ShotStop Plate | Plate Ratings Explained

Published on February 9, 2022
Duration: 16:17

This video from Geauga Firearms Academy provides an in-depth look at ballistic plate ratings, focusing on the ShotStop Level 3 Plus DeriDium plate. Instructor Kim explains the NIJ rating system, differentiating between standard levels (2A, 2, 3A, 3, 4) and the industry-added 'plus' designation. The review highlights the material differences between steel, ceramic, and DeriDium, emphasizing DeriDium's durability and lighter weight compared to ceramic. Extensive live-fire testing demonstrates the plate's performance against various threats, including 9mm, 5.56mm, 7.62x39mm, and even a 12-gauge slug, showcasing its resilience beyond its rated specifications.

Quick Summary

The NIJ ballistic protection levels for body armor are 2A, 2, 3A, 3, and 4, with higher numbers indicating greater protection. A 'plus' rating, like Level 3 Plus, signifies performance exceeding the standard NIJ level but not reaching the next full level. DeriDium armor offers a strong balance of durability and lighter weight compared to steel or ceramic.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to ShotStop Plate Review
  2. 00:04Ballistic Ratings Explained: NIJ Levels
  3. 00:13Understanding NIJ Standards
  4. 00:21The Complexity of Ballistic Ratings
  5. 00:39Industry Complications: The Plus Rating
  6. 00:44NIJ: The Standard Setting Body
  7. 00:50NIJ Ballistic Levels: 2A, 2, 3A, 3, 4
  8. 01:01Understanding the 'Plus' Rating
  9. 01:16The 'Level 4' Obsession
  10. 01:28Realistic Threat Assessment vs. 'Best'
  11. 01:45What Level 4 Actually Means: AP Ammo
  12. 02:06Realism in Body Armor Selection
  13. 02:19The Bulk and Weight of Armor
  14. 02:37ShotStop's Innovation in Weight and Bulk Reduction
  15. 02:43Instructor's Training Perspective on Armor Use
  16. 03:06Transition to Plate Specs and Performance
  17. 03:14Broad Overview of Plate Levels and NIJ
  18. 03:25Material Considerations: Steel, DeriDium, Ceramic
  19. 03:34Material Properties and Cost
  20. 03:40Comparing Steel, Ceramic, and DeriDium
  21. 03:55Steel: Heavy and Cheap
  22. 03:59Ceramic and DeriDium: Lighter and Pricier
  23. 04:05Ceramic: Lightweight, Thin, Potential Fractures
  24. 04:16DeriDium: Durability and Impact Resistance
  25. 04:35Advantages of DeriDium: Durability
  26. 04:46DeriDium's Performance and Durability
  27. 04:51ShotStop Plate Specs: Level 3 Plus, Thickness, Weight
  28. 05:05Plate Rating: 5.56mm and 7.62x39mm Ball Ammo
  29. 05:10Testing Expectations vs. Reality
  30. 05:17Live Fire Testing Begins: 9mm Rounds
  31. 05:259mm Ball Ammunition Test Results
  32. 05:479mm Hollow Point Test Results
  33. 05:53The Real Test: 5.56mm Rounds
  34. 06:045.56mm Ball and Coyote Round Test Results
  35. 06:17Impressive Performance Against 5.56mm
  36. 06:39Stepping Up the Test: Exotic Rounds
  37. 06:47Testing the 75 Grain Round
  38. 06:52Comparison: 75 Grain Round vs. 9mm
  39. 07:1675 Grain Round Test Results
  40. 07:4112 Gauge Slug Test: Pushing Limits
  41. 07:5112 Gauge Rifled Slug Test Results
  42. 08:10Incredible Performance Against 12 Gauge Slug
  43. 08:22Post-Test Analysis: Plate Integrity
  44. 08:43Examining the Plate Layers and Impact
  45. 09:15Studio Examination: Back of the Plate
  46. 09:29Studio Examination: Front of the Plate
  47. 09:43Conclusion and Where to Buy
  48. 09:54Call to Action: Like, Share, Subscribe

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the standard NIJ ballistic protection levels for body armor?

The standard NIJ ballistic protection levels are 2A, 2, 3A, 3, and 4. Level 2A offers the lowest level of protection, while Level 4 provides the highest, designed to stop more powerful threats like armor-piercing rifle rounds.

What does a 'plus' rating mean on a ballistic plate?

A 'plus' rating, such as Level 3 Plus, is an industry term indicating that the plate offers protection exceeding the standard NIJ requirements for that level but not reaching the next full NIJ level. It signifies enhanced performance beyond the base rating.

What are the key differences between steel, ceramic, and DeriDium body armor materials?

Steel armor is heavy and inexpensive. Ceramic armor is lightweight and thin but can fracture from impacts. DeriDium, a polymer composite, offers excellent durability and impact resistance, often surpassing ceramic while maintaining a good balance of weight and thinness.

What threats did the ShotStop Level 3 Plus DeriDium plate successfully stop in the test?

The ShotStop Level 3 Plus DeriDium plate successfully stopped multiple 9mm rounds, 5.56mm rifle rounds, a 75-grain exotic round, and even a 12-gauge rifled slug, demonstrating performance beyond its rated specifications.

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