Body Armor 101
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Body Armor Guide For New Customers
Types of Body Armor
Hard Armor
Hard armor is a term used to describe a body armor plate which has been fabricated in such a way as to form a rigid panel or “plate”. The result, regardless of materials used, directly correlates to a significant increase in the ballistic resistance of the materials used. This effect can be further improved through the use of enhanced materials.
Hard armor is heavier and more cumbersome than soft armor, however it is required in situations where impact from rifle rounds is a possibility, whereas soft armor is incapable of defeating such projectiles.
Hard armor comes in a variety of levels, with a wide range of physical and mechanical properties as determined by the materials used.
- Maximum Protection Rating Available
- Protection from high speed rifle rounds
- Warmer in cold climates
Soft Armor
Soft armor relates to those applications which consist of numerous layers of loosely fit ballistic sheets which have not been formed into a hard plate. Although more flexible than hard armor, soft armor is limited in scope as a result of the lower levels of protection provided and as such is largely obsolete with regards to civilian applications.
There does exist, a number of flexible rifle rated systems but the drawbacks of such systems, such as angular impact vulnerabilities, make them of little importance to this summary.
- Lightweight & Flexible
- Cooler in hotter climates
- Easily concealable
Materials Used In The Manufacturing Process:
High Density Polyethylene and UHMWPE
Polyethylene fibers have replaced Kevlar in most modern hard armor applications, due to greatly improved ballistic resistance and a significant reduction in weight...
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Ceramics
A range of ceramics materials are now widely used in combination with Polyethylene based materials in order to provide Level IV protection, capable of defeating...
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Carbon Nanotubes
Carbon Nanotubes have the potential to provide a quantum leap in ballistic materials as a result of the dense molecular chains of these materials and the geometric shape...
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Kevlar
Aramid fiber is produced by spinning a solid fiber from a liquid chemical blend. This causes the polymer chains to orientate in the direction of the fiber, increasing...
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Steel
Steel was the first commercially available material used to defeat the penetration of projectiles, starting as early as WWI. However, due to the fact that steel plates...
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Levels of Protection
The NIJ or National Institute of Justice recognizes 2 Levels with rifle rated protection; Levels III and IV. However, in an effort to create a more specific series of product categories, many body armor manufacturers recognize 2 additional Levels, III+ and III++. While many retailers simplify this to a standard III+ rating, we feel it is important that we provide our customers with a more detailed outline of which plates stop what rounds as well as a summary of weights, sizes, and materials. The following summary and attached product outline provide vital information regarding specific performance standards.
Plate Cut Styles
SAPI Cut
The acronym SAPI actually stands for Small Arms Protective Insert, but it has become more widely recognized as a specific cut pattern. The relief cut at the top of SAPI plates is roughly 45 degrees. SAPI Plates were the standard cut style in the early days of Hard Armor plates and they are still the primary standard cut style used by the vast majority of people worldwide. SAPI cut plates provide extended coverage but can impede movement, depending on the body type and build of the wearer.
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Swimmer Cut
Swimmer Plates are cut with a steeper angle, roughly 60 degrees, and provide a greater range of motion, especially with any movements that require an extended range of arm motion such as holding a pistol with 2 hands, shouldering a weapon, or any other movement that is similar in nature to a breaststroke, hence the term Swimmer Plate. The same motions one would make when swimming are more easily performed when wearing a Swimmer Plate as opposed to a SAPI plate.
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SAPI/Swimmer Combo
The SAPI/Swimmer Combo provides the best of both worlds, by maximizing the agility of the swimmer plate on the chest while increasing the coverage of the wearer's back with the use of a SAPI plate. The effectiveness of each cut, or a combination thereof is highly dependent on the build and body type of the wearer. What works for some may not be ideal for others. However in most cases the Swimmer SAPI combo is the ideal configuration and as such it is our top recommendation for most users.
Shop SAPI/Swimmer CombosHow to Fit Body Armor Plates
Height
Measure from the top of your sternum to your belly button for height. Subtract about 2-3 inches from this measurement to determine the height.
Width
When measuring armor plate sizing, measure across your chest from nipple to nipple for width.
Most Common Size
A medium SAPI (9.5" x 12.5") and medium Swimmer (10" x 12") will fit 95% of the population.
Plate Carrier Size
Plate size will determine plate carrier size. A medium plate will fit in a medium carrier. An XL plate will not fit in a medium carrier. Determine the plate size before deciding on carrier size.
It’s also important to ensure that the armor doesn’t bump into your throat when you sit down or crouch and doesn’t bump into your hips or feel uncomfortable.
Generally, if your height is below 5’2”, choose small (8" x 10") armor plates. If your height is between 5’2” and 6’3”, choose medium (10" x 12") armor plates, or large (10" x 13"), if you are on the taller side. If your height is above 6’3”, choose XL (11" x 14") armor plates.
Increase Protection Area With Our Exclusive Extremity Protection System
Hoplite Armor has designed and developed the world’s first viable rifle rated extremity protection system which includes Hard Armor Shoulder Plates, Femoral Plates, Side Plates, Dangler Plates and Groin Plates.
Dangler Plates
Dangler Plates fit inside standard 5”x8”/ Dangler Pouches provide extended frontal protection to the lower abdomen.
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Shoulder Plates
The Shoulder Plates extend the coverage area of standard armor systems by providing lateral protection to vital organs such as heart and lungs. Shoulder plates are critical in close quarters or urban combat scenarios where rounds can come from different angles and trajectories. Shoulder Plates are far easier to wear long term as compared to side plates and provide protection to more vital organs.
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Side Plates
Side Plates extend lateral coverage to the mid section and come in 6”x6” and 6”x8” with 6”x6” being the ideal fit for all but the largest of users. We do not recommend 6”x8” side plates for anyone under 6’4” tall as they can be extremely cumbersome if not fitted correctly.
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Femoral and Groin plates
Femoral and Groin plates provide frontal coverage to vital arteries and appendages. Modern combat techniques focus fire on the hip region in order to circumvent torso armor, making lower body protection a critical component of modern close quarters / urban combat.
Shop Femoral PlatesReal Reviews From Delighted Customers
“
Firstly, the website is slick and easy to navigate. I chose a combo plates and carrier. My order arrived in only 5 days. Cool hoplite stickers came with it. I cannot speak highly enough of the quality and comfort of this carrier with these light weight ceramic plates! Honored to have such awesome plates from such a fantastic company. First class experience from beginning to end. Highly recommend.
“
Shipping was very quick. Armor is light and carrier is very comfortable/durable. Will definitely be shopping here again.
“
I was in the market for some lighter, more comfortable plates for my carrier and came across Hoplite after numerous online recommendations. I picked up a lightweight SAPI/swimmer combo and was immediately amazed at how much lighter they are than my other sets - not only that but the shape hugs me perfectly with no hotspots.
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