Polyethylene plates? > Tactical Gear

Posted: 3/30/2006 8:10:44 PM EDT

They seem to be the lightest. Is that true?

Is the only downside that they are 1 inch thick?

They are 3lbs for Level-III

www.chiefsupply.com/ba-armorplates.phtml

My current Level-III plates are 6.75lbs each in 10x12.

Posted: 3/31/2006 1:24:07 PM EDT

[#1]

I seem to recall that the polyethelene plates stop M193 type ammo, but NOT M855/other 7.62x39 steel core/AP ammo. Check with the manufacturer to be sure.

Posted: 3/31/2006 5:55:14 PM EDT

[#2]

^^^^ he is right.....very light but dont stop the hardcore stuff

Posted: 3/31/2006 5:59:36 PM EDT

[#3]

So sounds bad for middle east and africa, but a good choice for domestic LE?

Posted: 3/31/2006 6:14:19 PM EDT

[#4]

Quoted:
So sounds bad for middle east and africa, but a good choice for domestic LE?

Nope. I would definately be prepared to stop M855, .308, 7.63x39, etc. This ammo is readily available stateside. Getting wheeled into the ER because you got shot with a deer rifle would be a pretty crappy time to think: "Gee, I should have cowboyed-up and bought the heavier stuff."

Posted: 3/31/2006 6:24:25 PM EDT

[#5]

But that is not true. It will stop M80 ball and 7.62x39. Even in the level-III version:

www.protecharmored.com/tactical/plates/polyethylene.asp

Posted: 3/31/2006 6:27:41 PM EDT

[#6]

They have Poly III+ standalone. That is only not rated for .30-06 AP and 7.62x54 AP.

Posted: 4/3/2006 2:19:33 PM EDT

[#7]

Looks to me that these could have some potential. How long until they start producing vehicles with this kind of armor?

-K

Posted: 4/3/2006 2:25:46 PM EDT

[#8]

Why, is AAC getting in the armor business?

Posted: 4/3/2006 2:31:51 PM EDT

[#9]

How in the Hell do they manage to stop 308 with polyethylene? My FAL will burn a 308 through 1/2 inch mild steel! Holy shit it must be magic!

Posted: 4/3/2006 3:59:00 PM EDT

[#10]

I understand that they are susceptible to damage if left in extreme heat (ie locked trunk/car interior) and lose their ballistic ability.

Posted: 4/5/2006 4:24:50 PM EDT

[#11]

They are Spectra, the same material used in some body armor. And yes, they will stop M80 ball at 2750 FPS. Depending on the panel, however, it may not stop steel-cored rounds from even a 7.62 x 39, and almost certainly will not stop any rifle caliber AP round. M855. by the way, is considered a lesser threat level than M193, which is one of the rounds specified by the DOJ for Level III certification.

Posted: 4/7/2006 2:13:47 PM EDT

[#12]

Quoted:
So sounds bad for middle east and africa, but a good choice for domestic LE?

I know too many officers killed with 7.62x39, you need better protection if you are moving up into the world of plates.

Posted: 4/7/2006 5:56:29 PM EDT

[#13]

Poly plates will stop 7.62x39. They are Level-III rated. I am not sure why people think they won't.

Posted: 4/7/2006 7:56:17 PM EDT

[#14]

Quoted:
Poly plates will stop 7.62x39. They are Level-III rated. I am not sure why people think they won't.

There's a difference between regular lead core 7.62x39 and steel cored 7.62x39.

Posted: 4/7/2006 8:00:07 PM EDT

[#15]

Is steel-core 7.62x39 common in the US? I assumed it was not. That is why I asked about the plates being ok in the US but not in the middle east or africa where I assume that ammo is more common.

Posted: 4/8/2006 6:35:15 PM EDT

[#16]

Quoted:
Is steel-core 7.62x39 common in the US? I assumed it was not. That is why I asked about the plates being ok in the US but not in the middle east or africa where I assume that ammo is more common.

Steel core ammo is DIRT cheap, and available anywhere. You can assume that anyone who is using 7.62x39 as a weapon understands is abilities.

It is very common in the US.

Posted: 4/8/2006 7:09:27 PM EDT

[#17]

Ok, sorry. If that is the case, then yes -- one would want protection from it if they had a rifle plate.

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