Level III & IV plates - LAPG

[fnfalguy]

Good sale going on at LAPG

LA Police Gear Level III Ceramic Ballistic Armor Rifle Plate

Shop the LA Police Gear Level III Ballistic Armor Plate at LA Police and Tactical Gear for the best price

lapolicegear.com

Link is for the level 3, but if you can’t figure out how to find the level 4, well, maybe you shouldn’t be wearing them.

 

[libertysnake]

I'll have to take a look at this. Now that the body armor bill failed, I'm going to consider getting something. I don't have to do anything special now that I don't have all the extra weight on me to just wear normal body armor.

 

[Phazer]

Question for armor experts: Why do armor plates have expiration dates?

Does it have something to do with adhesives used in the ceramic composite plates?

What about metal plates? It'd be hard to believe that they have expiration dates.

 

[fnfalguy]

Pretty sure it’s a liability thing for The manufacturer so they aren’t on the hook forever for a product.

 

[togmaster]

I picked up a set of the LAPG Level 4 last year. Be advised they are light but thick. About 1-1/8". Make sure the pockets on you carrier can accept them.

 

[spat]

Pretty sure it’s a liability thing for The manufacturer so they aren’t on the hook forever for a product.

I think they are required to put an expiration rate for many contracts (because some types body armor do have a limited lifespan).

If you ask the lawyers "what expiration date should we put on a steel plate if we have to put one" their answer is always going to be "the soonest one you can and still get the contract".

 

[gun_slinger_boy]

Question for armor experts: Why do armor plates have expiration dates?

Does it have something to do with adhesives used in the ceramic composite plates?

What about metal plates? It'd be hard to believe that they have expiration dates.

I think they are required to put an expiration rate for many contracts (because some types body armor do have a limited lifespan).

If you ask the lawyers "what expiration date should we put on a steel plate if we have to put one" their answer is always going to be "the soonest one you can and still get the contract".

Contracts yes. And expected use. Companies are guestimating the wear and tare from normal use. If you buy plates and keep them in a closet somewhere they will last forever. Even kevlar and ceramics. This is from someone that actually works in the industry.

Steel is just common sense. You know those targets you've had outside for ten years and even develop a little bit of rust? You ever see them one day just magically allow bullets to damage them?

 

[Kozak]

The Level IV plates are advertised as having 10x12" protection however... they really only offer 8x10" of protection ... There is 1" of foam that runs the entire edge of the plates. So 1" for each side = -2" of protection. Mr. Gunsngear made a good video showing that they do offer protection, just be aware of how much protection they offer. The below specs are clipped right from the LAPG website.

 

[fnfalguy]

No longer at that price

 

[Kozak]

Correct. They run these sales every couple months or so though.

 

[gun_slinger_boy]

Unless you're gonna regularly train with full gear, get whatever level/material you want at the best price you can find and don't worry about it.

 

[libertysnake]

Unless you're gonna regularly train with full gear, get whatever level/material you want at the best price you can find and don't worry about it.

On my lightest days (normally when I have to take an umbrella or a poncho cause it's raining a little) I've got the 30 pound cast iron plate on my back. I just got a carrier that lets me go up to 60, but I'll probably be doing 40-45 most of the time for my morning ruck.

Where does that put me as far as plate options / choices?

 

[gun_slinger_boy]

On my lightest days (normally when I have to take an umbrella or a poncho cause it's raining a little) I've got the 30 pound cast iron plate on my back. I just got a carrier that lets me go up to 60, but I'll probably be doing 40-45 most of the time for my morning ruck.

Where does that put me as far as plate options / choices?

What level are you looking for? There are some very lightweight options but you're gonna pay.

 

[Kozak]

Unless you're gonna regularly train with full gear, get whatever level/material you want at the best price you can find and don't worry about it.

What is the point of owning it if you don't train in it?

 

[Kozak]

On my lightest days (normally when I have to take an umbrella or a poncho cause it's raining a little) I've got the 30 pound cast iron plate on my back. I just got a carrier that lets me go up to 60, but I'll probably be doing 40-45 most of the time for my morning ruck.

Where does that put me as far as plate options / choices?

RMA #1155's are the most affordable Level IV ceramic that is made in the USA and is actually NIJ *Certified*. Most companies claim that they are NIJ *Tested* which means nothing because there is no oversight to their testing. It could work or it could not work... your life may or may not depend on it. The only downside is that each plate is 8lbs. Cost per plate is $135. RMA also offers a multicurve option but it costs a little bit more.

 

[libertysnake]

RMA #1155's are the most affordable Level IV ceramic that is made in the USA and is actually NIJ *Certified*. Most companies claim that they are NIJ *Tested* which means nothing because there is no oversight to their testing. It could work or it could not work... your life may or may not depend on it. The only downside is that each plate is 8lbs. Cost per plate is $135. RMA also offers a multicurve option but it costs a little bit more.

That plus maybe another 20-30 pounds in gear isn't horrible weight wise. Totaling around 46ish pounds maybe. I'll look into it.

 

[gun_slinger_boy]

What is the point of owning it if you don't train in it?

To have it if SHTF. Most will never train with it.

 

[Kozak]

To have it if SHTF. Most will never train with it.

And it you need it for SHTF and you never trained in it... you will just be a resupply for someone after they take it off your body.

I don't think everyone needs to have top tier equipment. I just think everyone needs to know what they have and what their limitations are and train accordingly.

 

[togmaster]

And it you need it for SHTF and you never trained in it... you will just be a resupply for someone after they take it off your body.

I don't think everyone needs to have top tier equipment. I just think everyone needs to know what they have and what their limitations are and train accordingly.

Exactly right. If you don't train with your gear you will never know what works and what doesn't.

 

[Kozak]

That plus maybe another 20-30 pounds in gear isn't horrible weight wise. Totaling around 46ish pounds maybe. I'll look into it.

I have found that the type and quality of plate carrier really changes how much you actually feel the weight of your gear. If you are used to that 45lb+ mark though then you should have no issue.

 

[Kozak]

That plus maybe another 20-30 pounds in gear isn't horrible weight wise. Totaling around 46ish pounds maybe. I'll look into it.

Use code RMAPROTECTS and that will take $27 off the purchase price of two RMA #1155's. Hopefully it helps to offset tax and shipping.

 

[libertysnake]

I have found that the type and quality of plate carrier really changes how much you actually feel the weight of your gear. If you are used to that 45lb+ mark though then you should have no issue.

Right now I'm right at that mark. I do about 3-4 mile ruck a few times a week, with 45lbs exactly. Walking pace I could go indefinitely. Trot/jog, indefinitely if not up a steep hill (which is where I do the ruck, a steep hill anyway).

 

[pshift]

I know a couple of people that ordered from here. USA made. Not too shabby, IMHO.

Body Armor Archives - Tacticon Armament | Tactical Firearm Equipment | Concealed Carry Products

tacticon.com

 

[Kozak]

Right now I'm right at that mark. I do about 3-4 mile ruck a few times a week, with 45lbs exactly. Walking pace I could go indefinitely. Trot/jog, indefinitely if not up a steep hill (which is where I do the ruck, a steep hill anyway).

You are doing it right.

 

[Kozak]

I know a couple of people that ordered from here. USA made. Not too shabby, IMHO.

Body Armor Archives - Tacticon Armament | Tactical Firearm Equipment | Concealed Carry Products

tacticon.com

No NIJ certification listed or even a claim for ANY testing! They just list what "rating" the plates are. Well... Not every manufacturer uses the same rating correctly. Also don't get me started on ar500 style steel plates. Between poor back face deformation and terrible spalling... What is the point of wearing it as armor? RMA plates are the same price for level IV ceramic protection.

 

[masterswimmer]

Back to the Future Level III

 

[Celt]

On my lightest days (normally when I have to take an umbrella or a poncho cause it's raining a little) I've got the 30 pound cast iron plate on my back. I just got a carrier that lets me go up to 60, but I'll probably be doing 40-45 most of the time for my morning ruck.

Where does that put me as far as plate options / choices?

My setups with ar500 level 3 plates with some loaded magazine pouches, and a couple extra items attached weigh between 20 and 25 lb. It's been a while since I actually checked it but I'll try to get a more accurate weight tomorrow.

 

[gun_slinger_boy]

And it you need it for SHTF and you never trained in it... you will just be a resupply for someone after they take it off your body.

I don't think everyone needs to have top tier equipment. I just think everyone needs to know what they have and what their limitations are and train accordingly.

Exactly right. If you don't train with your gear you will never know what works and what doesn't.

Don't kill the messenger. I'm just telling you the truth of what the overwhelming majority will do. Hell most don't even train with their guns.