DON'T BUY AR500 ARMOR!

Published on July 16, 2020
Duration: 27:12

Reno May, an authority in the tactical gear community, critically assesses AR500 steel body armor, advising against its purchase. He highlights its affordability and durability but details significant drawbacks including lack of NIJ certification, potential for spalling, and excessive backface deformation. May recommends superior alternatives like Hesco L210 special threat plates for better protection and weight efficiency.

Quick Summary

Reno May critically advises against purchasing AR500 steel body armor due to significant risks including lack of official NIJ certification, dangerous spalling, and excessive backface deformation. He highlights that while affordable, the necessary upgrades push its cost near superior ceramic alternatives like Hesco L210, which offer better protection and weight efficiency.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Disclaimer
  2. 01:41Steel Armor Background
  3. 03:54The Pros of AR500 Armor
  4. 06:09The Cons: NIJ Certification and Backface Deformation
  5. 11:14Ballistic Limitations and Spalling
  6. 13:34Weight and Cost Analysis
  7. 16:40Recommended Alternatives

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main drawbacks of AR500 steel body armor?

AR500 steel armor's primary drawbacks include a lack of official NIJ certification, significant risk of spalling (bullet fragmentation), excessive backface deformation causing blunt force trauma, and potential failure against high-velocity rifle rounds. Its weight and the cost of necessary upgrades also make it less ideal.

Why is AR500 armor not recommended by experts like Reno May?

Experts like Reno May advise against AR500 armor due to critical safety concerns. While affordable, it doesn't meet rigorous NIJ certification standards, poses risks of spalling and severe backface deformation, and may not reliably stop common rifle threats, making alternatives like ceramic plates a safer choice.

What are better alternatives to AR500 steel body armor?

Recommended alternatives to AR500 steel armor include Hesco L210 Special Threat plates, which are lighter and more effective against common rifle threats. Other reputable brands mentioned for ceramic or composite options are LTC and Hoplite Armor, offering superior protection and weight characteristics.

What is spalling in the context of body armor?

Spalling is the fragmentation of a bullet or the armor plate upon impact. With steel armor, this can create dangerous metal shards that can injure the wearer or bystanders, even if the primary projectile is stopped. Many AR500 plates require special coatings to mitigate this risk.

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