do ya'll think I should go with a flat plate for a backpack?

good point bradyn. shrapnel is certainly nasty

Backpack, flat would probably be fine

Saves a few bucks

im not so concerned with the price. I just want whats most comfortable/practical.

Yeah I've gotten lead stuck in my arm before from steel target plates it hurts like hell.

https://shop.opticsplanet.com/premier-body-armor-vertx-gamut-2-0-11-x18-level-iiia-bulletproof-backpack-insert.html?_iv_code=3PE-BPA-BBPI1-BPP-9084&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=CjwKCAiA-_L9BRBQEiwA-bm5fmRVuwyAFJTP9ZZ4Vh82RwEl0xXIurodIu-l2MZuMTCR2l4I-s1CshoCasMQAvD_BwE

I would get this for a backpack.

Steel armor or just a steel plate? The spall coats are meant to stop most of bullet fragments.

But they don't always work the bullet tends to just slight between the plate and the coating then come out into your arms, legs, or neck.

I guess this is a no-go for civies?

https://www.cheaperthandirt.net/premier-body-armor-vertx-gamut-checkpoint-backpack-panel-12x19.5-level-iiia-black/TAC-930-081.html?gclid=CjwKCAiA-_L9BRBQEiwA-bm5ftreBk7Mxlkm7Rz96hLEZadJUkf4UkNuLJR9mNgsYHYBLk0iFOdzCxoCAQYQAvD_BwE

That's the problem with lots of body armor companies.

Sorry bad link.

Yeah for hesco armor I would buy it from t-rex arms I have heard they are a good company that stands behind there products.

has any one thought about putting a steal lip on their plates to catch or deflect spawling?

https://www.trex-arms.com/store/Hesco-L210-Special-Threat-Plate-Set/
It would have to be thick steel and would just add weight in the end.

I guess so. :/

Yeah besides good military grade plates aren't that much more.

https://www.ar500armor.com/spall-frag-tests

Obviously you have to take with a big grain of salt considering it's their own company doing this but it seems like they changed their coat at some point from the harder bed coat to a new design.

Nice guide bradyn..it helps

Glad I could help. More patriotic Americans with armor the better.

Hesco plates are pretty good IMO

The thing with ar500 is that it isn't NIJ certified either so the military and law enforcement won't use it which is a big turn off for me personally.

I know the Level 4 AR500 is NIJ.

I knew a police officer who bought his own ar500 and he said he took 3 rounds in it, but he was issued ceramic armor.

Yeah the level 4 is ceramic which is good I was talking about the steel plates.

Just don't go with steel plates. Too much weight for not enough projection. Plus the spall that comes off it can kill you.

I would buy the ar500 level 4 plates because they are ceramic. I personally just wouldn't buy the steel stuff because it's heavy and bullets fragment to easily.

I travel light with lv 3+ in my front carrier and back pack, my plates are probably expired......weight is everything to a grunt like me, ammo comes 1st..then protection
That sucks for ar500..

Sounds like a good setup.

gotcha ghost.

3+ is what I went with as well.

How many years is the Hesco good for? Body armor isn't something I want to use anytime soon so longer the felf life the better, particularly when as expensive as it is.

Body armor is as complex as car engines, IMO. You need to balance your needs with the pros and cons of what you choose to run.

As far as I know; longer than most. It's sealed in a water-proof sheath.

jeez some of those hesco plates dont even way 6 pounds .-.

weigh*

Yeah they are stupid light.

dude that sounds great for edc