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Posted: 3/18/2019 8:04:23 PM EDT
[#1]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I'm getting that. Deciding between 3610s and 3810s. The jump is hefty Quote HistoryQuoted:
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Y'all convinced me. Help a body armor newb pick a good plate carrier to start. Deciding between 3610s and 3810s. The jump is hefty If you've got the cash get the 3810. If you don't, save up. If you don't want to save up or you find the specs of the 3610 acceptable for your use then get the 3610. |
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Posted: 3/18/2019 8:09:47 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Isn't body armor illegal to WEAR in Ohio?? The only major laws I'm aware of concerning ownership/sale of armor within the U.S. is -
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Posted: 3/18/2019 8:11:43 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Isn't body armor illegal to WEAR in Ohio?? |
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Posted: 3/18/2019 8:14:49 PM EDT
[#4]
I'm certainly not aware of any law that prohibits armor to citizens. They sell armor at local gunshows, nobody says shit about it.
There may be laws about wearing armor while committing a crime. Not going to worry about it. ETA: Beat by RocketmanOU |
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Posted: 3/18/2019 8:20:20 PM EDT
[#5]
Kind of off topic but have always wondered. Which plate carriers have a system to QD the front parts, where the MOLLE/mags and such are?
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Posted: 3/18/2019 8:23:13 PM EDT
[#6]
Meh, I have mine because I was able to score a set of TAP Gamma+ plates off Ebay for $150 back when there were a ton of deals on em. I thought why the hell not.
I desperately need to replace my old carrier though. It's old school and the plates sit waaaaay too low. |
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Posted: 3/18/2019 8:25:33 PM EDT
[#7]
Imagine how much better off you will be if the dude who breaks into your house shoots you in your plates instead of your heart.
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Posted: 3/18/2019 8:25:55 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Also, just wanted to throw this out there - I know that plate carriers are the super cool "in" thing but don't discount a good soft armor vest. Handguns make up the vast majority (75%+) of street threats. Handguns and shotguns make up a large portion (~50% to 70% depending on source, debatable) of all firearms owned in the U.S. and a soft armor vest stops both. Plates offer limited coverage and are entirely inflexible. A soft armor vest will offer more coverage, be thinner (generally), and offer protection from a wide range of threats. Pricing for lower end but still decent stuff is typically ~$300 to $400 for a vest so it's not like they're a cost prohibitive option. There are also soft armor/plate carrier combination systems. Another option is adding soft cummerbund armor to a plate carrier, giving you side protection from handguns/frag. Granted you lose out on having a vented or super light cummerbund but everything is compromise, just depends on what you need. Just something to think about. Also, plate carriers make sense in an urban environment where an officer who frequently wears armor needs a light, cool solution and if a bullet strikes a non-vital area at the edge of a plate he is in a trauma center in an hour. We probably won’t have that support and need to protect the entire abdomen. |
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Posted: 3/18/2019 8:31:16 PM EDT
[#9]
For those of you that already have or are looking to buy steel plates, don't forget about some form of spall protection.
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Posted: 3/18/2019 8:36:38 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Kind of off topic but have always wondered. Which plate carriers have a system to QD the front parts, where the MOLLE/mags and such are? |
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Posted: 3/18/2019 8:51:37 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Just look up plate carriers that take placards, that's what it's called. |
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Posted: 3/18/2019 8:54:04 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
OHMY Got some details on that set up? |
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Posted: 3/18/2019 8:55:09 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Needs more Upgrayedd. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/47980/A08B9C2F-E1D5-4D10-B5A0-C738BE07AF29-851134.jpg Quote HistoryQuoted:
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I’ve upgraded since then https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/181959/BF6448D2-FBFD-458B-ACD2-E6B3681CF550-850810.jpg https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/47980/A08B9C2F-E1D5-4D10-B5A0-C738BE07AF29-851134.jpg |
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Posted: 3/18/2019 8:56:19 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Exactly. FUCK, it's not like we are talking thousands of dollars here. Either see the value in it and buy it, or don't. But I would make sure you have all the ammo mags, gear etc. basics covered before you consider armor. Quote HistoryQuoted:
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Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. |
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Posted: 3/18/2019 8:59:21 PM EDT
[#15]
I case it hasn't been said yet....
Better to have and not need...Than need and not have. I do some run and gun..I thought after several safety briefs that armor would be wise. I live close enough to the ghetto of Chicago that I thought armor would be wise. And than I thought anytime I may be shot at armor would be wise...So I decided to be wise and buy armor. |
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Posted: 3/18/2019 8:59:52 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Kind of off topic but have always wondered. Which plate carriers have a system to QD the front parts, where the MOLLE/mags and such are? |
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Posted: 3/18/2019 8:59:55 PM EDT
[#17]
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It was cheap Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
OHMY Got some details on that set up? |
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Posted: 3/18/2019 9:00:08 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Thanks Cake |
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Posted: 3/18/2019 9:04:17 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I bet |
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Posted: 3/18/2019 9:09:21 PM EDT
[#20]
Can you do placards on soft armor? Also, what are the better soft armor brands?
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Posted: 3/18/2019 9:13:07 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I think I paid 3 or 400 for a set of ceramics. I never use it But its nice to have just in case Ive spent more on stupid shit that Ive long forgotten about  |
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Posted: 3/18/2019 9:17:08 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Can you do placards on soft armor? Also, what are the better soft armor brands? The Mayflower (now owned by Velocity Systems) LPAC is an example. It is actually a PC/soft armor combo system but you don't have to wear plates in it, it just gives you the option to do so. |
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Posted: 3/18/2019 9:19:34 PM EDT
[#23]
I took classes that required a plate carrier or chest rig for mags. I figured if I have to have the carrier, might as well have what it’s suppsed to carry and train in it. I hope to God I never actually need it, but it’s nice to have it just in case.
My HD weapon is a pistol - I have kids and keep it in a VLine box under my bed - not comfortable with e rifle where kids can access. If I ever feel the need to get a rifle, which are all in the safe in my basement, and can get there, chances are I have time to also put on my armor. 99.999987% chance this will never happen, but if it does, I have it. I also have a bunch of food, water and medical supplies down there I hope to never need. So, I put armor in that same “have but hope to never need” category. |
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Posted: 3/18/2019 9:20:36 PM EDT
[#24]
If I bought body armor, my wife would say "What am I, chopped liver?", which means I'm not spending $300-$400, but double that.
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Posted: 3/18/2019 9:25:09 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Ferro Concepts Slickster, Crye JPC 2.0, Spiritus Systems PC just to name a few. |
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Posted: 3/18/2019 9:28:57 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
How sharp is you pocket knife? |
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Posted: 3/18/2019 9:29:48 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
That literally just depends on if the carrier is made for it or not. There's no physical reason you can't. The Mayflower (now owned by Velocity Systems) LPAC is an example. It is actually a PC/soft armor combo system but you don't have to wear plates in it, it just gives you the option to do so. Quote HistoryQuoted:
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Can you do placards on soft armor? Also, what are the better soft armor brands? The Mayflower (now owned by Velocity Systems) LPAC is an example. It is actually a PC/soft armor combo system but you don't have to wear plates in it, it just gives you the option to do so. 
Manufacturers that sell to non LEO/Mil. are:
ETA: There's also Body Armor Outlet. They've got several NIJ Cert models (likely private label for them, made by someone else) under their brand as well as being distributors for other brands. I don't know much about them myself so look around a bit. |
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Posted: 3/18/2019 9:43:45 PM EDT
[#28]
I don't understand why someone would own multiple guns for home defense but no armor.
To KISS just grab a Mayflower APC. OPTactical has a nice model with cushy 3d spacer mesh that is comfy (pro), but picks up crud and burrs if you wear it outside (con). They also have some clearance Velocity Systems and cheaper Mayflower stuff without the mesh which is fine if you won't be wearing it for hours. Then order a pair of lightweight 3+ plates from the NIJ list if money is no expense. If money is an expense then get a plate on the NIJ list that's rated for level 3 plus a special threat rating for 5.56 threats, or a level 4 (heavy  ). There's a bunch of options out there... IIRC Highcom, SKD Tactical (Carbine Plate), Midwest Armor all sell to civilians and are on the NIJ list, but double check before ordering.
If you feel the urge to get a backup set someday, consider a set of steel plates and another carrier. Use the steel plates to work out and train in, and they can also rattle around in the trunk of your car (not sensitive to heat or getting crushed). But get ceramic first. Another option is to grab a surplus NIJ3A vest from BulletProofMe. If you look at the FBI data the most common assaults are with pistols and shotguns, which 3A is rated for. 3A vests are also fairly concealable. |
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Posted: 3/18/2019 9:44:31 PM EDT
[#29]
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But it’s already the most ridiculous thing ARF has ever seen. How can you improve on that? So you can post while you post. |
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Posted: 3/18/2019 9:55:21 PM EDT
[#30]
Last year I bought a soft vest, a set of ceramic plates and an Esstac Daeodon. I've worn the soft armor out of the house exactly one time, to go and vote. I'll probably never use it and I profoundly don't care. It's one of those better to have it an not need it things.
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Posted: 3/18/2019 9:58:24 PM EDT
[#31]
Guard duty
Driving though dangerous areas Participation in political demonstrations Investigating a noise / disturbance outside Riots Using public shooting ranges |
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Posted: 3/18/2019 10:00:05 PM EDT
[#32]
So, I'm thinking of buying some PE plates to keep weight down (I know that they do not stop everything). I know I want multi curve. Do I want shooters cut or swimmer's cut or just regular?
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Posted: 3/18/2019 10:12:20 PM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
So, I'm thinking of buying some PE plates to keep weight down (I know that they do not stop everything). I know I want multi curve. Do I want shooters cut or swimmer's cut or just regular? "Regular" isn't a cut. I'm assuming you meant Full or Square cut, as in there's no shoulder cuts? Swimmers vs. Shooters/SAPI vs. Full cut is a personal preference thing. Steeper cuts allow for better ergonomics and lighter weight but at the cost of reduced coverage. Full cut plates are NOT recommended for use as a front plate, nothing wrong with wearing them on the back though. Note however that many carriers, depending on how tight the plate pockets are cut, will NOT accept Full cut plates. It mostly comes down to what you want and the level of coverage you find acceptable. Shooters/SAPI cut angles work for the majority of people but if you're serious about moderately better ergos, dropping as much weight as possible, and find the reduced coverage acceptable then Swimmers cut may be right for you. Just depends. |
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Posted: 3/18/2019 10:28:37 PM EDT
[#34]
You wouldn't have started this thread if you didn't want to buy it deep down. Better to have it than not.
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Posted: 3/18/2019 10:46:01 PM EDT
[#35]
I've given some serious consideration for body armor while at the range. I'm down to one lung so no spare, but it was nice to have one when the first one went.
Stuff happens, not much to do with damaged parts. It couldn't hurt. |
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Posted: 3/18/2019 10:55:52 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
By "don't stop everything" are you saying you're aware of exactly what they don't stop? Because M855 is what they don't stop. A fairly common CONUS threat. If that's acceptable to you that's fine, just making sure you know. "Regular" isn't a cut. I'm assuming you meant Full or Square cut, as in there's no shoulder cuts? Swimmers vs. Shooters/SAPI vs. Full cut is a personal preference thing. Steeper cuts allow for better ergonomics and lighter weight but at the cost of reduced coverage. Full cut plates are NOT recommended for use as a front plate, nothing wrong with wearing them on the back though. Note however that many carriers, depending on how tight the plate pockets are cut, will NOT accept Full cut plates. It mostly comes down to what you want and the level of coverage you find acceptable. Shooters/SAPI cut angles work for the majority of people but if you're serious about moderately better ergos, dropping as much weight as possible, and find the reduced coverage acceptable then Swimmers cut may be right for you. Just depends. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
So, I'm thinking of buying some PE plates to keep weight down (I know that they do not stop everything). I know I want multi curve. Do I want shooters cut or swimmer's cut or just regular? "Regular" isn't a cut. I'm assuming you meant Full or Square cut, as in there's no shoulder cuts? Swimmers vs. Shooters/SAPI vs. Full cut is a personal preference thing. Steeper cuts allow for better ergonomics and lighter weight but at the cost of reduced coverage. Full cut plates are NOT recommended for use as a front plate, nothing wrong with wearing them on the back though. Note however that many carriers, depending on how tight the plate pockets are cut, will NOT accept Full cut plates. It mostly comes down to what you want and the level of coverage you find acceptable. Shooters/SAPI cut angles work for the majority of people but if you're serious about moderately better ergos, dropping as much weight as possible, and find the reduced coverage acceptable then Swimmers cut may be right for you. Just depends. |
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Posted: 3/18/2019 10:59:59 PM EDT
[#37]
Are the lightweight level 3 plates from ar500 any good? I have a set of cheap steel plates, but damn they are so heavy, I would almost rather go without.
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Posted: 3/18/2019 11:12:29 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Are the lightweight level 3 plates from ar500 any good? I have a set of cheap steel plates, but damn they are so heavy, I would almost rather go without. RMA's III+ is 4.5 pounds for a SAPI Medium which is 9.5x12.5. Costs $225 at that size. Once you add multicurve and build up coat to the AR500 plate it's only a $56 difference per plate. |
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Posted: 3/18/2019 11:33:13 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Also, just wanted to throw this out there - I know that plate carriers are the super cool "in" thing but don't discount a good soft armor vest. Handguns make up the vast majority (75%+) of street threats. Handguns and shotguns make up a large portion (~50% to 70% depending on source, debatable) of all firearms owned in the U.S. and a soft armor vest stops both. Plates offer limited coverage and are entirely inflexible. A soft armor vest will offer more coverage, be thinner (generally), and offer protection from a wide range of threats. Pricing for lower end but still decent stuff is typically ~$300 to $400 for a vest so it's not like they're a cost prohibitive option. There are also soft armor/plate carrier combination systems. Another option is adding soft cummerbund armor to a plate carrier, giving you side protection from handguns/frag. Granted you lose out on having a vented or super light cummerbund but everything is compromise, just depends on what you need. Just something to think about. |
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Posted: 3/18/2019 11:40:08 PM EDT
[#40]
AR500 is cheap and effective. It does have some downsides though. It should stop most threats, but if the Retro Guys decide to rob your house with those 20" ARs you are screwed.
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Posted: 3/18/2019 11:45:00 PM EDT
[#41]
If you don’t have armor you’re wrong. If you don’t have a way to carry a combat load of 5.56, water, and food you’re wrong.
You’re failing as an American if you cannot fight effectively in said armor and fighting load. |
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Posted: 3/18/2019 11:54:41 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Also, just wanted to throw this out there - I know that plate carriers are the super cool "in" thing but don't discount a good soft armor vest. Handguns make up the vast majority (75%+) of street threats. Handguns and shotguns make up a large portion (~50% to 70% depending on source, debatable) of all firearms owned in the U.S. and a soft armor vest stops both. Plates offer limited coverage and are entirely inflexible. A soft armor vest will offer more coverage, be thinner (generally), and offer protection from a wide range of threats. Pricing for lower end but still decent stuff is typically ~$300 to $400 for a vest so it's not like they're a cost prohibitive option. There are also soft armor/plate carrier combination systems. Another option is adding soft cummerbund armor to a plate carrier, giving you side protection from handguns/frag. Granted you lose out on having a vented or super light cummerbund but everything is compromise, just depends on what you need. Just something to think about. |
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Posted: 3/18/2019 11:57:11 PM EDT
[#43]
You can find armor fairly cheap if you wait and watch.
I've picked up used sets of LE body armor and never used LE body armor from places like craigslist and FB market place. I usually pay about $50 for a complete vest. I recently scored two never worn sets of soft body armor for $80 shipped. RMA runs plates on sale for $100 every so often. I plan to move to light weight plates next. So if you really want to get into armor you can and it not cost a fortune. Personally my priority list would be suppressor, NVG, AR pistol, and then body armor. |
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Posted: 3/19/2019 12:01:25 AM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Any recommendations for under $300? I was looking at this one: https://www.kotaoutfitters.com/product-page/concealable-iii-a-protective-vest Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Also, just wanted to throw this out there - I know that plate carriers are the super cool "in" thing but don't discount a good soft armor vest. Handguns make up the vast majority (75%+) of street threats. Handguns and shotguns make up a large portion (~50% to 70% depending on source, debatable) of all firearms owned in the U.S. and a soft armor vest stops both. Plates offer limited coverage and are entirely inflexible. A soft armor vest will offer more coverage, be thinner (generally), and offer protection from a wide range of threats. Pricing for lower end but still decent stuff is typically ~$300 to $400 for a vest so it's not like they're a cost prohibitive option. There are also soft armor/plate carrier combination systems. Another option is adding soft cummerbund armor to a plate carrier, giving you side protection from handguns/frag. Granted you lose out on having a vented or super light cummerbund but everything is compromise, just depends on what you need. Just something to think about. |
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Posted: 3/19/2019 12:01:59 AM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Watching that NZ video makes adding the armor to this backpack seem a lot more appealing.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7eXBp564H4
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Posted: 3/19/2019 12:04:03 AM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Armor stops bullets. I have steel, which I admittedly never wear, but I'm going to get a ceramic set. I can't understand being a gun guy and not wanting armor. Shit if I had the money I'd buy a tank. |
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Posted: 3/19/2019 12:07:15 AM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
How many of those folks paid for theirs? Quote HistoryQuoted:
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Body armor has saved a lot of lives over the years, I can't think of any reason not to have it on some level. A huge thread here, lots of members entered the soft body armor game. to date I don't recall one reporting back the soft body armor buy saved their life. |
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Posted: 3/19/2019 12:10:16 AM EDT
[#48]
Quoted:
If you don't have armor you're wrong. If you don't have a way to carry a combat load of 5.56, water, and food you're wrong. You're failing as an American if you cannot fight effectively in said armor and fighting load. Quoted:
You can find armor fairly cheap if you wait and watch. I've picked up used sets of LE body armor and never used LE body armor from places like craigslist and FB market place. I usually pay about $50 for a complete vest. I recently scored two never worn sets of soft body armor for $80 shipped. RMA runs plates on sale for $100 every so often. I plan to move to light weight plates next. So if you really want to get into armor you can and it not cost a fortune. Personally my priority list would be suppressor, NVG, AR pistol, and then body armor. There's some good eBay deals to be had if you know what you're doing so you can avoid junk. Lots of UK Police surplus floating around. Problem is you usually don't get your pick of threat rating so it's a guessing game as to what exactly the vest will do until you get hands on with it except when the seller is intelligent enough to actually provide label pics. And you don't get your pick of materials and they usually don't bother describing weight and size measurements are another guessing game. Point being you get what you pay for with armor. If you really know your shit you can get good deals buying used/surplus stuff but you've got to know your shit. Lots of CAT Armor vests on there recently too going for $200 to $300. BALCS cut IIIA armor in MOLLE carriers. It's good shit. |
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Posted: 3/19/2019 12:17:49 AM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You can't imagine a big storm or other natural or man-made disaster that knocks out power and and services, and puts every man for himself for a few days? When you're doing looty patrol in your neighborhood, having some body armor on might be very comforting. I brought my own soft armor to Katrina. IMO, if you are not accustomed to wearing armor, you won't. |
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Posted: 3/19/2019 12:20:32 AM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I had a cover made for a used LE vest panel I bought iirc from APEX a decade ago. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v492/Bamashooter/Bullet%20Proof%20Backpack%202014/20141025_173819_zps94860aa6.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v492/Bamashooter/Bullet%20Proof%20Backpack%202014/20141025_173803_zpse3952aee.jpg If I thought I might face an active shooter in my neighborhood a plate carrier and armor might be a great investment and not just a want to have because it is cool (which is still totally justifiable IMO). I think a panel in a backpack can be justified pretty easily and would way more likely to become useful even with the odds still stacked that you wouldn't need it. IDK Seems reasonable to me right now though. |
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