A Spall Liner Will Save Your LIFE! Steel vs Ceramic Body Armor Feat. RTS Tactical

Published on September 7, 2025
Duration: 20:19

This video demonstrates a practical test comparing steel and ceramic/composite body armor, focusing on the critical role of a spall liner. The presenter shoots both types of plates wrapped in shirts with various calibers to illustrate the fragmentation and spall generated by steel plates, highlighting how a spall liner mitigates these dangerous projectiles. The test reveals significant differences in how each armor type handles impact energy and material shedding.

Quick Summary

Steel body armor requires a spall liner to catch fragmentation and prevent dangerous secondary projectiles from injuring the wearer. Ceramic/composite armor absorbs more energy and generates less spall, often being a self-contained solution.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Steel Armor & Spall Liner
  2. 00:10Why a Spall Liner Saves Lives
  3. 01:10Common Misconceptions About Steel Plates
  4. 01:23How Spall Liners Work
  5. 02:01RTS Tactical Sponsorship & Products
  6. 02:28Testing Methodology: Shirt Wrap Test
  7. 02:58Firearms & Ammunition for Testing
  8. 03:01Mark 18 (5.56x45mm 55gr M193)
  9. 03:13AP5 (9mm)
  10. 03:19Ruger Mini-14 (5.56x45mm 62gr M855)
  11. 04:05DSA SA58 FAL Clone (.308 Winchester M80)
  12. 04:31Initial Thoughts & 'Salt' on Shirt
  13. 04:50Manadnock Firearms Shoutout
  14. 05:22Gun Owners Advocacy & Leadership Summit
  15. 06:07Holdup Displays Sponsorship
  16. 06:33Testing the Steel Plate (Level 3 Plus Equivalent)
  17. 07:089mm Test on Steel Plate
  18. 07:575.56x45mm 55gr M193 Test on Steel Plate
  19. 09:155.56x45mm 62gr M855 Green Tip Test on Steel Plate
  20. 10:24.308 Winchester M80 Test on Steel Plate
  21. 11:13Testing the RF2 Plate (Ceramic/Composite)
  22. 11:139mm Test on RF2 Plate
  23. 11:455.56x45mm 55gr M193 Test on RF2 Plate
  24. 12:165.56x45mm 62gr M855 Green Tip Test on RF2 Plate
  25. 12:57.308 Winchester M80 Test on RF2 Plate
  26. 13:33Comparing Shirt Damage: Steel vs. RF2
  27. 13:37Plate Deformation Comparison
  28. 14:48Steel Plate Analysis: Fragmentation & Spall
  29. 15:35Steel Plate Backside Examination
  30. 16:03Pros and Cons: Steel vs. Ceramic/Composite
  31. 16:13Real-World Spall Incident Example
  32. 16:50Impact of Projectile Trajectory
  33. 17:10Viewer Engagement: Price vs. Performance
  34. 17:28Shelf Life & Warranty Comparison
  35. 18:06RTS Tactical Plate Details
  36. 18:09Budget-Friendly Option: Steel + Spall Liner
  37. 18:25Plate Carrier Compatibility & Thickness
  38. 18:52Final Recommendation: Invest in Quality Gear
  39. 19:00Signature Series Mark 18 Collaboration
  40. 20:12Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary danger of using steel body armor without a spall liner?

The primary danger of using steel body armor without a spall liner is fragmentation. Upon impact, steel plates can shatter or shed pieces of metal, known as spall, which can become dangerous secondary projectiles that injure the wearer.

How does a spall liner protect the wearer when using steel body armor?

A spall liner is designed to catch and contain the fragmentation and spall that breaks off from a steel body armor plate when it's struck by a projectile. This prevents these dangerous metal fragments from reaching the wearer's body.

What are the key differences between steel and ceramic/composite body armor in terms of performance?

Steel body armor is durable and can stop multiple hits but requires a spall liner to manage fragmentation. Ceramic/composite armor absorbs more impact energy, generates less dangerous fragmentation, and is typically self-contained, though it may have a shelf life and be more expensive.

What is the significance of the NIJ RF2 rating for body armor?

The NIJ RF2 rating is a standard for body armor that indicates its ballistic resistance. It is comparable to Level 3 Plus protection and signifies that the armor has undergone standardized testing to meet specific threat protection levels.

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