Universal Armor Ratel Level IIIA Lightweight Body Armor Test & Review

Published on April 6, 2022
Duration: 10:43

This review tests Universal Armor's Level IIIA lightweight body armor, highlighting its exceptionally low weight (19 oz per plate) and integrated stab protection. The armor features a curved, 10x12 shooter's cut design inspired by tank armor for potential ricochet mitigation. Testing included 357 Magnum, 9mm, .40 S&W, 12 gauge buckshot, and surprisingly, 460 S&W Magnum, all of which were stopped without penetration, though 300 Blackout subsonic did penetrate.

Quick Summary

The Universal Armor Ratel Level IIIA body armor is exceptionally lightweight, weighing about 19 ounces per plate, and includes integrated stab protection. It features a curved 10x12 shooter's cut design. The armor successfully stopped 357 Magnum, 9mm, .40 S&W, 12 gauge buckshot, and even 460 S&W Magnum, though it was penetrated by 300 Blackout subsonic rounds.

Chapters

  1. 00:06Introduction to Universal Armor Ratel
  2. 00:22Weight and Dimensions
  3. 00:34Stab Protection and Armor Type
  4. 00:52Curvature and Tank Design Inspiration
  5. 01:38Thinness and Wearability
  6. 01:51Test Setup: Dirt Box Simulation
  7. 02:16Calibers to be Tested
  8. 02:30Test 1: 357 Magnum
  9. 03:23Test 2: 9mm
  10. 03:53Test 3: .40 Smith & Wesson
  11. 04:33Test 4: 12 Gauge Buckshot
  12. 05:33Test 5: 460 Smith & Wesson (Unofficial)
  13. 07:07Test 6: 300 Blackout Subsonic
  14. 08:09Performance Summary and Failure Point
  15. 08:22NIJ Rating and Price Point
  16. 08:46Key Takeaways: Lightweight Protection
  17. 09:06Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Universal Armor Ratel Level IIIA body armor?

The Universal Armor Ratel Level IIIA body armor is notable for its extremely low weight, around 19 ounces per plate. It also includes integrated stab protection and features a curved, 10x12 shooter's cut design inspired by tank armor for enhanced protection.

How does the Universal Armor Ratel perform against different calibers?

The armor successfully stopped 357 Magnum, 9mm, .40 S&W, and 12 gauge buckshot without penetration. It even stopped a 460 S&W Magnum round, exceeding its rating, but was penetrated by 300 Blackout subsonic rounds.

What is the weight and price of the Universal Armor Ratel Level IIIA plates?

Each Universal Armor Ratel Level IIIA plate weighs approximately 19 ounces. They are currently priced competitively at around $175 per plate, making them an accessible option for lightweight protection.

Does the Universal Armor Ratel have an NIJ rating?

The video states that there are no NIJ ratings explicitly marked on the Universal Armor Ratel plates. While it performed well in testing, users who require certified NIJ ratings may need to consider other options.

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