Will the Cheapest Level IV Armor Save Your Life?

Published on July 14, 2021
Duration: 19:02

This video provides an expert-level assessment of the Battle Steel Level IV ballistic panel, testing its performance against severe threats like .30-06 AP rounds and high-volume fire. The instructor, an established subject matter expert, objectively details the panel's capabilities and limitations, highlighting its surprising performance for its approximately $100 price point despite a lack of official NIJ certification. The testing covers backface deformation, multi-hit resistance, and failure points, offering valuable insights for those considering budget-friendly armor options.

Quick Summary

The Battle Steel BS1012IV Level IV ballistic panel, priced around $100, surprisingly stopped .30-06 AP and 7.62x54R rounds, and endured 50 rapid 5.7x28mm hits, though it showed significant backface deformation and failed with closely grouped shots.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Battle Steel Armor
  2. 01:55.30-06 Black Tip Test
  3. 03:45Initial Results Analysis
  4. 06:577.62x54R Light Ball Test
  5. 07:517.62x54R Results
  6. 09:43P90 Mag Dump Test
  7. 10:04P90 Test Results
  8. 12:20Final Multi-Hit Failure Test
  9. 13:21Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the cheapest Level IV armor, like the Battle Steel BS1012IV, actually stop rifle rounds?

Yes, the Battle Steel BS1012IV Level IV plate demonstrated the capability to stop .30-06 black tip armor-piercing rounds and 7.62x54R light ball rounds from a distance of 10 feet, though with significant backface deformation.

What are the key specifications of the Battle Steel Level IV ballistic panel?

The Battle Steel BS1012IV Level IV plate is a Ceramic/Polyethylene composite, measures 10x12 inches, weighs 5.5 lbs, and has an approximate MSRP of $100. It is not officially NIJ certified.

How does the Battle Steel Level IV armor perform under high-volume fire?

In testing, the Battle Steel Level IV plate successfully stopped 50 rounds of 5.7x28mm V-MAX ammunition fired rapidly from an FN P90, indicating good multi-hit capability for pistol-caliber threats.

What are the limitations of budget-friendly Level IV armor like the Battle Steel plate?

The primary limitations observed were significant backface deformation and a failure point when rounds were closely grouped or impacted near the edge of the plate, highlighting the trade-offs for its lower cost.

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