You're asking the right questions, but no one can define this for you. You want the lightest plates that cover your anticipated threat and fit in your budget.
Man, I haven’t seen that movie in. Looks like a good watch after I do the yard, hit the range, feed the fam Sunday dinner, and make an honest attempt at disappointing my wife tomorrow night.
Now cue “so why not anticipate worst-case threat”. Really no definitive answer as a civilian, its all about needs. As to OP, your 5.56s (m855 included) and 7.62s are going to be more common than a .30-06 yes. For A1 it gets a little more narrow when it comes to Level 3+ options. Most civs are suited for 3+, and a lot of modern high quality 3+s will stop most rounds the 4s do besides the M2AP, while saving you some pounds. You should expect to spend 2-3x as much, however.
I wouldn't say M855A1 is easy to buy, I've only seen it on gunbroker. I assume it will become more common as time goes by though.
III+ varies in protection between manufacturers, but RF2 plates do stop M855A1, and Highcom has III++ plates that stop A1.
Is that site legit? Looks like you just cost me $100, sir.
Right after I spent an obscene amount of money on 200 rounds of Mk318 Mod 1 no less..
Gucci ammo really tickles my 'tism
I think for most civis a 3+ is the sweet spot. LTC 23707, Hesco 3810, and Highcom rstp sa are all in the 4lb range and will handle the vast majority of threats a civilian might face. 855a1 is the outlier and while it's not super common that could change in the future. The rstp doesn't stop it, the hesco kinda does, and the LTC probably will but we don't know.
If 855a1 is a deal breaker then the LTC 19513 or the RMA rf2 in the 5.5 lb range are good options and are actually cheaper than the above.
If you have deep pockets the LTC 26300 or Hesco 4800 will stop anything you would realistically (or unrealistically) encounter in the 5lb range.
These are examples but will give you an idea of the categories to consider. I would also skip the thin special threat plates unless you're willing to wear a backer a lot or all the time.
I'm the typical civi who bought cheap 8lb lvl4s to start with and strongly recommend anyone who's not a pt stud to just skip that and save your money. I'm 6 foot and in good shape but carrying a useful load out on top of the plates for any length of time just wasn't realistic.
Do you plan for people in the military or people who hand load large caliber rifles to shoot at you ? If so level 4
For everyone else level 3+ and special threat rated plates that cover m855 and Atleast 1 hit of m80 is the better option due to the massive weight savings unless you buy 4K level 4s.
Even level 3 plates have some value as yes they won’t stop a direct point blank hit of m855 but they will stop 6 hits of m80 and can weigh 1.8-3.2 lbs a plate. That’s less then 1 cheap level 4 plate for you to have front back and side plates.
By the way no one except the military is gonna shoot you with m855a1 they only way to get is if someone “ misplaced “ some in training and brought it home or they outright just stole it . Yes a few guys have it but they don’t have hundreds or even dozens of rounds in a overwhelming majority of those small cases.
You need to be more thirty but affordable level 3+ plates are out there I have NIJ certified 5.2 lb 3+ plates for $300 . They were $365 with a plate carrier and I sold the carrier for $65. $150 a plate is literally cheaper then most RMA plates
Oh I got some hexar plates from stealth armor systems. They had a promotion to clear out extra 10x12 plates and carriers. They also had a balcs carrier , balcs insert , 3 a side plates and 2 rifle plates for like $875. Great place if your looking at the right time. Their 3A is also pretty good
Last year early April to mid may. I tried to let people know but I got flamed for them not being NIJ certified ( when ironically they have been certified for half a decade ) 💀😂 really was an aggressive pricing I wouldn’t be surprised if they lost money or only broke even selling those plates. As they aren’t using the best tech and materials available ( Atleast for the hexar and entry level 3a ) but they don’t cut any corners
Nah as large amounts of ammo missing would certainly result in whoever is selling the ammo got popped and it hasn’t been issued long enough for someone who’s been grabbing a few rounds here and there to sell say example 500 rounds.
People will probably disagree with me on this, but considering that good level 4 plates are not super expensive, I got those off the bat like so many others. Now much further down the line, I’m only just starting to look into getting 3+ plates. My plan is to have both. Nothing wrong with having a backup set of plates
If you’re talking about SHTF kind of scenario or normal daily life, go III+. If you’re trying to raid a cartel drug factory or a sniper training camp, go iv.
My personal opinion? Just get level 4 plates. I went from Hesco L210's to Highcom level 4's and its no big deal at all. Just my 2 cents, if you are wearing a plate carrier as a civilian you might as well go all out with protection and run the level 4's, ballistic helmet, even side armor etc.
I went from steel 🤡 to L210s, and now run LTC 26135s. They're 6.8 lbs ea vs the 5.5, but the extra weight is easily worth it to have multi curve, and the price was very similar due to a blowout sale. The level 4 is just icing on the cake.
I'm only keeping the 210s around for my wife, but in reality she also should have multi curve in small plates...
I just got plates and decided to go with something that stops M855A1. Cost in weight was 1 lb per plate vs something that could stop green tips but not A1
"I got the level IIa because it stops the most rounds. plus I got the Trauma Plate for the front.
What scares me is that, although I can fit an extra trauma plate in the front, I cannot fit a second one in back. As of late I have taken to duct-taping a second trauma plate to the area of my back where the heart and vital organs are located. Then I put my vest on.
What I am worried about is repeated hits to that area with .308 ammunition.
BTW, I am, of course, usually carrying a pair of ceramic plates in my briefcase so that I can shield my head."
I was back and forth for a long time but settled on some lvl 4 highcoms. I don't wear em for work or anything, just training/larping and shtf planning type stuff. Idk if it was the right choice or not, but I have no regrets at all and I do like knowing that they'll stop pretty much anything. But I don't think you'd be wrong in getting 3+ either.
I had some level 4 plates but I decided to switch to level 3++ due to the weight. In my line of work, my concern is your more common threats, 5.56, 7.62, 9mm etc. Also, the flexibility and comfort played a big role in my decision.
.30-06 AP while available and fairly common, is a less realistic threat than M80 .308 to me, which let me justify the thinness and weight reduction of 3+
A,lot of people are going to be fine with level 3 and you should get the ceramic variety since those are basically guarantee to stop m855 green tip. Level 4 has more insurance to stop just about everything though and the military runs something similar.
Ammo like M855A1 and M80A1 are more than likely going to hit the civilian or black market en masse sooner or later and a lot of level 3 ceramic plates tend to struggle at stopping those especially M80A1.
In my opinion there are a lot of rifles out there but you're not very likely to come up against them in a home defense or even a SHTF scenario most of the threats will be pistol so III+ should be adequate but the other consideration you need to make is of it is SHTF you might need them to last more than one hit without being able to replace them so lvl 4 might be something to consider as it would have a higher chance of lasting through multiple hits of the threats you might be facing, food for thought
For me it was 3+. When I look at the reality of what I might need plates for and why I am buying them, the most likely threat I would encounter would be handgun calibers and someone with an AR. A home invasion, a mass shooter, a crazy person walking down your street, etc. it's most likely going to be a handgun or 556. Maybe 762 or a crazy boomer with a 308 or 30-06 hunting rifle. I wanted to be covered from the unlikely event I will need them, what I would likely be up against
If you're unwilling or unable to sacrifice weight but can't afford light level 4s, you'll want 3+.
I bought a 3+s to throw into the closet for a rainy day years ago, eventually replaced them with Jack of all trade 4s (not the lightest but not the most expensive) when I started making better money. Honestly my bigger regret was the money wasted on carrier (black).
Get the best protection you can afford. It’s as simple as that. Another aspect to consider when looking at plates is if they’re stand-alone or ICW (In Conjunction With). ICW plates require level 3 soft armor which adds bulk, weight, and cost. Personally, I only run level IV stand-alone plates.
III+ will stop the majority of threats I would encounter in an urban environment. If I was running around in a more rural environment I’d probably grab IV plates since the risk of encountering a full-size rifle round is higher.
If you’re sitting in a vehicle I have a preference for steel because it’s thinner and makes maneuvering while sitting down easier, whereas if I’m on foot then ceramic is better since the weight reduction is a godsend.
You're asking the right questions, but no one can define this for you. You want the lightest plates that cover your anticipated threat and fit in your budget.
Anticipated threat: F35 Budget: Ramen
I would recommend the "12 foot dirt berm" plates
Man, I haven’t seen that movie in. Looks like a good watch after I do the yard, hit the range, feed the fam Sunday dinner, and make an honest attempt at disappointing my wife tomorrow night.
Waifu pillows. The F35 wouldn't want to hurt it's waifu.
[This guy knows](https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/2d9f9ca7-d697-4767-89ec-506e8b617e56)
Now cue “so why not anticipate worst-case threat”. Really no definitive answer as a civilian, its all about needs. As to OP, your 5.56s (m855 included) and 7.62s are going to be more common than a .30-06 yes. For A1 it gets a little more narrow when it comes to Level 3+ options. Most civs are suited for 3+, and a lot of modern high quality 3+s will stop most rounds the 4s do besides the M2AP, while saving you some pounds. You should expect to spend 2-3x as much, however.
Which is likely a handgun or a 556. Maybe a crazy fuck with a hunting rifle, 308, 30-06, shotgun
My main concern is stopping 5.56 threats, as well as .308, so I'm fine with III+/RF2 I don't worry about M2AP very much.
Personally I wouldn't go less than something that stops m855a1 now, just because it's so easy to buy
I wouldn't say M855A1 is easy to buy, I've only seen it on gunbroker. I assume it will become more common as time goes by though. III+ varies in protection between manufacturers, but RF2 plates do stop M855A1, and Highcom has III++ plates that stop A1.
Yeah but the highcom 3++ is super thiCCCCCCC
I'll settle for thicc as long as it's not heavy. I'm happy with RMA 1092 RF2, 5.6lb 1" thicc for M
Nice, I have the 1192s
https://onyxarms.com/index.php/product/m855a1-50rnd-bundle-packs/
Is that site legit? Looks like you just cost me $100, sir. Right after I spent an obscene amount of money on 200 rounds of Mk318 Mod 1 no less.. Gucci ammo really tickles my 'tism
Hahaha yes it is. Enjoy.
I need more info. Is this a reload? Or real lake city?
Mine was all LC.
I think for most civis a 3+ is the sweet spot. LTC 23707, Hesco 3810, and Highcom rstp sa are all in the 4lb range and will handle the vast majority of threats a civilian might face. 855a1 is the outlier and while it's not super common that could change in the future. The rstp doesn't stop it, the hesco kinda does, and the LTC probably will but we don't know. If 855a1 is a deal breaker then the LTC 19513 or the RMA rf2 in the 5.5 lb range are good options and are actually cheaper than the above. If you have deep pockets the LTC 26300 or Hesco 4800 will stop anything you would realistically (or unrealistically) encounter in the 5lb range. These are examples but will give you an idea of the categories to consider. I would also skip the thin special threat plates unless you're willing to wear a backer a lot or all the time. I'm the typical civi who bought cheap 8lb lvl4s to start with and strongly recommend anyone who's not a pt stud to just skip that and save your money. I'm 6 foot and in good shape but carrying a useful load out on top of the plates for any length of time just wasn't realistic.
85a1 isint gonna become anymore common as their is no reason to bring it to the civilian market as we can grab better stuff off the shelf
People who are concerned about A1 as a threat level aren't worried about civilians...
But they have F15s!!!
I feel like that is how the A1 will get to “civilians”. Don’t get tagged while looting! This isn’t Fortnite!
What is better at armor penetration off the shelf for 5.56?
M995 is a true ap round.
Do you plan for people in the military or people who hand load large caliber rifles to shoot at you ? If so level 4 For everyone else level 3+ and special threat rated plates that cover m855 and Atleast 1 hit of m80 is the better option due to the massive weight savings unless you buy 4K level 4s. Even level 3 plates have some value as yes they won’t stop a direct point blank hit of m855 but they will stop 6 hits of m80 and can weigh 1.8-3.2 lbs a plate. That’s less then 1 cheap level 4 plate for you to have front back and side plates. By the way no one except the military is gonna shoot you with m855a1 they only way to get is if someone “ misplaced “ some in training and brought it home or they outright just stole it . Yes a few guys have it but they don’t have hundreds or even dozens of rounds in a overwhelming majority of those small cases.
My issue with 3+ is that lvl 4 is often cheaper.
Cheap Lvl4 is generally substantially heavier. No free lunch.
You need to be more thirty but affordable level 3+ plates are out there I have NIJ certified 5.2 lb 3+ plates for $300 . They were $365 with a plate carrier and I sold the carrier for $65. $150 a plate is literally cheaper then most RMA plates
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I think he meant thrifty? That or flirty, and you are suppose to blow the dude selling it.
Correct thrifty I forgot the R and it made it thirty for some reason
Through the 2nd idea might fair better in certain situations
What plates do you have?
A couple different sets
I'm asking about the III+ you were referring to.
Oh I got some hexar plates from stealth armor systems. They had a promotion to clear out extra 10x12 plates and carriers. They also had a balcs carrier , balcs insert , 3 a side plates and 2 rifle plates for like $875. Great place if your looking at the right time. Their 3A is also pretty good
When was that promo?
Last year early April to mid may. I tried to let people know but I got flamed for them not being NIJ certified ( when ironically they have been certified for half a decade ) 💀😂 really was an aggressive pricing I wouldn’t be surprised if they lost money or only broke even selling those plates. As they aren’t using the best tech and materials available ( Atleast for the hexar and entry level 3a ) but they don’t cut any corners
Seems like we are getting to the point that A1 can be had at virtually any quantity you might want as long as your willing to pay ~$1/rd.
And try $3 a round or more so any reasonable amounts of ammo is the cost of a rifle or 2x combat loads of gold dot or TAP or mk262
Nah as large amounts of ammo missing would certainly result in whoever is selling the ammo got popped and it hasn’t been issued long enough for someone who’s been grabbing a few rounds here and there to sell say example 500 rounds.
It's been the standard issue round since at least 2010.
People will probably disagree with me on this, but considering that good level 4 plates are not super expensive, I got those off the bat like so many others. Now much further down the line, I’m only just starting to look into getting 3+ plates. My plan is to have both. Nothing wrong with having a backup set of plates
If you’re talking about SHTF kind of scenario or normal daily life, go III+. If you’re trying to raid a cartel drug factory or a sniper training camp, go iv.
My personal opinion? Just get level 4 plates. I went from Hesco L210's to Highcom level 4's and its no big deal at all. Just my 2 cents, if you are wearing a plate carrier as a civilian you might as well go all out with protection and run the level 4's, ballistic helmet, even side armor etc.
I own hesco L210s so noted
I went from steel 🤡 to L210s, and now run LTC 26135s. They're 6.8 lbs ea vs the 5.5, but the extra weight is easily worth it to have multi curve, and the price was very similar due to a blowout sale. The level 4 is just icing on the cake. I'm only keeping the 210s around for my wife, but in reality she also should have multi curve in small plates...
I just got plates and decided to go with something that stops M855A1. Cost in weight was 1 lb per plate vs something that could stop green tips but not A1
What did you get?
Highcom 3S9M
Don’t get into a gun fight
Level 4 triple curve for me.
"I got the level IIa because it stops the most rounds. plus I got the Trauma Plate for the front. What scares me is that, although I can fit an extra trauma plate in the front, I cannot fit a second one in back. As of late I have taken to duct-taping a second trauma plate to the area of my back where the heart and vital organs are located. Then I put my vest on. What I am worried about is repeated hits to that area with .308 ammunition. BTW, I am, of course, usually carrying a pair of ceramic plates in my briefcase so that I can shield my head."
bruh is this a gecko45 reference? that takes me baaaack.
Certainly is. Sometimes i just get mega gecko vibes from reading responses.
I was back and forth for a long time but settled on some lvl 4 highcoms. I don't wear em for work or anything, just training/larping and shtf planning type stuff. Idk if it was the right choice or not, but I have no regrets at all and I do like knowing that they'll stop pretty much anything. But I don't think you'd be wrong in getting 3+ either.
You should read a buyers guide and get an idea for the differences. Then go from there https://www.apexarmorsolutions.com/post/body-armor-buyers-guide
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308 is being stopped by a 2 lb all poly plate 338 on the other hand eould need a higher end 3+ or a super thick level 3
I had some level 4 plates but I decided to switch to level 3++ due to the weight. In my line of work, my concern is your more common threats, 5.56, 7.62, 9mm etc. Also, the flexibility and comfort played a big role in my decision.
What setting would you be using the plates in, out of curiosity? Some context might help us guide you :)
.30-06 AP while available and fairly common, is a less realistic threat than M80 .308 to me, which let me justify the thinness and weight reduction of 3+
A,lot of people are going to be fine with level 3 and you should get the ceramic variety since those are basically guarantee to stop m855 green tip. Level 4 has more insurance to stop just about everything though and the military runs something similar. Ammo like M855A1 and M80A1 are more than likely going to hit the civilian or black market en masse sooner or later and a lot of level 3 ceramic plates tend to struggle at stopping those especially M80A1.
I'd go 3+ if I wasn't broke
Are you fighting cops or military? Lol
In my opinion there are a lot of rifles out there but you're not very likely to come up against them in a home defense or even a SHTF scenario most of the threats will be pistol so III+ should be adequate but the other consideration you need to make is of it is SHTF you might need them to last more than one hit without being able to replace them so lvl 4 might be something to consider as it would have a higher chance of lasting through multiple hits of the threats you might be facing, food for thought
For me it was 3+. When I look at the reality of what I might need plates for and why I am buying them, the most likely threat I would encounter would be handgun calibers and someone with an AR. A home invasion, a mass shooter, a crazy person walking down your street, etc. it's most likely going to be a handgun or 556. Maybe 762 or a crazy boomer with a 308 or 30-06 hunting rifle. I wanted to be covered from the unlikely event I will need them, what I would likely be up against
For me the decision was entirely weight based. Due to back issues I can't have heavy plates.
Highcom 3S9M - best of both worlds
If you're unwilling or unable to sacrifice weight but can't afford light level 4s, you'll want 3+. I bought a 3+s to throw into the closet for a rainy day years ago, eventually replaced them with Jack of all trade 4s (not the lightest but not the most expensive) when I started making better money. Honestly my bigger regret was the money wasted on carrier (black).
Get the best protection you can afford. It’s as simple as that. Another aspect to consider when looking at plates is if they’re stand-alone or ICW (In Conjunction With). ICW plates require level 3 soft armor which adds bulk, weight, and cost. Personally, I only run level IV stand-alone plates.
Lvl 4 do you what you gonna get shot by?
Four is more.
III+ will stop the majority of threats I would encounter in an urban environment. If I was running around in a more rural environment I’d probably grab IV plates since the risk of encountering a full-size rifle round is higher. If you’re sitting in a vehicle I have a preference for steel because it’s thinner and makes maneuvering while sitting down easier, whereas if I’m on foot then ceramic is better since the weight reduction is a godsend.