With RMA around, there is zero reason to choose a steel plate. People will say how steel plates are affordable and all that crap, blah blah blah…don’t use them. They’re trash. Body Armor Archives - RMA Armament - The King of Armor
Let's see your LaRpIng/Duty/Range belt & chest rig/Plate Carrier set ups
- Thread starter Edwardteach72
- Start date
The downside to RMA is they don't really offer small plates... lvl 4 that is
Trust me I looked
libertysnake
.338 Win Mag
Of course not lol. Yeah just a filler that has actual weight to it.
libertysnake
.338 Win Mag
Once I have the foam 8x10 and carrier I can see how it lands and commit to the MEPC and plates. So I have some time to research. Do you think it’s worth the extra 300 though? Doesn’t seem to be a lot of difference.@libertysnake here is an awesome budget option for plates..
They are multi curved (huge bonus)
Stand alone
Multi hit rated
NIJ LVL4 certified (not "independently tested to nij standards" < if you see that type of wording on plates that means don't buy)
A set (2 plates) of SAPI cut smalls is $475. They are a bit on the heavy side at 7.1lbs each
Smalls are 8.75" x 11.75" 0.9" thick
Two Highcom 4S17M SAPI Cut Multi Curve Level 4 Plates (XS-XL) | Apex Armor Solutions
New Lower Pricing For 2023! Get 6 Months Interest Free Financing With PayPal Pay Later.Click Here To Learn More. *All plates are sold in Pairs (2)**In Stock Please give a few days for shipping* Click (HERE) For 7.2lb 10x12 Shooters Cut.DESCRIPTION:The Highcom Guardian 4S17M Multi Curve Level 4...www.apexarmorsolutions.com
Or if you want/can bump up in price a bit (+$300)
Same company but they drop the weight from 7.1lbs down to 6.5lbs and are only 0.7" thick vs the above that are 0.9" thick
Two Highcom 4S16 Multi Curve Level 4 Plates (Shooters or SAPI) (XS-XL) (6.2lbs) | Apex Armor Solutions
New Lower Pricing for 2022! Get 6 Months Interest Free Financing With PayPal Pay Later.Click Here To Learn More. *All Sizes In Stock**All plates are sold in Pairs (2)*Please give a few days for shippingDESCRIPTION:The Highcom 4S16 Standalone Multi Curve Level 4 plates are a mid weight ballistic...
Me personally I'm going to get the heavier 4S17M over the lighter 4S16M... it's a combined weight savings of 1.2lbs..
The slimmer profile may be a big advantage but at that price I can save the $300 and get other stuff.
And yes weight adds up (granted I'll be going with the Crye Precision SPC plate carrier which is amazing at carrying weight and all that stuff... not a dig at the MEPC, they are two totally different styles of PC with different roles, also I'll end up with a MEPC after I get my SPC all set up)
libertysnake
.338 Win Mag
I like mobility. I like being fast. I like adaptability. I think MEPC is going to be a good fit.
I’ll go with the regular ones probably when I do order.
Yea DM makes amazing shit and the MEPC is a super slept on PC
So update.. added the TN mount and qore ice vent..
Yea that shit slaps. I'll try and get some photos of everything in the AM.
I may end up ordering the True North leg strap mount
Yea that shit slaps. I'll try and get some photos of everything in the AM.
I may end up ordering the True North leg strap mount
When you are choosing plates make sure you choose multi-curve plates. Even if you chose slightly heavier Multi-curve plates, they will feel more comfortable to wear than a little lighter single-curve plates. Choosing what plates to get all depends on what ballistic protection you’re looking for. Most of the time people tend to be wearing III+ plates even though III+ currently isn’t recognized by an actual NIJ certification.
Ok so updates
First the belt hanger thing
Next since I updated some pouches and now have the True North Modular Holster Adapter on, with the Qore Performance Ice Vent.. I really think. I can say that the belt is finally done done (minus rattle canning the holster, and maybe adding the True North leg strap mount)
Let's do an updated run down.
Base belt: Blue Alpha Gear Double Molle belt.
1x Defense Mechanisms Pistol pouch
1x Spiritus Systems JSTA Pouch, with 1 pistol and 1 rifle Esstac Kywi inserts
1x Defense Mechanisms Rifle pouch 4" with Flatline Fiber Co. dump pouch mounted below it.
Blue Force Gear Micro IFAC w/TQ holder and C-A-T
Holster... details below
Safariland 6360rds with OTDefense "Nub mod" mounted on their QLS forks which is then mounted on the True North MHA (Modular Holster Adapter) with a T-Rex Arms Leg strap.
Also on the holster is the Condition Gray SRC3 which is used to secure a 2nd TQ, another C-A-T
Then lastly infront of that is just a small GP pouch from Velocity Systems
Also I now have a belt padding from Wilder Tactical (same people that made the hanger) which turns the double belt into just a single battle belt, so I can use it without the need of an inner belt
First the belt hanger thing
Next since I updated some pouches and now have the True North Modular Holster Adapter on, with the Qore Performance Ice Vent.. I really think. I can say that the belt is finally done done (minus rattle canning the holster, and maybe adding the True North leg strap mount)
Let's do an updated run down.
Base belt: Blue Alpha Gear Double Molle belt.
1x Defense Mechanisms Pistol pouch
1x Spiritus Systems JSTA Pouch, with 1 pistol and 1 rifle Esstac Kywi inserts
1x Defense Mechanisms Rifle pouch 4" with Flatline Fiber Co. dump pouch mounted below it.
Blue Force Gear Micro IFAC w/TQ holder and C-A-T
Holster... details below
Safariland 6360rds with OTDefense "Nub mod" mounted on their QLS forks which is then mounted on the True North MHA (Modular Holster Adapter) with a T-Rex Arms Leg strap.
Also on the holster is the Condition Gray SRC3 which is used to secure a 2nd TQ, another C-A-T
Then lastly infront of that is just a small GP pouch from Velocity Systems
Also I now have a belt padding from Wilder Tactical (same people that made the hanger) which turns the double belt into just a single battle belt, so I can use it without the need of an inner belt
Also buying armor plates is actually trickier than most people think. There are plenty of companies that produce plates that will have weird working like “Tested to NIJ standards” but that doesn’t mean they passed them. Some don’t provide true edge to edge protection, some will physically stop certain rounds that it’s rTed for but have backface deformation that’s bad enough to practically crater your chest in. A lot of companies that make some of the best plates out there aren’t well known companies on social media.
Thanks for posting. I just checked it out.
Like @libertysnake I have the same veritas Carrier he has with a set of steel plates.
I'm definitely looking to upgrade to a better option but everything I like ends up being beacoup bucks.
RMA 1155MC "The Basics" Level 4 Armor Bundle | Apex Armor Solutions
Get 6 Months Interest Free Financing With PayPal Pay Later.Click Here To Learn More. 1155MC Plates In StockPlate Carrier: 4-6 Week Lead TimeAlternatives:-Highcom 4S17M (Level 4) Basics Armor Bundle as a lighter and thinner alternative (HERE)DESCRIPTION:Introducing our new Basics Level 4 Armor...
www.apexarmorsolutions.com
This looks pretty good and they have it in woodland and ranger green which is awesome.
My next set will be level 4 ceramic plates with a much better carrier. I'm starting to see more options on the 400ish range which is good for me since I'm a poor.
Don't get me wrong I don't hate my veritas but I bought it in haste when I was worried it was going to be the next item banned. Either way now if I get a better more ergonomic, comfortable and functional set my ar500 veritas can be for my wife, son, buddy etc. Not a bad thing at all.
RMA 1155’s are a solid Lvl IV choice. They are slightly heavier but with 1155’s being produced and being budget friendly, there are zero reasons to have steel plates. Good plate choices will always be more expensive because when you start looking at plates that are lightweight the prices always jumps. But you have to be honest and ask yourself “How much is your life worth?” Is really spending a few extra hundred bucks THAT difficult?! No it’s not, just gotta do it and know you’re doing the right thing. Besides you’ll just end up spending money twice if you choose heavy plates to begin with because one good training day while wearing it will make you wanna chuck them out and die from exhaustion lol.
What are your thoughts on hesco L210s?
Advantages, they are light and thin, it looks like a set goes for about 330.
Disadvantages, not full level 4 but "special threat" instead. For those who don't know they are a weird intermediate compromise plate that stops some threats but not others.
T.REX HESCO T212 Special Threat Plate Set – T.REX ARMS
10x12 shooter cut ceramic threat plate, 4.7 lbs, 0.54" thick. Defends against 5.56 M193, M855, M855A1, 7.62 M67, M43. Fits medium-large carriers. US shipping restrictions apply.
www.trex-arms.com
I think they have good advantages I don't think the odds of getting hit by something like an AP .308 or 30.06 round are very high as they aren't as likely threat to encounter.
My issue with Hesco is they have had some FIT (Follow-up Inspection Testing) done by NIJ. They have had multiple failures on multiple series’ of their plates. I think Hesco was possibly skating the edge of plate thickness and trying to get it as close as possible and causing failures. I don’t believe that has happened with their L210 plates. Not saying that all of their plates are bad and take the information with a grain of salt. Here’s an article regarding some of the Hesco’s. I’ll link the Hesco’s site where you can see their “Corrective Action Advisory” on their plates. I’ll also put a link regarding their FIT NIJ failures.What are your thoughts on hesco L210s?
Advantages, they are light and thin, it looks like a set goes for about 330.
Disadvantages, not full level 4 but "special threat" instead. For those who don't know they are a weird intermediate compromise plate that stops some threats but not others.
T.REX HESCO T212 Special Threat Plate Set – T.REX ARMS
10x12 shooter cut ceramic threat plate, 4.7 lbs, 0.54" thick. Defends against 5.56 M193, M855, M855A1, 7.62 M67, M43. Fits medium-large carriers. US shipping restrictions apply.
I think they have good advantages I don't think the odds of getting hit by something like an AP .308 or 30.06 round are very high as they aren't as likely threat to encounter.
News | Hesco
www.hesco.com
Why We Don't Carry Hesco Armor
This is a question we are asked constantly. "Why don't you carry Hesco Armor?" Hopefully this post will shed some light on our reasons.
www.apexarmorsolutions.com
My issue with Hesco is they have had some FIT (Follow-up Inspection Testing) done by NIJ. They have had multiple failures on multiple series’ of their plates. I think Hesco was possibly skating the edge of plate thickness and trying to get it as close as possible and causing failures. I don’t believe that has happened with their L210 plates. Not saying that all of their plates are bad and take the information with a grain of salt. Here’s an article regarding some of the Hesco’s. I’ll link the Hesco’s site where you can see their “Corrective Action Advisory” on their plates. I’ll also put a link regarding their FIT NIJ failures.
News | Hesco
Why We Don't Carry Hesco Armor
This is a question we are asked constantly. "Why don't you carry Hesco Armor?" Hopefully this post will shed some light on our reasons.
What about these shellback setups?
Shellback Tactical Patriot Active Shooter Kit with Level IV Plates
The Shellback Tactical Patriot Active Shooter Kit with Level IV Plates is a lightweight adjustable carrier weighing in at just 1.5 lbs and fits 10 x 12 shooter cut plates
lapolicegear.com
Shellback Tactical Rampage 2.0 Active Shooter Kit with Level IV 1155 Plates
The Shellback Tactical Rampage 2.0 Active Shooter Kit with Level IV 1155 Plates features the popular Rampage 2.0 plates carrier and two level IV model 1155 hard armor plates.
lapolicegear.com
They seem to be actual NIJ certified level 4 plates not the (tested to NIJ specifications)
The only drawback I can tell is that the plates seem to be on the thicker and heavier side and the carrier maybe a bit bigger and bulkier than some newer more hi speed or placard styles
What about these shellback setups?
Shellback Tactical Patriot Active Shooter Kit with Level IV Plates
The Shellback Tactical Patriot Active Shooter Kit with Level IV Plates is a lightweight adjustable carrier weighing in at just 1.5 lbs and fits 10 x 12 shooter cut plates
Shellback Tactical Rampage 2.0 Active Shooter Kit with Level IV 1155 Plates
The Shellback Tactical Rampage 2.0 Active Shooter Kit with Level IV 1155 Plates features the popular Rampage 2.0 plates carrier and two level IV model 1155 hard armor plates.
They seem to be actual NIJ certified level 4 plates not the (tested to NIJ specifications)
The only drawback I can tell is that the plates seem to be on the thicker and heavier side and the carrier maybe a bit bigger and bulkier than some newer more hi speed or placard styles
at the price I'm going to suggest checking out this
RMA 1155MC "The Basics" Level 4 Armor Bundle | Apex Armor Solutions
Get 6 Months Interest Free Financing With PayPal Pay Later.Click Here To Learn More. 1155MC Plates In StockPlate Carrier: 4-6 Week Lead TimeAlternatives:-Highcom 4S17M (Level 4) Basics Armor Bundle as a lighter and thinner alternative (HERE)DESCRIPTION:Introducing our new Basics Level 4 Armor...
www.apexarmorsolutions.com
Or even
RMA 1155 "Essentials" Level 4 Armor Bundle (Front Flap Included) | Apex Armor Solutions
Get 6 Months Interest Free Financing With PayPal Pay Later.Click Here To Learn More. MEPC Made to order: 4-6 week lead time (ships separate)Plates in StockAlternatives:1. Highcom 4S17M (Level 4) Essentials Armor Bundle as a lighter and thinner alternative (HERE)2. Highcom 4S17M (Level 4)...
www.apexarmorsolutions.com
at the price I'm going to suggest checking out this
RMA 1155MC "The Basics" Level 4 Armor Bundle | Apex Armor Solutions
Get 6 Months Interest Free Financing With PayPal Pay Later.Click Here To Learn More. 1155MC Plates In StockPlate Carrier: 4-6 Week Lead TimeAlternatives:-Highcom 4S17M (Level 4) Basics Armor Bundle as a lighter and thinner alternative (HERE)DESCRIPTION:Introducing our new Basics Level 4 Armor...
Or even
RMA 1155 "Essentials" Level 4 Armor Bundle (Front Flap Included) | Apex Armor Solutions
Get 6 Months Interest Free Financing With PayPal Pay Later.Click Here To Learn More. MEPC Made to order: 4-6 week lead time (ships separate)Plates in StockAlternatives:1. Highcom 4S17M (Level 4) Essentials Armor Bundle as a lighter and thinner alternative (HERE)2. Highcom 4S17M (Level 4)...
These plates are about the same weight and only .1" thicker.. but you get the option to get triple curve for a small $50 up charge
at the price I'm going to suggest checking out this
RMA 1155MC "The Basics" Level 4 Armor Bundle | Apex Armor Solutions
Get 6 Months Interest Free Financing With PayPal Pay Later.Click Here To Learn More. 1155MC Plates In StockPlate Carrier: 4-6 Week Lead TimeAlternatives:-Highcom 4S17M (Level 4) Basics Armor Bundle as a lighter and thinner alternative (HERE)DESCRIPTION:Introducing our new Basics Level 4 Armor...
Or even
RMA 1155 "Essentials" Level 4 Armor Bundle (Front Flap Included) | Apex Armor Solutions
Get 6 Months Interest Free Financing With PayPal Pay Later.Click Here To Learn More. MEPC Made to order: 4-6 week lead time (ships separate)Plates in StockAlternatives:1. Highcom 4S17M (Level 4) Essentials Armor Bundle as a lighter and thinner alternative (HERE)2. Highcom 4S17M (Level 4)...
Yes I like the basic package. I linked almost the identical one a couple posts up.
I haven't heard or read much about that option ever before so I'm interested. It looks to incorporate many newer design features.
The essentials looks good too. It reminds me of Ferro concepts. I like it but that's starting to get out of price range
Yea the MEPC is an awesome carrier.. and Defense Mechanisms has been flying under the radar for a while but is slowly rising up in the ranks.
Everything they offer is top tier quality and designs. But they are doing everything at a better price than others. Especially the big name (Ferro, Spiritus, crye)
Everything they offer is top tier quality and designs. But they are doing everything at a better price than others. Especially the big name (Ferro, Spiritus, crye)
Looks like the essentials already comes with the loaded placard that is an option on the basics
If it makes you feel better, I don't even have any plate carrier
Like I've said I bought it in a panic because I could afford it at the time and I was worried it would be outlawed when Schumer had mouth diarrhea a couple years ago.
I bought "tested to" level 3 plates with their full anti fragment coating with the carrier and pouches for 200$ including shipping. It was a great deal. I wanted to just have something in my hands instead of continuing to save more money for better kit and risk having it being banned for civilians.
Now I have something and I've learned more along the way and can upgrade my next set. At the very least it's something I can loan out to family/friend when I upgrade.
Those fragmentation coating are pretty gimmicky and don’t work as well as they like to advertise they do. The main reason they spray that one plates is as a rust preventative since all you’re doing is putting a steel target in a carrier. The “Anti-Spall Coating” really isn’t gonna do a whole lot and then you’re taking fragments of M855 into your jugular, carotid, femoral, groin…pretty much anything that lines up with the edge of those plates. The coatings tend to delaminate and loosen from the plate since they’re nothing more than spraying some truck bedliner on a piece of metal. Once it start delaminating it just gets easier and easier for the rounds to exit out the edge of the plate.
Most of the time people justify their steel plate purchase and say they’ve seen and read the reviews and everything they looked at said they’re great for what they are and that “They are better than nothing” but one of the very main things people don’t take into consideration because they don’t normally see plates tested in this manner is what happens when a plate doesn’t take a direct 90 degree impact from a round. I’ll tell you right now the majority of steel plates aren’t stopping that. It’s going to hit the plate, deflect, follow that angle, and skid right out the side. The greater the angle, the less energy that steel plate is removing from the bullet and the higher probability it’s coming right out the side. What’s beyond the edge of that plate that is on that angle? All depends on which angle you’re standing at but it could be many number of vital body parts or maybe even a family member, friend…whoever. Most of the time you’re never going to be in a perfect 90 degree angle from the path of a bullet, you have a much higher probability of being slightly bladed at the least. There’s a reason you don’t hear of any team, agency, department that is worth anything run steel plates. Ceramic and ceramic composite plates don’t just deflect bullets and hope the truck bed liner stops it (which is all steel plates are doing). Ceramic and composite style plates actually capture the bullet itself and dissipate it’s energy within itself and help mitigate the round from continuing on traveling in the pass of least resistance. None of this information is to seem like I’m bashing people with steel plates but instead it’s information people should honestly think about when they’re purchasing items that they think are supposed to be used in a life or death situation. I’d much rather see people making better decisions on the gear that they buy cause it might save someone’s life at some point. The cost of good armor choices have dropped and there are companies out there that make solid products that work as advertised.
They all come with their "free" "base coat" which is more or less just their anti rust and preservation coating. I wouldn't just run them as is way too much risk of fragmentation is just too high as you said. I think I would rather wear nothing and have greater speed and mobility then wear something heavy that will slow me down and even if it stops a bullet I'm likely to still have catastrophic injuries and blood loss. Especially in a SHTF type environment I'm thinking body armor would be useful in there is no advanced medical to save you.
The full coating is like an extra $40 per plate. At least in a lot of videos I've seen the full coating "seems" to work. Hopefully I never need to find out. And I agree with your point which is why I'm looking for a better option.
libertysnake
.338 Win Mag
Hmm I didn't see an 8x10 cut unfortunately for the 1155. Maybe I missed it somewhere. Seems reasonable.
Even 10x12 aren’t that bad for you since you’re in an in between size. But there’s 8x10’s that’ll work for you I’m sure, you’ll just have to spend more money. Are you looking for III+ or IV?
libertysnake
.338 Win Mag
Level IV. It doesn't have to be super light weight. I walk daily either with the 30 or 45lb plate on an incline, so I'm used to regularly holding that amount of weight on my body + gear. Figure plates will run me about 10-15 lbs, water 5-10, ammo probably another 5 with the mags, maybe slightly more. that still gives me 15 lbs in misc gear like helmet, food, change of clothes for a lightweight setup that is sustainable.
I think the Highcoms may be your best bet.. followed by Hoplite which are just rebranded LTC but good luck finding LTC branded plates that don't have Hoplite name on them