Which Body Armor Should You Buy? Plate Carrier Setup (NIJ Ratings, Ballistics, Comparisons, & More)

In this video ill cover my current plate carrier setups which include the AC1 from Trex arms and the Haley strategic D3CRXH Heavy placard. I'll also go over the plates I run which are HESCO L210s as well as bring on a very knowledgable resource to go over everything that has to do with armor. Have you ever wondered what body armor to buy or which armor will stop what rounds? Kurt from Predator Armor was kind enough to come on the channel to share the things he knows about plates and armor. So soak it up!
-KIT
www.gunmenusa.com/kit
-CHANNEL SPONSOR: Use code (GUNMEN15)
/ usarmsco
/ @usarmsco
-PATREON
www.patreon.com/gunmen?fan_la...
-MERCH
www.gunmenusa.com/shop
-SOCIAL MEDIA
/ gunmen.us
-HUGE SHOUTOUT TO KURT (Use discount code GUNMEN on their site)
/ predator_armor
-CAMERA GEAR AND OFFICE SETUP
kit.co/samuelhansen
Optics Planet Code: GUNMEN7
Timecodes
0:00 -Intro
0:28 - My Setup
6:15 - Different levels of plates and what they stop
9:18 - NIJ Standards when rating plates
10:24 - Distance shot & plate ratings
14:29 - Steel vs Ceramic vs Poly plates
15:06 - Pros of steel
16:53 - Cons of steel
17:11 - Pros of ceramic
17:56 - Cons of ceramic
19:10 - Pros of poly
19:29 - Cons of poly
19:51 - Pros & Cons recap
22:15 - Proper size & placement of plates
24:10 - Predator level III+ vs HESCO special threat
27:32 - THE WHY
29:16 - Outro
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DISCLAIMER/AFFILIATE
We do not receive money or products in exchange for good reviews. Any product reviewed on this channel will be honestly discussed according to the opinion of the reviewer. We DO have an affiliate account with amazon but are NOT interested in deceiving our community into purchasing products because of it. Its only purpose is to assist in linking products for ease of purchase and to support the channel, allowing us to create more content in the future. Our Patreon is our main contributor to support the channel. Please consider subscribing! We love our Patreon members and are very grateful to them.
Affiliate Disclaimer: The content provided in this video is for informational purposes only. I am not a professional reviewer or an expert in weapons, gear, equipment, & etc. The views and opinions expressed in this video are solely my own. Please note that I may earn a commission from affiliate links on my website GUNMENusa.com and possibly in the description. Purchasing products through these links helps support the channel and allows me to continue creating valuable content. However, I cannot be held responsible for any actions you take based on the information provided in this video. Before making any purchase, I recommend doing your own research and considering your own needs, preferences, and circumstances. It's essential to consult with professionals or read product documentation for accurate and up-to-date information. By watching this video, you agree that you are responsible for your own decisions and any consequences that may arise.
These videos are for entertainment purposes only. All actions performed in these videos are under the supervision of a trained/licensed professional. GUNMEN nor any of the companies herein are responsible for any injuries or damages caused to you or your firearm that may result from attempting to recreate the actions in these videos. Do not try this at home.
Fair Use: In the rare instance I include someone else’s footage it is covered in Fair Use for Documentary and Educational purposes with intention of driving commentary and allowing freedom of speech.

[@emilianosaenz2822]

Man every video you put out I get impressed by the quality and information you put out. Great content man, please don’t stop making these videos you got crazy potential and I’m here for it!

[@GUNMENusa]

Thank you bro!! I’ll keep going if you keep watching!! Share it around if you can. Helps me out a-lot haha

[@dominickmckenzie5226]

I’m still beyond surprised why you don’t have 1m subscribers. The quality of everything is great.

[@grayrecluse7496]

Notice, all these channels are just commercials. Everything is brand new never dirty ,never sweat Staind. Just a sales pitch.

[@sundaybrassclub1585]

Rich kids with their toys they don’t actually use

[@grayrecluse7496]

@@sundaybrassclub1585 Professional paintball army...🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@43xboog]

@@sundaybrassclub1585you clearly don’t watch him he trains with everything and is very honest with everything he posts uses

[@kurticus91]

Just discovered this channel. You’re putting out some really high quality stuff man. Editing is on point and I appreciate that all of your videos are 4K and the audio is crisp as hell. Subbed!

[@GUNMENusa]

Haha bro thank you!

[@squezada610_]

Amazing channel and quality man. You’re putting out some great content with great editing. Can’t wait to see how much you’ll grow

[@ForestWW]

I'm happy I found this video. Subscribed. Great vibe, beautiful editing and scene. I just love the audio and the way the whole show rolls. It's smooth and great guest. I love your channel theme.

[@daddyden72]

Videos get better and better! Keep it up 🔥

[@josephkozak9973]

This is a fantastic video, probably the best explanation and comparison between different types of plates I've been able to find.

[@Boostgravyy]

Just discovered your videos a few days ago. This page is gonna rise high man the quality is superb. Great quality man. Thanks for the video!

[@GUNMENusa]

Haha thank you bro!!

[@Ravencof]

Always amazing and well thought out videos. Keep up the good work!

[@kasong60]

I actually just bought the AC1 carrier with the Hesco Special Threat plates from T.Rex Arms site. Great products. I haven't been out to the range with them yet but it's super comfortable.

[@snowwann273]

when i did security i ran a lv3 steel plate with a lv2 ceramic between me and the steel. this was 5 years ago so it was kinda heavy and bulky and made my cheat comically big BUT i felt super safe from anything for my vitals. working doubles sucked cus the weight but i enjoyed that i felt safe from spal or fragmentation and just having the extra paddding/material for energy absoring. the steel plate only had 1 layer of kevlar covering, i dont remeber much from where i got it. i got it through the security company i worked for back then and all. this was at lest my way to mitigate the energy transfer and concern for spal/fragmentation/back blowout.

[@DSween-ng4kw]

Absolute amazing video(s). Top notch quality and very informative every time. Thanks for what you do.

[@tommystratpaul]

This was an amazing video! I really appreciate you bringing the expert on, and him showing up. Very insightful and useful information. I love your setup, I have been looking at the exact same chest rigs and will pull the plug on them now. Also need a set of plates, and will look into this company!

[@generalkaosthedestroyer3452]

Great video. I like how honest the Predator rep is about the pros and cons.

[@5five6x45]

HOLY SHIT SOME OF THE BEST INFO EVER THE PLATE GUY WAS OFF THE HOOK. HE BROKE IT DOWN FOR THE WORKING MAN BEST INFO EVER! THANK YOU

[@happycamper1430]

I recommended this video idea in your community post. You're welcome :) and nice video. Outstanding quality as usual

[@remingtonsiefkas2458]

So glad he came and was able to tall about this

[@isaacbrown4845]

This channel is so underrated. Keep up the good work!

[@liammiller9246]

This channel is fantastic, definitely could see it blowing up soon

[@dwhitey3464]

this is becoming my new favorite channel. the level of production and honesty is the biggest draw.

[@Crazy_Crusaderr]

I've been wanting to buy some kit, especially been looking at the ac1. This video might well be the thing that makes me do it

[@WinstonWilliamsofficial]

This channel is quite literally one of the BEST on KZbin

[@KamSd]

dude, i love your videos. the quality is astonishing! we need more videos more often!

[@GUNMENusa]

More to come! Thank you for the support bro!

[@chrisjames7489]

I know he brought up spall and deformation, but it was extremely minimized. It is very hard to control sprawl on a steel plate, and just wrapping it in few layers of Kevlar is probably not consistent enough. The fact their company sells steel plates without that mitigation at all is even more frightening. You get what you pay for, there is a reason legitimate, contracted companies, don't use steel at this point.

[@L4zyN1nj4]

spall

[@2A.Freedom]

Bulldog has really good frag bags. But my med. Ac1 was too small for the 10×12 plate in the bag. Made the plate dimensions more along the lines of 11×13. So i just went with the Agilite k19.

[@save2a4all]

14:44 There are many pros and cons for types of armor, there are use cases and considerations for all types. multi hit, durability, rating, cost, spall, etc.

[@TheEpitaphrecords]

@@save2a4all there absolutely nowhere near enough pros to use steel plates. they spall, their heavy, and they don’t absorb hits at all. ceramics might not be able to take 10+ hits, but they actually absorb hits so your heart doesn’t stop when you get shot, and spall doesn’t slice your shit open. ceramics will be better than steel every single time.

[@save2a4all]

@@TheEpitaphrecords "ceramics better than steel every single time" is absolutely false... Though ceramics are better for many/most use cases.

[@envy._q3206]

absolutely love all your videos great quality we need more!!

[@GUNMENusa]

thank you man!!

[@envy._q3206]

@@GUNMENusa no problem keep up the great content can’t wait to see more. you’ll definitely get to a million subs in no time if you keep up this quality

[@mjm113]

Great video with a lot of good info. Been watching your other videos as well and just subscribed to your channel.

[@mushyandotterschannel2375]

Man oh man I'm loving predator armor even more

[@wyattgerken693]

Keep it up man, i look forward to your videos

[@CAA8148]

Great video!

[@Steeze_Gaming]

If unbox therapy was combined with a gun-loving bob ross that would be this channel. Much love and HAGO!!!!!

[@mac893]

awesome content man

[@sknborn3201]

New sub here. Your vids wreak of genuinity, above all things. I can respect that.

[@conorfoster2337]

If you don't want to buy cheap amazon stuff, look for contract over run and clearance sales. You can find really well made gear for cheap. And don't be afraid of the ACU/ABU camo stuff, like $7 of rit dye and an afternoon will fix that.

[@tylerdodd55]

New to the channel, awesome videos!! Told my boys about them!!

[@yoloactual6975]

You have slots for more mags in your cummerbund. IF you wanted to expand that further you could replace the AC1 doodoo cummerbund with a Ferro Concepts that has a whopping 8 elastic mag slots, and can be further expanded upon with full wrap around 3a soft side armor.

[@joshuatougas]

Kk. Ordering from Predator this week. I appreciate the unbiased opinion as much as he could. With any business it’s hard to say what flaws your product has and I think he did a great job at not destroying other brands, models. Earned my business.

[@JoseRodriguez-wn8ey]

Good stuff !

[@wobblybrute]

Another great video

[@jorgefiggy710]

Currently have the AC-1 WITH L210'S D3CRX from Haley getting a different placard later on this spring as well as lvl4 plates.

[@jthebk3864]

I watched a video that a navy seal did on his carrier and he mentioned that when he's building emergency setups for friends he typically uses Amazon stuff just because you're average person isn't gonna wear the carrier very often, onetigris is pretty great because while it's less polished stuff they claim its all high quality Cordura, I don't know if that's true but I have their low pro carrier which is very similar to this one and their placard and they both seem pretty tough

[@JohnWellsMoore]

Even with the sale, the predator 3+ plate set with the multicurve, kevlar, and backing is $345. The Hesco L210s are $380. Definitely worth the extra $35. Less than a tank of gas difference and for sure a way better set of plates.

[@Edub816]

I’ve been researching plates. Those predator plates with the anti-spall Kevlar seem promising.

[@Anuj08]

Bro remember me i told you this video will be banger 💯🔥🔥🔥

[@woundedcorner5773]

such a great video..

[@Papiunruly1]

Awesome video good info, CT doesn’t have a ban on body armor just can’t purchase online have to buy face to face which is still dumb

[@gabrielfelixmunoz739]

wow he sold me on steel, learned a lot

[@Stone2915]

Very informative vids

[@GUNMENusa]

That’s the goal!

[@AJohnSmith]

Check out WiseMen Tactical for the Lunar Concepts X-Harness. Doesn’t annoy your shoulders bc the harness spreads across your lats. 🤙🏻

[@envy._q3206]

would be cool to see you post more videos of you training as well or something like that

[@GUNMENusa]

Ill definitely dive more into that soon!

[@PrayingPanda]

Cheaper ceramics like hesco 4401s are 7.5lbs RMA 1155 are 8.3lbs

[@hhhservicesllc3163]

If you want to see how the Predator armor plates hold up to multiple rounds, got to "Drop it like it's Scott)'s channel... Predator armor is amazing with what it will take!!!!

[@AntaresTwo6]

If you can afford the "good stuff" in regards to body armor, go for it. Hesco and Agilite have been getting good reviews, but are very much pricey.

[@bornjustice9572]

Dayton armor feels Great!!!! Tony The Tigger voice.

[@2A.Freedom]

Something to note is that what the guy called shooters cut is more like sapi cut. Shooters/swimmers cut is angled way more than that.

[@robertjohnson9756]

I'm sorry but the weight argument is not over done my first pair of plates were from predator loved um and yea 15lbs for a short period isn't bad but go 1,2,3+ hours and it's a different story so when I switched to poly plates that were half the weight the difference was incredible with your ability to move faster and endurance especially after training with 15lbs worth plates for 2 years and if you research products wait for sales you can find good poly or ceramic plates for not that much more then steel

[@stephenedwards5063]

Adapt probably makes the best body armor civilians can purchase at this time. It’s level 4+ Which isn’t a real and NIJ rating but the plate actually out performs regular level 4 plates. They weigh about 6 pounds but if you want true protection as a civilian. These are probably the best on the market.

[@nicohaerling7077]

Yup. Demo ranch has a vid on them if anyone is curious. They preformed really well.

[@mjgII]

seems like a level III full coverage kevlar vest with plate pockets would be superior

[@labotimy]

One minor correction for Kurt's section on the L210, it is not rated for 30 caliber rifle rounds. It's only rated for intermediate rounds, specifically m193, m855, m43, 7.62x39 api, and m67.

[@Brimwald]

Technically 7.62x39 is a 30 cal round but I get what you're saying. These arent 308 rated

[@labotimy]

@@Brimwald True. I can make an edit so that distinction between rifle cartridges and intermediate is more clear.

[@PC-uh6hk]

Does it make sense to wear your ammo on your plate carrier? I think I'd have most my magazines in a backpack with a plate protecting both me and my ammo, I'd keep some magazines somewhere handy but not where they might be damaged by enemy fire.

[@S117MasterMatt]

Not planning on going prone I guess 😆

[@keithkreatives]

@Gunmen what is that black placard in the beginning of your video? I looked on Amazon but couldn’t find it

[@redtrees]

I like this channel new sub

[@mmcgarry7384]

What all are the placards on your combat chest rig that holds the 6 mags?

[@jessiecross1647]

Question are you using a battle belt or using attachments for a normal belt ?

[@joablevytam]

If you get a chance check out Agelite. I think they make some of the best plate carriers you can get. A lot of IDF guys run them.

[@SINBREAKER24]

I just got one and how comfortable it is was not a lie. How is yours holding up?

[@TheLoobis]

4:00 WHAT!

[@michaelyi5794]

Yesssss new Gunmen dropped Just so you know, your “GUNMEN” code doesn’t work for Aeroknox :(

[@GUNMENusa]

Good to know bro! Thanks for letting me know 😄 I’ll get that code back up and running

[@galmor1007]

Let's say the main threat is 7.62x39 AP round. What plate would you take? 3/4/special threat? What about the RF1/2/3 (NIJ 0101.07 draft)?

[@PrayingPanda]

Not surprised a steel armor peddler is lying about ceramic plates. They don't expire after 5 years, the warranty does.

[@maqsoodkhan9492]

I want this

[@logandutton]

@gunmen The predator level 3's are on sale. I have a medium AC1... Will they fit? not sure if they are the same or smaller that the predator 3+. Thanks

[@logandutton]

I ordered the same micro chest rig but the buckles wouldn’t fit into the ac1. Did you switch them out?

[@ryno9677]

I use the same Amazon placard. It’s cheap, it’s works, and it’s comfortable. Would HSP be more durable? Most likely. Will I eventually upgrade? Probably, but for now I’ve been pretty impressed with it.

[@GUNMENusa]

I feel the same way man haha

[@TheWorldFromAboveorg]

Can you send me the link so I can get it from Amazon please?

[@askpauld]

Link? TIA

[@Nuke-China]

How is 7.5 lbs good for a steel plate? Cheaper SiC ceramics are 8 lbs but they're also level IV. Not to mention the steel plate demonstrated isn't a full SAPI cut -- it has the bottom corners reduced inwards. Also your ceramic plate don't expire after 5 years -- that's when the warranty for them ends.

[@TheLoobis]

1:18 Dude, that seems kinda small.

[@tytly-ro7vt]

Imo special threat plates are the new and cool but considering that so many average Americans own hunting rifles, I want to be able to stop 30-06 AP

[@sololobo9994]

I'm a nobody, but you just earned a fan and subscriber.

[@GUNMENusa]

You aren’t a nobody to me! Thank you for the support bro!

[@sololobo9994]

@@GUNMENusa no problem brother keep the content coming. I just hinged your other videos and you have convinced me to invest in a glock 43x MOS

[@erickstotle4285]

I am really considering getting the plates, would these fit within the Agelite K19 plate carrier ?

[@Rick850angler]

What ever happened to double stack mag holders…can’t seem to find them ever anywhere wish I had my old ones now you can carry a lot more ammo

[@Dylan.Dougie]

Do the predator armor plates fit in a medium trex AC1 carrier?

[@PrayingPanda]

A 5lbs difference is 5 loaded mags or 3 loaded mags and medical.

[@Raynbell]

What amazon placard is that

[@PrayingPanda]

Don't claim level 3+if your plate isn't NIJ CERTIFIED level 3!!

[@jakealamo50]

Do a video on duty belts and set ups

[@GUNMENusa]

Building it out right now :)

[@jakealamo50]

@@GUNMENusa Thanks bro !

[@marknkristin03]

Anyone have a link to that placard he’s using?

[@the_fallen_halo163]

For completely comedic purposes, which plate carrier would be best to deadlift with and push press with? I think it’s be a funny goof to go in the gym with no shirt and only a plate carrier

[@nicohaerling7077]

Crye JPC and pitvipers if you wanna go full hooah

[@9770G]

Does anyone know if the RMA level 4 ceramic’s 1155 model fit in a medium AC1? I was told to get the large AC1 for those plates. I’m also looking to buy Trex’s cushion pads to put behind them. I’m 5’7 195lbs. Would a large AC1 be to big for me?

[@chupacabra304]

I got RMA 1155’s but not in an A1C and they’re thicc boiz for sure right now I have them in a Vakarian pc

[@9770G]

@@chupacabra304 well the guys at Trex said the ac1 in a large fits those plates and the cushion pad they offer as well

[@chupacabra304]

@@9770G so long as it covers your vitals that’s what matters, im also 5’7”

[@9770G]

@@chupacabra304 ya I think a size large will cover us pretty well. I don’t think the difference in the plate carriers in that big between the sizes.

[@hardluckpaintworks5475]

As far as ap will it stop pistol ap

[@MarketAndChurch]

mag placards more expensive than the actual mag itself? My gen 2 pmags were only 7 bucks and my gen 3 pmags were only 12. What do you think about California trying to ban body armor lol

[@nateperryshootingsports6201]

Is this for LE or Contracting?

[@mitchellgolston2726]

I need the large maybe extra large I’m 6” 1 but I weigh 225 pounds and I have no girth to hide anything. So I’m trying to find one that’s doable and not super expensive

[@lit1numyt_]

this dude looks like the glasses guy in sicario ngl

[@NukeTelAviv]

I'm gonna keep it 💯 with you chief, anybody openly admitting to running a "minimal" rig is doing it purely for the larp. Nobody who's life relies on their gear chooses LESS armor and carrying capacity. I appreciate the setup review (good plates btw), but this is absolutely a LARP and you know it. Edit: apparently this isn't marketing towards professional use as I originally thought it was. Still a great analysis and poignant talking points, nonetheless. Great content!

[@GUNMENusa]

Hahahaha my Instagram bio literally says “Pro LARPer” so yes😄

[@NukeTelAviv]

@@GUNMENusa my bad boss, keep up the good content!

[@GUNMENusa]

@@NukeTelAviv no hard feelings at all bro haha I appreciate the real talk man! Let’s all just train and get better together.

[@-Ungodly]

can you legally edc any of these kits or are these training only

[@omarbueno9834]

You can do whatever the hell you wanna do except in states where body armor has been banned

[@pewpewlife8210]

Link the jacket

[@ABCDEF-pl6jz]

how can i order a body armour?

[@timgray5763]

My body armor set up is, Safe Life Defense and my concealed carrier has Hyper Line 3A at less then a 1/4” thick it will stop shotgun slug and 44mag many many many times even stacking the bullets and stab proof, my outer carrier is from 5:11 but the plates are SLD FRAS ceramic flexible rife armor system at level 4 , which not many people on earth have anything bigger to worry about on ST. I wear my concealed every where I go , and my outer is in the trunk with every thing else.. I also have another set I’m about to sell which is better it’s the same but has three carriers two black and one white for what color shirt your wearing so people notice less wile at the store and with full FRAS not plates. It was for my kid to go into being a Paramedic, fell apart ! Hope this helps, it’s something to look into Bro as an option…..

[@PrayingPanda]

Is my kit going to be 15lbs? No. I have the carrier, mags, medical, utility tools, ammo, and water.

[@PrayingPanda]

Best way to not catch deadly spall? Don't use steel plates. Steel is for targets not for armor.