How to Choose Between Soft Armor and Hard Plates?
One of the most frequently asked questions in the civilian body armor community is which is better: soft armor or hard plates? Regretfully, the most often given answer is also the worst advice, and that is hard armor because it is tougher.
The truth is that both soft and hard armor have their place and time. What would be a better option completely depends on the situation you find yourself in.
There are three aspects to consider when choosing the correct one for you:
Risks
Mobility
Duration
And the last one is something proponents of heavy-armor setups don’t often consider. Even though an NIJ Level IV setup will protect you the most, if you need to wear it for 8 or 10 hours you will have a huge issue with fatigue from the weight.
Finding the optimal solution will always be about...