As someone who owns a set of L210s, it is nice to know how high quality these plates are for what they say they can stop. Hopefully I never have to be in a situation where I might get shot by anything though.

Great testing, I really appreciate the fact that you only put 2 rounds in each plate unlike a lot of other reviewers that destroy the same plate.

I appreciate this considering the fairly vocal advocacy of these plates by T.Rex Arms. Personally, I’m a fan of their company and I love what they do for the 2A community, but I’ve been following MAC for much longer.

@Militaryarmschannel

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for following. We wanted to test them because we use them. I was concerned by the M855A1 out of a 20" barrel the most. The 6 ARC I thought would be hard to stop too. I was impressed with them, they do everything they claim and then some.

@MA-lq6eb

2 жыл бұрын

@@Militaryarmschannel 💥Guys if u don't know about his channel, check it out. Please HELP OUT The HOFF(Richard Hoffman) from "BWE Firearms"...REALLY HARD times, He has Cancer & His Wife Just Died Monday..Thnx!👍🇺🇸

@dbmail545

2 жыл бұрын

Still rocking your 5.45 Galil ACE I see. Still rocking mine. Surprised that you didn't use 7n6, but I'm not breaking the seal on any of mine, either.

Thanks

Hesco 210's are made to stop intermediate cartridges found most common in the US, and they do just that. Thanks for the realistic testing.

I was really nervous when I clicked on this video considering I have two pairs of these plates lol. By the end I was relieved. Thanks for making this video, I’ve been waiting to validate my purchase.

@Militaryarmschannel

2 жыл бұрын

I'm glad the video put your mind at ease. Thanks for watching.

@luisortega4815

Жыл бұрын

Hey man how’s the weight of wearing the set feel?

Great content MAC. I bought some of these from T.Rex during the Christmas sale without seeing any reviews or tests. I too was a bit anxious to trust my vitals with them. Thanks for testing these and a BIG thanks for the great channel.

@Militaryarmschannel

2 жыл бұрын

I'm glad you enjoyed the video and you're comfortable with your purchase.

I'm really glad y'all did this video. I bought L210 plates last year because someone recommended them and after I got them I realized that person didn't always know what the hell they were talking about and I became concerned. This is incredibly helpful info.

@Militaryarmschannel

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Gabe. That's why we do these videos, so folks know what they're getting.

Nice Job. Would have liked to see you put all of those on one plate as they would have undoubtedly handled it just fine. My L210 re-test had 15 shots of 5.56 on one plate :O

@caleblyons9698

2 жыл бұрын

I'm having a very hard time understanding the difference in results between your video and this one, specifically concerning the M855 & M855A1 threats. Why did we see so many passthroughs in your test? Barrel length and velocities (although not measured in MAC's video) are probably very similar. Is it only because of the # of hits on the plate in your test? After watching your test I was extremely skeptical about the L210's effectiveness, but it seemed to hold up pretty well here. Any chance of getting a retest of your video with 14.5 and 16 in barrels w/ M855 & M855A1?

@BuffRANGE

2 жыл бұрын

@@caleblyons9698 likely number of hits, velocity, and Hesco believes even though I hit the top corner with the BZ that and dropping the plate likely compromised it. I have repeated my test and the video is in the queue for editing. That leaves me with 1 L210 left. If you have the time DM on FB\IG and I can share the spreadsheet.

@thealize808

2 жыл бұрын

King of amor destroyer

I bought these for my first set of plates. Good to know that they’re that strong!

Run these in my plate carrier with the same level Hesco side 6x8 side plates. Easily half the weight of my buddies carrier with lvl 4 steel plates with no side plates. Great plates for the money and protection against the majority of threats you would face in a SHTF situation.

Yeah. I have been looking into these plates. Can’t wait to hear your take.

@88Grayman

2 жыл бұрын

Sounds like a good choice. Sweet.

I just got a pair of these plates in the other day from trex arms. Glad to see they didn’t fail with those odd ball calibers

I run lllA+ steel plates, with 8 layers of polyethylene behind it, and a standard trauma pad. Front and rear protection, with standard 6x8 Kevlar on my cummerbund. I have yet to test it out, but I'm confident that'll stop what's coming at me.

Hesco now makes a multi curve version of this plate called the M210. It’s more pricy at $700 per set but much more ergonomic, same performance, slightly bigger size and less weight if you’re looking to make the next step up.

@richkestrel7416

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, it's a shame that the multi-curve nearly doubles the price, but I'd have to save for that upgrade. 👍

@BuffRANGE

2 жыл бұрын

@@richkestrel7416 And the M210 outerpforms the L210 solidly. Even while not rated for .308 they handle it much better..

It would've been cool to see how many rounds they could stop of the better performing cartridges before failure but it still looks like some really good stuff... I know this was about the armor but that 6ARC is a little powerhouse. I've always been a Grendel guy and been shooting hogs for a few years now down here in Louisiana with it but I just recently built a 6ARC and I've been thoroughly impressed especially once they get out there in that 300+ yard range. As long as I do my part which the 6ARC makes easier it puts them down quick. Great video as always keepem coming brother!!!

They’re actually pretty impressive, great tests man!

Thanks for the content

You would need very very high speed cameras to see it, but I think what you are seeing with the clay deformation is that the plate is warping dramtically from the shock, but it's a wave deformation. Look up some slowmo videos of a cymbol deforming aftering being struck with a drum stick. It's mind boggling how much very stiff items will temporarily deform from shock.

I use these plates when I do church security because they are thin, and if you dress right they are pretty easy to conceal. Glad to know they work within their rating. I wish they were multi-curved, but they are comfortable for a few hours.

@Two-Stack

2 жыл бұрын

The m210 is the multicurve version

@ryanashby3640

2 жыл бұрын

They do make multi curve, M210.

@axis1603

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I’ll look into those.

@SGBass

2 жыл бұрын

I would love to know how you are concealing these, I have tried without success. 😭

@axis1603

2 жыл бұрын

@@SGBass I wear plaid shirts which help break up the lines and a T REX ARMS AC1 carrier (just stopped down). It’s not perfect but it does pretty good and anyone who actually knows what they’re looking won’t care that you’re wearing it.

very impressed with the plates and awesome video

Would love to see this test on the Hesco 3410 plates. Not a lot of videos out there on these plates.

I love that the 5.45 got mentioned here. It's rare that people remember to consider that round. I'm not a fan of MAC, due to several reasons, but this was a legit review. Thanks!

I run Hescos. Love em. Very good weight and great price.

Nice plates for sure. Im still rocking LA Police Gear level 4 plates. Had a new year sale and got them for just over $100 a plate. Fairly light too at 6.5 lbs. a little thiccc but they are comfortable

I love your armor tests!

For the price, these are great. Essentially a 1/3 price of level 4 plates. Obviously you aren't getting the same protection from rounds like .308 or 30.06.. but I'd rather have a set of these now, than nothing at all. I also think pistol rounds, which these will stop 99.99% of.. are more of a concern than we all like to think.

@wangsworld9454

2 жыл бұрын

@@Clockwork0nions Those RMA plates are like 8.3lbs each. No thanks

@DarkPyro44

2 жыл бұрын

@@Clockwork0nions and they weigh as much as steel armor. Hesco L210 only weigh like 5.5lbs

@derek3154

2 жыл бұрын

@@DarkPyro44 indeed, the weight is a major difference!!! Plus the Steele plate deflection, I have a set and have been very happy with the L210’s.

@maxtheroofer8004

2 жыл бұрын

that is the trade off, the RMA can stop 338 lapua mag, but you know when you have em in your carrier. i run the rma 1155

@DarkPyro44

2 жыл бұрын

@@maxtheroofer8004 I operate under the rule you should have armor that can stop whatever you carry minimum. Rma makes good plates, but it's how much mobility vs protection. Now you can get level 4 plates that weigh less than hesco l210s bur you're going to pay for it. 1400 per plate isn't something a lot of people are willing to pay. Granted "how much is your life worth" can be an argument but at the same time plates that stop most common rifle rounds for about 400 total for a set that weigh half of level 4 plates that aren't the light weight ones. L210s are a good option for the common person

It'd be interesting to see another 6mm ARC shot recorded via high speed camera, something fast enough to see all the little movements and ripples.

It would be very interesting to see a scale behind the plate. Something that can log the max weight applied.

@slavsupreme5129

2 жыл бұрын

From a Mechanical Engineering major about to graduate, I believe by measuring the back face deformation it should be possible to use various material properties and material mechanics equations to roughly ballpark the force applied

@kingduckford

2 жыл бұрын

@@slavsupreme5129 They use clay to test for trauma behind armor. That's why the test was actually very concerning. Of course, you need to use the right type of clay to match against other results and to meet standards for proper judgement, and not just any clay you get from somewhere. But, those deformations were pretty substantial.

@jtallday31

2 жыл бұрын

Data always welcome.

@BuffRANGE

2 жыл бұрын

You would likely destroy any kind of device behind it. I tried using a SHOCKWATCh behind one plate in a test, and it didn't end well for it. Ballistic clay that certifies properly is a very good indicator.

@blank7643

2 жыл бұрын

@@kingduckford You not only need to use ballistic clay but you have to keep it at a uniform regulation temperature for the results to be used for any sort of scientific analysis.

That was very interesting. The 6mm Arc results are crazy.

Great data Tim

@Militaryarmschannel

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Excellent video!

I love to see videos like this 1st thing in the morning.

When I was in ALSE school the got to see the rare 50 cal rated plate. Very thick but supposedly survivable. My comment was, I don't know if I would want to survive that event 😄

@DaveL9170

2 жыл бұрын

I’d have to agree. I saw a demo of this done at Camp Bullis here in San Antonio. It was FUGLY to say the very least.

@BuffRANGE

2 жыл бұрын

Is it that huge thing for helicopter pilots made by Ceradyne? Or was this like personal mobile armor?

@travispollard9314

2 жыл бұрын

It looked just like the standard 7.62 rated plates but 2x the thickness

@BuffRANGE

2 жыл бұрын

@@travispollard9314 interesting. Not the one I tested then :(

MAC, thank you. Great information!!!

Hesko is made right in the town I live in, my next-door neighbor works there and they tells me about how they are made and lots of the stuff they make… I have some and they seem to be holding up fine

I own a set of Hesco 4401 plates that are nominally rated for M2AP 30-06. Looking at the specs, they are single curve, shooter cut, Corduroy wrapped, water repellant polyethylene coated plates, just like the L210. The major differences I see are that the L210 is lighter (~2 lbs) and thinner (~0.3 in), offering lesser protection. The L210 is also actually slightly more expensive (all depends on where you get it, but my source has the 4401 set for $40 less than the L210. Interesting trade offs between protection and mobility. It all depends on your use case. I probably would have preferred the 210s if they had been available when I bought the 4401s, but I can't say I feel the need to buy 210s right now either. I also have a set of ESAPI multi-curve plates, which probably influenced decision to get Level IV protection, but I'd definitely consider getting 210s the next time I'm buying, especially based on the results here.

Two otv groin protectors kevlar inserts ..one behind each plate ought to remedy that deformation... n can be standalone again in carrier only ...backed by 3a ..

Great info

If possible in the future it would be awesome to see 7n6 5.45x39 for the steel penetrator compared to the ball 5.45x39 ammo. Awesome video mac! Proud patron supporter!

@railfanningpoints2.045

2 жыл бұрын

7N6 mild steel core was the standard 5.45 ball rounds until it was replaced by 7N10 that had a hardened steel core. Since these plates stopped M855A1, which has a harder and exposed steel tip than the mild steel core of 7N6 5.45, slightly higher velocity, what would be the point of testing it? M855A1 is already a superior ballistic threat over 7N6.

I almost bought some shot stop g2 plates at 700 each. I ended up buying the l210s, a while rig with placard and other extras all for the price of 1 shot stop g2. I’m so glad I made the decision I did. Wish I had watched this video first because I was scared I was gunna get a bowl of regret but the opposite happened.

Herd Good things about Hesco , I have about 15,000 in Paraclete 3a soft and special threat plates. 3 carriers a vest and a Shellback tactical carrier , im out of the Game now , but im sure glad u kept my stuff lol

Thanks MAC!

Great video solid video and thank you need some affordable armor ideas

Thanks for this!

I think firing 168gr GMM would have been a good addition to the test. the ARC was rather impressive.

I'd like to see this revisited with a trauma pad/trex arms plate backer combo and see how the clay looks.

Finally! Someone testing hesco special threat plates! Thank you!

@BuffRANGE

2 жыл бұрын

I tested the L210 last year, as well as the 3810 :) The M210 drops next week.

@enb3810

2 жыл бұрын

@@BuffRANGE Oh shit I'm subscribed and I didn't even see it! Thanks for letting me know man.

Good video keep up the good work.

Solid backers in a carrier will aid in the pain and impact of a round. Combine this with a carrier that already has some built in cushion, and I think we'd think about this differently.

Thanks for this

@Militaryarmschannel

2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

This is perfect for more discreet low vise grey man type of a roll in a urban environment where most people would probably choose their AR-15 and a handgun to protect them self while most people out in a Royal area would probably have hunting rifle so I would want 3+ or 4 when out in the country side

IIIA soft armor backers from Premier Armor are whats riding behind my l210's. They soften the edges of the plates and adds a last defense against something the plate isn't rated for and I suppose maybe negating some of the backface deformation.

@nathansmith6076

Жыл бұрын

I know this is an old comment, but how much did they cost you?

I would be very interested to hear an explanation of the deformation cavities associated with the different rounds.

Thanks for doing this vid! Very interesting. It appears to be ceramic with maybe Kevlar backing? Would explain the massive back deformation. It worries me massively the ammoint of back deformation these plates have for the rated ammo (granted this isn't "certification" clay). Sure you won't have a hole in you, but your internal organs would be shreded, that m855a1 hit, see that splash of clay, that's not good. So you don't die of a bullet hole, but die from internal bleeding/organ destruction. Also would have liked to see m193 out of a 20" on this armor as it travels faster then m855/a1.

The damage to the clay is of course the velocity passing through the plate because the plates getting somewhat damaged deformed if you had a piece of foam behind you like the kind from a bicycle helmet that would slow down the energy coming through the plate you can't see the energy but it does leave dents in the clay and those dents can cause internal bleeding so you don't necessarily need a hole in you in order for you to bleed to death remember that!

@zack9912000

2 жыл бұрын

These are bad deformations. Even with our level 4 armor it wasn't uncommon for our guys to have broken ribs from the impact depending on the distance. Yet the impact would have been so much worse with level 3 plates. Spend the money and get good rated plates.

Imma get some of these plates, like 3 pairs 2 pairs for keeping and q pair for testing it to the limits, just saying i got some pretty nice 7.62x54r i got some 182gr yugo m30 ammo and ive got a handful of steel core rounds. Now if i do these tests imma be shooting from minimum 100 yards.

This is great, I've made the calculation that I will not come across anything other than the rounds you've displayed here. I'm happy with my investment in these.

Lol hurt that's a understatement. At least from the IOTV with the standard army plates

For the price and lightweight package of this armor I think it’s pretty fantastic

Love the gangster music in the slow mo target shots...lol

.204 Ruger will punch through LMT makes them. 4200 fps, zero recoil and only 3" drop at 300 meters

I love the "stick a finger in it" measurement device!

Glad to see the armor stop all those rounds as I have 210s in my plate carrier right now…

I can’t decided between 6.8 spc and 6mm arc. I like both but I know I can find 6.8 but I think 6mm will catch on abs become a very popular round. Thanks for the information though. Been looking at body armor and I like trex arms so I know who I’m buying from now

@K-bob_45

2 жыл бұрын

6.8 has better mags and has better terminal performance from short barrels. 6 ARC is more precision oriented and would have an energy advantage past probably 150-200 yards. Just depends on how far you want to shoot and if you want a DMR/precision type gun or a more general purpose carbine with reliable full capacity mags available.

I trust them. Might want 3A or trauma backers but then you may as well get something a bit different to start with. A must for these is foam or padding backers for comfort (trauma or not).

@lithium1770

9 ай бұрын

I cut a yoga mat to shape with my m210s and now they fit much better in my plate carrier as well as providing padding.

Not the set of plates i am choosing if I live in a rural area, but for most cities these cover all the common calibers.

This is the video I wanted to see!!

@Militaryarmschannel

2 жыл бұрын

I'm glad we were able to deliver. Thanks for watching.

Don't believe the L210's were rated for M855A1. Nice to see it stop it.

@dbr0wn23

2 жыл бұрын

They are not rated for M855A1, but Hesco as well as many others have found good sucess against M855A1. And for the price point, the L210 might be the best option on the market.

@zack9912000

2 жыл бұрын

buy good level 4 plates and no need to worry

@syntaxerrorsix3137

2 жыл бұрын

@@zack9912000 There's a reason why there are different threat levels. The proper advise is to use armor appropriate to the threat you expect to face. Mobility is a factor here as well. We don't see LE running around day to day in any anything more than level 2 vests for a reason.

@zack9912000

2 жыл бұрын

@@syntaxerrorsix3137 Level 4 plates dont cause any less mobility. All the cops I seen here and in other states wear plate carriers that look like uniform shirts and everyone I have spoken to say their plates are rated for rifle threats. Plus "overweight joe snacks a lot" with a go to war kit that they only larp around the home will never know the difference.

@syntaxerrorsix3137

2 жыл бұрын

@@zack9912000 The police do not wear plate carriers day in and day out. They use them when required. The standard uniform officer is wearing a vest with soft armor. Level IV plates are significantly heavier and bulkier. They do in fact hinder mobility. I suggest you strap on a set for a duty shift or a deployment and then get back to us... ETA, you channel appears to show you do have deployment experience. Are you really going to suggest that ESAPI armor doesn't limit mobility? As a former 12B20 I'm gonna call BS. ETA again, just in case there was some confusion. There is no such thing as soft armor beyond 3A (pistol/shotgun). ANY armor beyond 3A is plate armor.

I'd trust these with a 3A backer 100% for threats short of 308

Great job testing these plates for the rest of us

@starkparker16

2 жыл бұрын

Great video

Fantastic video, Thank you very much

@Militaryarmschannel

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching.

@mechadogzilla5846

2 жыл бұрын

@@Militaryarmschannel I never miss 'em, you do great work

My first plates i bought are these got them for 230 shipped. My next armor was prime plates

One thing I'd like to see tested on plates more often is 6.5 Creedmoor. Very curious how it would compare to 308 on a lot of these.

@Phoros

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely, everyone and their grandma uses 6.5 in Texas, it’s a legitimate threat

@JohnSmith-yx8kf

2 жыл бұрын

@@Phoros According to Backfire, a hunting channel, 6.5 Creed is the single most popular rifle caliber at the moment. Not sure if that's in total volume or in individual purchases, but still, 6.5 should be tested alongside 308 for sure.

Just fyi, the way Russians measure cartridges is the id of the lands, Americans usually measure from the grooves or the od of the bullet. 545 and 556 are 4 thousandths different. .220 and .224 respectively. They're essential the same diameter, even if not interchangeable, as the difference is a quarter the thickness of a human hair.

It would be a good test to see if the back face deformation would be lethal or not, would be to use some of the life like ballistic dummies that Garand Thumb has been using alot lately. There pretty cool. Yes there not going to be a 100% match to a real human torso but I think there about as close as your going to get with out using actual flesh.. but love the Chanel keep it up

@richkestrel7416

2 жыл бұрын

I agree that would be great, but a headless torso costs something close to $2,000 each! Asking a bit much from MAC to go to _that_ extent. 😉

@MrTangolizard

2 жыл бұрын

As he says in the video any more than 1.7inch dent is classed as lethal

@zack9912000

2 жыл бұрын

@@MrTangolizard more then enough to have internal bleeding and broken ribs. Simple rule dont buy cheap and own level 4 plates.

@MrTangolizard

2 жыл бұрын

@@zack9912000 I agree does seem pointless not paying a bit more and buying a level 4

Good info. I wonder if 6.5 Grendel would be stopped by this plate. I assume it would.

Halfway through the video I got the “vaping metal in your lungs” ad. “That’s metal….in your lungs” Haha, not with these plates on. Another great vid MAC!

@Militaryarmschannel

2 жыл бұрын

Haha, thanks brother.

The big cavities might be the sonic black passing through the place and causing a sonic snap on the back side

That clay deformation was crazy…..

MAC; Is the clay dent caused by a shockwave? If the plate is not flexible, then it did not push in the clay directly. It has to be a very slight movement that transmitted shock to the clay. You should punch the clay directly so we can get an idea of how stiff it is.

I hope somebody has an opportunity to make a ballistics gel replica of a hog or something that you can find in your grocery store to determine what exactly the damages those small bullets can do. I've seen people drop like flies with lighter punches to the vital organs

My la police gear lvl 4 fine China plates are pretty badass for 200 dollars on sale

Mac: would you consider repeating the test with some meat (maybe pork) backing? Would love to see what it does as for the indentation is concerned. Appreciate the great content.

I really appreciate you not shooting all of this onto a single plate.

Im shocked it stopped m855a1 since they're not rated for a1 and that why hesco made the u210. lucas's brother has said on past live streams they will stop a 308 but back face deformation would kill you.

It's all about the bullet. Think about it! The 6mm ARC bullet had about the same energy as a 308 but the bullet was a match round that will expand quickly and dissipate it's energy over a larger area. That's why the big hole in the clay. If you had a AP 6mm ARC bullet it may have penetrated the plate. Try a AP 308 round to see what would happen?

@Two-Stack

2 жыл бұрын

Check out buffman range for 308 testing on this plate

May actually need armor soon

I’m curious how they would do in an “in conjunction with” setup with some 3A or even some 3A+ from Safe Life? I only ask because, presently I have steel plates, and am looking into ceramics. My only carrier right now is a Safe Life Defense soft armor vest, and I’d like to have plates that are usable stand alone for after I’m able to get another carrier.

Great content! I love this shit.

@Militaryarmschannel

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you and thanks for watching.

The 100gr 7N6 style 6.5 Grendel would have been very interesting to see.

@Brimwald

2 жыл бұрын

Agreed

@railfanningpoints2.045

2 жыл бұрын

And where do you suggest one acquires such a non-existing 6.5 Grendel load?

@bigbird799

2 жыл бұрын

@@railfanningpoints2.045 wolf military classic

@hakimcameldriver

2 жыл бұрын

HOW ABOUT A 375H&H, SHOOT A LIVE TARGET AND THE BULLET MIGHT STOP BUT BLUNT TRAUMA WILL KILL THE TARGET.

@railfanningpoints2.045

2 жыл бұрын

@Big Bird That doesn't have a mild harden steel core, i.e. like 7N6 5.45x39. I'm unaware of any steel core 6.5 Grendel load.

Time to temper some steel in my forge for backing, at least for me lol.

Is that RDS mount putting your optic into range of your ejected brass? I saw the suppressor is flow through, but is that enough to not eject within the 20-60° forward cone.

Always buy multi curve plates

Very surprised M855A1 was stopped

I am new to this. What’s the knowledge on doubling up plates, or better to just wear on of better protection?

I would be curious about the same test with the back padding (foam) they sell for the same plates. Either way for the weight size and the types of rounds it'll handle is very impressive. Edit: also curious to see it in extra slow-mo I'm wondering if the deformation in the clay is the plate actually flexing in a circle relative to the size of the impact wave of the round.

@occlusion6557

Жыл бұрын

It won’t add any protection or stop backface deformation it’ll just take some of the shock out that’s transferring from the plates into your body, it also fills the inside cavity of the plate carrier up so it’s nice and snug and 0 moment

I Still Waiting For Sharps 1859 Infantry Breech Loading Rifle Musket

Tim is there any reason why you didn't strap the plates down to the rig ?

@Militaryarmschannel

2 жыл бұрын

I wanted to let them move around a bit. Some folks say we (KZreadrs) too rigidly attach plates to hard back stops and there are others who say we don't mount them tightly enough. These in my AC1 carrier fit fairly loosely. They can move around a bit given how thin they are. So they'll move around when hit a bit. That's also why I put clay behind it. Just trying something different based on feedback.

@BuffRANGE

2 жыл бұрын

@@Militaryarmschannel I would say those KZreadrs are the ones who attached them to steel targets, or those that just haphazardly throw them on the ground or a backstop. With the clay behind, backface signature and protrusions from the plate may have been more apparent, had a set of straps been used :D

What sort of plate carrier would you recommend for someone like myself who is in a wheelchair and constantly sitting down?