[IKWAWTOET]

Not sure if this is the place to ask this, but is there any practical value to doubling up body armor, e.g., a Level IIIA soft armor concealable vest worn beneath an armor carrier sporting Level IV plates?

 

[paramilusmc]

There are vest on the market that are made to insert soft level IIIA body armor that also offer the ability to also insert Level IV plates. They are good and offer additional protection (padding when impacted by a bullet impacting your body at 2400FPS) but are especially helpful when hit in an area that is not protected by a plate. The nice thing is that if you don't need the plate, out it comes and your still protected by level IIIA.

Now wearing a level IIIA vest under a plate carrier would in my mind only cause discomfort due to heat if nothing else.

You could just go with a plate carrier with front back and side SAPIs, but what you have to remember is that plates don't flex like soft armor does.

 

[Doc_Shane]

some level 4 plates only offer level 4 if worn over level 3A pads

 

[paramilusmc]

Good point Doc, almost forgot that one.

 

[Albus Tigris]

The IOTV I wear when I go outside the wire has soft kevlar panels that will stop 9mm by themselves, in addition to the plates. If your plates get hit or you dive onto something hard in a gunfight, they can crack. If they crack, they won't function properly. What stopping power they still have left may slow the bullet down enough for the kevlar to stop it.

The problem with adding layers is that it adds weight, heat and reduces maneuverability. It also increases your likelihood of you being noticed for wearing armor. You have to balance protection with everything else.