Armor plates
Almost gone
6750 UAH
+203 bonus points
Безкоштовна доставка при замовленні від 5 000 грн.
Armor Plates: How to Choose Protection and Where to Buy
High-quality armor plates make it possible to protect yourself from ballistic and fragmentation threats while ensuring an adequate level of protection in extreme conditions. To avoid making the wrong choice, it is important to understand how to select armor plates correctly, which protection standards exist, and how they are compatible with plate carriers. Below, we will cover all the key aspects to help you make an informed decision.
What Is an Armor Plate
An armor plate is a rigid protective element made from materials capable of stopping bullets, fragments, or other high-energy projectiles. The plates are inserted into special pockets of a plate carrier, allowing them to protect vital organs and body systems from injury. When used together with a properly selected plate carrier, armor plates form a complete personal ballistic protection system.
Armor Protection Standards
When choosing armor plates, the first thing to consider is the protection class. We recommend paying attention to classifications based on the NIJ standard. For example, Level IIIA provides protection against medium-caliber handgun and revolver ammunition. Such plates offer only a basic level of protection.
If protection against rifle rounds from automatic weapons is required, Level III should be selected. These are rigid plates made from composite or ceramic materials.
The highest level of protection is considered to be Level IV. It provides protection against armor-piercing rounds. These armor plates usually have a ceramic base reinforced with composite materials.
To choose a plate that offers the required level of protection, it is essential to evaluate the armor plate class in relation to the potential threats you may face.
Materials Used in Armor Plates
The material affects not only the level of protection but also weight, mobility, and overall comfort. Today, steel plates are widely used. This is one of the strongest and most affordable options. Steel plates handle multiple impacts well, but they are heavy and may cause secondary fragmentation effects.
Ceramic armor plates are also available and provide a high level of protection, effectively stopping armor-piercing rounds while weighing less than steel alternatives. However, ceramic plates may have limited multi-hit capability after severe impacts.
Composite materials—such as combinations of ceramic, Kevlar, and polyester fibers—make it possible to create armor plates that are well balanced in terms of weight and protection. These plates are lighter and distribute impact energy more effectively.
How to Choose Armor Plates for Plate Carriers
Before purchasing armor plates, several key factors should be considered. One of them is compatibility with your plate carrier. The plate must be the correct size and shape. If an armor plate does not fit snugly, protection will be compromised and the setup will be uncomfortable. Therefore, it is always important to check size charts and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
The protection level of the plate should be selected based on the threats you are likely to encounter. For civilian use or basic tactical needs, where the risk of facing automatic weapons is lower, Level IIIA may be sufficient. In high-threat environments, Level III or Level IV plates are recommended.
The weight of armor plates is a critical factor, especially during prolonged wear. Lighter ceramic or composite plates provide better mobility but often come at a higher cost. If you move frequently or perform intensive activities, it is important to find the right balance between weight and protection.
Advantages of Modern Armor Plates
Modern armor plates that meet all current requirements provide a reliable level of protection. These plates are capable of withstanding serious impacts and can save lives.
Durability and long service life are additional advantages of modern armor plates. With proper care, a plate can remain effective for a long time.
Compatibility with plate carriers is another major benefit, as modern plates integrate easily with modular systems. Today’s market offers a wide selection of materials and protection classes, making it possible to choose the optimal solution for specific needs.
It is difficult to imagine modern tactical or professional activity without high-quality armor plates. Before purchasing armor plates, it is important to clearly define your needs, consider the threats you may encounter, and select plates that are compatible with your plate carrier. Armor plates for plate carriers with different protection levels allow you to build an effective protective system that ensures confidence, safety, and maximum functionality during mission execution.
