Still think ceramic armor is "better" than steel?

[Raggedyman]

Is it ever really accurate to say that one thing is categorically "better" than another thing? I mean, except beer. Beer is definitely better than not having beer. For drinking.

While ceramic armor can stop some threats that steel armor can't and ceramic is sometimes marginally lighter (some steel plates are actually lighter than some ceramic plates of similar size), it is also thicker and less durable as well as significantly more expensive.

If .30-06 AP is a likely threat for you and if you can afford to replace a plate if you suspect it has been damaged, and if you expect that replacement plates will be available when you need them, ceramic may be a good choice.

If you don't think that armor piercing ammo is a high probability in your area, and if you intend to actually use your plates before they are needed, steel may give you more peace of mind.

Ceramic isn't quite as fragile as many would have you believe. If your plate carrier fell off your vehicle or if it is subjected to a bumpy road in your trunk, or if you trip and fall on a rock, it will probably still be fine. This test shows that a steel plate will still be fine and will survive much more than you can.

[Pinsnscrews]

Okay, your coating came off your AR500 plate because you took a tumble down a mountain...presumably, your plate is in the pouch of the vest...which would imply the coating is still in that same pouch...

When I get home, I'll just scotchbrite that plate and paint up a few layers of truck bed coating and poof good as new...

That ceramic plate? I don't think I can recompress the powder at home to freshen up the plate...

[Raggedyman]

If a "tumble" peeled the coating off the plate, you're probably dead. Those coatings are very hard to remove.

Ceramic plates aren't going to be reduced to a bag of gravel from a trip and fall, either, though.

[mag360]

highcom ran a black friday weekend sale on 4sas7 ceramic plates that brought them in cheaper than the AR500armor.com level III+ plates with the build up coatings. plus tall people need more than just a 10x12 size, they don't offer the steel in sapi sizes.

I agree if all someone is taking is lots of shots from 5.56 that the steel is better but the level III+ were the only ones that could stop the M193 the level III was defeated as seen by videos on youtube.