I’ve been thinking about some armor for “just in case” a bump in the night gets nasty.
I’m realistic and realize that will probably never happen. I live in the country “lite”, about 10 minutes from town.
The last time I wore armor was in Iraq. It was the IBA with sapi plates.
I probably just want a quick donning carrier with front and rear plates.
I’m not humping it around so steel is probably better for my budget.
The sales this weekend have caused me to get a little more serious.
I see bulletproof zone has 10% off and a few others have discounts.
Anything you all recommend that might be on sale this weekend?
Steel is a travesty so don’t waste your money
That said these are a good value imo
https://store.atarmor.com/AT_Armor_Special_Threat_Optimized_Plate_p/at-stop-sa.htm
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I would say if you’re gonna get a PC and steel plates you’d better get soft armor or backers as well.
I love my setup. It’s not the high speed JPC’s but it’s damn solid.
I have a BCS (Beez Combat System) slick carrier with NIJ III 2ns Chance Monarch soft armor from bulletproofme.com and front and back ceramic plates from SKD Tactical. I paid $157/ plate on sale, they are less than an inch thick and have taken multiple hits from M855A1. They weigh in at 6.75 lbs.
This kind of setup works for me because it lets me run whatever configuration chest rig without swapping pouches but that really doesn’t sound like the direction you are going, but that’s why my particular setup works so well for me.
That Beez carrier gives me some oblique/side protection as well with the soft armor I’m using.
Also I recommend soft armor because if you happen to take a high velocity round into steel without soft armor or backers you will risk blunt force trauma. With backers it will still suck but your body is not absorbing all the force your steel plates are transferring to your body. The soft armor will absorb some of that. I have not been shot with a PC on, but I trust what I’ve learned from those who do know and I think there are some laws of physics involved that support that as well.
https://www.skdtac.com/SKD-Armor-10-x-12-Level-IV-Stand-Alone-Plate-p/amr.905.htm
$160.65 Memorial Day sale. That’s a damn good buy. Read the specs and watch the video.
ETA: added link and pricing and plate weight
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No
NO
Steel is not ever the correct choice for armor.
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Got a link to the carrier?
Cool, I’m sold. What do you recommend?
No sarcasm, I’m trying to learn.
ETA: sorry, saw your post above.
Does ceramic need soft armor too?
Who are you talking to?
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Well it looks like it’s in their custom carrier area. However call them and ask for a quote on an NIJ II slick carrier. You can probably get. Quote after you provide a little info. The carrier is just so well made. Again it’s not the HSLD you see splattered all over IG, but it is as solid as they come.
https://www.beezcombatsystems.com/Custom-Body-Armor-Carrier_c31.htm
Beez number: 801-987-0893
I can send you pics of my PC, soft armor and ceramic plates if you want. Well after I get home later tonight.
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Any thoughts on the Blue force gear PLATEminus carrier?
BFG makes good gear. I have a couple chest rigs and some pouches . That said, I’m not a huge fan of the laser cut PALS which much of their gear sports. I’ve seen some stretching on heavier pouches. That may not be applicable to you.
If you want a good deal. Check out GGG(Grey Ghost Gear). They are a sister company to Tactical Tailor who is my main go-to for the majority of my kit. By sister company I mean that their desks sit across from each other in the same facility. TT is another highly trustworthy company. They make kit for our warfighters. ‘Nuff said for durability and thoughtful design.
Check this out. It has minimalist style and weight with standard , and what I believe mil spec PALS. I’m pretty sure there is a military standard for how PALS is supposed to be sized and sewn. It’s also on sale for $75 bucks.
https://greyghostgear.com/products/minimalist-plate-carrier?variant=38220866759
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If you need plates I would choose these ceramic hybrid plates that are level IV for $99 each.
https://www.botach.com/battle-steel-level-iv-10x12-ballistic-plates-only-5-5-lbs-80-thick/
MrGunsandGear did a review on them and they seem GTG.
If you want a carrier that you’re not going to be wearing all day London Bridge has some of their carriers on sale this week and if you look at their other company LBX Tactical they have their Armatus carrier for $179.
https://lbxtactical.com/collections/apcl/products/4020arm?variant=13775508013154
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It is a great light weight carrier if you don’t plan on adding too much to it. I love mine.
Uhhhhh… what?
Can you please explain with a few words to discribe why you think that?
I sure like the ceramic plates better. I had no idea they were that affordable.
Do I need trauma pads behind the ceramic plates, and would they even fit?
The plates are ceramic and poly, they haven’t gone though the NIJ certification process.
As to fitting carriers I would imagine they fit anything that is sized for the plates you purchase.
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It depends on if the plates are stand alone or not. If they are not then you need soft armour with it. If they are then it is not necessary, but a good idea.
Well, I grabbed the London bridge carrier. On sale, padded straps and a mag carrier make that a good deal.
Now to decide on plates.
Thanks for all the help so far!
You kind of did that backwards…or do you know what size plates you need? The size of the plate carrier correlates with the size of the plates. I would recommend the AT Armor S.T.O.P. plates as well.
I was planning on 10x12 plates.
It looks like that carrier will handle that size.
This company out of San Antonio TX has been to our SWAT concern e the last two years and has a very impresssive product-https://overwatchgroup.com/product/level-iii-enhanced-green-tip-pe-plate-2/