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Posted: 1/18/2021 10:22:48 AM EDT
[#1]
You're not going to find a lightweight plate from a reputable company that does what you want for that price. You're going to need to either increase your budget or accept more weight. RMA has a really good option for a little bit more money, or you could consider the Hesco L210.
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Posted: 1/18/2021 10:52:47 AM EDT
[#2]
The only company that I can come across is Tactical Scorpion Gear which has lvl IV in a Small SAPI Single Curved Alumina at $155. I'm sure there are tons of other companies out there, just not familiar with them all.
For something that may be collecting dust its entire live, should I really spend $700+ on a rig? If I were in some kind of active duty which required it, I would buy the best of the best. |
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Posted: 1/18/2021 11:10:54 AM EDT
[#3]
You need to think of it this way, yes it may do nothing more then collect dust, but if you have to use it, don’t you want so,etching that is going to truly be effective.
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Posted: 1/18/2021 11:21:09 AM EDT
[#4]
What about these date codes? If I do spend 300+ on a single plate and they are warrantied for 5 years, are they really no good after 5 years? Do they degrade if just kept in a closet collecting dust?
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Posted: 1/18/2021 11:25:46 AM EDT
[#5]
Everything's about playing the odds. If you don't expect you'll actually need it, don't buy it and save your money. Why buy something from a shady company because it's "affordable", but you've got no reason to be confident in it working if you did need it? There's no free lunch.
Warranty periods are not shelf life. If you keep a new set of quality ceramic plates in a climate controlled dry place out of UV light they'll be ballistically sound for a long time. |
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Posted: 1/18/2021 11:26:49 AM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted: What about these date codes? If I do spend 300+ on a single plate and they are warrantied for 5 years, are they really no good after 5 years? Do they degrade if just kept in a closet collecting dust? Does your car stop working the day after the warranty ends? Or your refrigerator? It's how long they warranty. Period. You're overanalyzing this. If you keep it in a temperature and humidity controlled environment, and if it is well made, it'll last forever. The x factor is the adhesives, which are influenced by temperature and moisture. |
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Posted: 1/18/2021 11:44:29 AM EDT
[#7]
Thanks for all the feedback guys.
OK I'm looking at RMA and they do offer a III+ which is model 1091. This states it is a multi-curve plate, which is probably great for the front, but what about the back plate? I've watched a few videos about if you are undecided or never wore plate, to get a single curved plate, but what about a multicurve plate on the back? Is it OK, good, bad, look for something else on the back, etc??? |
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Posted: 1/18/2021 12:02:12 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Thanks for all the feedback guys. OK I'm looking at RMA and they do offer a III+ which is model 1091. This states it is a multi-curve plate, which is probably great for the front, but what about the back plate? I've watched a few videos about if you are undecided or never wore plate, to get a single curved plate, but what about a multicurve plate on the back? Is it OK, good, bad, look for something else on the back, etc??? |
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Posted: 1/18/2021 12:10:46 PM EDT
[#9]
I wanted to buy cheap but then I thought about it. How much have you spent on firearms, ammo, etc etc that you'll hopefully never need? I decided to buy for the consequences and not the odds.
https://sabersolutions.com/collections/armor/products/cratus-cr-2000sa?variant=31740414558288 I just bit the bullet and ordered these. It really sucked spending the money but $/performance I'm happy. ETA: just say no to stacked mag pouches. |
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Posted: 1/18/2021 12:11:34 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Some people say that multicurve plates on the back are uncomfortable, but that isn't true in my experience. Some guys think they benefit from having a slimmer cut up front, either by using swimmer's cut in the front and SAPI in the back or by sizing up in the back. This is no longer very common, but square back plates used to be used. Tried it, didn't like it. Having used almost every possible combination of plates, if I had to re-buy everything I have tomorrow I'd get two NIJ listed multicurve plates of the same shape and size for front and back, no heavier than 6 pounds for SAPI medium/10x12 and preferably under 4.5. Thanks for that advise. |
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Posted: 1/18/2021 12:20:32 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I wanted to buy cheap but then I thought about it. How much have you spent on firearms, ammo, etc etc that you'll hopefully never need? I decided to buy for the consequences and not the odds. https://sabersolutions.com/collections/armor/products/cratus-cr-2000sa?variant=31740414558288 I just bit the bullet and ordered these. It really sucked spending the money but $/performance I'm happy. ETA: just say no to stacked mag pouches. What kind of hokus pokus wizard magic is that? .5" thick and 4 lbs? |
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Posted: 1/18/2021 12:26:56 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted: What kind of hokus pokus wizard magic is that? .5" thick and 4 lbs? |
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Posted: 1/18/2021 12:27:26 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted: What kind of hokus pokus wizard magic is that? .5" thick and 4 lbs? Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: I wanted to buy cheap but then I thought about it. How much have you spent on firearms, ammo, etc etc that you'll hopefully never need? I decided to buy for the consequences and not the odds. https://sabersolutions.com/collections/armor/products/cratus-cr-2000sa?variant=31740414558288 I just bit the bullet and ordered these. It really sucked spending the money but $/performance I'm happy. ETA: just say no to stacked mag pouches. What kind of hokus pokus wizard magic is that? .5" thick and 4 lbs? More money can equal higher performing materials and it is designed for a narrow threat profile. It's intended to stop 5.56/7.62 intermediate cartridges which is what I'm most interested in stopping. If I get shot with a 300 Win Mag or M2AP then that's the way it goes I guess. 
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Posted: 1/18/2021 1:50:12 PM EDT
[#14]
Been looking at HighCom plates as well. For around the low to mid $200/ea they have some lvl IV plates 4s17m-MC-SAPI-S which look to be sold to various places and possibly rebranded???
Probably about 3lbs heavier per plate than the RMA III+. Still looking. |
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Posted: 1/18/2021 3:01:40 PM EDT
[#15]
The Banshee is a great rig.
In that price range, RMA 1155s or LAPG lvl IVs. |
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Posted: 1/18/2021 3:07:39 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The Banshee is a great rig. In that price range, RMA 1155s or LAPG lvl IVs. That was my first thought until I looked at the sizing and need to go with a smaller plate. Other option for carrier would be agilite k19. |
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Posted: 1/18/2021 3:20:18 PM EDT
[#17]
The Agilite is overpriced for what it is. You could spend less and get something better from Velocity or Crye.
The Highcom 4S17m plates are heavy level IVs. Good quality and multicurve which is nice, but they're not in the same class as the RMA plates. If at all possible, save up and get the RMAs because you'll be a lot happier with the lighter carrier. |
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Posted: 1/18/2021 3:34:25 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The Agilite is overpriced for what it is. You could spend less and get something better from Velocity or Crye. The Highcom 4S17m plates are heavy level IVs. Good quality and multicurve which is nice, but they're not in the same class as the RMA plates. If at all possible, save up and get the RMAs because you'll be a lot happier with the lighter carrier. Not really about money except what I feel like spending on a dust collector. The issue is finding something that will fit me properly and serve it purpose, just in case. I think the RMA III+ plates in SAPI Small will work fine in a shellback/velocity carriers. (Not sure about 1.2" thick plates) Im just having a hard time comparing all those carriers to see all the differences. Their site sucks to compare. |
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Posted: 1/18/2021 5:01:05 PM EDT
[#19]
The expiration date on plates is more of a legal liability thing, based on worst case scenario assumptions about how carelessly the plate is being taken care of by the owner.
Manufacturers don't want to be held liable for a plate failing to stop a round because it was severely degraded after the police officer it was issued to just spent the last several years dropping it on his concrete patio from chest height every afternoon after getting home from work and leaving it outside in all weather conditions for years on end. As long as you don't expose it to needless avoidable impacts and moisture, and leave it in your closet when you aren't training with it, it will still work when you're a wrinkly old man. |
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Posted: 1/18/2021 5:05:51 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Been looking at HighCom plates as well. For around the low to mid $200/ea they have some lvl IV plates 4s17m-MC-SAPI-S which look to be sold to various places and possibly rebranded??? Probably about 3lbs heavier per plate than the RMA III+. Still looking. If you're really skinny, I'd really consider the L210's. Single curves tend to be a bit more comfortable on skinny people than everyone else. Still not as comfortable as multicurves, but less uncomfortable. All rifle threats that the L210 doesn't cover are highly unrealistic. If I were still shopping for a plate carrier right now, I'd be buying L210's and a Trex Arms AC1 carrier. |
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Posted: 1/18/2021 5:39:04 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted: If you're really skinny, I'd really consider the L210's. Single curves tend to be a bit more comfortable on skinny people than everyone else. Still not as comfortable as multicurves, but less uncomfortable. All rifle threats that the L210 doesn't cover are highly unrealistic. If I were still shopping for a plate carrier right now, I'd be buying L210's and a Trex Arms AC1 carrier. L210 doesnt come in SAPI Small |
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Posted: 1/18/2021 5:51:26 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted: L210 doesnt come in SAPI Small True. But if you got the shooters cut small you'd only be a quarter inch short of your nipple on each side. You can decide for yourself whether extending slightly short of nipple to nipple is a worthwhile coverage tradeoff. |
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Posted: 1/18/2021 5:53:41 PM EDT
[#23]
The Hesco L210 "10x12" is smaller in every dimension than a SAPI medium and is truly more of a small/medium plate than a real medium/large 10x12.
They do make an 8x10 small version but it must be sized for children or frail tiny women. My regular 10x12 L210's just barely expands the elastic on my medium JPC 1.0 and leaves a gap of about 1/2" at the top. They fit almost exactly the same as the old dated small TAP Gamma SAPI's I used to have in there. |
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Posted: 1/18/2021 5:54:09 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted: True. But if you got the shooters cut small you'd only be a quarter inch short of your nipple on each side. You can decide for yourself whether extending slightly short of nipple to nipple is a worthwhile coverage tradeoff. You are missing 2" of length too. That is an 8x10 plate. I need a 8.5x12 or close too it. |
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Posted: 1/18/2021 5:55:55 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The Hesco L210 "10x12" is smaller in every dimension than a SAPI medium and is truly more of a small/medium plate than a real medium/large 10x12. They do make an 8x10 small version but it must be sized for children or frail tiny women. My regular 10x12 L210's just barely expands the elastic on my medium JPC 1.0 and leaves a gap of about 1/2" at the top. They fit almost exactly the same as the old dated small TAP Gamma SAPI's I used to have in there. Well if you can get the exact dimensions on the l210 that would be great. |
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Posted: 1/18/2021 6:18:44 PM EDT
[#26]
Here ya go: I slightly retract my statement that the L210 is dimensionally smaller across the board, it's actually SLIGHTLY wider but also shorter, thinner than most cheap SAPI's by a wide margin, and has a better taper to fit you better where it matters, more like a swimmer cut plate. The medium SAPI is always on the left, the L210 on the right.
Height, Medium SAPI 12+1/8" tall, l210 11+3/4" tall  Attached FileWidth across the bottom, medium SAPI 9+3/8", L210 9+5/8"  Attached FileBUT, look at this picture, how the taper is much different:  Attached FileWhere the SAPI is 9+1/2" at the corner notch:  Attached FileThe L210 is only 7+3/4" wide at the same height on the plate  Attached File |
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Posted: 1/18/2021 6:35:30 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Here ya go: I slightly retract my statement that the L210 is dimensionally smaller across the board, it's actually SLIGHTLY wider but also shorter, thinner than most cheap SAPI's by a wide margin, and has a better taper to fit you better where it matters, more like a swimmer cut plate. The medium SAPI is always on the left, the L210 on the right. Height, Medium SAPI 12+1/8" tall, l210 11+3/4" tall https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/40739/PXL_20210118_220050100_jpg-1785510.JPG Width across the bottom, medium SAPI 9+3/8", L210 9+5/8" https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/40739/PXL_20210118_220242424_jpg-1785517.JPG BUT, look at this picture, how the taper is much different: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/40739/PXL_20210118_220416312_jpg-1785527.JPG Where the SAPI is 9+1/2" at the corner notch: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/40739/PXL_20210118_220521487_jpg-1785535.JPG The L210 is only 7+3/4" wide at the same height on the plate https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/40739/PXL_20210118_220624292_jpg-1785536.JPG So the l210 may actually work due to the way it is cut. I was worrying about shoulder movement since I'm not broad shouldered |
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Posted: 1/19/2021 8:26:41 AM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Here ya go: I slightly retract my statement that the L210 is dimensionally smaller across the board, it's actually SLIGHTLY wider but also shorter, thinner than most cheap SAPI's by a wide margin, and has a better taper to fit you better where it matters, more like a swimmer cut plate. The medium SAPI is always on the left, the L210 on the right. Height, Medium SAPI 12+1/8" tall, l210 11+3/4" tall https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/40739/PXL_20210118_220050100_jpg-1785510.JPG Width across the bottom, medium SAPI 9+3/8", L210 9+5/8" https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/40739/PXL_20210118_220242424_jpg-1785517.JPG BUT, look at this picture, how the taper is much different: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/40739/PXL_20210118_220416312_jpg-1785527.JPG Where the SAPI is 9+1/2" at the corner notch: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/40739/PXL_20210118_220521487_jpg-1785535.JPG The L210 is only 7+3/4" wide at the same height on the plate https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/40739/PXL_20210118_220624292_jpg-1785536.JPG This morning I measured the rest of my torso and I still think these plates are too wide. My body narrows the more I come down towards my belly button and a 10" plate is going to be off the sides. Guess I'll need to keep looking for a small plate. |
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Posted: 1/19/2021 8:33:18 AM EDT
[#29]
Try to find some side plates. I snagged some level 4 ceramics a year or so ago at a show and they are perfect for front plates in a smaller size then the standard 10x12.
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Posted: 1/19/2021 8:55:57 AM EDT
[#30]
I'm 5' 8" and pretty thin and the above plates work fine with a Shellback Rampage carrier. Movement is pretty easy and even with a few pouches on it I do not feel like it is interfering with my mobility. I also keep it pretty simply with my carriers.
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Posted: 1/19/2021 10:37:42 AM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I wanted to buy cheap but then I thought about it. How much have you spent on firearms, ammo, etc etc that you'll hopefully never need? I decided to buy for the consequences and not the odds. https://sabersolutions.com/collections/armor/products/cratus-cr-2000sa?variant=31740414558288 I just bit the bullet and ordered these. It really sucked spending the money but $/performance I'm happy. ETA: just say no to stacked mag pouches. Did you order these plates from the link above, from Sabersolutions? If so how long was the wait? |
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Posted: 1/19/2021 11:07:21 AM EDT
[#32]
I am also 5'9" ~140lbs.
Running Hoplite 26148 in a Crye JPC 2. I really like my setup, plates fit great. Do not get 8x10 L210s. They are very small, but fit my kiddo great 
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Posted: 1/19/2021 11:12:08 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I am also 5'9" ~140lbs. Running Hoplite 26148 in a Crye JPC 2. I really like my setup, plates fit great. Do not get 8x10 L210s. They are very small, but fit my kiddo great I did look at this company and saw the reviews about drama. Had to do some digging. I think someone said the only plate he has that is nij certified is a lvl III plate. Is there anyway to research the certificates? Found the nij list and hoplite isn't even on it |
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Posted: 1/19/2021 11:17:31 AM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I did look at this company and saw the reviews about drama. Had to do some digging. I think someone said the only plate he has that is nij certified is a lvl III plate. Is there anyway to research the certificates? |
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Posted: 1/19/2021 11:25:52 AM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Listed models are always going to be on the NIJ CPL. Hoplite resells LTC plates and LTC has multiple 0101.06 listed options. LTC is a reputable outfit and is well regarded, Hoplite is less so. Bulletproofme also sells LTC plates and has a much better reputation. It might be worthwhile to give them a call and ask if they can get what you're looking for. I don't know of anyone else who has LTC plates readily available without credentials. Thanks for the info on the company LTC. Quick search reveals armorliteusa.com. Ever heard of them? |
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Posted: 1/19/2021 11:36:40 AM EDT
[#36]
Learning all kinds of stuff. Researching nij differences, etc. This is exhausting. Lol.
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Posted: 1/19/2021 11:48:48 AM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Did you order these plates from the link above, from Sabersolutions? If so how long was the wait? Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: I wanted to buy cheap but then I thought about it. How much have you spent on firearms, ammo, etc etc that you'll hopefully never need? I decided to buy for the consequences and not the odds. https://sabersolutions.com/collections/armor/products/cratus-cr-2000sa?variant=31740414558288 I just bit the bullet and ordered these. It really sucked spending the money but $/performance I'm happy. ETA: just say no to stacked mag pouches. Did you order these plates from the link above, from Sabersolutions? If so how long was the wait? Yes, I did. It's going to be a while now, the best day for you to order was yesterday. The second best is today.  |
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Posted: 1/19/2021 1:45:05 PM EDT
[#38]
I found this so I'm probably going to cut up some cardboard for small and medium and I'll take some pics to see what you guys think.
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Posted: 1/19/2021 3:48:02 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Yes, I did. It's going to be a while now, the best day for you to order was yesterday. The second best is today. Here is my skinny butt in a template of a Small SAPI. Do I even need to cut a medium? 
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Posted: 1/19/2021 5:56:43 PM EDT
[#40]
No, and at this point I think you might consider trying an 8x10 silhouette.
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Posted: 1/19/2021 5:56:53 PM EDT
[#41]
I think you're severely over thinking this, the difference in width between a S and an M is .55 inches, which is only .275 wider on each side, less than a centimeter each side, plus the width is in a non critical area. Your rib cage does not need to "punch out" around the plates. Literally the only area where width is a mobility factor is in the shoulder notch, and the L210's are narrower in width in that area than even the small SAPI's you're pining over. Plus they are available to order right now at a good price and with reasonable lead times.
If you were in the military a CIF person would have pushed a set of mediums into your arms so fast, "sign here" and sent you onto the next station before you even had a chance to ask and they would be right to do that. |
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Posted: 1/19/2021 6:12:18 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I think you're severely over thinking this. Of course. It's my OCD. Just trying to cover all basis by looking at all options and what is in the market. I see Highcom makes a 4s17m lvl4 plate. Heavier and bulkier but just looking at options. |
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Posted: 1/19/2021 6:23:12 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Of course. It's my OCD. Just trying to cover all basis by looking at all options and what is in the market. I see Highcom makes a 4s17m lvl4 plate. Heavier and bulkier but just looking at options. Overthinking it is good. This is a big purchase decision and it's perfectly sensible for you to take your time deciding what to drop your money on. |
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Posted: 1/20/2021 1:34:37 AM EDT
[#44]
Get the smalls for sure. Same boat here
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Posted: 1/20/2021 2:09:50 AM EDT
[#45]
You and I have very similar measurements. My chest is just a bit wider than yours. I ordered a set of small SAPI plates last week.
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Posted: 1/20/2021 7:52:58 AM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted: You and I have very similar measurements. My chest is just a bit wider than yours. I ordered a set of small SAPI plates last week. What make/model did you order? |
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Posted: 1/20/2021 9:26:00 AM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted: What make/model did you order? I went with the Hesco U210. They checked all of the boxes for me, but they're really pricey. |
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Posted: 1/20/2021 10:04:00 AM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I went with the Hesco U210. They checked all of the boxes for me, but they're really pricey. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: What make/model did you order? I went with the Hesco U210. They checked all of the boxes for me, but they're really pricey. Looks to be a pretty similar threat profile to the Tencate plate I bought but even lighter. If you ever regret spending the money put a set of steel plates on. OP, I'm not an expert but smalls or mediums would probably be OK depending on the exact fit (they're curved which changes things a bit). My lats stick out of a M SAPI, if they get shot off it'll suck but I won't die so that's the main thing.  You're not going to have 100% coverage ever. It looks like a little more length might not be too bad though, where does that hit in relation to your ribs? Your liver, spleen, and diaphragm are tucked up under your lower ribs and they don't do well when shot. |
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Posted: 1/20/2021 10:48:03 AM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I went with the Hesco U210. They checked all of the boxes for me, but they're really pricey. Ouch $700/ea. They look good though. |
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Posted: 1/20/2021 11:09:42 AM EDT
[#50]
I think I'm going to go with the HighCom 4S17M lvl IV in SAPI Small. Although a little over budget and mostly standard weight for lvl IV, I'm not really concerned with the weight since I'm not going to be wearing it for daily use.
Thoughts? |
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