The Biggest Mistake People Make When Choosing Body Armor (And Where HESCO Plates Stand)

Many people make the mistake of simply selecting a set of plates and hitting the checkout button. However, it’s not that simple. For one thing, people come in different shapes and sizes and also prefer different cuts. Add to that the various threat levels involved, and you can see how easy it would be to make a mistake. Finally, you have to take into consideration the sheer amount of weight you have to carry with you during extended duty hours. 

The perceived threat level and the weight will be the biggest factors in making an informed decision. Excess weight can lead to fatigue in the field—especially if your threat level doesn’t require such heavy plates. Moreover, many people prefer SAPI cuts over Shooter cuts and vice versa. 

When it comes to selecting body armor, size does matter. Acquiring plates too small for you defeats the purpose. Similarly, overly large plates would compromise mobility—especially during high-speed and high-maneuverability operations. 

Here, it’s very important to figure out the size of the armor plate before you order it so you don’t make a mistake. Apart from that, you have to know the conditions in which you would be wearing the plates. For example, you are working as a bodyguard and have to be discreet. In such a scenario, it would be inadvisable to opt for a full NIJ level IV rig. 

Remember, there is always a tradeoff between weight and protection. If you want maximum protection, you will have to carry the weight and the bulk that such protection entails. If your mission specifics require a level III or level III+ plate, there is no point in opting for a level IV. 

However, if you feel there is a chance you might be in danger of being sniped by powerful military rounds such as armor piercing .308 and 30-06 bullets, it would be worthwhile to opt for a full-on level 4 set of front, back and side plates. These will be based on your choice of SAPI or Shooter cuts. 

HESCO – The Market Leaders in Body Armor Technology!

HESCO is widely considered to be one of the leading manufacturers of top-quality ballistic inserts. Their plates have been used by the US armed forces for decades and have proven themselves on battlefields worldwide. All HESCO body armor products go through a battery of extensive tests before they leave their plant at Aberdeen, USA.

HESCO understand that the people who use their products depend on them to save their very lives. That’s why each and every product is meticulously checked and has to undergo the most stringent and rigorous quality control process prior to being shipped. 

If you are in the market for that one product you need to rely on to save your life in the gravest of extreme situations, rest assured, you will be making the right choice with HESCO plates. Get them before your next mission!