User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
|
Posted: 4/15/2014 8:26:46 AM EDT
[#1]
Mind = blown. And I was just saying how we are seeing some remarkable technological leaps forward this year in body armor. 
Still, based on specs, the FM series that Midwest has been releasing is an entirely new generation. I don't know of anything else that can even touch those plates. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/15/2014 8:58:31 AM EDT
[#2]
Price?
please update the post when they are posted and available. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/15/2014 9:15:52 AM EDT
[#3]
Will this be offered in a shooters cut in the future?
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/15/2014 9:52:46 AM EDT
[#4]
Midwest's site says they are $945.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/15/2014 9:58:07 AM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Price? please update the post when they are posted and available. $945 ea msrp |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/15/2014 10:00:51 AM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Will this be offered in a shooters cut in the future? There are no plans to introduce one. The FM4s follow all the ESAPI standard sizes, but as with all things armor it is subject to change |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/15/2014 10:38:25 AM EDT
[#7]
Quote Historygreat googly moogly!!! i guess it comes down to is 1.8lb and 0.15" is worth the additional $800 over say the guardian 4. unless there is some other selling point i'm missing |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/15/2014 10:39:09 AM EDT
[#8]
This thread is relevant to my interests
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/15/2014 11:47:32 AM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
great googly moogly!!! i guess it comes down to is 1.8lb and 0.15" is worth the additional $800 over say the guardian 4. unless there is some other selling point i'm missing Quote HistoryQuoted:
great googly moogly!!! i guess it comes down to is 1.8lb and 0.15" is worth the additional $800 over say the guardian 4. unless there is some other selling point i'm missing That's the same price as you would pay for the Velocity plates mentioned in the other thread, except for a stand-alone plate with almost the exact same dimensions. OP: What is your price-point on these plates and how much more does an X-Large model cost? If we're talking an 11x14" plate at 7.2 pounds and roughly 1/2" thick (just going by ESAPI specs - I would like to know the actual weight of the XL model), then I can easily see serious professionals spending that amount. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/15/2014 12:27:17 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
That's the same price as you would pay for the Velocity plates mentioned in the other thread, except for a stand-alone plate with almost the exact same dimensions. OP: What is your price-point on these plates and how much more does an X-Large model cost? If we're talking an 11x14" plate at 7.2 pounds and roughly 1/2" thick (just going by ESAPI specs - I would like to know the actual weight of the XL model), then I can easily see serious professionals spending that amount. Roger brother, usually we see the pros gravitate toward the Velocity BZ plate as well. Will have to get you the weight of the FM4 in XL, but no change in price across the sizes. So an XL will cost the same as a Med (a bit different than other plates as you know). vr Mike |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/15/2014 1:58:41 PM EDT
[#11]
They just showed up on the website. They are almost a grand each. Guess I'm stuck with my 9 lb. SAPI XL's.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/15/2014 2:42:21 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
They just showed up on the website. They are almost a grand each. Guess I'm stuck with my 9 lb. SAPI XL's 7.6# Level IVs. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/15/2014 5:13:01 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
They just showed up on the website. They are almost a grand each. Guess I'm stuck with my 9 lb. SAPI XL's. Truthfully, I am surprised they are not more expensive. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/15/2014 5:42:45 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
That's the same price as you would pay for the Velocity plates mentioned in the other thread, except for a stand-alone plate with almost the exact same dimensions. OP: What is your price-point on these plates and how much more does an X-Large model cost? If we're talking an 11x14" plate at 7.2 pounds and roughly 1/2" thick (just going by ESAPI specs - I would like to know the actual weight of the XL model), then I can easily see serious professionals spending that amount. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
great googly moogly!!! i guess it comes down to is 1.8lb and 0.15" is worth the additional $800 over say the guardian 4. unless there is some other selling point i'm missing That's the same price as you would pay for the Velocity plates mentioned in the other thread, except for a stand-alone plate with almost the exact same dimensions. OP: What is your price-point on these plates and how much more does an X-Large model cost? If we're talking an 11x14" plate at 7.2 pounds and roughly 1/2" thick (just going by ESAPI specs - I would like to know the actual weight of the XL model), then I can easily see serious professionals spending that amount. and again, that begs the question, what makes these so much better to justify the $800 price difference? i know "different strokes for different folks", but if you're trying to sell these plates over the guardian iv, whats's the selling point? |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/15/2014 6:08:04 PM EDT
[#15]
Cool plates, I live how thin they are but aren't they the same weight as an ESAPI?
Edit: guess they are stand alone, ESAPI would need a backer so that would add about 0.75 lb per plate. Basically 5.5lb and .55" think vs 6.25lb and 1.25" think |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/15/2014 6:16:48 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
[ and again, that begs the question, what makes these so much better to justify the $800 price difference? i know "different strokes for different folks", but if you're trying to sell these plates over the guardian iv, whats's the selling point? You answered your own question: different solutions for different requirements. From my perspective we dont try to "sell one over another", just provide high quality options that span the typical range of requirements. For most civilians the standard GIV, a Midwest Proguard, LTC SAPI will do just fine. if you have ever worn armor in the profession you understand that a 1.5 ish weight savings is huge. If you dont require the lighter plate then the aforementioned plates will do just fine. The price is driven by the amount of tech, chemistry, and in house testing that goes into shaving weight off while still achieving ballistic protection. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/15/2014 10:28:22 PM EDT
[#17]
So these are pure Advanced Uni-Directional UHMWPE ? (basically advanced dyneema/polyethylene correct?)
No ceramic involved with these? I realize this is a lvl 4 plate, but are they multi-hit rated for lvl 3 threads like 193 & 855? I know this plate stops both of these rounds, but I'm interested in the multi-hit ability of this FM4 plate. These are lvl 4 plate stand alone, but having soft armor behind will give it the lvl 3 multi-hit ability? Am I understanding the OP correctly? If so that is what I'm looking for. ICW soft armor since I plan on wearing soft armor regardless of plate level. Any idea on what the Large plate weighs if the medium is 5.5? |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/16/2014 4:16:30 AM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
So these are pure Advanced Uni-Directional UHMWPE ? (basically advanced dyneema/polyethylene correct?) No ceramic involved with these? I realize this is a lvl 4 plate, but are they multi-hit rated for lvl 3 threads like 193 & 855? I know this plate stops both of these rounds, but I'm interested in the multi-hit ability of this FM4 plate. These are lvl 4 plate stand alone, but having soft armor behind will give it the lvl 3 multi-hit ability? Am I understanding the OP correctly? If so that is what I'm looking for. ICW soft armor since I plan on wearing soft armor regardless of plate level. Any idea on what the Large plate weighs if the medium is 5.5? They are a combo, UHMWPE and ceramics, the factory description does not call that out. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/16/2014 7:52:12 AM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
So these are pure Advanced Uni-Directional UHMWPE ? (basically advanced dyneema/polyethylene correct?) No ceramic involved with these? I realize this is a lvl 4 plate, but are they multi-hit rated for lvl 3 threads like 193 & 855? I know this plate stops both of these rounds, but I'm interested in the multi-hit ability of this FM4 plate. These are lvl 4 plate stand alone, but having soft armor behind will give it the lvl 3 multi-hit ability? Am I understanding the OP correctly? If so that is what I'm looking for. ICW soft armor since I plan on wearing soft armor regardless of plate level. Any idea on what the Large plate weighs if the medium is 5.5? Yes, they are ESAPI rated as well. The level IV stand alone is an added benefit for these A large is 6.3lb |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/16/2014 8:40:47 AM EDT
[#20]
It's analogous to aerospace engineering. Space requires but two things: to be 100% reliable, and to weigh nothing (or be the lowest possible weight).
When you start dealing with very light weight materials with advanced manufacturing and technology, research, testing and development, you get a costly high-tech product that is the most advanced, and proficient design to date. And also the lightest and strongest viable option. Surely, you can stick a few steel or ceramic plates to your chest to achieve the same reliability (Level IV capability), but at what weight and volume is the cost? An advanced material like UHDPE or UHMWPE and others is the lightest and thinnest package for the same capability offering the users a back breaking weight savings, from high-tech chemical wizardry. Like the analogy, tis why aerospace uses titanium alloys in their air-frame superstructures. The high price is due to development costs and also to economies of scale. You'll see a price drop once the demand hits the market and they can meet it with an increased manufacturing and supply. Oh, the invisible hand, ever present, and ever invisible. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/16/2014 10:14:48 AM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
They are a combo, UHMWPE and ceramics, the factory description does not call that out. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
So these are pure Advanced Uni-Directional UHMWPE ? (basically advanced dyneema/polyethylene correct?) No ceramic involved with these? I realize this is a lvl 4 plate, but are they multi-hit rated for lvl 3 threads like 193 & 855? I know this plate stops both of these rounds, but I'm interested in the multi-hit ability of this FM4 plate. These are lvl 4 plate stand alone, but having soft armor behind will give it the lvl 3 multi-hit ability? Am I understanding the OP correctly? If so that is what I'm looking for. ICW soft armor since I plan on wearing soft armor regardless of plate level. Any idea on what the Large plate weighs if the medium is 5.5? They are a combo, UHMWPE and ceramics, the factory description does not call that out. Seems the mediums are the sweet spot at 9.5x12.5 @ 5.5lbs, the large at 6.3 are only what 10x12.5? So you're only gaining roughly half inch in coverage compared tothe mediums? Any idea what the ceramic/UHMWPE combo is? Inner core of UHMWPE with ceramic boron carbide strike face? Does the edge on these have the UHMWPE bumper like the Mass III+ do to help mitigate damage when dropped on its edge? |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/16/2014 5:06:44 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
It's analogous to aerospace engineering. Space requires but two things: to be 100% reliable, and to weigh nothing (or be the lowest possible weight). When you start dealing with very light weight materials with advanced manufacturing and technology, research, testing and development, you get a costly high-tech product that is the most advanced, and proficient design to date. And also the lightest and strongest viable option. Surely, you can stick a few steel or ceramic plates to your chest to achieve the same reliability (Level IV capability), but at what weight and volume is the cost? An advanced material like UHDPE or UHMWPE and others is the lightest and thinnest package for the same capability offering the users a back breaking weight savings, from high-tech chemical wizardry. Like the analogy, tis why aerospace uses titanium alloys in their air-frame superstructures. The high price is due to development costs and also to economies of scale. You'll see a price drop once the demand hits the market and they can meet it with an increased manufacturing and supply. Oh, the invisible hand, ever present, and ever invisible. Well spoken and well described how product R&D and progression works! |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2014 6:48:15 PM EDT
[#23]
Any idea what the ceramic/UHMWPE combo is? Inner core of UHMWPE with ceramic boron carbide strike face?
Does the edge on these have the UHMWPE bumper like the Mass III+ do to help mitigate damage when dropped on its edge? |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/21/2014 8:20:07 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Any idea what the ceramic/UHMWPE combo is? Inner core of UHMWPE with ceramic boron carbide strike face? Does the edge on these have the UHMWPE bumper like the Mass III+ do to help mitigate damage when dropped on its edge? Bump... |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/22/2014 5:08:39 AM EDT
[#25]
How long till someone gets one for a "we going to shot this plate because shooting stuff is F**KIN COOL" test and can post a video?
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/9/2014 11:19:37 AM EDT
[#26]
Quoted:
Gents, We got approval this morning to release the new Midwest Armor VENTURE FM4. These are a game changer for the armor industry. Midwest has proven yet again they are at the forefront of armor innovation. The FM4s are tested to ESAPI specifications (multi-hit ICW) however test data shows a stand alone Level IV capability as well. They are currently in the NIJ certification process as well. Specs are below, pay attention to the thickness and weight. A UHMWPE / ceramic hybrid plate that is just greater than a half inch thick. : VENTURE FM4 ESAPI and Stand Alone Level IV The VENTURE FM4 is a stand-alone level IV, triple-curve plate available in standard ESAPI sizes. Once again, Midwest is breaking new ground. The VENTURE FM4 SAPI Medium (9.5"x12.5") weighs an incredibly light 5.5 pounds and is only 0.55" thick Features a polyurea liner which provides the maximum protection from UV rays, salt water, and gasoline/JP fuels. Design and Construction Materials: Advanced Uni-Directional UHMWPE Size: ESAPI Standard sizes Thickness: 0.55" Weight: 5.5 pounds (2.5 Kg) standard multi curve (ESAPI) Liner: Plural-Component Polyurea Resistant to Gasoline/JP7 and salt water Rather than start a new thread about these VENTURE FM4 plates, thought it best to bump this thread. Mods please edit or remove my post if need be. If you see this post, here are some questions for the VENTURE FM4 1. Are the VENTURE FM4 available in both XL 11x14 ESAPI Front and Rear Plate cuts? I do not want to use the same XL Front plate with cut outs at the top corners for Rear. 2. If the "Full Cut" option is a Rectangle Rear Plate without the cut outs at the top corner, is it available in the XL 11x14 ESAPI size? No XL ESAPI size cut options were listed for the "Full Cut" VENTURE FM4 at their website. http://www.midwestarmor.com/body-armor/venture-fm4 3. Will the 11x14 XL ESAPI cut front and rear plates properly fit in LBT-6094 XL ESAPI/SPEAR cut plate carriers? The rear plate pocket on the 6094's is rectangular making a dedicated rectangular cut rear plate possible. 4. For LBT-6094 XL ESAPI/SPEAR cut plate carriers or others. Do you have matching VENTURE FM4 rated XL 6x8 or greater size side plates? 5. When the official NIJ certification and rating come through for these plates, please post them. Thank you |
|
|
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.
