New Affordable Body Armor Plates Tested: Premier Body Armor FORTIS Line

Published on August 27, 2024
Duration: 29:08

This video provides an in-depth test of Premier Body Armor's FORTIS line of affordable body armor plates. The reviewer, Magic Prepper, tests three different plates (FORTIS 3+ RF1, FORTIS 3+ GT RF2, and Level 4 RF3) against various rifle calibers including M193, M855, and 308 M80. The testing focuses on penetration, backface deformation, and overall performance relative to NIJ standards and manufacturer claims, offering insights into the value proposition of budget-friendly ballistic protection.

Quick Summary

Premier Body Armor's FORTIS line offers budget-friendly body armor plates manufactured in Thailand using US components. The FORTIS 3+ GT RF2 plate is recommended for its balance of weight (4.6 lbs) and capability, stopping M193, M855, and M80 ball from various barrel lengths without penetration.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to FORTIS Line
  2. 00:15Testing Methodology
  3. 00:30Common Features & Manufacturing
  4. 01:03Alpha Carrier & Ballistic Helmet
  5. 01:25Shooting the FORTIS 3+ RF1 Plate
  6. 02:00FORTIS 3+ RF1 Plate Specs & Rating
  7. 03:00M193 Test on RF1 Plate
  8. 04:17308 M80 Test on RF1 Plate
  9. 05:53M855 Test on RF1 Plate (Not Rated)
  10. 07:33M193 Test with 20-in Barrel on RF1 Plate
  11. 11:06M855 Test with 20-in Barrel on RF1 Plate (Failure)
  12. 11:33Shooting the FORTIS 3+ GT RF2 Plate
  13. 11:36FORTIS 3+ GT RF2 Plate Specs & Rating
  14. 12:24M193 Test on RF2 Plate
  15. 13:19M855 Test on RF2 Plate
  16. 14:19308 M80 Test on RF2 Plate
  17. 16:01M855 Test with 20-in Barrel on RF2 Plate
  18. 17:50Shooting the FORTIS Level 4 RF3 Plate
  19. 17:52Level 4 RF3 Plate Specs & Rating
  20. 19:01M193 Test on Level 4 RF3 Plate
  21. 20:46M855 Test on Level 4 RF3 Plate
  22. 22:30M855 Test with 20-in Barrel on Level 4 RF3 Plate (Verification)
  23. 24:03308 M80 Test on Level 4 RF3 Plate
  24. 25:23Overall Thoughts & Recommendations
  25. 26:22Recommended Plates: RF2 & RF1
  26. 27:41Level 4 Plate Analysis & Weight Penalty
  27. 28:27Conclusion & Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of Premier Body Armor's FORTIS line?

The FORTIS line offers budget-friendly body armor plates manufactured in Thailand using US components. Key features include a 7-year warranty, edge-to-edge protection, and water-repellent covers. The plates utilize materials like UHMWPE, Boron Silicon Carbide, and Aluminum Oxide depending on the specific model and NIJ rating.

How did the Premier Body Armor FORTIS 3+ RF1 plate perform in testing?

The RF1 plate, rated for M193 and M80 ball, successfully stopped both rounds with significant backface deformation. It also surprisingly stopped M855 from a 16-inch barrel but failed against M855 from a 20-inch barrel, which is outside its rating.

What makes the Premier Body Armor FORTIS 3+ GT RF2 plate a good recommendation?

The RF2 plate is recommended for its excellent balance of weight (4.6 lbs) and capability. It's rated for M193, M855, and M80 ball, and successfully stopped all tested rounds, including M855 from a 20-inch barrel, with less backface deformation than the RF1.

Is the Premier Body Armor Level 4 RF3 plate worth the weight?

The Level 4 RF3 plate offers the highest protection, stopping M193, M855, and 308 M80 with minimal backface deformation. However, at 7.5 lbs, its significant weight penalty makes it less ideal for mobility compared to lighter plates like the RF2, despite its ability to stop armor-piercing 30-06.

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