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Tactical Gear Center
Protection Comparison

Compare Body Armor & Plate Carriers

Side-by-side comparison of ballistic plates and plate carriers. Compare NIJ protection levels, weight, features, and prices to find the optimal armor solution for your mission requirements.

Body Armor & Carriers Compared

Select Products to Compare (2-4 products):

Model 1155 Multi-Curve Level IV
RMA Defense
Model 1155 Multi-Curve Level IV
$270.00
4.9/5
Best Value Level IV
Protection Level:NIJ 0101.06 Level IV
Weight:8.3 lbs/plate
Size/Cut:10x12" SAPI
Multi-Hit Rated:Yes (M2 AP + M80)
Material:Ceramic Composite
Warranty:5 Years
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3810 Level III+ Special Threat
Hesco
3810 Level III+ Special Threat
$900.00
4.9/5
Best Lightweight
Protection Level:Level III+ (M855, M193)
Weight:3.7 lbs/plate
Size/Cut:10x12" Shooters
Multi-Hit Rated:Yes (6x M855)
Material:Ceramic/PE Hybrid
Warranty:5 Years
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JPC 2.0 Plate Carrier
Crye Precision
JPC 2.0 Plate Carrier
$274.00
4.8/5
Best Minimalist Carrier
Protection Level:N/A (Carrier Only)
Weight:1.1 lbs
Size/Cut:Fits SAPI M-XL
Multi-Hit Rated:N/A
Material:500D Cordura
Warranty:Limited
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RMA Defense

Model 1155 Multi-Curve Level IV

Pros
  • +Multi-hit rated against Level IV threats
  • +Excellent value for NIJ certified Level IV
  • +Multi-curve for better comfort
  • +Proven track record with agencies
  • +Made in USA
Cons
  • -Heavier than polyethylene alternatives
  • -Can crack if dropped on hard surface
  • -Thicker profile than premium options

Hesco

3810 Level III+ Special Threat

Pros
  • +Extremely lightweight at 3.7 lbs per plate
  • +Multi-hit rated against M855 and M193
  • +Shooters cut for better mobility
  • +Stops common rifle threats plus pistol
  • +Less fatigue during extended wear
Cons
  • -Premium price point
  • -Not full Level IV protection
  • -May not stop larger caliber AP rounds
  • -Requires careful handling

Crye Precision

JPC 2.0 Plate Carrier

Pros
  • +Extremely low profile and lightweight
  • +Proven design used by special operations
  • +Quick plate insertion/removal
  • +Laser-cut MOLLE reduces weight
  • +SwiftClip placard system
Cons
  • -Minimal padding for comfort
  • -Limited MOLLE coverage
  • -Premium price for minimalist design
  • -Plates sold separately

Body Armor Selection Guide

NIJ Protection Levels Explained:

Level IIIA (Soft): Stops handgun rounds up to .44 Magnum. Daily wear for patrol officers.
Level III (Hard): Stops rifle rounds (7.62x51, 5.56 NATO). Tactical operations, active shooter response.
Level III+ (Hard): Enhanced protection including M855 green tip. Popular choice for tactical teams.
Level IV (Hard): Stops armor-piercing rounds (.30-06 M2 AP). Military operations, extreme threats.

Weight Considerations:

Total armor weight significantly impacts mobility and fatigue. Calculate total system weight:

  • • Standard Level IV: 16-18 lbs total (8-9 lbs per plate)
  • • Lightweight Level III+: 7-8 lbs total (3.5-4 lbs per plate)
  • • Carrier weight: Add 1-3 lbs depending on design
  • • Additional gear: MOLLE pouches, magazines add 5-15 lbs

Every pound saved in armor weight allows carrying more mission-essential equipment or reduces fatigue.

Recommended Setups by Role

Patrol Officer

Daily wear concealable soft armor with hard plates available for callouts

Setup: Safariland Level IIIA vest (daily) + RMA 1155 Level IV plates in carrier (vehicle storage)

Total: ~$730

Tactical Team

High-mobility operations requiring rifle protection and load-bearing

Setup: Crye JPC 2.0 carrier + Hesco 3810 Level III+ lightweight plates

Total: ~$1,174

Budget Conscious

Training, backup, or departments with limited budgets

Setup: Condor MOPC carrier + RMA 1155 Level IV plates (proven protection at low cost)

Total: ~$360

Q&A

Frequently Asked Questions

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