Ensuring the Right Fit for Your Body Armor Plates and Carrier

Whether your line of work exposes you to the risk of gunfire or you just want to be prepared for anything, body armor is one of the best investments you can make in terms of personal protection. The Target Man and Spartan Armor Systems is proud to offer the finest Level III and III+ steel (ballistic-grade AR500 Omega™ and AR550), composite/ceramic Level IV body armor, concealable IIIA armor, light-weight UHMWPE armor, and non-ballistic trauma pads. To get the most protection out of your body armor, you need to purchase the correct plates and make sure the plate carrier fits properly. Here are a few tips to ensure a good fit.

Take Measurements

Proper sizing is critical when choosing a carrier and plates. Take measurements of your chest and the distance from the top of your shoulders to your navel. Although modern plate carriers are very flexible, a vest that extends beyond the hips can be restrictive when bending over, sitting down, etc. If you are military or law enforcement, you also want to make sure that there is a gap between the bottom edge of the front, rear, and side plates and your gun belt.

Don’t Over-Strap

Selecting the right size is important for a good fit, but just as important is how you wear your carrier. Your straps should be just tight enough to prevent plate movement but not so tight that it restricts your ability to take full, deep breaths. If you notice curling and unnecessary wear to the ballistic panels, you are either strapped in too tight or you need a smaller plate carrier.

When you purchase Spartan Armor Systems body armor from The Target Man, you can rest assured that you are investing in some of the highest quality AR500 Omega™, AR550, and composite body armor plates known to man. We also offer plate carriers and concealable vests from Beez Combat Systems. Browse through our online catalog to see all of our superior body armor products.