Truth on Body Armor

AR500 armor is type of plate armor that is made out steel.
AR500armor.com is a retail site that has several types of armor branded in their name. You'll see people talking about "AR500 Armor Plates" and they may not be talking about steel plates.

Are you wanting info on steel plates? I don't think much of them. Testing batches of steel in the ballistics lab I got to see first hand just how much spall is generated on hits. It did is so much and so often that there was pitting in the cinder block walls, concrete floor, lift cart that we secured the clay block on, and overhead HVAC ducting at the 15 meter position. Not a fan.

CHRIS
 
AR500 armor is type of plate armor that is made out steel.
AR500armor.com is a retail site that has several types of armor branded in their name. You'll see people talking about "AR500 Armor Plates" and they may not be talking about steel plates.

Are you wanting info on steel plates? I don't think much of them. Testing batches of steel in the ballistics lab I got to see first hand just how much spall is generated on hits. It did is so much and so often that there was pitting in the cinder block walls, concrete floor, lift cart that we secured the clay block on, and overhead HVAC ducting at the 15 meter position. Not a fan.

CHRIS
I’m glad you mentioned this. I have been telling people this for years. I mean just look at the poles or ground when you shoot steel. Sure you didn’t take one thru the heart but now your face looks like Freddie Kruger and you have lead in your eyes.
 
AR500 armor is type of plate armor that is made out steel.
AR500armor.com is a retail site that has several types of armor branded in their name. You'll see people talking about "AR500 Armor Plates" and they may not be talking about steel plates.

Are you wanting info on steel plates? I don't think much of them. Testing batches of steel in the ballistics lab I got to see first hand just how much spall is generated on hits. It did is so much and so often that there was pitting in the cinder block walls, concrete floor, lift cart that we secured the clay block on, and overhead HVAC ducting at the 15 meter position. Not a fan.

CHRIS

Thanks Chris! What do you recommend in the $300 range?


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Thanks Chris! What do you recommend in the $300 range?


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I haven't been following the market recently. I'm sure prices are up. The lowest cost options when I was doing it were level 4 alumina oxide based ceramic plates in the 7-8 pound range. Heavy, thicker, but not expensive.

Many people own steel plates and have had zero issues with storing them in the closet along with their skateboard helmets. :D Peace of mind is peace of mind.
CHRIS
 
I haven't been following the market recently. I'm sure prices are up. The lowest cost options when I was doing it were level 4 alumina oxide based ceramic plates in the 7-8 pound range. Heavy, thicker, but not expensive.

Many people own steel plates and have had zero issues with storing them in the closet along with their skateboard helmets. :D Peace of mind is peace of mind.
CHRIS

Thanks that gives me an idea of what to look for. I have seen some really nice rigs but man they are over $1k! Yes my life is worth more than $1k


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@CHRIS_WNC I gotta ask, any thoughts on how reliable are the folks over at reddit's /qualitytacticalgear when talking about armor? I made the mistake of going down that rabbit hole once... or twice... :oops:
 
I have some on order but after watching this video, might be better to make your own.


Interesting, they'd be a lot stronger with Arabic fiber (instead of glass) and epoxy (instead of polyester resin). I'd be curios if an aramid/epoxy/sheet metal sammich would stop a 556, and catch all spall.
By the time all the labor is added up, $200 a plate is cheaper.
 
@CHRIS_WNC I gotta ask, any thoughts on how reliable are the folks over at reddit's /qualitytacticalgear when talking about armor? I made the mistake of going down that rabbit hole once... or twice... :oops:
I haven’t been there to read.

I do know that people who watch multiple YouTube videos of guys strapping things to milk jugs and shooting it in their back yard will not take advice from people who test or design armor for a living.:p Absolute fact!

CHRIS
 
Steel is cheap, heavy, durable (can take multiple hits and keep going), and protects to around level 3+. Spalling is a concern, so they make coatings that mitigate spall. Get a good carrier that will distribute the weight. A cheap carrier and steel plates will be very uncomfortable after about an hour of walking around. Steels main issues are it doesn't go up to highest level of protection, spalling and is heavy.
 
I have some on order but after watching this video, might be better to make your own.



That deformation on the back won't be your friend at all. Armor designs dont always fail due to penetration, but if they deform too much (44mm?) on impact your likely to sustain some severe injuries as well. Particularly to the less stretchy organs. (liver, heart, spleen)
 
Steel is cheap, heavy, durable (can take multiple hits and keep going), and protects to around level 3+. Spalling is a concern, so they make coatings that mitigate spall. Get a good carrier that will distribute the weight. A cheap carrier and steel plates will be very uncomfortable after about an hour of walking around. Steels main issues are it doesn't go up to highest level of protection, spalling and is heavy.
Laughs in .30-06 M2 [emoji1787]
 
Check out the Battle Steel plates on Botach. They aren’t certified (to reduce costs) but are tested to the same standards.


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I've seen these and tests on these. I wouldnt hesitate to wear them in a good carrier like Cryo or Agilite or Shell back. Getting the carrier fitting well is half the battle...i sure do love my Agilite K5
 
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