Best Ceramic & UHMWPE Level III & IV Body Armor: Mira, RTS, RMA, Spartan, LAPG

Published on May 27, 2021
Duration: 30:27

This comprehensive review tests various Level III and IV body armor plates from brands like Mira, RTS, RMA, Spartan, and LAPG. It details NIJ standards, explains 'Level III+' distinctions, and showcases a rigorous testing methodology involving multiple calibers and hit sequences. The Mira Tactical Level IV plate emerged as the top performer, successfully stopping multiple .30-06 AP rounds.

Quick Summary

The Mira Tactical Level IV plate excelled in rigorous testing, being the only model to successfully stop multiple .30-06 AP rounds and successive 7.62x51mm M80 ball hits. NIJ Level III armor stops 7.62x51mm M80 ball, while Level IV stops armor-piercing .30-06 rounds.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Body Armor Sales Spike & Questions
  2. 01:37Understanding NIJ Level III & IV Standards
  3. 02:58Level III+ Explained: Beyond Standard Level III
  4. 05:09Ballistic Testing Methodology & Calibers
  5. 06:12Spartan Armor Elaphros (Level III) Test Results
  6. 08:30LA Police Gear Level III Plate Test
  7. 11:28RMA Armament Model 1092 (Level III+) Test
  8. 12:47AR500 Armor Model 1078 (Level III) Test
  9. 14:13Level IV Testing Protocol: Multi-Hit & AP Rounds
  10. 16:07LA Police Gear Level IV Plate Test Results
  11. 17:14RTS Tactical Level IV Plate Test Results
  12. 19:35RMA Armament Model 1155MC (Level IV) Test
  13. 21:15Mira Tactical Level IV Plate: Top Performer

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between NIJ Level III and Level IV body armor?

NIJ Level III armor is rated to stop six rounds of 7.62x51mm NATO M80 ball. Level IV is the highest rating, designed specifically to defeat armor-piercing .30-06 Springfield rounds, offering greater protection against high-velocity threats.

What does 'Level III+' mean in body armor?

'Level III+' is not an official NIJ designation. Manufacturers use it to indicate protection beyond standard Level III, typically meaning it can stop 5.56mm M855 'Green Tip' rounds, which standard Level III plates might fail against.

Which body armor plate performed best in the test?

The Mira Tactical Level IV plate was the top performer, being the only one to successfully withstand multiple hits from both .30-06 AP rounds and 7.62x51mm M80 ball ammunition during the rigorous testing.

What calibers were used to test the body armor plates?

The testing included a variety of calibers such as 7.62x39mm hollow point, 7.62x51mm M80 ball, .223 Remington, 5.56mm M193, 5.56mm M855, and .30-06 AP Black Tip rounds.

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