How to store body armor! AR500 armor

[@brandonb.7332]

great company with great communication. email response within the hour every time.

[@nathanguilliams7255]

If you leave a steel plate in a carrier, in the cab of a closed truck in Texas. On a hot August day. Let it cool off before putting it on. The plates will be 140* or more.

[@ThereIsNoSpoon4]

Invictus is the best carrier I've worn. Thanks guys.

[@ArmoredRepublic2]

We agree! Thank you so much for your purchase and feedback!

[@salcrochiola]

You guys shipped my plate carrier 2 days after I ordered it! Lightning fast! Thank you!

[@MrCapochannel]

If I dont get my order soon I'm just going to wait longer.

[@Rob_Nasty]

Lmaooooo

[@kennethrussell5604]

What did you order? An did you get it yet? I've been waiting 6 months and still nothing

[@gerryetheridge7480]

@@kennethrussell5604 I'll cancel my order if it takes that long. There are other companies.

[@SykesFW]

Kenneth Russell damn I ordered 2 weeks ago, and got it last Thursday

[@MJ-eu4yi]

I have been waiting since June 29. Did you get your gear? If you did, get yours, did it have the new frag lock coating?

[@TheQuagmireful1]

Dumb question...the soft armor isn't the trauma pad is it?

[@ArmoredRepublic2]

Correct, the soft armor is not the trauma pad. They look very similar but have drastically different funcitons.

[@robertmurphy3014]

Store? That would require me to remove my armor.

[@ArmoredRepublic2]

A man of common sense I see

[@blackcellagent]

Nice

[@johnqpublic7191]

Well this makes me feel better about running stupid heavy steel plates.

[@coachterryhamlin8613]

Have two sets of AR500. A IIIA and a III. Was an LEO and know the importance of great armor. Thanks guys, for your hard work!

[@freedomrangerphillips9990]

It takes five regular coat hangers to hold up my concealed vest with soft plates 😂

[@amirdasmoker5256]

I got the tactical scorpion 10x12’s I have to get a concealed vest. My question is where do I get one? Everyone says they’re sold out 🤦🏽‍♂️🙁

[@ChevTecGroup]

Gear hooks or similar items can be found for 5-30 bucks and will hold much more than a soft vest

[@captainbankroll4511]

5 holds up mine with steep plates just fine

[@Waterbottlewithagun]

I have a strong plastic hanger from the 80s that holds up my steel plates with whole load out

[@TheFishinPastor]

My lead times were 12-14 weeks but I received my order in 4 weeks. So awesome! Thanks guys.

[@ArmoredRepublic2]

Great to hear!

[@a-10warthog55]

I ordered 2 weeks ago, I would literally shit my pants if I got it as early as October. Everyone seems to be ordering right now.

[@MillerJW100]

@@a-10warthog55 I ordered the beginning if July, last email I got said oct 24th shipping date...

[@a-10warthog55]

@@MillerJW100 that's awesome man congrats! Gives me a rough idea when I should be getting mine then. Hopefully end of November. I'm anxious!

[@chickenseat1942]

Video starts at 1:00 gentlemen

[@gunnerjoe53]

Anyone know why “Steel Plates” have a shelf life? As long as it is NOT rusting or corroding what would fail? Joe

[@ArmoredRepublic2]

Hello Joe. Excellent question, and you are correct. So long as the steel is intact the plate will hold its strength indefinitely. The 20 year shelf life is due to the polyurea coating we put on the plates called Fraglock. This material has a projected 20 year shelf life before it can degrade and break down. It is likely the plates can last far longer than the projected shelf life. Hope this helps!

[@marcostevenmarquez3904]

The video starts at 1:10

[@Predator42ID]

First thing my family bought from you guys was your first gen hangers. Reason being is that Army LBEs tend to weigh a fair amount once you have them kitted out and I had been bending hangers left and right. One of us even did a pull up on it, the bar we used was weaker then the hanger. Love your quality products. I'm just hoping that the T2 of yours fits my frame without modification since I'm in the medium regular category. Sadly reviews are all over the place so just like shoes, pants, and other pieces of clothing, not everything is universal. That said, I did a lot of research and to my horror, non of the smaller carriers fit my specs. I wanted integrated side plated pouches and as such the carriers that had those tended to be a little larger. As such I couldn't deny the super deal I got on your stuff, which when I factored in costs was cheaper then buying a cheap Condor carrier and then all the armor. hahaha That is saying a lot given how much more expensive your plate carriers are compared to Condors. Now I do have one question. Will being stored on heavy duty hangers degrade the plate carrier itself with all the armor and attachments on it over time? Thank you.

[@ArmoredRepublic2]

Hi Seth! Thanks for all your support and service. Most soft armor is recommended to be stored flat because the weight of the vest and panels can stretch the elastic attachment/adjustment straps. Generally speaking, nylon tactical vests utilize no elastic in the shoulder straps. Also, troops overseas used improvised 'vest trees' made of wood to store their kit between missions, and they did just fine. Short term, there should be no issues, but I don't know anyone who has stored a fully loaded vest + plates + all the other gear long term on a hanger (steel or otherwise). My sense is that it should be fine.

[@Predator42ID]

@@ArmoredRepublic2 So as long as the plate carrier doesn't have elastic straps then storing it on a hanger fully loaded shouldn't be an Issue? Sounds like you guys need to test this theory with a fully laden carrier for a month or so. Since I would bet dollars to donuts that people are storing their armor in carriers on hangers for the long term. Since closet space is more plentiful and convenient then a large shelf. Thank you.

[@Petebuiltmobilewelding]

Cant wait to get it! Hopefully shipping in 5 days or less.

[@sethcarrington4326]

@@tend3nonconforming63 has yours come yet? I ordered mine about 2 1/2 months ago and I'm still waiting

[@tristenreyna]

@@tend3nonconforming63 so I ordered mine on the 5th of March plates are no lead time. But the carrier itself is a 4 week lead. What should I expect bubba...?

[@tristenreyna]

@@tend3nonconforming63 it actually did. So you’re plates are on back order. See my order says my carrier is on back order not my plates so will everything ship at once all together or will they ship plates then carrier...? If so that makes no sense but oh well so fuckin be it. Everyone seems like they’re happy with they’re gear besides the Wait time. Hope it’s worth the wait

[@mobilehomelife4028]

Anxiously awaiting my order, cannot wait to get it, very exited.

[@thegobblerproject2363]

Finding Mark In Maine I’m in the same boat. Sunday makes 9 weeks for me

[@ArmoredRepublic2]

We're working hard to bring that down and beat lead times. Thank you for the business and patience. The quality will be worth the wait! We don't cut corners, we take the time to do things right, and we don't price gouge. This is why we have the demand we do. More info here on what we’re doing to reduce our lead time here: www.ar500armor.com/lead-times

[@user-fy6ii5uo7g]

I'm 1 week into my order. I'm also anxious to get mine.

[@___-100]

@@thegobblerproject2363 I got my vest a few weeks ago. I love everything about it and was very happy that I went with ar500. The vest is exactly what I needed and feel safer knowing its available. I'm excited for you

[@thegobblerproject2363]

I got mine a few weeks ago also I’ve worn it a couple times just getting used to it. It sits beside my safe on the hanger and is ready if I need it

[@alexanderdavlin]

you guys should make something like the battle belt, but with just the molle sleeve so you can add your own belt without having to pay extra for the belt that it comes with,

[@ArmoredRepublic2]

Thank you for the suggestion!

[@supermanley2538]

I friggin love my testudo gen 2! Shout out to the team at AR500! 👌🏽 🔥

[@ArmoredRepublic2]

😍 Thank you, you rock!

[@pierrelombardino3654]

So should I hang my carrier on a hook with the steel plates in it ??

[@ArmoredRepublic2]

It would be fine, yes

[@joevelie634]

Thanks for answering the question I forgot to ask!

[@ArmoredRepublic2]

Any time!

[@brixbyyellow3124]

So I ordered mine on Saturday day after Black Friday so I really have to wait 4 weeks for them to ship out ? I’m super excited for mine to come in I got the testudo gen 2.0

[@con6lex]

Thanks the these how-to videos.

[@ArmoredRepublic2]

Thanks for watching!

[@trucks-n-guns4878]

So if you arent supposed to put it against a wall because it will compress the fibers,will hanging it in the carrier and hanging it not be the same?

[@EpicGamingEct]

hmm i just throw my plate carrier on the floor LMAO in my garage in the cold LMAO the metal plates will be fine

[@ArmoredRepublic2]

😂

[@eblake626]

Are bullet proof jock straps real?...if so, do u have one in smedium?

[@CORNDODGER]

I would not worry about it most GUNNERS cant hit anything that SMALL

[@ls-33wraith33]

Super troopers proved the importance of this! I need one too extra small if you got it.

[@freedomrangerphillips9990]

😂😂😂

[@CC-oy8ii]

Well since we being honest do you have micro armor for frag ????

[@michaelw.urbansr.8617]

What happens if you dont have a place to hang it? I have steel plates both front and back and side plates yet dont have a place to hang it up? I need to store it raised a bit off the floor on a flat surface. So then how? lol

[@Bipecrazy69]

Informative thanks.. Could speak a little slower tho.. Sounds like those speed reading disclaimers from car dealers

[@keithcronk7980]

URE RIGHT HE HAD TO MUCH FLIPPING GO FAST.

[@ArmoredRepublic2]

lol! We will pass that along!

[@YoooItsRex]

There’s a feature where you can slow the playback rate.

[@605tatanka2]

Listen faster

[@chuckclark6162]

I just wear mine 24/7.

[@ArmoredRepublic2]

That works as well!

[@TEAMPHY6]

Starts at @1:16

[@tcarr1]

So just to be clear. My steel armor with the buildup anti-spall coating, CAN be left in my trunk, in my Veritas carrier during the summer? I dont live in Phoenix but it can get up to 106° outside (cant imagine temp inside my sedan trunk) and that'll be OK?

[@ArmoredRepublic2]

It should be fine, though not ideal. If it is exposed to many years of those conditions, it might start to degrade the plate coating., but they will still last much better in those conditions than PE or ceramic armor plates.

[@tcarr1]

@@ArmoredRepublic2 thank you SO much for taking the time to reply!

[@ArmoredRepublic2]

Of course! Please let us know if you have any other questions 👍

[@blackcellagent]

@@ArmoredRepublic2 I purchased a set of your plates and trauma pads a few years ago and have no regrets. Excellent products at a great price and you shipped them almost immediately. I do have a questioning regards to soft body armor. I was surprised you mentioned not to lay them flat, this is intriguing as to me it seemed logical. I have not purchased soft armor from you yet but previous to my purchase through you I had some soft armor from Israeli defense VIP. It came straight from Israel. It’s similar in looks to the armor you see the FBI donning. Would you suggest this be stored on a hanger just as your product should?

[@ArmoredRepublic2]

We're happy to hear that! And we can't say with 100% certainty because we are not the makers of that armor, but we would suggest hanging it as well just to be safe considering that lots of armor types are better stored on a hanger.

[@calebclark6739]

Looks like you now have inverted hangers. Nice

[@ArmoredRepublic2]

Yes, thanks

[@bozscaggzz7475]

To say some employees are non essential is a bit disrespectful imo. If I was one of them, I would get a get a job somewhere else personally.

[@3dland874]

Stfu

[@springer2112]

I have 10 year old ceramic plates. What was the shelf life of unused, meaning never took a round, ceramic plates?✌😎🏴‍☠️

[@ductape8214]

I think alot of that has to do with military, leo regulations I assume probably can't use expired armor plates at the risk of getting a lawsuit

[@keithcronk7980]

@@ductape8214 DON'T TRUST NOTHING BROTHER

[@mtower235]

He said 3 yrs in the video

[@ArmoredRepublic2]

Typically 3-5 years.

[@springer2112]

@@ArmoredRepublic2 Alright, alright! what is the shelf life of the quality, 3 not 3a steel plates! Can't imagine they go bad without being hit! I need a rifle round protector, small arms protector just ain't good enough! email me @[e-mail] with the price of the steel plates. soon to replace my heavy ass ceramic plates!

[@robl884]

Is it okay to store the trauma pads in with the body armor? I keep mine flat in a tote bin under the bed. Will the weight over time compress the trauma pad and make it worthless?

[@ArmoredRepublic2]

You can store them together, yes :)

[@vapor3074]

I really want to order but 14 week lead time compared to 8 week lead time elsewhere has me wondering if saving 100 bucks is worth waiting an extra month and a half.

[@kennethrussell5604]

Shop elsewhere unless you can wait half a year or so

[@valqueenofValhalla]

Vapor307 yes it is

[@valqueenofValhalla]

Don’t listen to these haters I have shipped with this company since 2012 be patient you will love your kit I wear ceramic I wear steel I wear soft armor steel is great if you need a longer lasting product soft is great to conceal . Their soft armor is amazing

[@kennethrussell5604]

@@valqueenofValhalla yes the product isn't the problem never hated the product, but doing private security I need my product in a timely manner

[@pahsieh]

i heard the part about the steel plates can be stored any way - so its ok to leave the carrier with plates + trauma pads, flat on top of a safe in a garage?

[@robl884]

Wondering about this myself

[@SpicyCactus]

I cant wait to get my fully loaded Testudo gen 2 set so that I can be invincible.

[@alexduke5402]

Good luck with that lol

[@OntarioPrepper]

No armor is Invincible

[@valqueenofValhalla]

I ordered a Veritas a week ago it shipped in three days I just order a testudo lite now I’m waiting 6 weeks just for a carrier I guess I don’t understand why is a carrier taking 1 1/2 months to mail

[@MichaelBSteeleAviation]

Simple answer, high demand.

[@motorcarclassics2922]

I've counted 3 rolex's so far

[@ChevTecGroup]

Scamming people is a profitable business

[@ronnietoney1093]

Thanks for the information 👊🇺🇸🏆

[@ArmoredRepublic2]

You bet!

[@jeffgrey663]

My plate carrier is on top of my safe. Thats a 2 fer

[@ArmoredRepublic2]

Awesome!

[@ALovelyBunchOfDragonballz]

Honestly, I figured the best way to store soft armour was to store it flat, so that the 'filler', as i'll call it, doesn't try to sink down to the bottom, or settle. I'm probably not wording that as best I could, and it turns out that wasnt right anyways. But in my defense I dont have soft armour, im just waiting for my hard armour to show up. Soft armour wasnt high on the list as of right now.

[@Mocaknight]

Can you test two plates at once. Like... A level 3 plate and level 3 plus and see if it's stronger then a level 4 plate

[@ArmoredRepublic2]

We'll keep that in mind. Thanks for the feedback!

[@TheSushiandme]

I sleep with my carrier on. Is that okay?

[@zuvk4190]

Aye, can’t get caught slackin

[@ALovelyBunchOfDragonballz]

Just dont sleep flat if you run soft amour. Sleep at an angle.lol

[@8AD858D8]

Warning!!!! This company will leave you hanging for months and months. Customer service does not exist. You've been warned.

[@valqueenofValhalla]

Quick Wahay I have never had an issue and I have been a customer since 2012. I ordered a Veritas kit got it in 2 weeks my testudo is in the mail now and I ordered bogo plates those are in queue just be patient

[@ALovelyBunchOfDragonballz]

They were cool with me. The lead time was stretched due to current bullshit, but the service team kept me up to date.

[@maidenfan620tx]

Have ordered from them multiple times and more often than not they ship sooner than expected

[@8AD858D8]

@@maidenfan620tx If something is going to take 6 months to deliver don't tell your customers it will ship 10-12 weeks. Yes I finally received my order, it would have been a lot less stressful if they didn't behave like they fell off the planet immediately after they've billed your credit card.

[@con6lex]

I’ve placed 2 orders in last 6 months. I got emails at certain milestones like 3/4 through estimated lead time. First order was late, but not by much, and good communication.

[@drakke125Channel]

Do you offer bundle of 2-5 hangers for carriers or have Trauma or other Soft Pads to be bought separately? I can see hangers are probably sold for single only.

[@ArmoredRepublic2]

Not at the moment, good idea!

[@drakke125Channel]

@@ArmoredRepublic2 Thanks that'd be great cuz some of us may have bought carriers or steel plates but suddenly wanted more accessories that can only be added through bundles.

[@ls-33wraith33]

You guys rock! I have just ordered a new set can’t wait to see it, thank you for being open during rona. Thank you!

[@ls-33wraith33]

@Sicsemperevello Mortemtyrannis agree! 4 months ago they had me but now it looks like its a power and control play. Regrettably AR500 still hasn’t sent out my kit and zero communication is going on over there.

[@baronsouthpaw9834]

Don't store soft armor flat???? no kidding. Never would have guessed that. Good to know : -).

[@ArmoredRepublic2]

Glad that helps!

[@arkangelnorthman]

Steel has a 20 yr shelf life? That is strange...

[@wisewhiterabbit]

probably oxidation. or a break down of the spawl coat.

[@keithcronk7980]

NOT BLUE STEEL BROTHER

[@arkangelnorthman]

@@wisewhiterabbit funny they don't explain....

[@autolode4215]

correct steel is only half this plates technology

[@valqueenofValhalla]

ark angel northman not steel coatings

[@MJ-eu4yi]

I'm a teacher in FL and the Tactical Combat Casualty Care medic for the school. I placed my order June 29 ,2020. Are orders being shipped out now have the FRAG Lock coatings? I paid extra for the build up coat.

[@fredsmith9347]

Why does a steel plate have a shelf life?

[@Rob_Nasty]

I feel like its more like a disclaimer, so if it fails for whatever reason after 20+ yrs they can say thats why.

[@ALovelyBunchOfDragonballz]

Its for the coating, not the steel.

[@rg-nv8156]

What would be considered extream heat? Summers here average 115+ for about 4 months at a time.

[@ArmoredRepublic2]

Yes. We are based in Phoenix so we understand the extreme heat!

[@agmsmith4079]

It’s not just how hot it gets outside, but how hot it gets inside your car. Even if it’s only 80 degrees out it can still get up to 130 or 140 in the car.

[@kickstand8475]

Hey guys product is good I stand behind it I need a plate carrier that I can wear under my shirt that doesn't print heavy will you guys do a video on that please

[@artwest7074]

Will be making Rifle Threat Shoulder/Bicep & Tricep Protection & Rifle Threat Helmets?

[@ronpettit3200]

Is it normal for someone to own more then one set of Armor

[@davidhunter9434]

Not unusual, but not necessary either. It all depends on your mission type/threat assessment, and of course, budget. If your mission is home defense, then one good set that covers overall foreseeable threat in your area would be a solid choice. Some people have more than one set to mix/match according to, once again, mission type/threat assessment. Basically, are you expecting pistol rounds or rifle rounds? What is the most common round/gun utilized in the area you plan to use your plates? Who/what are you defending against? For the average person, a level 3 or 3+ is more than sufficient to cover almost all possible civilian threats.

[@keithcronk7980]

DEPENDS ON WHAT U CALL NORMAL URE NORMAL IS NOT MY NORMAL.

[@ArmoredRepublic2]

It's normal! People buy some for their other family members or have different armor for their cars or so forth.

[@Will-W]

The IIIa soft armor I wear to the range for ricochet/idiot protection, are not the IV rifle plates I would wear if I knew I had to go into town during riot season. I bought my senior parents IIIa armor for mother's/father's day this year. (I was actually surprised at how well that went over with mom.)

[@18Wheeler-cf1mx]

My Address is wrong on my order form. I have tried to reach out to you guys over 5 times by email. I hope we can get this fixed before you ship.

[@AB-ov1zm]

Do you guys ship international i undrstand anything above 3a is not allowed for export i need plate carriers basically

[@ArmoredRepublic2]

We do not.

[@zombierider85motovlogs36]

That would violate ITAR laws

[@AB-ov1zm]

@@zombierider85motovlogs36 i thought ITAR kaws allowed for 3A or lower to be exported

[@The_Privateer]

That's strange - most other reputable armor companies say to store soft armor flat.

[@agmsmith4079]

If an armor company tells you to store it flat.. just beware... if the armor doesn’t hold up to being stored upright, what is going to happen to it when you’ve been wearing it every day for 2 years... unless you wear it laying down for the most part, you are gonna have a problem.

[@hansolo6886]

Will the $599 Patriot helmets ever be re-released, or are they discontinued?

[@EmmettMontanaro]

I'd recommend looking on ebay for an ECH, or galvion if you are looking for a high cut helmet.

[@kennethrussell5604]

Yea just look elsewhere unless you want them to just take your money.. I'm waiting on mine now over 6 months and zero customer service

[@Petebuiltmobilewelding]

Try Hard Headed Veterans

[@drinxs505]

5-10 year life for a helmet..it should be 10-20 like plates.

[@ChevTecGroup]

@@drinxs505 that's really just the warranty period. My car's warranty ran out 150k miles ago

[@tomtrevino9704]

Still waiting on my order been more then 3weeks. If you need something fast don't order from these guys. No email on ETA or nothing. Took my money and haven't gotten what i paid for. Letting me down AR500!

[@keithcronk7980]

HAVE YOU EVER RUCK A CHICKEN PLATE AROUND AND RUCK URE MAX LOAD OUT AS A COMBAT MEDIC I HAVE THATS ALOT OF FLIPPING METAL TO BE SWINGING AROUND. BROTHER WHATS THE WEIGHT OF THE METAL PLATES. NOW ADD THAT NUMBER TO THE MAX COMBAT LOAD OUT. ALSO THAT 3 TO 5 Yr SHELF LIFE OF THE OTHER PLATES ARE NOT COST AFFECTED FOR THAT PRICE IF THINGS DONT GO SOUTH WITHIN THAT TIME FRAME. JUST SAYING.

[@johnrohlfs9607]

🇺🇸thanks from John Robert Bruffett Junior of United States of America from

[@stevemccollum2011]

Shelf not self lol

[@matthewcoolidge4722]

Ar500 does a great job, thanks for the fast delivery and a great product.

[@SlowrideSteve]

How far out are we looking for your 'shtall helm'? (Say it whith a German accent)

[@ronpettit3200]

I have a new idea for you 😁

[@MJ-eu4yi]

Fix spelling from SELF LIFE to SHELF LIFE x2 😎

[@eddie_8317]

That's why I started looking through the comments. I didn't know if I wanted to buy a product from a company that can't spell. Jk , but it concerned me.

[@bozscaggzz7475]

Must be nice to work for a company who deems you to be non-essential.

[@jayji5490]

How can we clean our plate carrier after multiple use?

[@ArmoredRepublic2]

Keep watching! We may make this into a video.

[@jerrygetreel4170]

Ocd,schizophrenia and adhd. Yeah

[@artwest7074]

And Rifle Threat Neck & Pelvic area Protection?

[@Ghostof11thMarines]

#semperfidelis🇺🇸🦅🇲🇽

[@manopeace9175]

No need to rush to get the product out, just keep your workers safe. appreciate yall