Spartan Armor Systems ATC AR500 Plate

This video demonstrates the critical importance of trauma pads when using body armor. Testing with modeling clay reveals that while Level IIIA armor stops projectiles, the resulting blunt force trauma can cause significant injury. Trauma pads demonstrably reduce impact depth by up to 66% for .45 ACP and 75% for 9mm rounds, making them a vital, inexpensive addition for anyone wearing armor.

This video provides a comprehensive ballistic test of Spartan Armor Systems' offerings, including Level IIIA UHMWPE and Kevlar plates, a Level III UHMWPE plate, a Level IV ceramic composite plate, and an AR500 steel plate. The testing demonstrates the effectiveness of each plate against specific threats, highlighting material properties like buoyancy and spall resistance. While most plates performed as rated, the tests also show potential backface deformation and material delamination under extreme stress.

This video provides a dynamic preview of Day 2 at SHOT Show 2026, highlighting key industry players and emerging technologies. It showcases firearms from FN, including the FN 509 and SCAR platforms, alongside innovative products like custom AR-15s, armored vehicles, and robotic weapon systems. The event also emphasizes networking opportunities through 'SHOT After Dark' events and educational content.

This comprehensive guide to body armor covers threat levels, material comparisons (steel vs. composite), and the mechanics of ballistic penetration. It clarifies the 'Level 3+' designation, explains backface deformation, spalling, and the importance of trauma pads. The video also details plate cuts for mobility, weight trade-offs, armor expiration, strike face orientation, and different plate carrier types.

This video offers a behind-the-scenes look at The Target Man and Spartan Armor Systems. The content includes a factory tour, discussions about targets and body armor, and live-fire demonstrations in a desert environment. The video aims to provide viewers with insights into the manufacturing processes and product capabilities of both companies.

This video compares ceramic and steel body armor plates, highlighting their key differences. Ceramic plates are lighter (around 5 lbs for 10x12) and offer better protection with less spalling, but are more expensive. Steel plates are heavier (around 9 lbs for 10x12) and prone to spalling, but are significantly more affordable. The choice depends on budget and priority for weight versus spalling mitigation.

This video hilariously tests a heavily accessorized AR-15, dubbed the 'Zombie Carbine,' as a parody of excessive tactical gear. The build, based on a Smith & Wesson M&P15, weighs 23 pounds fully loaded with 270 rounds across nine magazines. It features multiple optics, lasers, lights, and is demonstrated with rapid fire, hip sniping, and Tannerite explosions.

This "ultimate AR-15 meltdown" test pushes a custom build to its limits, revealing key durability insights. The Faxon barrel ultimately burst after 830 rounds, but critical components like the Sharps SRC bolt carrier group and Geissele rail demonstrated impressive resilience under extreme stress and heat. The test highlights the AR-15 platform's robust design, even when subjected to conditions far exceeding typical operational use.

This video showcases an extreme full-auto durability test of a premium Definitive Arms VEPR AK, comparing it to a budget WASR-10. The VEPR AK demonstrated exceptional resilience, enduring 895 rounds before failure, significantly outperforming the WASR-10 and even a previously tested AR-15. The expert analysis highlights the AK platform's inherent durability and heat management characteristics, even under severe stress.

This video demonstrates the legendary durability of the AK platform by subjecting a Yugo M92 PAP to a 700-round continuous firing test. Despite extreme heat causing significant smoke and glowing metal, the firearm remained functional, showcasing Mikhail Kalashnikov's robust engineering. The test concludes with a cooling process and a tribute to the designer's legacy.