Things to consider when purchasing a Plate carriers
Your safety is the priority of plate carrier makers. You can take risks with your protection. The right place carrier provides you the protection from the many risks. But choosing the right plate carrier is quite difficult. To help you we’ve mentioned some things to consider when purchasing a plate carrier.
Level of protection
The level of protection is a very important consideration point. Different plates and vests have different rating levels that let you know what type of rounds they can effectively stop.
Plate carriers back panel are designed to carry inserts built to stop real ballistic rounds. The plates protect the vital organs of the upper body and vest. Some allow you to add back and side plates, which might be quite an overkill for civilian use, but if you don’t mind carrying a little extra weight go for it. They typically have good attachments and pockets to carry other military-style gear.
Ratings and Certifications
The National Institute of Justice, which is part of the Department of Justice has been setting body armor standards for a long time. These allow you to know what type of rounds the armor you’re searching at can realistically stop.
The Different Types of Plates
There are different types, but they’re typically built of boron carbide or silicon carbide ceramic. The level of protection is amazing, but they’re quite a bit heavier than soft plates.
Ceramic Plates are the most common type of plate you will find. They were much lighter than other types of armor at the time and were a breakthrough in body armor technology. That said, they’re still pretty bulky and heavy. With these plates, you have to take the advantages of increased protection with some cons that come with a heavy vest. Also remember that they are only effective at stopping one round in the same area because they are designed to shatter when struck by a bullet. With these plates, you also need to be extra careful to not drop them and remember to service them if they take a hard impact.
Steel Plates are an old type of plate. Steel has been used for centuries, and if it’s thick enough it can stop ballistic rounds. It was originally built to stop rounds from musket rifles but is still effective against modern firearms.
Polyethylene Plates are another type of plate you can purchase. They’re significantly lighter than ceramic plates. These plates often involve woven shield materials that take benefits of the natural spin of a bullet to absorb the impact. The heat of the bullet helps stop the round and melts the polyethylene.
Weight and Heat Considerations
Weight is another consideration factor, especially if you’re planning on wearing the vest for long periods. If you’re searching for a vest to work out in, you might want a heavy one.
Functionally and Attachments
You have to be sure that you get a plate carrier that has good places and attachments where you can attach pouches or other gear you want to have on you. Certain vests have lots of places for accessories and attachments, while others are more minimalist.
