Body armor, sometimes called a bulletproof vest, offers resistance to ballistic threats, but not absolute protection.
Premier Body Armor provided the gear in this article for review.
Plate carriers and plates that protect against rifle fire are much less officer-specific than ballistic vests.
Fortis III+ rifle plates and Alpha carrier being set up with the company’s Medical/Admin/Assault Pouch (MAAP) using the integrated MOLLE. Image: Premier Body Armor
[Know the difference?
Be sure to readSoft Armor vs. Hard Armorfor more information.]
This works for most because plate carriers are somewhat universally sized and can fit most officers.
The author’s Premier Body Armor setup with hisSpringfield Armory Hellion. The body armor uses Fortis III+ rifle plates in the Alpha Carrier with three spare 5.56x45mm NATO STANAG magazines.
Officers are expected to run towards the sound of gunfire and seek out the attacker.
Police officers do not have the option of running away.
They also often take these personally owned plates on patrol.
The Fortis carrier and plate are shown in use on the shooting range. While rifle plates are necessarily thick, they do not have to limit movement. Image: Premier Body Armor
This setup includes two plates and the extremely versatile Fortis Alpha Carrier.
Premier Body Armor told me that their Level III+ ballistic plates are made from Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight-Polyethylene (UHMWPE).
This makes them multi-hit capable with edge-to-edge protection.
The author’s MAAP pouch is open to show hisSpringfield Hellcatback-up pistolin apocket carryholster. In a separate front pocket is a tourniquet.
Premier also told me that their plates include Integrated Trauma Mitigation Technology that limits backface deformation.
This is an important feature because it limits blunt force trauma to the wearer of the plates.
Level III+ is not a National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Standard.
During the author’s testing of the Fortis III+ Loadout gear, he found the body armor comfortable to wear for long stretches of time. Additionally, it was easy to don and doff.
However, Premier has done their own product testing.
The versions of their Level III+ that interest me the most are both part of the Fortis line.
[Dont miss Richard Johnsons article onCop Killer Bullets.]
The Fortis III+ Multi-Curve Plates are backed by a seven-year warranty. The company also offers an Incident Guarantee. The company’s website has all the details. Image: Premier Body Armor
A set of the RF1 plates weighs about 7 lbs., compared to about 9 lbs.
for the RF2 Multi-Curve.
The Fortis IV/RF3 (Level IV plates), weigh about 15 lbs.
All of these will fit into the same Fortis Alpha Carrier.
The carrier has four separate adjustment points, one on each shoulder and one on each side.
I found it easy to adjust for use with or without a ballistic vest worn underneath.
Hands-On with the Fortis III+
Is Level III + comfortable for all-day wear?
Yes, it is very comfortable.
Where I work, any time officers are training on a range, body armor must be worn.
I recently participated in a two-day instructor course and decided to wear the Premier Fortis III+/RF1 Multi-Curve.
The MAAP pouch made it easy to carry a tourniquet and other range gear.
It was easy to put on and take off.
The Fortis carrier takes only seconds to remove and to put back on.
This is a huge benefit!
I did not use the rifle magazine holders because this particular course only required pistols.
Taking the plates on and off was very easy.
The Fortis Carrier is not nearly as hot and uncomfortable as concealable body armor.
The companys soft armor is warrantied for five years.
