Hey Shrek,

I’ve been looking at adding some body armor to my home defense plan. Good idea or waste of money?

Good idea.

Got a recommendation on make and model of carrier? What about plates? I’m a total novice when it comes to this stuff.

Kyle, how did you make out.? find what your looking for. If your near or live in CT i can help out with Spartan Armor. I'm a local dealer hear in the Danbury, CT Area.

Let the purpose drive your decision. Using IIIA soft armor may work for your application. Your size will determine your options..."normal" sized people can use the more common 10x12 inch panels which will fit in a lot of plate carriers. If you're bigger, the 11x13 panels will cover more, but may reduce your carrier choices. Vests are different cuts than plate carriers, which may further reduce your options.
If you think rifle rounds may be a threat, get some plates...which are also rated by threat protection. They may offer stand alone protection, but adding soft armor underneath may be necessary.
Steel plates are thinner, but weigh more than the thicker, lighter ceramic. Some carriers may not handle the weight of steel, or the thickness of standard ceramic plates.
My standard is IIIA soft armor for the family, and soft armor and plates for those involved in active defense. If I need to wear it for a long time or move a lot, I prefer lighter weight ceramic plates. If I'm wearing it for a short time and not moving a bunch, I'll go with steel. That being said, if all you can afford is steel, get it and save for ceramic if needed. Although in today's climate, you might be able to only get ceramic if everyone is buying the less expensive options.

I got my plates from here https://www.downrangeind.com/ I only wear my carrier occasionally for training so I didn't go super high end. I wasn't worried about weight so steel plates were good for me.

I ended up getting AR500 IIIA+ plates. Those things are really heavy and I am a young guy who is not weak. While AR500 is not my first choice, I wanted something that I could get relatively cheep and fast. AR500 checked both buckets. Knowing what I know now, I think I would have just sprung for a better carrier though. I wish I would have thought to get a more low profile carrier so that I could discretely wear it out under clothing. I will probably save and then get a nice carrier and some ceramic plates next. Long to short, another thing to consider is getting a carrier that will allow you to discretely wear it under near a large shirt and or jacket.

Yeah, smart. I am learning everyday.

Boss man,

Any words you can share about the plate carrier you got asked to help design?

Also, does anyone think the female plates are worth the pain? Been wanting to get the wife a comfortable set rather than my backup.

I'm using an older style soft lvl 3a concealable plate carrier now for my mom.& GF. also looking at the newer style soft lvl 3a wrap around vest. NIJ certified to stop .44 mag & 357 sig. its the same style LEO wear and if needed put a plate carrier w/ 3+ steel over that.

Actually, placed the order 2 days ago. will give yall an update as soon as I get them in. How do i post pics here..?

I got a couple hesco special threat sets as a couple downrange sets . Using velocity plate carrier and a 5.11 tactical carrier too. My wife is 5’4” 110 lbs pretty petite but in decent shape and she can wear the heading plates okay. Wouldn’t do well having to run around in them but for basic home defense she’s ok