BODY ARMOR BASICS - an intro to all things body armor

Published on June 1, 2020
Duration: 30:37

This video provides a comprehensive overview of body armor basics, focusing on helping viewers make informed decisions for their personal needs. It covers legal aspects, the importance of covering vital zones, understanding NIJ certifications versus testing, and differentiating between threat levels like Level IIIa, III+, and IV. The guide also delves into material types (steel, ceramic, poly-hybrid), plate shapes, curvature, weight considerations, and pricing, offering brand recommendations and warnings against unreliable options.

Quick Summary

Choosing body armor involves understanding NIJ threat levels (IIIa for handguns, IV for rifle threats), materials (ceramic is lighter and better for rifle threats than steel), and proper sizing for vital coverage and mobility. Always prioritize NIJ-certified gear over 'NIJ tested' claims for reliable protection.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Personal Beliefs
  2. 00:36Understanding Your Needs
  3. 01:35Legality of Body Armor
  4. 02:29Determining Body Armor Size
  5. 03:41NIJ Certifications vs. Tested
  6. 04:56Threat Levels: IIIa, III+, IV
  7. 06:50Level IV Plates Explained
  8. 07:24Matching Gear to Your Goals
  9. 08:14Slick vs. Overt Setups
  10. 09:31Plate Carrier Considerations
  11. 10:20The Plate & Carrier Triangle: Price, Comfort, Protection
  12. 11:31Sizing, Shapes, and Geometry
  13. 13:09Plate Curvature Explained
  14. 14:15Weight Considerations
  15. 15:07Pricing and Budget Options
  16. 16:30Body Armor Materials: Steel
  17. 17:43AR500 Armor Review
  18. 19:24Steel Ops Recommendation
  19. 20:06Body Armor Materials: Ceramic
  20. 21:42Ceramic Plate Pros & Cons
  21. 23:38Ceramic Brands: Hesco, RMA, Hoplite
  22. 25:27Battle Steel Warning
  23. 27:57Summary & Key Takeaways
  24. 28:18Speaker's Personal Setup
  25. 28:53Personal Experience: Sonoma Fires
  26. 29:47Final Thoughts & Decision Making

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different NIJ threat levels for body armor?

Body armor is rated by NIJ threat levels. Level IIIa stops handgun rounds up to .44 Magnum. Level III+ is a manufacturer rating for specific rifle rounds like 5.56mm. Level IV is designed to stop armor-piercing .30-06 rifle rounds.

What is the difference between NIJ certified and NIJ tested body armor?

NIJ certified means the armor has passed rigorous testing by the National Institute of Justice. 'NIJ tested' simply means it was shot at, but doesn't guarantee it meets official standards or has undergone the full certification process, which includes environmental testing and drop tests.

What are the pros and cons of steel versus ceramic body armor?

Steel armor is typically cheaper and thinner but very heavy and transfers more energy, often requiring trauma pads. Ceramic armor is lighter for comparable protection, can achieve Level IV ratings, and captures spall better, but can be more brittle and expensive.

How do I choose the right size body armor plate?

Proper sizing is crucial for protection and mobility. Measure from nipple to nipple for width and collarbone down to your sternum for height. A 10x12 inch plate is a common medium size, but personal measurements are key to ensuring vital coverage.

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