Cheap Body Armor Upgrade

Published on September 6, 2015
Duration: 7:24

This video demonstrates a DIY method to potentially upgrade Level III AR500 steel body armor to a Level IV equivalent using readily available ceramic tiles and epoxy. The experiment, conducted by Matt Carriker of Demolition Ranch, shows that by carefully applying ceramic tiles to a steel plate, it can effectively stop .308 Armor Piercing Incendiary rounds, a feat typically requiring dedicated Level IV ceramic plates. The key takeaway is the importance of complete coverage to avoid penetration through gaps.

Quick Summary

A DIY method can upgrade Level III AR500 steel body armor to Level IV performance by epoxying hardware store ceramic tiles to the plate. This modification, when done meticulously with full coverage, can stop .308 Armor Piercing Incendiary rounds, effectively mimicking dedicated Level IV armor.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Parody Song
  2. 00:20Body Armor Level Comparison
  3. 01:19Price & Experiment Setup
  4. 02:35Armor Testing Phase 1
  5. 03:42Armor Testing Phase 2
  6. 04:43Results and Analysis
  7. 06:14Conclusion & Credits

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upgrade my Level III steel body armor to Level IV performance?

Yes, this video demonstrates a DIY method where hardware store ceramic tiles, when properly epoxied to a Level III AR500 steel plate, can achieve Level IV performance by stopping .308 Armor Piercing Incendiary rounds. Proper, gap-free coverage is critical for success.

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

Level III armor typically stops standard rifle rounds like .308 FMJ. Level IV armor is designed to stop higher-threat projectiles, specifically .30-06 Springfield M2 AP (Armor Piercing) rounds, which are more powerful than standard FMJ rounds.

How does ceramic armor work to stop bullets?

Ceramic armor plates have a ceramic strike face that is designed to fracture and break apart incoming bullets upon impact. This is often combined with a composite backing material that catches the fragmented bullet and any resulting debris.

What are the risks of a DIY body armor modification?

The primary risk is incomplete or improper application, leading to gaps that compromise the armor's integrity and failure to stop threats. It's crucial to ensure full, secure coverage and to test the modified armor rigorously before relying on it.

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