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AR15.COM
Armory Sponsor
6/15/2007 12:05:43 PM EDT
Do SAPI plates have to be used in conjunction soft armor or can they be stand alone?
6/15/2007 1:22:55 PM EDT
[#1]

Quoted:
Do SAPI plates have to be used in conjunction soft armor or can they be stand alone?


Yes.

It depends on the plate and it's rating/manufacture.

If you are specifically asking about the military hard armor plates, they are in-conjunction-with the Interceptor vest.

TimW
Phoenix
6/15/2007 1:55:13 PM EDT
[#2]
Yeah (mil plates) that is what I thought.  Thanks for the input!
6/17/2007 12:44:15 PM EDT
[#3]

Quoted:
Do SAPI plates have to be used in conjunction soft armor or can they be stand alone?


Generally in-conjunction, because the plates only protect front and back...

The soft armor wraps around and protects more, but of course said soft armor is only good for pistol rounds and shrapnel....
6/18/2007 1:23:37 PM EDT
[#4]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Do SAPI plates have to be used in conjunction soft armor or can they be stand alone?


Generally in-conjunction, because the plates only protect front and back...

The soft armor wraps around and protects more, but of course said soft armor is only good for pistol rounds and shrapnel....



I have heard from troops who were wearing just plate carriers though - no OTV.  Whats the deal then?



-K
6/18/2007 1:34:33 PM EDT
[#5]
You want soft armor behind the SAPI plate because if you get hit with a round like 7.62x54R steel core the back of the plate will blow out and you will need the soft armor to catch the fragments.
6/18/2007 1:43:22 PM EDT
[#6]
In some cases you can have an increased level of protection with the soft armor (meaning a level may be boosted versus stand alone).  This would have to be confirmed with the specific plate and their manufacturer.  I have heard of troops/officers wearing just the plates to reduce weight or increased mobility.

I know most soft armor will not stop a rifle round, but I would prefer to have it behind my plates when possible.  It may make the difference between my being a threat to the bad guys, a casualty needing care, or a deady body.  

Mike
Armory Sponsor