Predator Armor is a new company breaking into the armor category. They don’t just have plates, but plate carriers and other useful accessories. We had them on Episode 396 of the podcast to talk about their kevlar coated steel body armor plates and such. Predator Armor sent me 2 plates, a carrier, a dump pouch, and a utility pouch.
The first thing that comes to mind when looking at Predator Armor’s name is armor. Their armor plates are made of steel. Don’t drop off just yet, Predator has some cool stuff for their steel plates. First off, you can get their steel plates in NIJ level 3, or level 3+. Either straight or curved. Plus, one can have an optional Kevlar wrapping around the plates. This Kevlar wrapping helps prevent spalling, which is a common drawback to steel plate armor. The kevlar adds a little less than a ¼” to the plate's thickness, while adding very little weight. The normal plate is just a little over ¼” thick. I measured it at 0.270”, but the sprayed-on coating (not the Kevlar) probably adds a tiny bit extra to give that measurement. I received a level 3+ curved plate and a level 3 Kevlar wrapped curved plate, both have the shooters cut and are 10x12. Being that the plates are curved, they are very comfortable to wear. I would definitely opt for the extra $15 each to get a curved plate. Another noteworthy option Predator gives you, is the ability to add a “testing target” to your order, for an extra $15. This testing target is cut from the same steel as your plates. This gives you something to do your own testing on, if you feel the need. If you would rather not get the testing target, the plates are rated and tested to NIJ standards. They are not NIJ certified, as of this review.
Steel plate armor has some pros and cons. Predator Armor knows this, and isn’t trying to sell you anything different. They understand that it is heavy and not something you would want to wear all day, every day. The steel armor is more for someone wanting the protection that it provides, for the off chance they might need it. A pro to steel armor, is that it does not have an expiration date. Lightweight armor plates usually have a 5-10 year shelf life. Another pro of steel armor is cost. Steel plates are far more economical. When I say steel armor is heavy, each plate weighs 7.5lbs, so that's 15lbs you're wearing over your shoulders. Being able to handle multiple hits is also a big plus to steel armor. Predator Armor’s Kevlar wrapped plates also are a plus for the reason mentioned earlier.
If you have some plates, you need something to wear that holds them. Enter the Minuteman plate carrier. The Minuteman carrier is pretty much like most plate carriers. The plates slip inside the front and back. They are then held in place by a full length hook and loop flap. This flap goes inside the carrier, around the plate, so there is no hooking it on the outside where it could get peeled off and have the plate come out. These flaps hold the plate super securely, the plates are not falling out. There is plenty of MOLLE on the front and back to attach stuff. The top 2 MOLLE rows are also hook & loop with more sewn on in between them. There are 6 total MOLLE rows on each of the front and back. On the back of the plate carrier is also a drag handle, just in case, or for carrying the Minuteman around when you aren’t wearing it. The carrier is mesh lined and padded to help keep you cooler and comfortable. Quick release buckles are used on the waist straps and on one of the shoulder straps. The other shoulder strap has a hook & loop adjustment and no buckle. Padded shoulder strap covers are also included. They are pretty well padded and definitely help when wearing the carrier and plates for long periods of time. Predator Armor sometimes has plate and plate carrier packages available. So you can get everything you need while saving a little bit of dough.
Along with plate carrier packages, Predator Armor offers some other accessories. One of these is a Dump Pouch. If you haven’t heard, a dump pouch is super useful to throw half full magazines into while training, or anything else you can think of. Their dump pouch can be rolled up when not in use. If you then need the dump pouch, just pull on the little tab, and it will unroll to it’s useful size. Predator Armor says you can fit 9 AR magazines in it, yes it’s big enough, but that 8 & 9th one are a tight fit. To attach the dump pouch, they put both a belt slot and MOLLE. The dump pouch also has a bungee cord and lock so you can cinch it closed, if needed. This dump pouch is fantastic. I mount it toward the back of my belt. It’s then there for me to throw used magazines in. It’s made from 1000D cordura, so it holds up to just about anything. Another Item Predator Armor makes is a Utility Pouch. It is also made from 1000d cordura and is 6.5" x 3" x 5". It also has a belt slot and MOLLE for mounting it, with additional MOLLE on the front. I found the pouch to be very useful, mainly for dumping ammo out of magazines. But either way, it’s a useful little pouch that is very well made.
I have been using all of the Predator Armor stuff. I don’t mind having steel plates, after all, I am not wearing them everyday. The padded straps on the Minuteman plate carrier eased the weight burden when I wore the plates around. I really like the carrier, it is all around pretty comfortable, so much that I would use it with lightweight plates.. I use the utility pouch way more than I expected to, I’m always throwing something in it before I come home from the range. Then there’s the dump pouch. I love how large it is. The size makes it easy to find without looking. Plus, it holds so much stuff.
Predator Armor has hit the market hard with a bunch of good stuff. They know what they are doing and what lane they are in. The products they make are top notch and all of them are made in the USA. If your in the market for some steel body armor, or some tactical nylon gear, go check out Predator Armor, they don’t just make steel plate armor.
Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points
Claim to Fame:
Inexpensive Steel Armor packages with spall protection
Target Market:
Those wanting armor and accessories for that occasional use
FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):
500D Cordura material
Mesh lined for comfort and ventilation
Removable, padded mesh shoulder pads
Hook-and-loop webbing on front and back
Drag handle
Adjustable shoulder straps and waist
Quick release buckles on shoulders and waist
Designed for 10"X12" plates
1000D Cordura construction
Minimal space required (3"x3"x2")
Large enough for 9 AR mags
MOLLE and belt compatible
1000D Cordura Construction
6.5" x 3" x 5"
Pocket Sleeve for item separation
MOLLE and Belt compatible
All items 100% made in USA
What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?
Plenty, just go check out Predator Armor
What others are saying?:
5/5 stars @Predator Armor
Plates seem to be exactly as advertised and the carrier is excellent for the price. Very happy with my purchase.
Link to other reviews:
Turncoat Tactical YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8czwIi6Cdfg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voqn_QtTaiY
Price point:
MSRP = $65.00 for a single level III plate
I need it now! Availability:
Our Rating:
Pros:
Price
Available level III+
Anti-spall Kevlar wrapped option
Testing target
Plate Carrier is well made and comfortable
Large Dump pouch is great
No expiration date
Made in USA
Cons:
Heavy
Not NIJ certified
Score: 8.00 Great
Favorite Link: Atibal Optics
It’s covered in molle and has velcro on the front and back. On the front there’s an admin pouch that’s pretty big. There’s also some pouches on the side plate carrier that my friend said could be for soft armor, I used it for holding my electronics. The front and back are held together by four side release buckles. On the shoulders, they’re wrapped in elastic to cushion and protect the buckles. The ones on the cumberbund are protected by cordura that wraps around it and has molle on the inside(towards the wearer) and outside. It’s extremely quick to put on and secure. The cumberbund is comfortable but its not too adjustable. In the back it is attached with some heavy duty elastic so that it can stretch out but you can’t make it any tighter. They say to order the vest in whatever size your plates are. The communication/hydration routing loops are elastic so they can accommodate just about anything you can feed through it. The drag handle on the back is sewn about every two inches down the back and it runs the whole way down the vest. I had my brother pull me around for a bit to give it a good test and it works. It rode up a little but it wasn’t really uncomfortable and in a situation where I’m being drug I don’t think that I’ll be that worried.
30% lighter
Our Rating (What we say about it)
+ Comfortable
+ Light
+ Many Cammo options
+ Flash flame protection
+ Removable side plate pouches
+ Cushion for airflow and impact protection
- Adjustability down sizing
