Wondering what your preferences are for bringing armor if your have to bug out?
So many what if’s on this one and no one single line of thought will remain intact across all contingencies. The situation, your means and previous training will always dictate how you react to a SHTF event. I would always like to have them as an option but the situation isn’t always permissible.
My general rule of thumb for my circumstances i.e., wife & kids and distance to travel if I can’t shelter in place is when mounted in vehicle or on ATV is to have plates on. If on foot lo-pro soft armor only *if the situation allows.
If on foot, no. If I have some alternate ability to carry loads like a vehicle, yes.
I have several sets of armor. For most situations I would use a set of concealable armor with some 5mm Titanium plates. A normal shirt will cove it up and it will give you Level IV protection. I have worn it all day for many days at a time and if need be I would still wear it while on foot.
My thoughts as well.
Everyone’s bugout will be different. If you have it, use it. There will be no time to say, “time out, I’ve got to put protection on my family”. The main thing is to have a plan, and stick to it.
How’s the damage to the internals since its so thin?
Better than taking a round there instead, I’m sure.
I’d imagine the kevlar backing also puts a great deal of padding and shock absorbing capability there too.
None. It gives you the same protection as ceramic plates but it is thinner. It is better for low vis work. I wear them over seas all the time if I am someplace other than Afghanistan.
Thanks for the info haven’t really seen too much about Ti plates.
Where did you get them?
Not directed at you doc, but I think one thing to remember in general about metal plates is that they create metal splash from the fragments of the bullet when they impact the armor. A lining of some sort is a great idea if it’s not already lined if you don’t want your arms, legs, and chin ripped up.
“SHTF” and “bug out” are pretty broad terms. What is the nature of the feces that’s struck the oscillator, and what does “bugging out” mean to you? To where? With what? How far? What mechanism of transit?
Armor is good, but not all types of it, and not always.
From what I have read on the web 90% of that info is internet BS from people that make ceramic plates or are using plain steel. Yes if you are making plates out of the same metal that you use for steel targets than you will have spall. I have done several tests on these plates and none of that is true. I was not going to wear them in a hostile environment if there was any question. After shooting several (also some ceramic plates) with several types of ammo I have no issues wearing them. I HAVE treated patients that used ceramic plates and got hit with spall…you don’t hear much of that on the web do you?
I have some 8x10 Titanium stand alone plates form International Armor that I had a custom carrier made to carry them with a concealable vest. Works great, is not too heavy and does not interfere with any activity.
I am basing this completely on what I have seen and tested and not what I have read on the web. Because of this PLEASE do not site anything that you have read on the web as a counter argument if anyone disagrees with this information. If you have actual real world experiences than I would be interested in hearing about it.
Do you have any information on the protection they provide, IE NIJ levels?
I have several ceramic plates, but I would be interested in getting some titanium similar to what you have described.
Mine are NIJ III stand alone.
very interesting.
i’m trying to figure out what is different about titanium than steel armor plate that would cause one to spall and the other not.
Came here to reply “IIIA? you realize that’s pistol only?!”
But you edited =P
Good stuff. Going to look it up.
Weight vs ceramic? Which would you prefer if visibility was not a factor?
Personally I’d keep full armor within reach if I needed it, but I’d keep things minimal to not attract attention.
If you’re driving, keep it in the cab near you. If you see things heating up, suit up.
If you’re walking, I’d keep it underneath clothing (if possible) or in a bag.
We can hypothetical this to death, really.
If I was driving in a SHTF situation I’d be wearing a full kit honestly. My windows are semi blacked-out and I’d probably be driving only at night under NODs anyway.
Situation really dictates your own personal level of response.
Typing on my Phone……OOPS! :eek:
I use the Ceramic in Afghanistan, because there is no need to conceal it and I the ease of getting a replacement. I also take the low-viz stuff in the event that I need to work like that.
Which do I prefer? ….I guess both. It depends on what I am doing. They weigh about the same and the Titanium are just so much thinner.