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Posted: 6/19/2006 6:52:24 PM EDT
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Hello, need some input by someone who knows steel plates. Just purchased a set of these, 8lb,1/2 thick,single curve,operator cuts and has a cover over the front. (stand alone) http://www.interamer.net/index.asp?P...ROD&ProdID=138 The ones Im using now, are Tit/steel are 6.2lbs, these go for $165 each. http://www.internationalbodyarmor.co...TitaniumPlate/ The steel plate at first link is actually thinner and weight less than the Tit/steel plate. Steel suppost to be 8lb, the tit/steel suppose to be 6.2lb,according to sellers,but it not the truth, also the steel plate is thinner. Both are level 3, the steel plate suppose to be a stand alone, the tit/steel is a stand alone up to 7.62x39, anything higher, it needs to be in conjunction with 2a or 3a vest. Based on the info posted here, out of the two plates, what plate to put in front & what plate to put at the back? I have two of each,but thinking of splitting the pair & adding strongest plate in the front. Info posted on their site isnt great,but did ask questions before purchased via e-mail. Any input is appreciated. |
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Very interesting observations on those two plates. Could you please follow up with details (ACTUAL weights, thickness) of each plate. My research indicates that the kevlar et al. panels are to be put BEHIND the steel plates. Although this arrangement does not help with spall, it helps control backface deformation. My understanding is that for spall protection, you should get 3-5 layers of kevlar to wrap the steel plate. There is a thread (I think D-R isproducing) spall guard and other misc ballistic resistant items. |
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Your kevlar panels should go behind the steel plates, not in front. They offer no additional ballistic protection if they are in front of the plates, as the steel behind the panel will act as a die when the panel is struck, allowing the bullet to simply punch through the kevlar. They will offer spall protection if worn in front of the plate, but a level II or IIIA panel is a bit of overkill for a spall guard. I use IIIA+ aramid panels behind stand-alone level III steel plates, with 3 layers of aramid and a cover for a spall guard. With my plates, this combination gives NIJ level 4 protection, although it is heavy. Just my .02, YMMV |
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Just got through removing the "seem on the ballistic nylon" that covers the steel plates,had to in order to remove steel plate. Was looking to place a couple of sheet of kevlar on the front of plate, to be there as a spall guard, to my pleasant suprise, their was already a few sheets of kevlar on front of the steel plate. The Tit/steel plate is just painted,no ballistic nylon covering etc, so I installed on front & back of the tit/steel plate a few layers of kevlar. The tit/steel is twice as thick as the steel plate, Im assuming the steel plates are stronger metal. After adding spall guards on the tit/steel plates, I used spray adhesive for the kevalar sheets & nylon tape for covering. No longer fear spall hitting me in the chin. Im now having my level 3A panels behind my plates. Thanks for all the replies.  TG |
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