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3/19/2026 9:44:14 PM EDT
I'm getting a new carrier/vest. More than likely it'll be the Defense Mechanisms APOC

What's the new hotness in lightweight, thin, plates?

Vest will also have soft armor so Level 4 plates might not be entirely necessary when combined with 3A soft.

3/19/2026 10:14:28 PM EDT
[Last Edit: wvfarrier][Edited] [#1]
Adept Colossus Plates are amazingly effective.
3/20/2026 9:13:50 AM EDT
[#2]
RMA's 1165 G2 is pretty thin.  Adept's Archon Plate is sub 6lb but .970" thick. Hesco 4800 are LIGHT, but still about 1". Do you need level IV coverage or are you more so after like RF2/III+?
3/20/2026 9:27:22 AM EDT
[#3]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Buffman_LT1:
RMA's 1165 G2 is pretty thin.  Adept's Archon Plate is sub 6lb but .970" thick. Hesco 4800 are LIGHT, but still about 1". Do you need level IV coverage or are you more so after like RF2/III+?
View Quote


Probably won't need Level IV when combined with the soft armor. RF2/III will more fit the bill.

Unless my understanding is way off, Level IV plates are more for stand alone whereas you can combine both soft and Level III to get equal protection.

This will be a duty set-up. Plates will be worn/inserted when working on the Task Force/Narcs/SWs... 50% of the time will be TF, other will be be patrol with no plates. Needs are lightweight due to foot chases and potential for being worn all day.
3/20/2026 3:41:50 PM EDT
[#4]
I ended up going a different direction but looked hard at the highcom icw plates. Under 7lbs for a shooter front and med sapi rear and the price isn't terrible. Probably would be really nice stand alone in a low vis carrier as well.
3/20/2026 3:52:30 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Originally Posted By carlschmarl2:


Probably won't need Level IV when combined with the soft armor. RF2/III will more fit the bill.

Unless my understanding is way off, Level IV plates are more for stand alone whereas you can combine both soft and Level III to get equal protection.

This will be a duty set-up. Plates will be worn/inserted when working on the Task Force/Narcs/SWs... 50% of the time will be TF, other will be be patrol with no plates. Needs are lightweight due to foot chases and potential for being worn all day.
View Quote


Lvl4 is more about protecting from armor piercing rounds. If that's not really a factor for you lvl3 should be fine. I'd just make sure what you get is rated for greentip since they sell that at Wally World.
3/20/2026 6:37:15 PM EDT
[#6]
RMA’s ESRT is 1/2” thick and pretty light, that’d be my choice for an ICW setup.
3/20/2026 11:38:14 PM EDT
[#7]
What type of soft armor goes in it?
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. - John 15:13

The urge to save humanity is almost always only a false-face for the urge to rule it. - H.L. Mencken
3/21/2026 8:59:57 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote History
Originally Posted By 96Ag:
What type of soft armor goes in it?
View Quote


Standard Onyx or BALCS panels.
3/21/2026 9:03:24 PM EDT
[#9]
https://www.litetacticalsolutions.com/dayton-armor-rifle-plates/dayton-armor-rf-2-rifle-plates

Dayton Armor makes some pretty lightweight plates...


Small - 8.7" x 11.6" x .55" SAPI Cut @ 2.95  lbs (1.338 kg.)
Weight = ± .15 lbs

Medium - 9.4" x 12.4" x .55" SAPI Cut @ 3.40 lbs (1.542 kg.)
Thickness = ± 0.1"

Large - 10.2" x 13.1" x .55" SAPI Cut @ 3.89 lbs (1.764 kg.)
3/21/2026 9:31:16 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote History
Originally Posted By carlschmarl2:

https://www.litetacticalsolutions.com/dayton-armor-rifle-plates/dayton-armor-rf-2-rifle-plates

Dayton Armor makes some pretty lightweight plates...


Small - 8.7" x 11.6" x .55" SAPI Cut @ 2.95  lbs (1.338 kg.)
Weight = ± .15 lbs

Medium - 9.4" x 12.4" x .55" SAPI Cut @ 3.40 lbs (1.542 kg.)
Thickness = ± 0.1"

Large - 10.2" x 13.1" x .55" SAPI Cut @ 3.89 lbs (1.764 kg.)
View Quote

Are they legit? The site looks like its from 20 years ago and a search of their address comes back as a ups store. Plates look good tho
3/22/2026 3:00:33 AM EDT
[#11]
If you're LE all the big brands, safariland, point blank, tyr etc. Have sub 3lb stand alone lvl 4 options and sub 2 lb lvl 3 stand alone. Check with your quartermaster to see who is on your local/state contract.
3/22/2026 11:23:47 AM EDT
[Last Edit: hodgescl][Edited] [#12]
Paraclete omega plus 10x12. Worn all day everyday with a soft vest. Just the front though. It’s level 3 icw 3a.

Advertised at .8 inches thick, but the backside has some padding to it.
3/22/2026 11:42:15 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote History
Originally Posted By GravyLegs:

Are they legit? The site looks like its from 20 years ago and a search of their address comes back as a ups store. Plates look good tho
View Quote
Their plates work, but IMO not as mutli-hit capable as some other designs.
3/22/2026 11:53:07 AM EDT
[#14]
https://www.pointblankenterprises.com/paraclete/speed-plates.html

If you wear it everyday. It's light and has it's own ballistic ratings.  Also if you take a blunt force impact to the chest,it will disperse the energy to counter things like cardiac tamponade and no spall concerns.

Had an old colleague of mine get punched in the chest, no body armor. Went home and died in his sleep about 6 hours later. It was an argument about turning off softball field lights at night past the posted hours. Scumbag who hit him was never charged.

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