Tactical FAQ

Modular Gear, Armor, & Loadout Catechism

Be informed about what your gear can and should do for you.

MODULAR SYSTEMS

Why choose a modular system instead of a fixed setup?

A modular system allows you to configure your gear around your role, environment, and training level—not a single, factory-defined use case. Fixed setups assume one mission. Modular systems adapt as your needs change, without replacing the entire platform.

Does modular gear mean carrying more equipment?

No. Modularity exists to remove unnecessary gear, not add it. The goal is a clean, efficient loadout that supports movement, access, and endurance—nothing more.

Is modular gear slower or less secure than sewn-in designs?

No. Modern placard and attachment systems are designed for positive retention under movement, including running, prone work, and transitions. When properly configured, modular systems are just as secure—and far more adaptable.

ARMOR FUNDAMENTALS

Why offer AR600 steel armor?

AR600 steel provides durable, repeatable ballistic protection at an accessible cost. It allows more people to equip themselves with armor rather than being priced out entirely.

Will steel armor “get me killed” from fragmentation?

No. This claim ignores reality. Fragmentation is a known behavior of steel armor and is mitigated through coatings and proper carrier design. Wearing armor—even steel—is categorically safer than wearing none.

Is non-coated steel armor dangerous?

Uncoated steel may produce fragmentation, but fragmentation is not worse than taking a direct hit unprotected. In budget-restricted or emergency scenarios, having armor is vastly preferable to having none.

Why is coated steel armor recommended?

Protective coatings reduce spall and fragmentation, increasing safety and comfort. Coated armor provides an improvement over bare steel while retaining steel’s durability and affordability.

What are Polyethylene (UHMWPE) plates?

Polyethylene, commonly referred to as UHMWPE (Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene) or simply "PE," armor plates are constructed from multiple layers of high-strength polymer fibers that are heat- and pressure-laminated into a consolidated composite panel. Rather than relying on hardness like steel, UHMWPE plates defeat ballistic threats by dispersing energy through fiber stretching and delamination across the plate.

UHMWPE plates are valued for their extremely light weight, corrosion resistance, and multi-hit durability. They can provide effective protection against common rifle threats while offering improved comfort, reduced fatigue, and positive buoyancy compared to steel armor. However, threat protection varies by design, and not all polyethylene plates are intended to defeat hardened or steel-core ammunition unless specifically rated.

What Are Ceramic (Silicon Carbide) Armor Plates?

Ceramic armor plates are composite systems that combine a hard ceramic strike face with a fiber-reinforced backing layer. The ceramic layer is designed to shatter and blunt incoming projectiles on impact, while the backing material absorbs and distributes the residual energy to stop penetration.

Silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic plates are among the highest-performing ceramic armor options available. Compared to traditional alumina ceramics, silicon carbide offers greater hardness and improved weight efficiency, allowing for reduced overall weight while maintaining high levels of ballistic protection. This makes SiC plates well-suited for Level IV protection against armor-piercing rifle threats.

Because ceramic materials fracture on impact, ceramic armor is typically intended for limited multi-hit scenarios and must be handled with care to maintain performance. Despite this, silicon carbide ceramic plates remain the preferred choice for users seeking maximum protection with reduced weight compared to heavier ceramic alternatives.

Polyethylene vs Steel vs Ceramic Armor Plates — What’s the Difference?

Body armor plates are commonly manufactured from steel, polyethylene (UHMWPE), or ceramic composite materials. Each offers distinct advantages depending on weight, protection level, and intended use.

Steel plates are constructed from hardened abrasion-resistant steel and rely on material hardness to stop incoming rounds. Steel offers long service life and multi-hit durability but is heavier than other options and may produce fragmentation upon impact without proper spall mitigation.

Polyethylene (UHMWPE) plates are made from multiple layers of high-strength polymer fibers laminated into a composite panel. These plates defeat threats by dispersing energy through fiber stretching and delamination, resulting in significantly lighter weight, corrosion resistance, and positive buoyancy. Poly plates provide excellent multi-hit performance but are typically not designed to stop hardened or steel-core ammunition unless specifically rated.

Ceramic plates use a hard ceramic strike face bonded to a composite backing. The ceramic fractures and erodes incoming projectiles, while the backing material absorbs the remaining energy. Ceramic plates provide the highest levels of rifle protection, including defeat of armor-piercing threats, at the cost of increased complexity and reduced tolerance for repeated impacts in the same area.

Should I avoid armor if I can’t afford top-tier options?

No. Budget should never be a reason to go unprotected. In real-world emergencies, any certified armor is better than none. Modular systems allow you to upgrade components over time as resources allow.

ARMOR SELECTION

What level of armor do I actually need?

Armor selection should be based on the most likely threats you are planning for, not the most extreme scenario imaginable.

For most civilians, Level III / RF2 armor is the most practical choice. It is designed to stop common rifle threats and is well-suited to realistic defensive, emergency, and preparedness use cases. Civilians generally do not encounter armor-piercing ammunition in normal contexts, and access to true penetrator rounds is limited.

When does Level IV / RF3 armor make sense?

Some users choose Level IV / RF3 armor to account for the popularity of full-power rifle cartridges such as:

.308 / 7.62×51
6.5-caliber rifle cartridges
.30-06

In regions where these calibers are common for hunting or sport shooting, or where a user wants maximum protection regardless of weight, Level IV may be the preferred option.

Is higher armor level always better?

No. Higher protection levels come with increased weight, reduced mobility, and greater fatigue. Armor should support your ability to move, respond, and endure—not hinder it.

A lower level of armor that you can wear longer and move effectively in may be more practical than heavier armor that limits mobility.

Should I plan for worst-case scenarios only?

Planning exclusively for worst-case scenarios often results in overbuilt, underused gear. Modular systems allow you to tailor protection to the situation—running lighter armor for most use cases while retaining the ability to scale up if needed.

Can I change armor levels later without replacing my carrier?

Yes. Our plate carrier platform supports multiple armor types and threat levels, allowing you to upgrade or change plates over time without replacing your entire system.

Whats the bottom line?

Choose armor based on likelihood, not fear. The most effective armor is the armor you can realistically wear, train in, and rely on when it matters.

Armor Level Comparison (Quick Reference)

Level III / RF1-RF2

Designed to stop common intermediate rifle threats
Lighter weight and easier to wear for extended periods
Better mobility and reduced fatigue
Most practical choice for everyday preparedness and training
Well-suited for the most likely civilian-use scenarios

Level IV / RF3

Designed to stop higher-powered rifle threats
Increased weight and bulk
Reduced mobility compared to Level III
Preferred by users planning for full-power rifle cartridges
Chosen when maximum protection outweighs mobility concerns

For most civilians, Level III / RF2 armor offers the best balance of protection, weight, and wearability. It is designed to stop common rifle threats without the added bulk and fatigue of higher-rated armor. While Level IV / RF3 provides additional protection against full-power rifle cartridges, that added protection comes at the cost of mobility and endurance. The correct choice depends on what threats are most likely, not what is theoretically possible.

Everyday Preparedness vs SHTF Scenarios

Everyday preparedness prioritizes mobility, comfort, and sustainability. Armor that can be worn longer, moved in effectively, and trained with regularly is often more valuable than maximum-rated protection that limits movement.

In contrast, SHTF or high-risk scenarios may justify heavier protection, especially when mobility demands are reduced or when exposure risk is higher. Modular systems allow you to scale protection up or down—running lighter armor for daily preparedness while retaining the option to upgrade when circumstances demand it.

PLATE CARRIERS

What makes your plate carrier different from “one-size-fits-all” carriers?

Our carrier is built as a platform, not a preset. It supports interchangeable placards, scalable armor, and mission-specific configurations without forcing you into a fixed layout designed for someone else’s needs.

Can I reconfigure my carrier without tools or rethreading MOLLE?

Yes. The system is designed for rapid changes—swapping placards or components without tearing down the carrier or rebuilding your setup from scratch.

Is this carrier suitable for training, range use, and real-world emergencies?

Yes. The carrier is built to support training progression—from minimal setups to fully equipped loadouts—without requiring multiple carriers for different use cases.

BELT SYSTEMS

Why run a modular belt instead of mounting everything on the carrier?

A belt distributes weight, keeps critical equipment accessible, and reduces upper-body fatigue. It allows you to separate sustainment gear from armor, improving comfort and mobility.

Should my belt and carrier be configured the same way?

No. The belt supports immediate-access tools (medical, sidearm, essentials). The carrier supports mission-specific equipment. Modularity allows both systems to work together without overlap or redundancy.

MATERIALS & CONSTRUCTION

How are your steel plates constructed?

All of our armor plates are cut using industrial laser cutting systems designed specifically for abrasion-resistant steel. Laser cutting delivers precise edges with minimal heat input, preserving the structural integrity of the plate and ensuring consistent ballistic performance.

Many armor plates on the market are cut using plasma methods. While plasma cutting is common due to lower equipment costs, it introduces significantly more heat into the steel during the cutting process. This heat can create a large heat-affected zone (HAZ) along the cut edge, potentially softening the material and increasing the risk of edge damage, chipping, or failure under ballistic impact. Even submerged plasma cutting reduces—but does not eliminate—these effects.

By contrast, laser cutting produces a much smaller heat-affected zone, maintaining the hardness and durability of the steel all the way to the edge of the plate.

Our curved plates are then precision-formed using custom laser-cut dies and a computer-controlled hydraulic press. This process creates a consistent single-radius curvature, ensuring uniform fit, repeatable geometry, and reliable performance across every plate we produce.

Why use Cordura® fabric?

Cordura® is chosen for its abrasion resistance, tear strength, and long-term durability. It holds up under friction, weight, and repeated use far better than generic nylon fabrics.

Does heavier fabric mean better protection?

Not always. Proper material selection balances strength, weight, and flexibility. Overbuilt gear can restrict movement and cause fatigue without adding meaningful performance benefits.

CONFIGURATION & PHILOSOPHY

Is there a “correct” way to set up my gear?

No. There is only what works for your body, your training, and your environment. Modular systems exist so you are not locked into someone else’s doctrine.

Can I start minimal and expand later?

Yes. That is the intent. Start lean. Add capability as your needs, training, and experience grow—without replacing your entire setup.