It’s tempting if you don’t know anything about level 4 body armor plates, to get the strongest possible suit and be done with it. However, there are some necessary things to consider when considering body armor plates. Some people believe that ceramic level 4 body armor plates can’t withstand many bullets or that they’ll break into a million pieces if dropped. While it’s true that ceramic level 4 body armor plates could break if dropped, the vast majority are incredibly durable and will continue to shield even if dropped or otherwise mistreated. Level 4 body armor plates can withstand a pound impact of 7.62mm, 5.56mm, and even some huge bore rifle bullets. Although a hit that hits too near to a preceding hit could pass through a ceramic composite plate, the plate can still stop even rounds that land directly on each other.

On the other hand, steel plates can withstand hundreds, if not thousands, of blows before breaking. While steel will last longer, ceramic plates are still quite hard. Whereas both will stop a bullet from a rifle, the steel plate will hardly bend at the back, while the ceramic plate will distort somewhat. A plate with an NIJ level 4 rating will have minimal back face deformation, and while this won’t kill you, it can certainly weaken your resolve.

When a bullet hits a steel plate, it explodes into a very large number of pieces. Those pieces can do some major damage if they escape containment. They can easily cut through a plate carrier and any clothing worn over it. It would hurt a lot if you caught a shard in your carotid artery, but it only potentially causes death in the most extreme of circumstances. This is why many high-quality steel armor producers apply numerous coats of Paxcon or a comparable bed liner coating to their plates. When placed appropriately, these coatings may absorb and hold the pieces from dozens of rounds.

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