RTS Mini Shields & Ballistic Pillow Review: Ballistics on a Budget?

Published on November 3, 2022
Duration: 16:57

This review by Pew Pew Tactical tests RTS Tactical's ballistic shields and a ballistic pillow. The shields, rated NIJ 3+, demonstrated effectiveness against 9mm, .45 ACP, 5.56 M855, and 12-gauge slugs, with only minor spalling observed on the polyurea coating. The ballistic pillow, rated 3A, stopped handgun rounds but was penetrated by rifle rounds, though it still stopped 12-gauge slugs. The review also briefly covers an RTS Tactical plate carrier and IFAK.

Quick Summary

RTS Tactical ballistic shields, rated NIJ 3+, demonstrated effective protection against 9mm, .45 ACP, 5.56 M855, and 12-gauge slugs, with only minor spalling observed on the polyurea coating. The RTS Tactical ballistic pillow, rated 3A, successfully stopped handgun and slug threats but was penetrated by rifle rounds.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: RTS Tactical Shields & Ballistic Pillow
  2. 00:17RTS Tactical Shield Sizes and Pricing
  3. 01:04Shield Features: Polyurea Coating, Trauma Pad, Strap
  4. 01:56Test Firearms: Mossberg 930, Glock 41, Staccato P, F1 HDR15
  5. 02:30Testing the Small RTS Tactical Shield
  6. 03:07Testing the Medium RTS Tactical Shield
  7. 03:33Testing the Large RTS Tactical Shield
  8. 04:44Ballistic Testing Setup and Safety
  9. 05:11RTS Tactical Advanced Slick 2.0 Plate Carrier
  10. 05:529mm Test: Staccato P vs. RTS Shield
  11. 06:23.45 ACP Test: Glock 41 vs. RTS Shield
  12. 07:035.56 M855 Test: F1 HDR15 vs. RTS Shield
  13. 07:4712 Gauge Slug Test: Mossberg 930 vs. RTS Shield
  14. 08:39Shield Backside Inspection After Slugs
  15. 09:24Introduction: RTS Tactical Ballistic Pillow
  16. 09:52Ballistic Pillow Construction and Purpose
  17. 11:009mm Test: Staccato P vs. Ballistic Pillow
  18. 11:34.45 ACP Test: Ballistic Pillow
  19. 12:025.56 M855 Test: Ballistic Pillow (Rifle Rounds)
  20. 12:3112 Gauge Slug Test: Ballistic Pillow
  21. 13:05Ballistic Pillow Interior Inspection
  22. 14:17RTS Tactical IFAK Kit Overview
  23. 15:03Final Thoughts: Shields and Ballistic Pillow Performance
  24. 16:20Thank You to RTS Tactical and Pew Pew Tactical

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of RTS Tactical ballistic shields?

RTS Tactical ballistic shields feature a durable polyurea coating to help with spalling, a thick trauma pad on the back for shock absorption, and a bungee strap with a quick-release buckle for secure handling and deployment.

How did the RTS Tactical shields perform against different calibers?

The RTS Tactical shields performed impressively, stopping 9mm, .45 ACP, 5.56 M855 rounds, and 12-gauge slugs without penetration. Minor peeling of the polyurea coating was observed.

Is the RTS Tactical ballistic pillow rated for rifle rounds?

No, the RTS Tactical ballistic pillow is rated 3A and is not designed to stop rifle rounds. While it stopped handgun and slug threats, it was penetrated by 5.56 M855 ammunition.

What is included in the RTS Tactical IFAK kit?

The RTS Tactical IFAK kit contains essential trauma supplies such as trauma shears, chest seals, combat gauze, an Israeli bandage, a nasopharyngeal airway, a marker, and lube.

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