The search for gear is a process that befalls all servicemen, and sometimes civilians too. And while with tactical clothing everything is more or less clear, with the choice of body armor problems can arise: what to pay attention to, what the differences may be, and, ultimately, which is better?

Plates are the basis of body armor; it is precisely they that protect the torso and vital organs from injuries, so their choice should be approached as responsibly as possible. We tell you which characteristics to consider and how to choose the best armor plate.

What to pay attention to when choosing plates?

There are several main characteristics to which you need to pay attention when choosing body armor. These are, in particular, the protection class, size and weight of the product. Consider the conditions in which you'll work and the likely ballistic threats in order to correctly choose the protection level of the plates for the plate carrier. At the same time, properly size-selected gear will provide not only better protection but also let you remain maximally maneuverable.

1. Protection class. The protection level in accordance with quality standards such as DSTU and NIJ determines the armor's ability to withstand various ballistic threats, in particular bullets and fragments. The higher the class, the larger the caliber your gear will "hold back". However, different types of weapons are used for test firings in Ukraine and in NATO countries, so there is no exact correspondence between the classifications: NIJ III protection class will be close to Level 3 under DSTU, whereas NIJ IV — to Level 5. When choosing armor, be guided precisely by the Ukrainian standard, since for such tests rounds common in the Russian-Ukrainian war are used. Our plates for body armor have protection levels in accordance with DSTU.
2. Size. When buying clothing, you always pay attention to the size of the products so that they fit well, are comfortable, don't press and, conversely, aren't too big. The same situation applies to armor: to have reliable body protection that won't burden you needlessly and at the same time won't leave gaps, plates must be chosen for your parameters. We make them in sizes from XS to XL — for people of different builds.
3. Weight. A serviceman's full gear has considerable weight — from 20 kg. Such a burden directly affects your mobility and effectiveness, so when you can "save" a couple of kilograms, it's worth taking the opportunity. The weight of plates for body armor is affected by both the protection class and size, and most importantly — the material — steel, ceramic composites or ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene.

Differences between plates

We make armor plates of Level 3, 4 and 6 protection. They are suitable for different conditions of use, since they have different ballistic properties: for tasks on the front line Level 3 will not be enough, and for a checkpoint Level 6 is definitely not needed. Let's look in more detail at which armor plate to choose.

• Level 3 plates we make from ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. Such armor withstands a 7.62×39 or 5.45×39 caliber bullet from 10 meters. The minimal weight (from 1 kg) lets you feel comfortable even during long tasks. In addition, lightened UHMWPE armor plates have zero buoyancy, that is, they don't sink, which is important for units engaged in work in bodies of water.
• For Level 4 plates we use silicon carbide in combination with UHMWPE, which performs the function of a damper. At a distance of 10 meters they are able to withstand a hit from an LPS (57-N-323) bullet. A feature of our ceramic plates, besides the large size range, is the protective area: the offset from the edges of the plate to the ceramic itself is up to 1 cm.
• Level 6 plates,the highest protection class, are made of aluminum oxide and a UHMWPE damper layer. Such armor at a distance of 10 meters is able to protect against a hit from 7.62×54 mm armor-piercing incendiary bullets (B-32).

We do not use steel, despite its lower cost, since it is too heavy and directly affects the effectiveness of our defenders. In addition, the material does not provide anti-ricochet: a bullet that hits such steel armor can ricochet and injure a person nearby.

Another important advantage of our plates is their multi-curvature. This shape ensures a snugger fit to the body, and accordingly — more reliable protection. In addition, thanks to the curves, our plates are suitable for both men and women, since they follow the contours of the body.

Which plate to choose?

The choice of military equipment must be approached as responsibly as possible. First of all, the gear must provide reliable ballistic protection in accordance with the risks that may arise at work — choose the armor class for your tasks and working conditions. The weight of the body armor must be comfortable for prolonged wear: it's clear that Level 6 plates will be heavier than Level 3, but by giving preference to ceramic armor instead of steel you'll be able to "gain" a couple of kilograms. And, of course, the size: be guided by your parameters when choosing plates, in particular your chest circumference, to get optimal protection.