Really, plates seem really unappealing because they're more bulky/inflexible and the coverage is less...
I'd rather have wrap-around soft armor that covers more, even if it won't stop a rifle round.
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Really, plates seem really unappealing because they're more bulky/inflexible and the coverage is less...
I'd rather have wrap-around soft armor that covers more, even if it won't stop a rifle round.
I had the same question about weather I needed it or not. With all the chaos that comes with these modern times, I figured better to have it and not need it than... etc... Although I haven't bought a set yet, it is on the list. I ran across this article when I started to look. I found it very helpful. Pretty much breaks it down to buy the type of body armor for the situation that you imagine you'll find yourself in. It also reviews several makers out there to help with a choice.
https://theprepared.com/self-defense...of-body-armor/
Hope this helps!
I made it about 1 page down that link and was pleased to see:but then I immediately encountered such gems as:Quote:
There is a ton of bad info out there, with people giving dangerously wrong advice
Quote:
"Steel plates usually stop one type of common AR-15 round but not the other, while ceramic plates do the inverse."
Quote:
"All armor is rated by level. The higher the level, the more types of ammo it protects against. All soft armor is level IIIa (i.e. “3 minus”) or below, and all hard armor is III, III+, or IV"
Quote:
"The steel vs. ceramic debate is more of a personal preference at this point."
I stopped reading. The author clearly knows just enough to be a danger to anyone who reads that article, but lacks any real technical knowledge of armor, how it works, or how it's rated. It's a textbook example of the Dunning-Kruger effect at its finest.
Forum error induced double tap
Unless you are LEO, your chances of needing a plate carrier in CONUS are minimal. Even in SHTF, wearing a plate carrier around is a no-go since it will paint you as something you dont want to be associated with for either side. Unless you are taking a class requires hard armor, it should be the absolute last thing on your list.
I would suggest getting something like a concealable soft armor vest that you can "up armor" with an internal plate holder or plate bag if you really really need rifle protection. Our own MM did a write up on a set up like this which I suggest you look into.
http://www.militarymorons.com/gear/crye8.html#lvs