I was going to order from AR500 armor as they have good reviews however from reading their reviews they are incredibly slow at fulfilling orders with some as old as August.


Anyone have a recommendation for a manufacturer and some things to look for?

It matters a little what kind of plate you want, with what kind of capabilities and especially weight. I have steel plates from AR500 and didn't have any special issues getting it. The ceramics are so much better in actual use and what I would personally recommend. And those I would not get from AR500.

https://www.spartanarmorsystem...icialkBoCQ9cQAvD_BwE

They often have sales and ship fast.

Check this out.

https://sigforum.com/eve/forums...935/m/4430004704/p/1

I’m thinking Hesco ceramic for myself but I’m a ways out.

I have ordered from AR500 several times and yes it has taken longer than I wanted but they have always fulfilled the order and the product is good for the price. What are you looking for? I also like Shot Stop.

Steel plates are heavier, and probably cheaper. I have heard ceramic plates are brittle, and can get damaged if abused. If you tend to get shot a lot, you may want to go with steel. There are many videos of steel plates getting hit multiple times, and still holding up strong.

Contoured plates are much more comfortable IMHO.

For my need (using a plate carrier for working out), I wanted my set up to weight 20lbs. I went with steel. I think I paid $80 for 2 contoured plates. I gave one to my son for his workout gear. But it’s comforting to know, should the need ever arise, I have level IIIA body armor if needed.

Don’t skimp on the carrier. I use a 5.11 TacTec carrier that is easily customizable for individual needs. Even at 20lbs, you don’t notice the weight.

I bought CATI brand plates, which were on sale. But again, my need was on workout gear.

quote:

Originally posted by dave7378:
I have ordered from AR500 several times and yes it has taken longer than I wanted but they have always fulfilled the order and the product is good for the price. What are you looking for? I also like Shot Stop.

Decent but simple level III steel plates w/ anti fragment coating for a vest that will see intermittent use.

quote:

Originally posted by ryan81986:

quote:

Originally posted by dave7378:
I have ordered from AR500 several times and yes it has taken longer than I wanted but they have always fulfilled the order and the product is good for the price. What are you looking for? I also like Shot Stop.

Decent but simple level III steel plates w/ anti fragment coating for a vest that will see intermittent use.

I have ordered from both AR500 and Infidel , The AR500 was less expensive but took much longer to arrive.

These guys have been posting all over the Virginia face book groups.

I get a kick out of the aloha line.

https://www.hoplitearmor.com/collections

Another vote for Spartan, great products and prices.

I'd go with Hesco. But that's me. Quality, weight, price. Choose any two.

I have a set of multi-curve level IV plates from Hoplite. They are re-branded LTC ceramic plates. Price was really good. Quality is as good or better than most other IV plates I have handled. The owner is awesome to deal with. Highly recommended.

T

quote:

Decent but simple level III steel plates w/ anti fragment coating for a vest that will see intermittent use.

simply because M855 is so prevalent in the supply chain in the US I would never pick a LIII plate.
The newer ceramic plates are pretty tough and not "brittle" as above.

quote:

Originally posted by Riley:
Check this out.

https://sigforum.com/eve/forums...935/m/4430004704/p/1

I’m thinking Hesco ceramic for myself but I’m a ways out.

As shown on page 9 of the thread that Riley linked to, I went with Chase Tactical 4SAS7 Level IV Shooters Cut 10”x12” Multi-curve ceramic plates. Very happy with them. They are the best balance of performance, quality, comfort, and cost that I found.