When it comes to selecting the right hard armor plates, the decision-making process should be guided by more than just the technical specifications and price. In real-world scenarios, what matters most is how well the armor protects against actual threats while providing the optimal sum to shoot, move, and communicate. At TAC 11, we prioritize a holistic approach to armor selection that goes beyond the stats and price , ensuring you’re protected where it counts without sacrificing agility. Here's how to choose the best hard armor plates for your needs. Keep in mind the best option may be to have more than one protection level depending on your threat enviornment or when mission dictates.
1. Focus on the Most Likely Threats
The first and most critical factor in selecting hard armor is understanding the threats you are most likely to face. Whether you're operating in law enforcement, military, or civilian contexts, this means choosing armor designed to defeat the types of ammunition commonly encountered in your environment.
For instance, in the U.S., two of the most common rifle threats are 5.56x45mm M193 and 7.62x39mm MSC rounds, from AR and AK platforms. At TAC 11, our armor plates are designed specifically with these rounds in mind, ensuring that you’re protected from the most prevalent dangers regardless of what rifle plate model you choose. By focusing on realistic, likely threats, you can ensure you're not overburdened by armor meant for less probable scenarios while still being fully covered where it matters most.
2. Prioritize Weight and Mobility
In fast-moving situations, staying light on your feet can be just as important as the level of protection your armor offers. While heavier armor may provide additional stopping power, it can also slow you down, leading to fatigue and reduced effectiveness.
At TAC 11, we use advanced materials to create plates that offer high-level protection while remaining lightweight. This balance allows for enhanced mobility, helping you maintain agility without compromising on your safety. Whether you're involved in tactical operations or wearing armor for long periods, weight reduction can be a game-changer, giving you the ability to perform at your best.
3. Ensure Proper Fit and Coverage
Even the most advanced armor plates are only effective if they fit well and provide adequate coverage. Plates that are too large, too small, or improperly fitted can leave vital areas exposed, such as the heart and lungs, or restrict movement during critical moments.
TAC 11 plates are available in a range of sizes and cuts to ensure a perfect fit for different body types and tactical carriers. This ensures that you’re not only well-protected but also comfortable, with full freedom of movement. The right fit keeps you mission-ready, offering protection without holding you back.
We focus on skeletal size first. Armor plates are meant to protect vital organs. Growing further outside of the skeletal system, in general, has little impact on the size of armor plate because your vital organs are in the same spot regardless. (We'll be writing a separate piece about correct sizing)
4. Consider Secondary, Less Likely Threats
While the main focus should be on the most probable threats, it’s also wise to think about secondary risks—ammunition types that are far less likely but still possible to encounter in certain scenarios. Armor-piercing rounds and/or high-caliber rifle threats can fall into this category. These require a more robust armor package, like Level RF2 and RF3 plates, which are designed to stop these less common, yet highly dangerous rounds.
At TAC 11, we offer plates that can address these secondary threats, all while maintaining our commitment to lightweight and practical designs. However, we understand that these threats are not the primary concern for most operators, and therefore, our focus remains on protecting against the real-world threats that are most likely to be encountered.
Wrong Method
While selecting body armor might seem straightforward, there are common misconceptions that can lead to poor choices—decisions that may not only reduce protection but also impair performance. At TAC 11, we know that not all armor is created equal, and understanding these pitfalls can help you make the best choice for your specific needs.
1. The “Just Get Level IV and You’re Covered” Mentality
There’s a pervasive myth that Level IV plates are the “one-size-fits-all” solution for body armor needs. While it’s true that Level IV plates offer protection from higher caliber and penetrating projectiles, they’re not always the best choice for every situation. Simply opting for Level IV armor without assessing your operational requirements can indicate a lack of understanding of the specific threats you’re likely to face. For instance, the added weight of Level IV plates may significantly reduce mobility, endurance, and comfort in situations where speed and agility are crucial.
Understanding your environment and the actual threats you face will serve you better than defaulting to the “maximum” solution. By choosing armor that matches the most probable threats, you’ll be better equipped to perform effectively without being unnecessarily burdened. Armor selection should be driven by knowledge and experience, not by the assumption that “bigger is better.”
2. “Just Get Stronger and Wear Steel”
Another common misconception is that steel plates are a viable solution if you're willing to “go to the gym and get stronger.” In our professional opinion, steel plates are NOT an effective solution in the first place (even the Ukrainians did what they could to not wear steel in the war. Are you Ukrainian?) and they are significantly heavier and uncomfortable during extended wear. Encouraging someone to “toughen up” and wear heavy steel plates ignores the fact that mobility and endurance are as critical to operational effectiveness as protection.
Additionally, the added weight of steel can cause rapid fatigue, increase the risk of injuries, and compromise long-term health. Moreover, steel plates can produce spall (fragmentation upon impact), which can pose additional risks. In high-stress situations, protecting oneself and maintaining agility is key—there’s no need to compromise that with unnecessary weight.
Choosing armor isn’t about “proving” physical strength; it’s about matching the right equipment to the mission requirements. At TAC 11, our focus is on providing lightweight, effective solutions that enhance your capability rather than hindering it.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hard armor plate involves balancing protection, mobility, and fit, all while focusing on the most likely threats you'll face. At TAC 11, we design our plates to offer maximum protection against the most common ammunition types and beyond without weighing you down or restricting your movement. With the right armor, you can operate with confidence, knowing you're covered both physically and tactically.
When making your next armor purchase, remember that it’s not just about numbers and ratings—it’s about understanding the threats you face and equipping yourself with armor that allows you to move freely and stay protected. Let TAC 11 help you find that balance.