Still think ceramic armor is "better" than steel?

Still think ceramic armor is "better"

  • Yes.

    Votes: 6 50.0%

  • No.

    Votes: 6 50.0%
  • Total voters
    12
  • Poll closed .
A

Andrew Wiggin

New member
Is it ever really accurate to say that one thing is categorically "better" than another thing? I mean, except beer. Beer is definitely better than not having beer. For drinking.


Link to armor test

This test demonstrates the resilience and durability of steel armor.

While ceramic armor can stop some threats that steel armor can't and ceramic is sometimes marginally lighter (some steel plates are actually lighter than some ceramic plates of similar size), it is also thicker and less durable as well as significantly more expensive.

If .30-06 AP is a likely threat for you and if you can afford to replace a plate if you suspect it has been damaged, and if you expect that replacement plates will be available when you need them, ceramic may be a good choice.

If you don't think that armor piercing ammo is a high probability in your area, and if you intend to actually use your plates before they are needed, steel may give you more peace of mind.

Ceramic isn't quite as fragile as many would have you believe. If your plate carrier fell off your vehicle or if it is subjected to a bumpy road in your trunk, or if you trip and fall on a rock, it will probably still be fine. This test shows that a steel plate will still be fine and will survive much more than you can.
 
I don't have any experience in this area from which to formulate an opinion.

Except for THE BEER... And I agree with you 100% that HAVING beer is better than NOT having beer. Same with SCOTCH, now that I think about it.
 
If you don't think that armor piercing ammo is a high probability in your area, and if you intend to actually use your plates before they are needed, steel may give you more peace of mind.
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I am curious as to why you think AP ammo IS a high probability in any area......
 
I believe that's the statement he is trying to make, that AP ammo is not likely to be among threats you face but that ceramic may justify your decision if you do think that.
 
And again you miss the point.

If I feel I need to wear armor to go about my daily life, I'm moving.
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Its not meant as a daily wear item. But rather as something to have around "just in case". In case of another Watts riot, Rodney King riot, Ferguson riot, or any other type of violent civil unrest.

As the above instances show, having a little PPE sitting in the closet or gear chest is not a bad idea.

I keep fire extinguishers around the house, but dont expect to need em
 
Precisely. I'm sure some people have a greater chance of needing summit than others and I'm sure that some have an unrealistic view of the risk, in both directions.
 
And since I don't play video games or live in Watts, I have no need to worry about TEOTWAWKI or zombies scenarios. Some folks really need to evaluate what is realistic and what is imaginary "what-if" scenarios they truly might face. Trying to imagine every possible "what-if" is a waste not only of time, but of life in general.
 
Its not meant as a daily wear item. But rather as something to have around "just in case". In case of another Watts riot, Rodney King riot, Ferguson riot, or any other type of violent civil unrest.
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Precisely my thinking. All one has to do is look around.
Most cites are powder kegs just waiting for the right match to light them.

Even soo I dont understand the thinking behind.
" If I think I need body armor its time to move"
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That one gets me. They are perfectly ok with the idea that they may need a fire arm to defend them selves. But I guess they never envision a scenario were the perp may get off some return fire.

Granted if the stuff was expensive, like say $1000. Well I may take my chances.
Odds are good I wont ever need it. But at $150 I think it would be irisponsable not to have some.
Oh I voted for the ceramic armor. But that does not mean any thing.
 
And i dont play video games or live in Watts either. I have had people shooting at me and had to shoot people during my 49 years on this planet.

Having something solid between my chest and their muzzles was always comforting.

If you are implying that civil unrest and the resulting violence is somehow outside the realm of possibility, you need to pay closer attention to world events
 
And i dont play video games or live in Watts either. I have had people shooting at me and had to shoot people during my 49 years on this planet.

Having something solid between my chest and their muzzles was always comforting.

If you are implying that civil unrest and the resulting violence is somehow outside the realm of possibility, you need to pay closer attention to world events
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I am watching the news right now. Its not implausible that same thing could be going on across the street from were I am at work.
 
So having body armor makes you a tinfoil hat guy, and carrying a gun around doesn't?
I'm not sure why the dividing line is there
 
Level III will be perforated by M193 if it is fired from a long enough barrel at a close enough range. If M193 is a likely threat, you should choose level III+ plates.

There are a lot of AR500 plates out there. But generally, the steel plate will be thinner and heavier, less expensive, and more durable. Steel plates are typically capable of taking more rounds within their threat rating, while ceramic plates generally can stop threats that steel plates cannot.


More specifically, the AR500armor.com 10" x12" level III+ multi curve coated plate costs $140, stops M193 and 7.62x51mm M61 AP, and weighs 8lbs.

The large ESAPI weighs just over half that but is slightly larger.
 
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