We Torture Test Ceramic Body Armor Plates so You Don't Have to

This video provides a comprehensive test and review of the RMA Armament Gen2 1165 RF3 rated lightweight armor plate. The reviewer, with extensive experience in wearing armor, conducts rigorous ballistic testing against various calibers including 300 Win Mag, M80A1, M193, M855, 7.62x39, 10mm, and 9mm. The plate demonstrates impressive performance, stopping all tested rounds initially and showcasing its edge-to-edge protection, though it eventually fails after significant compromise.

This video demonstrates a humorous, yet illustrative, test of RMA Armament's 'King of Armor' ballistic plate. A gummy bear, simulated by a bear-shaped water bottle, is shown to feel more secure when presented with the body armor, highlighting its protective capabilities in a lighthearted manner. The demonstration uses readily available items to visualize the concept of ballistic protection.

This video explores a $5 upgrade for body armor using ceramic hexagonal tiles. The presenter tests if this modification can enhance the armor's ability to stop .308 Winchester rounds, building on a previous test where it stopped 5.56x45mm. The upgrade involves attaching ceramic tiles with duct tape to a base armor plate.

This video provides an expert overview of the new NIJ body armor standards, focusing on the differences between Level IV and the new Level III+ RF2 (GT) rating. It highlights the advantages of the lighter Level III+ RF2 for common threats encountered on the street, such as pistol-caliber carbines and short-barreled rifle rounds, while also discussing the continued relevance of Level IV for higher-threat scenarios. The video also briefly introduces a Level III ballistic helmet.

This video details the setup of a tactical war belt, focusing on magazine and medical gear placement. The presenter emphasizes the importance of accessible tourniquets and strategic magazine retention for speed reloads while preventing loss during movement.

This guide details a practical test of expired soft body armor, demonstrating its performance against handgun caliber rounds. Chief Instructor Ernie Medina of Tap Rack Bang, LLC, explains that while materials degrade, expired armor may still offer some protection, though it shouldn't be relied upon for primary duty use. The test highlights the importance of understanding ballistic warranties and material limitations.

This guide, based on insights from Dirty Civilian, emphasizes the critical need to manage optic signature in tactical scenarios. The speaker, demonstrating high authority and field testing experience, explains how reflections from optics like LPVOs, Red Dots, and ACOGs can easily reveal a shooter's position. The primary recommendation is to use optic covers (hex caps, scope caps) to mitigate this risk, a technique crucial for maintaining concealment during operations.

This video features a competitive yet educational drill comparing a modern AR-15 build against a retro CAR-15/M4, led by former Tier 1 operator Larry Vickers and civilian shooter Dirty Civilian. The drill focuses on rapid target engagement and transition techniques, utilizing shot timers for objective performance measurement. Vickers provides expert insights on accuracy and speed, highlighting practical application of skills and equipment considerations.

This video demonstrates the setup and use of a concealed, underground firing position in a wooded area. It highlights the effectiveness of camouflage and specialized optics like the RH25 thermal imager for maintaining stealth while engaging targets. The demonstration emphasizes situational awareness through multiple camera views, including a thermal perspective.

This guide details how to modify a closed-cell foam bed roll, specifically referencing the Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite style, for improved personal fit and reduced weight. Drew, from Dirty Civilian, demonstrates trimming the pad to suit his height, a technique born from practical field experience. This modification enhances packability and comfort for extended outdoor use.