Finally got some plates picked up for my carrier. I’ve been looking for some Level III + stand alones or Level IV stand alones for some time now. I really wanted a good coated steel one, triple curve, and operator cut 10x12, but havent really been able to find what I wanted, or at a place that would sell to non Mil/Leo.
I finally settled on the Level IV stand alones that Tim at Practical Tactical carries from CPC. Tim was great to work with getting the plates ordered and shipped. Got the plates in and mounted up in my Eagle Plate carrier. They are 7.9 lbs each, but I have to say, when you put the carrier on, they feel WAY lighter than that. Much lighter than some other plates and carriers I have had the chance to try on. I cant wait to get these in a class and give them and the carrier a go.
Here are the details from Practical Tacticals website:
This plate certified as an NIJ Level IV Stand Alone.
With a maximum weight of 7.92 pounds (3.6kg), it will defeat the following threats:
7.62×54 mm lead core ball ammunition, Dragunov Sniper Rifle at 10 m
7.62×54 mm AP, Dragunov Sniper Rifle at 10 m
7.62×51 mm NATO ball at 10 m
7.62×51 mm AP M-61 at 10 m
7.62×51 mm Swiss Munitions AP (WC Core) at 10 m
7.62×39 mm mild steel core, AK-47 at 10 m
7.62×63 mm AP at 10 m
5.56×45 mm SS109/M855 at 10 m
5.56×45 mm M193 ball at 10 m
5.45×39 mm Russian ball at 10 m
12 gauge slug
Made of Aramid Fiber Bonded AL98 (Aluminum Oxide 98%), 10x12" triple-curve plate with nylon cover.
Well, considering that the rating is NIJ (National Institute of JUSTICE), and not military-based, I imagine that folks who created the testing protocols couldn’t imagine a scenario where a cop would be facing multiple hits from AP rounds.
Multi-hit plates @ level IV are out there, and some companies tout them as being multi-hit, however the actual rating is only 1 round, as you know.
I can get true military ESAPI plates, but look to spend about 2.5-3x the amount I sell these for…and AFAIK, they’re not considered stand-alone plates since the military doesn’t test them that way (AFAIK).
speaking about plates, is the defend x plate from defenstech comparable. or is it based on the type of ballistic material. triple curve looks pretty comfy.
Is that a hydration pouch on the back? If so is that standard on that carrier? If it isn’t standard who put that on for you? Sorry for the barrage of questions. Thanks.
A guy can want though cant he.
