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Polyethelyne plates/input wanted
- Thread starter Tackdriver VillenTactical
- Start date
Yes. They are lightweight, a bit thicker, and more durable than ceramic. They are susceptible to heat damage, so a hot environment like a trunk is no-go. Of course a trunk is a bad idea for armor in general...with the exception of AR500. But if I had AR500, it would remain in the trunk while better armor protects my body. Can be pricey, what plates are you considering?
was considering some for the lady. IIIA protection front and back for under 10 lbs?! DAT PRICE though, they are not cheap.
any test data or actual shooting test videos on youtube? i am interested in how they hold up to fire over steel.
any test data or actual shooting test videos on youtube? i am interested in how they hold up to fire over steel.
From DocGKR, one of the top authorities on body armor:
DISCUSSION:
When looking at hard body armor, end-users need to assess what threats they anticipate, their operational environment, as well as mobility needs.
For OCONUS military and para-military settings, level IV plates capable of stopping AP rounds may be a critical requirement. For the typical LE officer within CONUS, it is highly unusual to be confronted by opponents using AP ammo; it is much more likely to be hit with FMJ and hunting rounds from rifles in calibers from .223 to .30-06, as well as 12 ga. shotguns. Thus, multi-hit capable level III plates are a good choice.
Currently there are four main options for level III plates:
5-6 mm AR500/R50c steel plates: Level III steel plates offer a very thin profile, but are a bit heavier (6.5-7.5 lbs for a 10x12 plate) than some other options. They are very durable and offer inexpensive closely spaced multi-hit capability against non-AP 7.62 x 39 mm and 7.62 x 51 mm, as well as for slower 5.56 mm loads. Many of the lightweight (55 gr or less), hot loaded 5.56 mm loads will zip right through steel plates. It is a VERY good idea to wear level IIIa soft armor underneath steel plates.
Hard compressed polyethelene (Dyneema/Spectra) plates: These are very lightweight (3-4 lbs for a 10 x 12 plate) multi-hit capable level III plates that will stop the hot loaded, lightweight 5.56 mm ammo that defeats steel, along with the 7.62 mm threats stopped by steel. Unfortunately, they are often perforated by current military issue 5.56 mm 62 gr M855 FMJ "green-tip" ammunition. Most compressed polyethelene plates are best worn in conjunction with soft level IIIa armor underneath.
Hybrid plates: These combine several non-ceramic materials, for example both steel and hard polyethelene layers, and appear to offer the best protection of any current level III plates. They are very durable and stop multiple closely spaced hits of almost all non-AP ammo, including high velocity 5.56 mm threats, as well as M855; however they are a bit heavier (7.5 lbs for a 10 x 12 plate) than some plates. These are NIJ stand-alone capable, so soft armor is not required underneath.
Ceramic plates: These plates are relatively lightweight (4-6 lbs for a 10 x 12 plate) for the protection provided, but are often more expensive, can be more susceptible to damage in day-to-day use, and usually cannot withstand as many closely spaced hits as other plate types. Ceramic plates need to be x-rayed each year to ensure that hidden cracks are not present. Ceramic plates are available in both in-conjunction and stand-alone configurations. Note that almost all level IV plates use ceramic elements in order to stop AP rounds.
DISCUSSION:
When looking at hard body armor, end-users need to assess what threats they anticipate, their operational environment, as well as mobility needs.
For OCONUS military and para-military settings, level IV plates capable of stopping AP rounds may be a critical requirement. For the typical LE officer within CONUS, it is highly unusual to be confronted by opponents using AP ammo; it is much more likely to be hit with FMJ and hunting rounds from rifles in calibers from .223 to .30-06, as well as 12 ga. shotguns. Thus, multi-hit capable level III plates are a good choice.
Currently there are four main options for level III plates:
5-6 mm AR500/R50c steel plates: Level III steel plates offer a very thin profile, but are a bit heavier (6.5-7.5 lbs for a 10x12 plate) than some other options. They are very durable and offer inexpensive closely spaced multi-hit capability against non-AP 7.62 x 39 mm and 7.62 x 51 mm, as well as for slower 5.56 mm loads. Many of the lightweight (55 gr or less), hot loaded 5.56 mm loads will zip right through steel plates. It is a VERY good idea to wear level IIIa soft armor underneath steel plates.
Hard compressed polyethelene (Dyneema/Spectra) plates: These are very lightweight (3-4 lbs for a 10 x 12 plate) multi-hit capable level III plates that will stop the hot loaded, lightweight 5.56 mm ammo that defeats steel, along with the 7.62 mm threats stopped by steel. Unfortunately, they are often perforated by current military issue 5.56 mm 62 gr M855 FMJ "green-tip" ammunition. Most compressed polyethelene plates are best worn in conjunction with soft level IIIa armor underneath.
Hybrid plates: These combine several non-ceramic materials, for example both steel and hard polyethelene layers, and appear to offer the best protection of any current level III plates. They are very durable and stop multiple closely spaced hits of almost all non-AP ammo, including high velocity 5.56 mm threats, as well as M855; however they are a bit heavier (7.5 lbs for a 10 x 12 plate) than some plates. These are NIJ stand-alone capable, so soft armor is not required underneath.
Ceramic plates: These plates are relatively lightweight (4-6 lbs for a 10 x 12 plate) for the protection provided, but are often more expensive, can be more susceptible to damage in day-to-day use, and usually cannot withstand as many closely spaced hits as other plate types. Ceramic plates need to be x-rayed each year to ensure that hidden cracks are not present. Ceramic plates are available in both in-conjunction and stand-alone configurations. Note that almost all level IV plates use ceramic elements in order to stop AP rounds.
Yup. The downside about some of the other options is that they require a soft armor backer. Great if you wear soft armor on a regular basis, or you buy IIIA soft plate backers. For grab and go, throw on quickly plate carrier I went with level IV stand alone ceramic. Most of those have steel inside as well. 7lbs per plate, cant toss them around haphazardly, but the best balance I could find.
GunGrey
Banned
I saw someone had these on another forum and said they were pretty good when they shot one.
http://www.midwestarmor.com/body-armor/guardian-iv-nij05
150$ + shipping
http://www.midwestarmor.com/body-armor/guardian-iv-nij05
150$ + shipping
I had a set of these http://www.galls.com/armor-express-aries-plate and they were light weight and comfortable. I used a set of soft armor backers as well. You should call Ray over at Body Armor Outlet in NH, usually has some great deals on armor plate packages and can pretty much get anything you want.
A few years ago I actually purchased a set of lvl IV TAP Gammas for $250 from Ray. Great multi hit plate unfortunately no longer manufactured. He also has some Point Blank plates for good prices.
A few years ago I actually purchased a set of lvl IV TAP Gammas for $250 from Ray. Great multi hit plate unfortunately no longer manufactured. He also has some Point Blank plates for good prices.
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