Want to keep bullets outside your body, where they belong?
There’s some scary stuff out there, and figuring out all the jargon and science surrounding body armor isn’t easy.
Fortunately for you, we’ve been testing and wearing body armor for years, and we’re more than happy to break it all down for you. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to make an informed decision and pick the best body armor for your personal needs.
Ready? Let’s go!
THE QUICK LIST
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Editor’s Pick
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Best Lightweight Soft Armor
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Best Premium Soft Armor
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Best Steel for Movement
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Best Rifle-Rated UHMWPE
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Best Premium Ceramic
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Best Concealable
Table of Contents
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Body Armor Comparison Chart
| NIJ Rating | Threat Protection | Material | Weight | Cut / Curve | Price | |
| Mira Tactical Level IV | Level IV | Armor-piercing rifle | UHMWPE | 5.9 lbs | Shooters / single | $139 – $249 |
| Safe Life Multi-Threat Level IIIA Vest | HG2 | Handgun | Para-aramid | N/A | N/A | $599 |
| RTS Tactical Ceramic Level IV | Level IV | Armor-piercing rifle | Ceramic | 6.3 lbs / 3.5 lbs | Shooters / single | $269 |
| RMA Level IV Multi-Curve | Level IV | Armor-piercing rifle | Ceramic | 8.2 lbs / 11 lbs | Shooters, swimmers / multi | $179 |
| Safe Life Defense FRAS | N/A | Rifle | Alumina oxide | 16 lbs (2 panels) | N/A | $1599 |
| Spartan Armor AR550 | RF2 | Rifle | Steel | 8 – 11 lbs | Shooters, high-mobility / single, multi | $107 |
| Spartan Armor Elaphros Level III UHMWPE | Level III | Rifle | UHMWPE | 3.4 lbs | Shooters / multi | $649 |
| Velocity Systems Special Threat Ceramic Plates | N/A | Armor-piercing rifle | Ceramic | 6 lbs | Shooters / multi | $334 |
| Premier Body Armor Everyday Armor Shirt 2.0 | Level IIIA | Handgun | Para-aramid | 2 lbs | N/A | $289 |
How We Tested the Best Body Armor
For this article, we narrowed our search down to body armor that balanced protection level, ergonomics/comfort, and value. From there, it was time to test!
We evaluated each product here while performing activities that require a range of motion, from dry fire drills to running. From there, we took all the body armor to an outdoor range with a ballistic gel torso, where we shot it with 9mm, .45 ACP, .357 Magnum, .223 Rem/5.56 NATO (including M855 green tip), 7.62×39, and .30-06 Sprg black tip.
We assessed the ballistic gel torso after each firing round and noted penetration or any other types of damage.
Best Body Armor
1. Mira Tactical Level IV – Editor’s Pick
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Decent weight and thickness
- NIJ-rated at Level IV
- 10-year extended warranty
Cons
- Expensive
Specs
- NIJ Rating: Level IV
- Threat Protection: Armor-piercing rifle
- Material: UHMWPE
- Weight: 5.9 lbs
- Cut / Curve: Shooters / single
- Warranty: 10 yrs
We love our Mira gas masks (find those in our Best Gas Masks article), but how good are the brand’s Level IV plates?
Long story short, this was the only Level IV plate in our test to survive two direct M2AP hits. That’s seriously impressive.
Our starting Tula 7.62×39 rounds didn’t cause any issues, although a noticeable amount of ceramic was blown out.
The next round, this time a dose of 7.62 NATO, took out another chunk of ceramic but had no exit in the backface. There was a decently noticeable deformation in the back, though.
The second 7.62 NATO shot somehow got deflected upward. Let’s give credit where it’s due; not many plates can stand up to those impacts.
Out of four .223 Rem rounds, only the last one got through after the previous three seriously compromised the area. That’s about what we expected, if not better.
At this point, we were afraid the plate was not going to survive any .30-06 Sprg M2AP black-tip rounds.
It caught the first one, which tied it with the previous ceramic plates. Amazingly, it then caught a second one.
Very impressed!
They are pretty light at under 6 pounds per plate, and they’re just under an inch thick so you shouldn’t have fitment issues with a plate carrier.
If you’re looking at an all-around Level IV ceramic plate, the Mira Tactical Level IV is a great choice.
2. Safe Life Defense Level 3A Vest – Best Lightweight Soft Armor
Editor’s Note: Use code PEWPEW10 at checkout for 10% off.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Super comfortable
- Good coverage
- Strike- and slash-resistant
Cons
- Expensive
Specs
- NIJ Rating: HG2 (Level IIIA)
- Threat Protection: Handgun
- Material: Para-aramid
- Weight: N/A
- Cut / Curve: N/A
- Warranty: 5 yrs (panels and plates), 2 yrs (carriers and vests), replace if hit within 5 yrs
The Safe Life Defense Multi-Threat Vest in Level IIIA gives you a lot of coverage on your torso and sides.
It’s a light, comfortable, all-in-one solution that’s super concealable.
Plus, it’s strike- and slash-resistant. It seems like soft armor that can stop a bullet should be able to stop a knife, but that’s not always the case. We’re glad this one can handle blades and bullets.
It comes in other variants, including First Response, High-Vis, and Tactical Molle.
We wore it around the office to see how it feels after a workday, and it’s very comfortable.
3. RTS Tactical Ceramic Level IV – Best Budget Ceramic
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Affordable (for ceramic)
- Level IV protection
Cons
- Thick and heavy
Specs
- NIJ Rating: Level IV
- Threat Protection: Armor-piercing rifle
- Material: Ceramic
- Weight: 6.3 lbs
- Cut / Curve: Shooters / single
- Warranty: Replace if hit within 5 yrs
RTS Tactical is a relative newcomer, but the company has made a name for itself with ultra-affordable ceramic level IV armor. Their prices have gone up since then, but they’re still not bad.
They’re more than an inch thick, so check your plate carrier to make sure there’s room.
The 6.3-pound weight is ok, but you’ll need a tactical plate carrier rather than something more minimalist since it likely won’t be able to hold it. My Crye JPC 2.0 did not like it at all.
An initial 7.62×39 shot landed dead center, and the plate has very little cavitation.
However, additional hits from 7.62 NATO M80 caused severe damage and effectively put the plate out of commission.
Some .223 Rem rounds started deflecting, and the .30-06 Sprg black tip round cut the plate in half — something we didn’t see with other Level IV plates.
Unfortunately, our sequence of rounds didn’t lend the plate well to a direct black tip hit to start off with, but for the price, it did really well against 7.62×39.
If you’re going the affordable route and are primarily concerned with 7.62×39 ammunition and below, check out their plate/carrier combos.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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4. RMA Level IV Multi-Curve – Best Value
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Affordable
- Minimal backface deformation
Cons
- Heavy and thick
Specs
- NIJ Rating: Level IV
- Threat Protection: Armor-piercing rifle
- Material: Ceramic
- Weight: 8.3 lbs
- Cut / Curve: Shooters, swimmers / multi
- Warranty: 10 yrs, replace if hit within 10 yrs
Is RMA really the king of armor?
Our first 7.62×39 round took a good chunk of ceramic but didn’t reach the backface. On all other plates, we could see the backing material. There was no backface deformation that we could tell.
One of the two 7.62 NATO M80 shots managed to sneak one round through when it hit very close to a previous round.
The same thing occurred with .223 Rem as the plate got more and more damaged.
However, the plate stopped M2AP black tip with almost no rear deformation. That bodes well for its ability to handle single hits from most rifles.
A second round of Black Tip was not a good time, though.
Their Level IV plates come in at a super hefty 8 pounds per plate and are 1 inch thick.
The price is good at around $180 per plate. They’re a little heavier than some, but rear deformation is almost nonexistent for the shots it stopped. If you’re looking for solid multi-hit protection, you might want to move on.
5. Safe Life Defense Flexible Rifle Armor System – Best Premium Soft Armor
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Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Soft and flexible
- Good coverage
Cons
- Thick and heavy
Specs
- NIJ Rating: N/A
- Threat Protection: Rifle
- Material: Alumina oxide
- Weight: 16 lbs
- Cut / Curve: N/A
- Warranty: 5 yrs, replace if hit within 5 yrs
The Safe Life Defense FRAS is much thicker and heavier than the brand’s regular Level IIIA vest, but it’s still reasonably soft and bendy where it counts — certainly more comfy than hard plates.
This system covers much more of your torso compared with plates. The weight is around the same as going with a light carrier and plates (about 16 pounds).
Safe Life Defense describes this as rifle armor, but doesn’t list an NIJ rating for gunfire. You can get more protection for way less than $1,500, so who is this thing for?
This seems like a great option for people who are concerned about pistol fire — and potentially lots of it — but don’t want to deal with hard plates. Maybe you’re going to layer it with a garment, or maybe you just don’t want to look like part of the military. Either way, it’s good to have options.
6. Spartan Armor AR550 – Best Steel for Movement
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- NIJ-certified
- Good mobility
- Affordable
Cons
- Heavy
Specs
- NIJ Rating: RF2 (between Level III and Level IV)
- Threat Protection: Rifle
- Material: Steel
- Weight: 8 – 11 lbs
- Cut / Curve: Shooters, high-mobility / single, multi
- Warranty: 5 yrs
Another big player in the AR500 steel game is Spartan Armor. We think these offer better mobility than AR500 Armor.
They also use a nicer feeling/looking coating comparatively and a rubbery material on the back…if that matters.
We’d go with their Level III+ plates for rifle protection.
The biggest knock against steel armor is the risk of spalling, or fragmentation created when a bullet strikes the steel surface.
Certain coatings can mitigate this, but it’s still a deal-breaker for some people. If that’s you, stick to ceramic of UHMWPE plates.
We recommend upgrading these plates with the Full Coat Frag Mitigation Coating for that exact reason. It will increase the weight of your plates, but it will protect you from spalling.
7. Spartan Armor Elaphros Gen 2 – Best Rifle-Rated UHMWPE
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Rifle-rated
- Lightweight
Cons
- Doesn't stop M855
Specs
- NIJ Rating: Level III
- Threat Protection: Rifle
- Material: UHMWPE
- Weight: 3.4 lbs
- Cut / Curve: Shooters / multi
- Warranty: 5 yrs
Editor’s Note: We tested the Gen 1, but since our testing, Spartan Armor has discontinued the Gen 1 and replaced it with the Gen 2. Specs are similar, which is why we’re including our throughts based on the Gen 1.
If you want ultra-light protection that still will defend you against rifle threats, check out Spartan Armor Elaphros lightweight Level III UHMWPE body armor.
Spartan Armor designed these plates for professionals who need maximum maneuverability, but still want great protection from rifle fire at an extended distance. They’re also stab-resistant for close-quarters protection and are multi-shot rated.
These plates weigh in at a mere 3.5 pounds per 10×12 plate.
It took Tula 7.62×39 like a champ but had extensive backface deformation from 7.62 NATO.
Stopping Wolf .223 was so easy that we actually had a difficult time finding the impacts. Although the Elaphros isn’t rated for M193, it survived that, as well. It did not stop M855.
If Level III is all you need, this will do the trick.
Spartan offers a 5-year warranty, and these plates have a 5-year shelf life.
8. Velocity Systems Special Threat Ceramic Plates – Best Premium Ceramic
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Pros
- Trusted by law enforcement and military
- Rated for multiple strikes
- Form-fitting
Cons
- Heavy
Specs
- NIJ Rating: N/A
- Threat Protection: Armor-piercing rifle
- Material: Ceramic
- Weight: 6 lbs
- Cut / Curve: Shooters / multi
- Warranty: N/A
Velocity Systems body armor is top of the line and trusted by law enforcement and military personnel.
These ceramic plates are multi-strike rated, and tested against 7.62×39 steel core, 7.62 NATO M80, 5.56 NATO M855, and 5.56 NATO M193. That puts this armor at around RF2 (somewhere between Level III and level IV), though Velocity doesn’t specify.
These plates only come in a 10×12 inch traditional cut size, but they’re triple curved to hug the contour of your body and are just 0.6 inches thick.
Each plate weighs 6 pounds, which does put them on the heavier–but more protective–end of things. The biggest drawback is the price: more than $300 a plate.
9. Premier Body Armor Everyday Armor Shirt 2.0 – Best Concealable
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Super low-visibility
- On-body protection
- Comfortable
Cons
- No side protection
- Warm in hot weather
Specs
- NIJ Rating: Level IIIA
- Threat Protection: Handgun
- Material: Para-aramid
- Weight: 2 lbs
- Cut / Curve: N/A
- Warranty: 5 yrs (armor), 1 yr (shirt)
When we want the most covert body armor possible, we put on an Premier Body Armor Everyday Armor Shirt.
These shirts are way more comfortable than a vest, and offer Level IIIA protection for your vital organs. They fit snug to keep the soft armor inserts in place.
Each shirt comes with two soft Level IIIA inserts that you can remove to wash it.
The one critique we have (aside from the price) is that this system gets toasty on a warm day. But hey, what body armor doesn’t?
Best Body Armor Accessories
In addition to body armor itself, we have some recommendations for accessories that will help it perform better and feel more comfortable.
There are also some pretty unconventional forms of body armor that we think you should see, too!
Trauma Pads
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Body armor plates are only designed to stop a bullet, not to make it an enjoyable experience. Imagine taking a big-league pitcher’s fastball to the sternum like that bird at the Diamondbacks spring training in 2001.
One way of mitigating the soreness is by wearing a trauma pad, like the AR500 Trauma Pad, under your armor.
These non-ballistic pads don’t provide additional protection against bullets. Instead, they instantly harden upon impact, decreasing the amount of energy transferred from your armor to your body.
AR500 offers trauma pads cut to match all of their different plate sizes, so all you have to do is match them to your plates.
RTS Tactical Level III+ Rifle Special Threats Mini Shield
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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If you prefer Captain America to Iron Man, we have some ballistic alternatives for you! RTS Tactical has a series of shields, and we’ve tested them.
These steel shields have a handle, a trauma pad to protect the forearm, and a retention strap. They are easy to use and comfortable to wear, depending on your strength.
They come in small, medium and large sizes.
You can check out the full review, but the bottom line is that we were impressed with how they performed. We shot one with 9mm, .45 ACP, M855 green tip, and even some shotgun slugs.
Nothing got through.
Actually, the shield barely even looked worse for wear. The exterior lost some of its finish but the steel was hardly even dented. The handle got a little loose after all the knocking around, but we were able to tighten it right up with basic hand tools.
RTS Tactical Bulletproof Memory Foam Pillow
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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I can see where you might be scratching your head with this one. We were too at first, but we shot it anyway!
These pillows are memory foam and actually very comfortable to sleep on (tested). They also stop IIIA threats.
Ours caught 9mm, .45 ACP, and 12ga slugs, but M855 zipped right through because these pillows are not rated for rifles.
The idea of a ballistic pillow is interesting. Say you hear something go bump in the middle of the night, a pillow is one of the closest things to you.
You could respond with a firearm in one hand and, using the included handle, a pillow in the other. The tactics are very similar to the shields above.
Premier Body Armor Bulletproof Backpack Armor
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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While wearing body armor on your, well, body, is the best way to protect yourself, we realize that it’s not always practical – especially for kids. For those situations, we love the Premier Body Armor Bulletproof Backpack Armor.
You can slip this universal soft armor into any backpack that’s big enough to hold it to add a layer of protection to your daily routine.
Premier Body Armor also offers armor specifically cut for certain bags from Eberlestock, Vertx, and Viktos. That includes backpacks, sling pads, and even fanny packs.
How to Pick the Best Body Armor
Those are our favorites. But how do you know which one is right for you?
Ultimately, it comes down to your protection needs, budget, and body.
Let’s cut through all the political arguments, technical terms, and marketing lingo to make sense of it all.
Body Armor Laws in the U.S.
Yes, civilians are allowed to own body armor in the U.S. There are some restrictions regarding convicted felons and local laws, but those are relatively few and far between.
In fact, body armor is nothing new.
There have been a few attempts to restrict body armor ownership in the U.S., but we’re in the clear for now.
Yes, Body Armor Can Be Comfortable
Aside from cost, most people probably avoid using body armor because they’re concerned about being uncomfortable after spending all that money.
Factors like plate curvature, shoulder strap padding, and breathable materials will all contribute to a more comfortable fit.
A lot of that has to do with choosing your plate carrier, so just focus on getting the right size and shape of body armor for now.
Sizing Body Armor
There isn’t really an industry standard when it comes to sizing plates, and wrong-sized plates usually can’t be returned for safety reasons, so you want to get it right the first time.
Make sure that the armor plate touches your sternal notch (follow down from your Adam’s apple to where you’ll gag when you press in) and reaches almost to the bottom of your rib cage.
You’ll want the width to cover your nipples. It’s going to fit a lot higher than you expect.
The point of armor is to protect your heart and lungs, not your guts.
Cuts & Shapes
Most manufacturers produce armor in just a handful of shapes, but you’ll choose depending on the type of coverage you’re looking for and your body’s unique shape and motions.
- Rectangular: These plates offer the most coverage but the least mobility. They’re primarily popular for back plates since they cover so much.
- SAPI: These plates offer a lot of the same coverage as rectangular plates, but the upper corners are removed to give you a better range of motion.
- Shooter: These plates are similar to the SAPI, but the corners are cut more aggressively. Some have one side that’s shaped differently to accommodate a buttstock for right or left-handed shooters.
- Swimmer: These plates are aggressively cut down on all corners, offering the least protection but the most mobility.
Again, it might vary among manufacturers who come up with their own cutesy names.
Curvature
Your body is curved, so it’s well worth your comfort to spring for plates that match, even if it’s a few dollars more.
Most plates have a curve from side to side. Some curve from top to bottom, as well, and these are commonly called multi-curve.
Flat plates exist, too. They can be good for back armor, but you may still find that uncomfortable.
Choose what fits your body best. If it feels a little awkward when you first put it on, it might be downright intolerable after an hour.
Body Armor Materials
In addition to deciding what size and shape of body armor you want, you have to pick its material — and you have lots of options.
Soft Body Armor
Soft armor is very comfortable and does a good job of stopping pistol-caliber rounds and some shrapnel. It’s what you see most police officers wearing.
You’ll usually find it in complete vests, but you can also get inserts for bags, plate carriers, or shirts.
Steel Body Armor
Steel plates are affordable and extremely durable, but they have some significant drawbacks.
One is weight; these plates are seriously heavy.
The main issue is the risk of spalling. If a bullet can’t penetrate a steel plate, it has to go somewhere and bullets don’t bounce. Instead, they splatter into small, sharp pieces that redirect along the plate’s surface.
Even if the round doesn’t penetrate your armor, you’re going to have a bad day if sharp metal hits your throat and face. Just ask our test dummy.
Spray-on coatings reduce this risk for a price. If you ask us, they’re a mandatory upgrade. Even then, there’s some level of risk involved, especially in the event of multiple strikes.
Ceramic Body Armor
Want to use what the military uses? Go for ceramic plates. They’re extremely effective and offer a decent balance between weight and protection.
The trade-off is that ceramic plates are the most expensive and the bulkiest.
Surprisingly, ceramic plates are great at catching bullets but they’re still somewhat fragile. If you drop them or fall on something while wearing it, you may need to replace it.
Ceramic body armor is mostly rated for a single hit or multiple hits not in the same area.
UHMWPE Body Armor
Plastic may not seem very good at stopping gunfire, but it falls somewhere between ceramic and steel on factors like cost and durability. UHMWPE plates weigh about 3 pounds — and they float!
Like ceramic plates, these are a great deal thicker than steel counterparts.
Common rounds, like the M855 green tip, may punch through plastic, but it offers protection against most pistol calibers. It stands up to repeated shots about as well as ceramic.
Want to learn more? Check out our article comparing Ceramic vs. UHMWPE body armor.
Body Armor and Threat Levels
Hollywood might have you believe that all so-called bullet-proof vests are the same, but there are critical differences in the protection various body armor offers.
The National Institute of Justice has standards that allow us to compare products from different manufacturers.
Until recently, that involved terms like Level II, Level IIIA, Level III, and Level IV.
In 2024, we got new NIJ body armor standards to account for changes in the kinds of threats we face. These are the more intuitively named HG1, HG2, RF1, RF2, and RF3 (HG stands for handgun, RF stands for rifle).
These are all designed for different lifestyles and threat levels. If you want maximum comfort and mobility, you’re probably looking at HG1 (Level II) body armor. If you want protection against rifles, skip to RF-rated body armor (Level III or higher).
Meet the Experts
This article comes t your from former Jr. Editor Allison Goodwin. Allison got a taste of sport shooting in 4-H Club, and has been shooting most of her life. She also has a soft spot for survivalism and loves learning new prepping skills.
Editing this article is Scott Murdock. Scott is a Marine Corps veteran who competed and qualified as a rifle and pistol expert while in service. In addition to shooting, Scott has written for a variety of publications, testing, researching, and evaluating guns and gear. He brings that knowledge and skillset to this article, editing and fact-checking for accuracy.
Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Instructor as well as a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical.
Final Thoughts
Choosing body armor isn’t something that should be taken lightly. After all, it’s your life you’re entrusting to a few inches of steel, ceramic, or plastic, so you want to feel confident in your decision.
What’s your favorite body armor? Let us know in the comments. Need help putting all your gear together? Check out our guide on How to Set Up Your Plate Carrier!
Latest Updates
- June 2025: Removed discontinued AR500 Armor products and unavailable Safariland and US Armor ballistic panels. Added the Premier Body Armor Everyday Armor Shirt 2.0. Updated and restructured supporting content.
- October 2024: Added information on how we tested and a comparative analysis.
- March 2024: Removed Advanced Slickster Plate Carrier.
- October 2023: Removed AR500 Lightweight UHMWPE.
80 Leave a Reply
Are there any light weight(Ti) plates abailable from anyone? I have armor shirts, vests, plate carriers etc from the 80s, 90s, 2000,-2015. Most are heavy and hot, I live-in the SW. Don't want to trash them , but only make them better! Please let me know what you would advise! Thanks
Robert, these are the ones we've tested and are familiar with though we update our articles frequently. Generally speaking, anything with a Level IV rating is still going to be a few pounds.
Try looking into armor for other parts of the body, like stomach, neck. Groin and so on.
I was having the same thoughts as well on this issue
Please have a look at the soft and hard armor by Legacy Safety and Security, LLC. Excellent armor at really good prices.
Love to see one of these on JUST Plate Carriers
I am almost positive Ar500 ceramic plates are manufactured by RMA.
Hey folks:
I'm a "new-bee" to firearms, and after reading about the armour, I am wondering if I wore like, 5 Level 4 plates in my carrier, would that stop a 50 BMG round @ 100-yards (or @ 200-yards), or should I look for something more substantial? Thank you in advance.
This article is trash. Most of these are. Not one leading manufacturer of most common leaders in the industry. For anyone looking for all encompassing resource for firearms, training, knowledge and gear, dump this website and go to T.Rex Arms. Way more valuable insight
You said "Valuble insight" so I went there, read a little, watched a couple of their YouTube videos and there is a serious lack of ANYTHING remotely knowledgeable anyone with a shred of knowledge would deem 'valuable insight'.
Why would anyone listen to a bunch of civilian kids with no oversees experience (w/ one that spent a few years as a LEO) about gear (particularly combat gear) that don't know good gear from the hole in their ass? F.... m0r0n...
I went to T.Rex Arms and read / watched some content.
Question: Why would any mature adult male with any real experience take advice from kids that look like they're not old enough to legally drink beer? Not a single one of them said anything even remotely close to anything that would deem them knowledgeable whatsoever. "Valuble insight" LOL okay...
I would love to see a review on
Hesco hard body armor
Agilite gear hard body armor
Up against sparton armor or another preferable ceramic hard plate company.
I'm confused about the "Shelf Life" of steel plates. I bought Level 4 steel plates with Spall Guard 3 years ago for my JPC 2.0 Carrier. Its stored in my 5.11 duffle bag in a basement with dehumidification. How could it not last ??
There is no such thing as lv4 steel. only "3+". that said, in a temperature controlled environment with limited humidity, both steel and ceramic plates would last decades. I have one from 1995 that shows no signs of decay.
The more I think about this article the more I'm convinced that it's more geared to sell than inform. If it was intended to inform it would lead with steel plates are deadly and spalling is dangerous. As a matter of fact spalling is mentioned so far down and so briefly that too many wouldn't consider how deadly steel plates are. Pew Pew should look into getting different sponsors if that's how it decides to cover a topic. I get it's how you pay the bills but there should be lines that aren't crossed and pushing unsafe products should be one of those lines. Done with my rant.
Still using a Point Blank Soft Armor if the need arises. I'd like to get a PC and Level IV plates, but I balk at spending that much at my age and limited mobile. Limited income means I'll probably have to go with Level III or III+, for use with our community response group.
Does the Safe Life Multi-Threat Vest in Level 3A come with the Amish Farmer ZZ Top beard or is that an option?
Are steel plates really worth all the weight and more importantly the risk of spalling? I'm wondering why this list doesn't consider a company such as Shotstop and their duritium plates? Duritium is lighter than steel and more durable than ceramic, plus it has less risk of spalling. So why not spend the extra bucks for peace of mind?
So I'm still looking for an ideal solution - Level 3A/Plus concealment vest with plate pockets for ceramic Level 4s. Ideally, concealable small caliber rifle protection with the holders for Level 4 plates should the occasion require, trading heavy protection for concealability but offering both. Any thoughts?
Why is there no concern for protecting the belly? A person on bleed out quickly if shot in the belly.
Heart and lungs are immediate?
Good review, but seems a little biased. Most civilians aren’t going to be able to carry steel plates with a full load out. What about HESCO and DFNDR plates?
Hesco I wouldn't trust because they've had multiple plates permanently removed off the NIJ list
DFNDR is gtg
Want to know the easiest way to avoid having your plates fail and get delisted? just don't certify them to begin with.
The best body armor is a big bullet coming at ya.
check at outdoorammos on google
Very helpful article. While I didn't go with the recommendations here, I did observe my local shop test on the set of level IV and carrier that I did acquire. Thank you, as it helped me determine what I needed at that time.
Reading Johnny's feedback, I think he has it right. With all the stuff going on in public spaces, something to slip on and head to the office or walmart is going to become more in demand and certainly something I am interested in. Can't really wear ceramic plates to the store and not be noticed, lol.
So, for the more casual and not expecting trouble everyday wear, what is on the market that can be trusted? I see a lot of links for "ballistic clothing" and "bullet proof clothing" but I wouldn't trust any of that. Is there casual jackets with a level II or better protection?
Now that the
Good article, but with Safe Lifes Flexible Plates, and now their HyperLine armor, you should update it! I have a IIIA+ by Safe Life, and bought my son an FRAS. My wife will probably go with the Hyper Line. No more heavy, clunky, poor coverage armor!
Have you done any testing with LA Police Gear plates or Botach Tactical Battle Steel plates? They offer affordable level III, III+ & IV plates ($99 - $189)
Are there any updates as products have changed since this was originally written?
Best bang for the buck? Best soft armor protection?
I have a leather riding vest. It has 2 front zip up pockets to fit 8x12 plates to either front side and a 15 x 20 in back. Considering these sizes, it looks to me that a plate to carry in either does not exist. An 8x 10 in both fronts may work but leaves a lot of gap up the chest area. For the rear/back the closest i have found is a 11x14 or 11x15. Does anyone make a 15x20 or am i lookung to dbl up with 2 - 10x 15. Any suggestions?
Does the Safe Life FRAS actually work or is it BS like Dragon Skin turned out to be?
it's BS - they stole the design from Stealth Armor Systems with the Hexar plates - plus SLD misleads people in their marketing - they have only ONE actual plate on the NIJ list - most of their junk is just chinesium
There's a lot to take in here. So, even reading (or trying to) all of this still leaves me intensely confused. Is there soft armor with pockets for plates for added protection? Maybe IIIA with front and rear pockets?
It’s hilarious how hard you guys shill for AR500. Won’t even approve comments lmao
Hey crew,
Appreciate all the work and testing and reporting you do. As an owner of a media outlet in a different hobby, and who regularly does group tests, shootouts, or best of reviews, this is kinda discrediting to the rest of your Channel. I’ve read/watched lots and and your input sway decisions, yet after reading what is titled as a best armor review, which would have me thinking about what I should buy, this read’s like an AR500 and some other brands you get commission from ad.
There are many other brands out there, offering protection and I don’t think I’m alone in wanting to know more about PE plates and who makes them than two options from your Avant Link partners.
I get it, but when a major opportunity to do and claim such a big review like this is missed, it’s hard to now believe/ read any of your other reviews or pages without thinking, are there other brands that are better, they just aren’t in pew pews affiliate program? And that’s a bummer.
Appreciate the hard work, you guys do a ton of it, just some input from a fellow media squid who’s trying to make an informed purchase in another arena.
All you have to do is google "Body Armor Recall" and this should answer any questions about purchasing Body Armor from AR500 Armor. Smoke and Mirrors don't make purchases on the basis of marketing and price!
This recall involves AR500 Armor Level III body armor, including chest plates, side plates and ABS panels. The black, steel-core body armor is rated for protection against rifle calibers up to 7.62X51 M80 Ball (.308) at 2,800 feet per second. AR500 Armor is printed on a white label on the back side of the armor. Only AR500 Level III body armor with the manufacture date code of February 2016 and March 2016 are included in the recall.
whats do you think about tec tec 5.11 plate carrier
whats do you think about tec tec 5.11 plate carrier
whats do you think about tec tec 5.11 plate carrier
whats do you think about tec tec 5.11 plate carrier
Would you consider also testing with the ammunition that may be used against them in battle, such as 5.45x39, 7.62x54R, and other adversarial rounds? Or are we just talking about internal bad guys? If so, what a sad state of affairs.
One aspect ignored, which is expiration. Soft armor and polymer/ceramic have something like 5 years shelf life. Steel plate are 20+. Maybe not an issue for those willing to drop some bills every 5 years.
I've heard that steel plates can cause fragmentation of the bullet sending shrapnel up into yours, and people around you faces. But damn, every five years would get spendy.
I am wondering why Highcom or Hesco isn't on this list or even mentioned at all...
Because Hesco is crap - they've been repeadetly pulled off the NIJ list - every model that has been revoked has been PERMANENTLY removed and blacklisted form the NIJ list
I think there is a problem with the website. It only let's me read part of the article,and there is no "next" or "next page" or "continue" button, or anyway to read beyond option #2 when they start listing the best armor
Hey, ya, that's not good! We'll look into it and get it fixed.
What about a review of the tacticon.com Body Armor? How does it stack up?
Question, I see AR500 has a special Anniversary concealed ultra package a IIIA soft armor for $175, seems to fit the bill, except lead time is 3-4 months.
Good for a SHTF situation?
Okay, how about soft armor with pockets for plates as additional coverage? Say, a level II or IIIA vest with pockets for III+ plates, or something along those lines? Maybe extra side protection? I'm still very confused.
I think the Safe Life Defense vest has this. I'm looking for something similar.
If you're not worrying about size try to find an interceptor body armor vest like the military uses it is both level 3A protection and has the spots for your plates
I have AR 500 Curved plate 111-A any way to up the rating by adding another layer or ? It seems as thick as some of my targets I shoot w my ar15 193 and they don’t go through so I’m confused why they won’t Stop it-if any one has input-thanks
I was hoping you'd cover some of the abdominal carriers and plate options. At 6'3" and with a longer torso, even the largest carriers and plates I have leave a lot exposed. Intestines and a surviving stomach matter. I wore vietnam-era flak vests in Iraq in '91 with a 2nd Chance underneath that to provide at least a semblance of protection. Bulky, hot, and miserable. Fast forward 15 years in my career and good old SAAPI plates. Much improved protection, but brutal on an already abused body.
Now that I'm retired from that profession, I have carriers and plates for homestead protection. On the unthinkable chance that I find myself in the way of incoming fire again, I need all the help I can get. Thanks!
Thoughts on Safe Life iii+? My first soft armor purchase. I called them and they said they passed all NIJ tests but are waiting for certification. Thank you,
They've been waiting for NIJ certification for about 3-4 years, on all of their products. Their original vests were stamped, "Shanghai", but that has now been taken off. Wait 6 more months, call again and you'll hear the same thing.
Hi Allison! Question. I’m looking for something simple for my daughter (10) and myself. Mostly for range safety and just in case. We both could fit into a women’s small. I was flirting with soft vest. What are you suggestions for our build and needs? Thanks!
CATI armor is great stuff at a competitive price.. it's might be better then Spartan Armor
It doesn’t. I love my AR500 Armor!! I’m a retired cop and I can tell you I have and do trust my life to AR500 armor. You just have to remember that like it says in this article it is not the super high end crazy expensive stuff. So it is a bit heavier then more expensive options. But it is quality stuff and it works!!! I’d guess that guy is just a troll with little or no real knowledge or experience hence the open ended trash talk with no fact etc. take care!
AR500 armor blows, where is Velocity systems on here?
why does it blow?
They took two months to finish my armor, so don't buy from them if you need something next week.
IMO steel armor is on the way out, and there are better ceramic plate makers like hesco.
I bought the testudo gen two but it is way too large. The plates move around in their pockets which makes it feel even heavier. My whole rig right now is 30lb, which I can't wear for very long.
If I would go back and buy again, I would spend more money on armor that is lighter. I got a good deal buying my whole rig through ar500 and they don't "suck" but I would research and buy each part.
Its steel armor, its archaic. At least the updated this an added Velocity systems. Also I've heard nothing but bad things about it (AR500)
You do know that AR500 is the name of the company, right? They offer steel, but they also offer ceramics. Just because it's branded AR500 armor doesn't mean it isn't level iv ceramic
AR500 Armor actually does really well in certain aspects, the only thing they need to work on is their marketing and R&D. I've shot all of their plates and they hold up really well and I would trust them to protect me if it's all I could afford. In actual combat (not that I'd be in one), I'd prefer ceramic, which AR500 has, but they're from Hesco anyway. But AR500 are great for backup plates, training and for people who just can't or won't drop $800 - $1,000 on a set that rarely gets used. Plus, steel has a very long lifespan whereas ceramic doesn't, plus ceramic can fracture and compromises it's ballistic ability.
Would like to see comparison/review of several of the AR500-AR600 manufacturers...not just AR500 or Spartan brands.
Please publish updated list for someone looking to spend 2k on a few new plates b4 the crab people arrive :O
Any information about the difference between MIL–A 46100 armor and AR500?
Nice article, but what about CATI ARMOR? Their 3+ plate is multi curved, and is rated for m193!! I don’t feel this is a totally accurate list
We're already working on an update list!
Cati for sure. Watched a plate take 6 5.56 green tips at 20yards at the range this spring and bought a pair the next week.
Great article! Thanks
Thanks Steve!
I wear both hard and soft armor and I personally don't care about how the public view me or any of us that choose to wear body armor.
Who says I’m not Wonder Woman!
Besides - why not use both at the same time?
Should check into RMA Defense. When I was looking around for rifle plates for duty use I came across them and saw they boasted 5 rounds of M2AP. Called them direct and they had great customer service. After I bought it saw a youtuber shoot one of their level IV plated with a 338 Lapua Mag with no penetration.
For sure, we're already working on an update list!
I want something I am going to where every day and every where (walmart, mcdonalds, movie theater, etc).....so soft armor is my pick. Try doing that with hard armor and a plate carrier.
What I wish is for a jacket carrier. Take off when at the office, put on when leaving office.
I've seen something like that at SHOT...looks like a regular jacket. Check out Miguel Caballero.