I bought the steel plates, unfortunately, but to me risking fragmentation in my neck and face is a better bet than my bones and muscle trying to stop one from going through my chest lol. At the very least it makes my pushups more worthwile. You're right, though. Once I have more cash I'll upgrade to ceramic. Just wanted something rather than nothing during these times.
The spall is no joke. A sheriff's deputy out here spent 4 weeks in the ICU and another 3 months in the hospital after he swapped out his standard-issue ceramic plates for steel before serving a warrant. His buddies sent the nigger to the afterlife but he came close to joining.
RMA's level IV model 1155 plates are $135 per plate, at 8.3# per plate.
Looking at AR500's site (Christ I feel dirty), their level III steel plates are $65 per, at either 8.7 or 9.7# per plate depending on how much truck bed liner you bought. So double the cost per plate for the same weight for ceramic. I don't know if Hesco has a budget ceramic option.
RMA's other plates (and ceramics in general) are much, much lighter but get pricey.
EDIT: lol jesus the "extra" truck bed liner is a $49/plate option. So if you bought that you're in budget ceramic territory. FOR A FLAT PLATE NO LESS
Fuck, that changes things. So I essentially have a 20 lb lethal paperweight. Glad someone told me before I actually decided to use it. I'll look into those ceramic plates. Thanks for the information.
No problem. See my edit and see my big comment in this thread. Do your research and use your brain.
The 210s from Hesco are a special threat rated plate and run something like $200ea
They are single curve, moderate weight. Not bad but there are better options for sure
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