Body Armor Buyers Guide

Published on July 15, 2022
Duration: 4:54

This guide covers essential information for purchasing body armor, emphasizing the dangers of steel armor due to spalling. It details the differences between Level 3A soft armor (comfortable, economical, pistol-rated) and hard rifle-rated armor (Level 3 for common rifle rounds, Level 4 for armor-piercing rounds). The video also discusses factors affecting cost like contouring and size, and the evolution of plate carriers with MOLLE attachments.

Quick Summary

Avoid steel body armor due to the risk of dangerous spalling. Level 3A soft armor is comfortable and economical for pistol rounds, while Level 3 and Level 4 hard armor protect against rifle rounds, with Level 4 stopping armor-piercing ammunition. Modern plate carriers offer modularity with MOLLE attachments.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Body Armor
  2. 00:33Personal Body Armor Collection
  3. 01:04Warning: Do Not Buy Steel Armor
  4. 01:17Understanding Spalling
  5. 01:39Level 3A Soft Armor
  6. 01:54Soft Armor in Backpacks
  7. 02:10Rifle Armor Explained
  8. 02:15Materials: Kevlar, Polyethylene, Ceramic
  9. 02:33Level 3 Armor Capabilities
  10. 02:45Armor Piercing Rounds
  11. 02:55Level 4 Armor
  12. 03:06Armor Contour and Cost
  13. 03:18Armor Plate Sizes
  14. 03:23Modern Plate Carriers
  15. 03:32MOLLE Attachments
  16. 03:45Choosing the Right Armor Size
  17. 04:13Standalone Protection vs. Backers
  18. 04:22Conclusion and Recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I avoid buying steel body armor?

Steel body armor is strongly discouraged because it can cause dangerous spalling. Spalling occurs when bullet fragments ricochet off the steel plate, potentially causing severe injuries to the user, sometimes as dangerous as the original projectile.

What is the difference between Level 3A and Level 3 body armor?

Level 3A soft armor is the most popular for its comfort and affordability, typically protecting against pistol rounds. Level 3 hard armor is designed to stop common rifle rounds like 7.62x39 and .308, but not armor-piercing ammunition.

What is Level 4 body armor designed for?

Level 4 body armor is the highest common rating and is specifically designed to defeat common calibers of armor-piercing rifle ammunition. These plates are generally heavier and more expensive than lower-rated options.

How do plate carriers differ from older armor systems?

Modern plate carriers have evolved significantly, featuring MOLLE attachments that allow for extensive customization. This enables users to attach various pouches and accessories like magazine holders, first aid kits, and communication devices for a modular loadout.

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