Choose the best plates to protect yourself

Body armor has become an essential piece of equipment for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and even civilians who want to perfect their kit in today's unpredictable world. No one knows when they will be thrown into a survival situation, whether that is home defense or possibly even being involved in actual modern combat, but many people want to have a checklist of essentials on standby in case that day ever comes, and body armor is on that list. When it comes to selecting the best body armor, it may quite literally be a life and death situation. Usually, as one of the most crucial decisions you'll face, the hardest part comes down to choosing between the top two options for plates to put in your plate carrier, which are polyethylene plates and ceramic plates.

The most popular choices for these types of plates are level III and level IV plates, and both polyethylene and ceramic plates offer unique advantages and disadvantages, making it vital to understand the characteristics and applications of each type of plate to make an informed decision on what you are sticking in your plate carrier to protect yourself.

In this article, we will explore the differences between the two most popular types of plates for your body armor, polyethylene and ceramic, helping you choose the right protection for your needs.

Let’s dive in.

What are Polyethylene Ballistic Plates?

Beginning with polyethylene, this is a synthetic thermoplastic polymer known for its lightweight and flexible properties, which is great when you are in more weather intense environments like heated areas. In recent years, polyethylene has gained popularity as a material for body armor due to its remarkable ballistic performance.

Combine the ballistic performance with the lightweight and flexible properties, and you have a great option of material to put in your plate carrier. You are able to move around freely without being weighed down.

Let's take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of polyethylene plates:

Advantages of Polyethylene Plates

Lightweight: One advantage of polyethylene plates is that they are significantly lighter than ceramic plates, making them an excellent choice for those who require maximum mobility. Whether you are lacing up your boots and running, crawling through uncomfortable environments, or whatever your mission may be, a mobility-friendly option for ballistic plates is something you can benefit from. The last thing you want is to be stuck stiff and weighed down while you are being fired upon by an enemy.

Comfortable and Flexible: Going hand in hand with the mobility aspect, polyethylene pates offer great amounts of flexibility and comfort. Polyethylene plates conform to the body, providing a more comfortable fit compared to rigid ceramic plates, or even steel. This added comfort can be crucial during extended wear, for example if you are clearing rooms or practicing close quarters combat all day, these plates are not going to bother you too much.

Multi-Hit Capability: One of the standout features of polyethylene plates is their multi-hit capability. They can withstand multiple rounds before showing signs of significant degradation, enhancing the wearer's protection over time. This is quite literally a life and death feature, and a great reason that polyethylene plates are at the top of the list for body armor.

Floats on Water: Unlike ceramic plates, polyethylene plates are buoyant and can keep the wearer afloat in water. This feature is particularly valuable for maritime operations and waterborne rescue missions, think of swimming in your socks but a hundred times worse.

Reduced Backface Deformation: Polyethylene's ability to absorb and distribute impact energy helps reduce backface deformation, minimizing the risk of injury even when taking hits from powerful firearms, so your first aid supplies can hopefully stay in their packs, and you don’t have to bust out your medical training.

Disadvantages of Polyethylene Plates

Durability: While polyethylene plates offer excellent ballistic performance and the ability to really move around, they are generally less durable than ceramic plates. Continuous exposure to UV rays and moisture can degrade their effectiveness over time.

Temperature Sensitivity: Extreme temperatures, especially high heat, can negatively impact the ballistic properties of polyethylene plates. Users in extremely hot environments should take extra precautions.

Cost: High-quality polyethylene plates tend to be more expensive than ceramic plates, which may be a significant factor for budget-conscious buyers.

Understanding Ceramic Ballistic Plates

Ceramic ballistic plates are another extremely popular choice for body armor, known for their excellent stopping power and durability. Here's a closer look at their advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages of Ceramic Plates

Superior Stopping Power: Ceramic plates are highly effective at stopping high-velocity projectiles like the standard AK and AR rounds. But they are not just for your standard small arms fire; we mean things such as such as armor-piercing rounds or higher calibers. This makes them a preferred choice for military and law enforcement professionals.

Durable: Ceramic plates are known for their longevity. They can withstand prolonged use and exposure to harsh environmental conditions, making them a reliable choice for long-term protection.

Resistance to Temperature Extremes: Unlike polyethylene, ceramic plates are not as sensitive to temperature fluctuations, making them suitable for use in various climates. For example, if you are in a cold environment one day and a hot environment the next, you do not have to worry about ceramic plates wearing down.

Cost-Efficient: Ceramic plates are generally more affordable than high-quality polyethylene plates, making them an attractive option for those on a tight budget.

Disadvantages of Ceramic Plates

Weight: One of the most significant drawbacks of ceramic plates is their weight; these plates are not that light. They are considerably heavier than polyethylene plates, which can lead to increased fatigue during extended wear.

Single-Hit Capability: Ceramic plates are typically designed for single-hit protection, depending on the round size. This means that after taking a hit, the plate may become compromised and lose its effectiveness.

Brittleness: Ceramic plates can be brittle and may crack or shatter upon impact, rendering them useless after a single hit. This limits their ability to provide continuous protection in high-risk situations., something you do not want to come across in the field.

Choosing the Right Plates for Your Body Armor

The decision between polyethylene and ceramic plates ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some key factors to consider when looking to choose between polyethylene and ceramic plates:

Intended Use: You really need to look at what you are intending to use the body armor for. If you require lightweight, multi-hit protection with a focus on mobility, polyethylene plates may be the better choice. However, if you need superior stopping power and durability, ceramic plates are worth considering.

Budget: Whether you are looking for night vision goggles or helmets or in this case, plates for your plate carrier, your budget plays a crucial role in your decision. Ceramic plates are generally more cost-effective, making them a practical option for many civilian buyers.

Comfort: Consider how comfortable you want your body armor to be, especially if you anticipate wearing it for extended periods. Polyethylene plates offer a more comfortable fit due to their flexibility.

Environmental Conditions: Take into account the environmental conditions in which you'll be using the body armor. Ceramic plates are more resistant to temperature extremes and environmental factors.

Weight Tolerance: Assess your tolerance for carrying additional weight. If weight is a significant concern, polyethylene plates are the lighter option.

Where to Train in your plate carrier

When you are wearing your plate carrier, your maneuverability and everything is thrown off. That being said, you need to train to shoot with your plate carrier on; see how your rifle recoil is when you are shouldering against the straps of a plate carrier, see how you are when you are trying to clear a room with it on, get out and do some tactical training. When it comes to finding good tactical training, Core Vision Training offers a wide variety of tactical courses that will help you get used to your gear and maneuvering through different situations.

The best part is, they offer training in many different areas of the country. Core Vision offers some awesome LPVO training, as well as medical training to get you used to utilizing a first aid kit if you were to ever need one. Core Vision Training also offers some great close quarters courses. This can be extremely beneficial when it comes to defending your home, which hopefully you never have to do.

There also are multiple states that Core Vision Training is in, offering tactical training courses in:

Aside from Core Vision offering tactical training near you, it is also a team made up of great guys with various backgrounds, many in special forces. The team makes you feel comfortable with what you are doing, because they know that for many people it is their first time being exposed to this type of training. The guys take their time to explain everything and make sure that you are the best that you can be by the time you leave their courses.

Polyethylene Plates vs. Ceramic Plates Wrap Up

Choosing between polyethylene plates and ceramic plates for body armor is a decision that should be based on a thorough understanding of your specific needs and circumstances, and it truly can be a life or death decision. Both materials have their unique advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice ultimately depends on factors such as intended use, budget, comfort, environmental conditions, and weight tolerance. By carefully considering these factors, you can select body armor that provides the protection you need while ensuring your comfort and mobility.

Check out Core Vision Training’s shop, Instagram, and other blogs!

The Best Types of Plates for Your Plate Carrier