In the world of ballistic protection, technical terms can sometimes be confusing. Among them, the concept of Stand Alone Plates (STA) often gives rise to misconceptions, notably that these plates necessarily include an integrated anti-trauma system. Many people also mistakenly believe that STA plates do not require additional protection, which is a widespread misconception sometimes perpetuated by unscrupulous manufacturers. This article aims to clarify these notions, debunk urban myths, and help you make an informed choice for your safety.
A Stand Alone plate is a rigid ballistic plate designed to provide effective ballistic protection without the need for an additional soft liner (such as a Type IIIA bulletproof vest). This means that it can be worn alone in a plate carrier. However, this does not mean that the plate systematically incorporates protection against blunt force trauma (anti-trauma). This misconception is a marketing error and manipulation. The STA plate protects against projectiles according to its NIJ level, but 2 cm of thickness, even for a III or IV plate, cannot be enough to include complete and effective anti-trauma protection .
The anti-trauma is an intermediate layer, often a flexible or rigid plate, placed in front of the ballistic plate to:
This protection is not always integrated into STA plates. It must be provided as an additional feature for maximum safety.
The heavier and thicker a plate is, the more protection it potentially offers, especially against armor-piercing ammunition. This is an important indicator to consider, although it is not the only one.
ICW plates are designed to be worn with Level IIIA soft body armor . They are therefore thinner and lighter than STA plates, as overall ballistic protection is achieved by combining the two.
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