Does Level IV Body Armor Work?

Published on November 20, 2020
Duration: 11:34

This video provides a practical, hands-on test of RTS Tactical's Level IV ceramic body armor plate. The host, Joel Persinger, demonstrates the plate's performance against multiple high-powered rifle rounds, including 7.62x39 FMJ, .556 Green Tip, .308 Winchester, and 30-06 Springfield AP. The assessment includes analysis of backface deformation and edge hit performance, offering valuable insights for those considering rifle-rated body armor.

Quick Summary

The RTS Tactical Level IV ceramic plate, rated to stop a .30-06 AP round, successfully blocked multiple rifle threats including .556 Green Tip, .308 Winchester, and 30-06 Springfield AP rounds during live-fire testing. It also demonstrated impressive edge hit resistance before eventually failing on the fifth shot.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Sponsor Intro & Channel
  2. 00:23Host Introduction & Setup
  3. 01:14Introducing RTS Tactical Gear
  4. 02:22Body Armor Experience & Disclaimer
  5. 03:11RTS Tactical Plate Carriers
  6. 05:04MOLLE Pouches & Attachments
  7. 05:14Situational Armor Choices
  8. 06:36Level IV Ceramic Plate Introduction
  9. 06:51Live Fire Plate Test
  10. 07:20Plate Performance Analysis
  11. 08:11Backface Deformation & Injury
  12. 09:00Edge Hit Performance
  13. 10:06Final Assessment & Recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NIJ Level IV rating for body armor?

The NIJ Level IV rating is the highest civilian standard for body armor, signifying that the armor is designed to stop a single .30-06 Springfield Armor Piercing (AP) round. This level of protection is crucial for defending against high-powered rifle threats.

How did the RTS Tactical Level IV plate perform in the test?

The RTS Tactical Level IV ceramic plate successfully stopped multiple rifle rounds, including .556 Green Tip penetrators, .308 Winchester, and 30-06 Springfield AP, before failing on the fifth shot. It also showed strong performance on edge hits.

What is backface deformation in body armor?

Backface deformation refers to the inward displacement of the armor plate upon impact. Significant deformation, as seen in the test, indicates a severe blunt force trauma that could incapacitate a wearer, even if the plate prevents penetration.

Are RTS Tactical plate carriers comfortable?

The RTS Tactical plate carriers feature MOLLE attachments, good construction, internal padding, and mesh for breathability. These elements are designed to enhance comfort and air circulation, making them suitable for extended wear.

More Tactical & Gear Videos You Might Like

More from GunGuyTV

View all →