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  1. #1
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    Default BPT vs Zebra stand alone lvl 3 plates feedback

    I am looking at purchasing standalone Polyethlene (UHMPWE) level 3 plates, they are both within R100 of each other in terms of price in the R3k region, so that isn't a determining factor!

    BPT 1.1kg
    Zebra 1.5kg

    I have heard good things about Zebra and my gut says the extra weight on the Zebra plate probably means it will stand up to more shots vs the BPT plate. I'm looking for feedback from anyone who has experience with either plate or knows of anyone who has tested either plate?

  2. #2
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    Default Re: BPT vs Zebra stand alone lvl 3 plates feedback

    Quote Originally Posted by Bjorn881 View Post
    I am looking at purchasing standalone Polyethlene (UHMPWE) level 3 plates, they are both within R100 of each other in terms of price in the R3k region, so that isn't a determining factor!

    BPT 1.1kg
    Zebra 1.5kg

    I have heard good things about Zebra and my gut says the extra weight on the Zebra plate probably means it will stand up to more shots vs the BPT plate. I'm looking for feedback from anyone who has experience with either plate or knows of anyone who has tested either plate?
    I've been researching both brands as well. Just be careful and look at the specs carefully.


    Zebra plate
    ALSAP3+, NIJ Level III+ Standalone, Weight: 1,5kg ,Size : 250 x 300 mm


    Protection against:

    7.62 x 39 MSC/AK47

    7.62 x 51 FMJ Ball

    5.56 x 45 FMJ LC

    THIS PLATE WILL NOT PROTECT AGAINST ANY AP - ARMOUR PIERCING ROUND
    THIS PLATE WILL NOT PROTECT AGAINST THE SS109 5.56 x 45mm

  3. #3
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    Default Re: BPT vs Zebra stand alone lvl 3 plates feedback

    The 1.1kg lll+++ BPT plate is exactly like the 1.5kg Zebra plate.
    But the 1.9kg lll+++BPT plate can handle armour piercing rounds

  4. #4
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    Default Re: BPT vs Zebra stand alone lvl 3 plates feedback

    What is the chance of having ap rounds used against you? How freely available are ap rounds on the "black market"? Is it worth to carry double the weight plates for a eg 5% chance, risk vs reward?

  5. #5
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    Default Re: BPT vs Zebra stand alone lvl 3 plates feedback

    Quote Originally Posted by Vaal View Post
    What is the chance of having ap rounds used against you? How freely available are ap rounds on the "black market"? Is it worth to carry double the weight plates for a eg 5% chance, risk vs reward?
    A lot of the bulk 7.62 AK ammo coming in has a steel core inside the bullet hence making it an armour piercing round! But yeah I have never seen 223rem/5.56 AP rounds in SA!

  6. #6
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    Default Re: BPT vs Zebra stand alone lvl 3 plates feedback

    Quote Originally Posted by Bjorn881 View Post
    A lot of the bulk 7.62 AK ammo coming in has a steel core inside the bullet hence making it an armour piercing round! But yeah I have never seen 223rem/5.56 AP rounds in SA!
    I actually have some PMC green tip ammo for 5.56 which is the SS109 round

  7. #7
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    Default Re: BPT vs Zebra stand alone lvl 3 plates feedback

    Quote Originally Posted by BBT View Post
    I actually have some PMC green tip ammo for 5.56 which is the SS109 round
    Oh interesting! I can't even remember the last time I saw proper 5.56 (not 223rem) range ammo advertised!

    Anyone else else have any further insight to share on the plates?

  8. #8
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Bjorn881 View Post
    A lot of the bulk 7.62 AK ammo coming in has a steel core inside the bullet hence making it an armour piercing round! But yeah I have never seen 223rem/5.56 AP rounds in SA!
    Mild steel core =/= AP.
    Cattle die, kindred die, every man is mortal:
    But I know one thing that never dies,
    the glory of the great dead.
    Havamal

  9. #9

    Default Re: BPT vs Zebra stand alone lvl 3 plates feedback

    SS109 is considered to be a round that has better penetration than the 55gr fmj round. I believe it was developed upon the requirement to penetrate a Russian steel helmet at 500 meters. As far as my understanding goes, most, if not all stand alone UHMWPE plates are level 3 NIJ. You do get these hybrid UHMWPE plates that have a layer of ceramic which may stop SS109 giving the user a good compromise of weight to protection value. When comparing it to steel, I’ve seen some level 3 steel plates stop SS109 but not 55 FMJs traveling at 3000+ fps, whereas the UHMWPE stops 55 fmj but not SS109 in most cases.

    obviously all of this is dependent on angle of entry and velocity.

    with regards to the 7.62x39 mild steel core. This is not an AP round. I believe level 3 UHMWPE will likely stop this threat, it is not a hardened steel core like the SS109 penetrator therefore, it deforms quicker once hitting the armor plate, it is also traveling very slow in comparison.

    Please correct me if I am wrong on any thing mentioned above.

  10. #10
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    Default Re: BPT vs Zebra stand alone lvl 3 plates feedback

    Howdy, did you ever make a decision ?

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