SHTF have to bug out. Take armor or none?

[Koshinn]

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.

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.

[ST911]

Wondering what your preferences are for bringing armor if your have to bug out?

"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.

[docsherm]

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.

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.

[alienb1212]

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.

[docsherm]

Mine are NIJ III stand alone.

[taliv]

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.

[alienb1212]

Mine are NIJ III stand alone.

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?

[TacticalSledgehammer]

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.

[alienb1212]

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.

[docsherm]

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?

Typing on my Phone…..OOPS!

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.