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Tel: 0161 665 0601

The Rifle Plate Guide - Compare plate stopping power

In the interests of clarity we have not included the SG1 and RF1 plates in this table. These specifications are not used by media or military users. For interested parties, all the plates in this table (except HAP-1) would pass an RF1 test if used with a IIIA or HG2 soft armour. All the plates (no exception) would pass the SG1 test on a IIIA or HG2.


HAP-8 is a standalone plate and does not need to worn over armour - it is worn in a harness, or in the plate pockets of low specification vests (even our Anti-Stab). All other specifications are worn in conjunction with our NIJ Level IIIA (0101.04) soft armour.

This table relates to BODYARMOUR UK Plates. It would be incorrect to use it as a guide to other companies plates. It contains test figures we have compiled over many years to produce a guide that supersedes the expectations of our customers.

HAP-4 is capable of the HAP-1 specification if worn with any vest (even stabs) supplied by BODYARMOUR UK

Calibre

Type

m/sec

HAP-1

HAP-2

HAP-3

HAP-4

HAP-5

HAP-6

HAP-7

HAP-8

Description

AK 47 Kalashnikov

Level III Polyethylene

Level III Superlight

Level III Standard

Level III Enhanced

Level IV

Combination Level III
Level IV

Standalone
Level III
Level IV

5.45X39

Mild Steel Core

930

1

6

6

6

6

3

6

6

5.56X45

M193 Ball

1000

3

6

6

6

6

3

6

6

5.56X45

SS109 NATO

1000

1

 

6

6

6

3

6

6

7.62X39

Mild Steel Core

740

3

6

6

6

6

3

6

6

7.62X39

AP

740

1

 

6

6

6

3

6

6

7.62X39

API

740

 

 

3

6

6

 

6

6

7.62X51

M80 NATO

853

1

6

6

6

6

1

6

6

7.62X51

FNM AP

835

 

 

3

1

3

 

3

3

7.62X51

FN P80 AP

835

 

 

 

 

1

 

1

6

7.62X54

Light Ball

870

 

6

6

6

6

 

6

6

7.62X54

Sniper Ball

830

 

 

 

3

3

 

3

6

7.62X63

30-06 APM2

883

 

 

 

 

 

1

1

1

Plate Weight

2.1

1.4

1.95

2.7

2.8

3.25

3.0

2.85

Curvature

Single

Double

Double

Double

Double

Double

Double

Single

Price per plate (ex)

£71.00

£249.75

£199.83

£91.62

£116.65

£83.31

£116.65

£199.87

Price per Plate (inc)

£85.20

£299.70

£239.80

£109.94

£139.98

£99.97

£139.98

£239.84

Level III and IV rows highlighted for convenience. All ballistic rifle plates have nominal size of 10 X 12 inches
Click to open a Rifle Plate Guide

Armour Plate Weights

Right is a graph of our plate weights in Kilograms. Weight is critical if you need to wear plates for sustained periods of time.

The graph alone is insufficient to make outright judgements on plate selection. One needs to examine the comprehensive ballistics table first, then consider weight and price.

It is also worth noting that level IV plates can fail level III testing, and that level III can supersede the IV on some testing.

Plate selection can be a little daunting. We supply plates to media and military on a daily basis, and will be more than happy to provide advice. Below is a “quick guide”

  • Length of time worn - high spec for short periods; light weight for long periods
  • Known weapons threat - select lightest or cheapest to defeat threat.
  • Journalists - Level III or IV - preferred is combination plate
  • Intelligence of deliberate sniper assassination attempt - level IV, or combination of III & IV
  • Sustained use in combat zone - Level III
  • Primary weapon is Kalashnikov - AK47 (HAP-1) Plate
  • VIP in war zone - NATO standard ammunition - Level III lightweight
  • Bodyguard - High Spec, light level III
  • Not Sure - HAP-1 is our least expensive and will probably save your life.
plate_graph

Our plate tables should not be used as evidence that another supplier’s plates will conform to the same specification as ours. We conduct our own trials on approved MOD Ballistic Test Ranges.

Stab Vest, Stab Vests, Stab Proof Vest and Stab Proof Vests are common terms for body armour with a defined level of resistance to a knife or pointed weapon. The same also applies to bullet proof vest terminology - bullet proof vests have a defined level of ballistic resistance.
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