Level 3+ Body Armor is Better

Published on August 22, 2015
Duration: 11:42

This video from Demolition Ranch provides a practical, albeit humorous, comparison of Level 3 and Level 3+ body armor plates. The host, demonstrating expertise in firearms and ballistics, tests various calibers against both types of armor. The key takeaway is that Level 3+ offers significantly better protection against higher velocity rounds and specific threats like M855 green tips, while still being a viable option for tactical scenarios when considering weight and cost.

Quick Summary

Level 3+ body armor offers enhanced protection over standard Level 3 plates by stopping higher velocity rounds (up to 3,100 FPS) and specific threats like 5.56mm M855 green tips. While both can stop common rifle rounds, Level 3+ provides a greater margin of safety against more potent threats, with only a slight increase in weight and cost.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Range Prep
  2. 00:32AR500 Armor Level 3+ Introduction
  3. 00:57Level 3+ vs Level 3 Specs
  4. 01:24Test Setup with Lieutenant Dan
  5. 02:22.223 Remington Test
  6. 02:505.56 M855 Green Tip Test
  7. 03:38.25-45 Sharps Test
  8. 04:38.308 Winchester Test
  9. 05:44Level 3 Plate Failure (.30-06)
  10. 07:16Level 3+ Plate Success (.30-06)
  11. 07:51Armor Piercing (.30-06 AP) Test
  12. 09:32Final Comparison & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary difference between Level 3 and Level 3+ body armor?

Level 3+ body armor is designed to stop higher velocity rounds, typically up to 3,100 feet per second (FPS), and specific threats like 5.56mm M855 green tip ammunition, whereas standard Level 3 armor has a lower velocity threshold and may not reliably stop these threats.

Can Level 3+ body armor stop .30-06 Springfield rounds?

Yes, the AR500 Armor Level 3+ plate tested successfully stopped standard .30-06 Springfield rounds, demonstrating superior protection compared to a standard Level 3 plate which was penetrated by the same caliber.

Does Level 3+ body armor stop armor-piercing ammunition?

No, the test showed that armor-piercing (AP) rounds, such as Black Tip .30-06, easily penetrate both Level 3 and Level 3+ body armor plates. These ratings are not designed to defeat dedicated AP ammunition.

What is the weight difference between Level 3 and Level 3+ body armor plates?

The weight difference is generally minimal. For example, AR500 Armor's 10x12 inch Level 3 plate weighs approximately 8 lbs, while their Level 3+ plate of the same size weighs around 7.5 lbs, making the upgrade in protection often negligible in terms of weight.

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