

Nice, looks like a great setup and really light! Let’s hope we never have to use them [Beer]

Hopefully not, but better safe than sorry these days.

[sigmanx]

Hopefully not, but better safe than sorry these days.How much did it end up running you?

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[KevDen2005]

How much did it end up running you?

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It was $250 per plate, plus two 5 x 10 level 3A soft side "plates" for $75 each.

The plate carrier that I'm using was $80 for a total of $730.

I kind of want to get the Condor VAS carrier so I can have a couple of different types of load outs prepared for different functionality, whether at work on patrol, at home, or a specialized assignment

https://www.condoroutdoor.com/Condor-201079.aspx

[lex137]

Not sure if condor upped there game, but since your using this for duty I would recommend something more reliable and comfortable if you have the funds. The last thing you want is the stitching to fall apart or is uncomfortable as shit... Either way stay safe out there sir, watch your 6.

[Gunner]

Check out the AR500 testudo. I got mine for $80 new from them


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[KevDen2005]

Not sure if condor upped there game, but since your using this for duty I would recommend something more reliable and comfortable if you have the funds. The last thing you want is the stitching to fall apart or is uncomfortable as shit... Either way stay safe out there sir, watch your 6.

I personally think that they have. They appear on a number of sites now and I have purchased there stuff over the years. I agree that a few years ago it was for the paint baller community only.

[lex137]

I personally think that they have. They appear on a number of sites now and I have purchased there stuff over the years. I agree that a few years ago it was for the paint baller community only.

That’s good to know! Just was worried you were going to be running questionable gear.

[KevDen2005]

That’s good to know! Just was worried you were going to be running questionable gear.

I appreciate it. I have seen a lot of agencies start using it and honestly I was a bit surprised when I saw some reputable armor companies push it. It was definitely on my radar.

[SA Friday]

Holy crap, Dude! That IFAC is Ginormous.

http://www.1110gear.com/build-a-kit-qd-square-medical-kit/

[sigmanx]

Not sure if condor upped there game, but since your using this for duty I would recommend something more reliable and comfortable if you have the funds. The last thing you want is the stitching to fall apart or is uncomfortable as shit... Either way stay safe out there sir, watch your 6.I've seen some of their stuff that seems to be a bit better than the condor from before.

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[KevDen2005]

Holy crap, Dude! That IFAC is Ginormous.

http://www.1110gear.com/build-a-kit-qd-square-medical-kit/

Well I'm not a millionaire and am working with what I have for now.

Actually it turned out to be a lot bigger than I planned (that's what she said)...So I'm in the process of looking for a smaller kit.