What is the difference between Level 3 vs Level 4 Body Armor?

If you're shopping for body armor and you're not sure which to buy, Level 3 or Level 4, here's a quick video going over some of the basics. This video is geared toward civilians and those new to body armor. If you're a tactical ninja, this video is not for you.
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#bodyarmor #level4 #level3

[@davidking-kw3fh]

Don’t kick in the door without a 4..

[@TheSuperedogg]

Lol,

[@davidking-kw3fh]

@@TheSuperedogg for the record. Hope I ever have to kick in any doors…

[@davidking-kw3fh]

Never

[@kenofken9458]

A question: The big difference between Level III and IV is that the latter will stop 30-06 AP. In practical terms, that's a complete non-issue for civilians and I daresay law enforcement in this country. A lot of factors, but mostly weight, argue in favor of Level III, but there seems to be a gray area around 5.56. I've seen it implied, if not stated clearly that III will stop some, but not all of that (maybe not M885 or 193?). Will III suffice for the 5.56 rounds that an ordinary criminal or mass shooter is likely to actually use? There's always the outlier case of someone who might get hold of a rare batch of military or experimental ammo, but how does III stack up against what normal people feed their ARs with? Rifle threats are rare, but to the extent they exist in this country, Americans seem to very heavily favor the 5.56 in AR type guns these days. I'm also a bit confused on whether the NIJ standards are "backward compatible". By that I mean will a Level IV plate also be expected to cover all of the lesser Level III threats equally well? On an intuitive level it seems like it would, but I've had people tell me that no, Level IV does not have to prove defeat of six 7.62 NATO, just the one 30-06 AP round. The concern which (sadly) drives some people to steel plates is the perception that ceramic is a "one and done" material that cannot stand multiple hits. My impression is that is not true anymore if it ever was.

[@CRAWLER3888]

Heard

[@clipz4430]

Whay about stopping sniper rounds?

[@BabaNovac792]

OK,so,what happens if your going to use a lvl3 plate with a lvl 3 soft armor underneath?

[@221btactical]

You mean Level 3A soft armor underneath a Level 3 hard plate? If so, would just help with trauma attenuation.

[@clipz4430]

Hoodie video should be soon 😁

[@stevenmeansphotography3861]

What about 45. 357 hallow points

[@clipz4430]

What about ceramic plates?

[@kenofken9458]

That's what Level IV plates are made of.

[@clipz4430]

@@kenofken9458 Dont those stop sniper rounds?

[@kenofken9458]

@@clipz4430 It all depends on what the sniper is using. I think the most common is still 7.62x51 NATO, and Level IV will certainly stop those. If they're using something much heavier like a Barrett .50, then no, nothing a human being can wear is going to save them.

[@clipz4430]

@@kenofken9458 so how different are these from spartan armors Ares and Hercules armor?

[@kenofken9458]

@@clipz4430 They all seem to be functionally equivalent, at least those with actual NIJ certification. The main thing across all brands is that you tend to pay a premium, and sometimes a steep one, for the lighter options within each protective level. You can get perfectly servicable Level IV ceramics for around $300 a pair, but they'll be the heavy brutes - 8 plus pounds apiece. Double that price will get you a nice set of UHMWPE in Level III at half the weight. If you want to lay out $1,000 a set or sometimes well over that, you can get Level IV ceramics in boron carbide which will come in around 6 pounds each or a bit less.

[@j.l.7807]

Are these made in the US?

[@221btactical]

Yes.

[@cc-vg4ed]

"Level IV plates are a bit more pricey than level III plates" - This is wrong in the majority of cases. Level III plates will be more expensive than most level IV plates due to the material used. Polyethylene is much more expensive than ceramic. So a level III plate that is pure polyethylene will be anywhere from 3/4" - 1.5" thick. With level IV it will be close to half ceramic and half composite backer and the ceramic core (if alumina) is normally cheaper than polyethylene. This is the case for plates like Highcom 4s17, Hesco 4400, RMA 1155, and LTC 26605. When moving to SiC or B4C, that is when the ceramic is much more expensive. The level IV plates you show here has the SiC ceramic and at under $500 is very likely imported (yes I know you claim to have seen their factory, but until you post a tour video, I won't believe you....or at the very least post their factory address.)