Which Body Armor Should You Buy? Plate Carrier Setup (NIJ Ratings, Ballistics, Comparisons, & More)

Published on September 18, 2022
Duration: 29:56

This guide details setting up a plate carrier system, focusing on the T.Rex Arms AC1 and Hesco L210 plates. It covers placard configurations, medical gear integration, and crucial NIJ rating explanations provided by Kurt from Predator Armor. Proper plate placement for vital organ protection is emphasized, highlighting body armor as a critical tool for defense and training.

Quick Summary

Proper body armor plate placement is crucial for effective protection. Position the top of the plate approximately one inch below your collarbone to cover vital organs like the heart and lungs. This ensures maximum coverage of critical areas while allowing for necessary mobility during movement and action.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Primary Plate Carrier Setup
  2. 01:38Placard Options and Chest Rig Conversion
  3. 02:37Combat Setup and Medical Gear
  4. 06:08Understanding NIJ Body Armor Ratings
  5. 14:29Armor Materials: Steel vs. Ceramic vs. Poly
  6. 21:16Sizing, Placement, and Purpose

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different NIJ body armor ratings?

NIJ ratings are divided into handgun protection (Level IIA, II, IIIA) and rifle protection (Level III, IV). Level IIIA stops up to .44 Magnum, Level III stops 7.62 M80 rounds, and Level IV is rated for armor-piercing rounds like .30-06 M2AP.

What is the difference between Level III and Level IV body armor?

Level III armor is rated to stop rifle rounds like the 7.62x51mm M80. Level IV armor provides higher protection, specifically designed to defeat armor-piercing rounds such as the .30-06 M2AP.

What does 'Special Threat' mean for body armor?

'Special Threat' is an industry term, not an official NIJ rating, indicating that a plate can stop specific threats beyond standard NIJ levels, such as the 5.56x45mm M855 'green tip' round, often without the weight of a Level IV plate.

How should I position body armor plates in my carrier?

Proper plate placement is critical: the top of the plate should be about one inch below your collarbone to protect your heart and lungs. This placement balances protection with mobility, leaving the stomach area exposed.

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