Safe Life Defense FRAS (Flexible Rifle Armor), Level III+ /RF2

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  • Опубліковано 26 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 140

  • @josealcala4756
    @josealcala4756 Рік тому +70

    I can't help but think about the "Safelite Repair Safelite Replace" whenever I read Safe Life Defense

    • @BuffRANGE
      @BuffRANGE  Рік тому +12

      I think everyone does :D

  • @qwe304
    @qwe304 2 роки тому +41

    Personally I dont see the point of a flexible 10x12 plate, their use in their soft-armor esq full coverage systems is quite interesting, if of arguable real-world use.

    • @BuffRANGE
      @BuffRANGE  2 роки тому +5

      I would agree. :)

    • @MegaAndy93
      @MegaAndy93 2 роки тому +5

      Maybe for a trunk body armor kit. The flex makes riding/driving vehicles much easier.

    • @PastaLaVista.
      @PastaLaVista. 2 роки тому +2

      Back plate I can see

    • @danielcurtis1434
      @danielcurtis1434 Рік тому +5

      Yeah that wrap around armor that stops anything short of .30-06 black tip is definitely worth every penny. The plates I think the advantage is all but lost. I think I do like the idea of that super light but strong hyperline with a fras plate does make sense. However the idea of throwing that flexible plate in a carrier just doesn’t make sense to me???

    • @kallen8757
      @kallen8757 Рік тому +4

      Their full armor vest weighs 16 with just the armor panels, and it is very hard to stay mobile with it. Armor is a balance between mobility and protection. What I’ve learned from my experience is that the 10x12, or SAPI, plates are enough coverage to protect vital organs, without getting in the way of doing work. These plates seem interesting, because it’s the right amount of protection, while providing decent mobility.

  • @spektr540hemi
    @spektr540hemi 2 роки тому +19

    Thank you for all the effort you put into these videos !!

  • @Fynn-Victus
    @Fynn-Victus 4 місяці тому +1

    I made a plate similar to the hexagon tile idea but I used neoprene surrounding it; and put a mixture of tire sealant, mixed with baking soda 1095 carbon powder and concrete powder, that is then faces with a layer of neodinium magnets along the tiles. This "packet" is then backed by a few layers, kydex, 3mil titanium, and 3mil of write in rain paper. Fiberglass layers mixed with aramid carbon weave. Then sealed for a total thickness of around 1.5 inches and weight I forgot to weigh before I destroyed it with a 50 bmg. It held up well I completed my test with the clay aswell

  • @meanman6992
    @meanman6992 Рік тому +8

    Honestly surprised it stopped M855A1.

  • @robbabcock_
    @robbabcock_ 2 роки тому +11

    Interesting! It's cool to see this stuff tested. IMO a flexible plate seems to be unnecessary but in a carrier it would be cool.

    • @agentoranj5858
      @agentoranj5858 2 роки тому +4

      It's good for comfort and concealment. Safe Life also make an impressively thin IIIA panel.

    • @koltaire5938
      @koltaire5938 Рік тому +2

      My wife doesn’t like the harder ballistic plates. She likes the softer 3A systems I have because they mold better to boobs.

    • @sinosparo
      @sinosparo Рік тому

      @@koltaire5938 That's a very good point

  • @UncannyRicardo
    @UncannyRicardo Рік тому +6

    Interesting. Pretty surprised with how flexible that thing is. Buffman you've handled both this FRAS and the SAS Hexar ones. While the consensus seems to be that Hexar is better quality, would you say the FRAS is slightly more flexible, lighter and possibly thinner?
    Going purely from your past videos, it seems like the two systems have slightly different philosophies so to speak. The Hexar seems to have better quality material, better performance and overall more coverage. But it also appears more bulkier/thicker and not as flexible as the FRAS. The FRAS seems slightly lighter, more flexible and a bit more ergonomical.

  • @JZ123-fd9qx
    @JZ123-fd9qx Рік тому +5

    I wore this for duty but the full vest and the pieces came undone and crumbled. Turned it upside down and you could hear the hexigon tiles slide. Three months of wearing in summer caused the glue to come undone with their FRAS

    • @BuffRANGE
      @BuffRANGE  Рік тому +3

      That’s not good! Did they warranty it ?

    • @monkofkrayak6235
      @monkofkrayak6235 Рік тому +2

      Kinda like dragonskin

    • @BuffRANGE
      @BuffRANGE  Рік тому

      @@monkofkrayak6235 kind of but not really. DS has overlapping discs.

    • @monkofkrayak6235
      @monkofkrayak6235 Рік тому +3

      @@BuffRANGE I meant they're similar in that heat causes their glue to come undone

    • @BuffRANGE
      @BuffRANGE  Рік тому

      @@monkofkrayak6235 yeah a problem with the original dragon skin. Not sure the 2022 version has that issue

  • @StriderCZ
    @StriderCZ 2 роки тому +6

    If the flexibility compromises the edge protection of your plate, is it really worth it?
    One of the 308s at the top was certainly a fair hit, and the plate flexed back and the round went through.
    I can't say that I'm too impressed with Safelife's armor, and I say that as someone who wears it daily for work. I just wish I could have Lv4s and a proper plate carrier.

    • @zack9912000
      @zack9912000 Рік тому +1

      agreed

    • @danielcurtis1434
      @danielcurtis1434 Рік тому

      Seriously have you watched any videos other than this??? That armor stops threats some level 3 won’t!!!
      Honestly I don’t understand how you would judge something so much???
      At least try it before you judge it???

  • @hassenfepher
    @hassenfepher 2 роки тому +5

    I wonder: if you got one of those ir heat lamps from a reptile store, might that work to keep the clay closer to the right temp? There would probably be some Hassel seeing it up and getting the heat right. Probably not with the effort. But maybe

    • @BuffRANGE
      @BuffRANGE  2 роки тому

      The efficient would be an oven. I use a space heater, but even after 6 hrs it wasn't to temp./

    • @evey0259
      @evey0259 Рік тому

      @@BuffRANGE You ever consider a sous vide setup somehow? You could maintain the exact temp and would just need to dry it off.

    • @Plur307
      @Plur307 Рік тому

      @@evey0259 put it inside a large trash bag so it never gets wet.

  • @skimamima1019
    @skimamima1019 2 роки тому +10

    I recall a obvious competitor mentioned they had a FRAS panel tested against their flex plate at a NIJ lab. The tests they conducted included precisely shooting in between the tiles and the FRAS did not fare as well than their plate nor did shooting in close proximity to each point of impact. All was fair because both plates were *ICW versions* of their respected models and were subjected to the same tests.

    • @BuffRANGE
      @BuffRANGE  2 роки тому +14

      That would be Stealth Armor Systems HEXAR plate. They use a lot more smaller tiles.

    • @skimamima1019
      @skimamima1019 2 роки тому +2

      @@BuffRANGE wasn’t trying to be too upfront with it but the cat is completely out of the bag now lol.

    • @wigon
      @wigon Рік тому +4

      I personally wouldn't want to be subject to murphy's law regarding those gaps. For the high price of these plates, I don't think that the juice is worth the squeeze especially as the coverage is the same as a standard plate. Now if it was wrap-around armor with sections going up to the shoulder like many concealable type soft- kevlar vests, then it might be worth it.

    • @BuffRANGE
      @BuffRANGE  Рік тому

      @@wigon I agree :)

    • @skimamima1019
      @skimamima1019 Рік тому

      @@wigon it’s a dilemma I guess. You gain more multi hit capability (within the armor’s threat spectrum) but we’re also playing with armor tech that’s off of a less beaten path. Stealth said that the way their Hexar tiles work is that when the projectile is shot between tiles, the tiles squeeze together closing the gap and therefore breaks up the bullet like any ceramic armor would normally do.
      On a similar not been proven that ceramic plates hairline cracks will still stop bullets just fine, although the context is different where Hexar and really any “mosaic” tile array plate has some sort of gap in between. Hexar just has a different characteristic to it.

  • @TMega5612
    @TMega5612 2 роки тому +3

    Having spaces between tiles for bending seems to invite a round to slip right through. Also, getting defeated by M80 ball and a .300 BLK with M80A1 is pretty weak. Clearly their ceramic design really stops low-mass high-velocity rounds, but if it can't tank a bit of mass, I don't really think it's that good.

    • @BuffRANGE
      @BuffRANGE  2 роки тому +2

      bear in mind my M80 ball is almost 200+ fps over the 2750 fps, and many other designs have been failing to that new standard. M80A1 bullet is a level IV threat, so even knocking 1000 fps makes it very potent. Typically you need the bullet's diameter in thickness of ceramic to erode projectiles :D IMO I would not pick this if .308 threats were a priority. The panel also cannot flex that much when whole to expose it.

    • @TMega5612
      @TMega5612 2 роки тому +3

      @@BuffRANGE Imo if it's failing to these threats, which may be extreme, and can't flex much, I really don't think it's worth it. Other armors you've tested go above and beyond what they're rated for by a fair bit pretty regularly, so I think I'd trust them first.

    • @BuffRANGE
      @BuffRANGE  2 роки тому +1

      @@TMega5612 I agree. Sometimes my testing shows the shortcomings of some of the NIJ testing shortcomings, but real world the likelihood of a 24" .308 engagement at distances inside 100 yds is small.

    • @zack9912000
      @zack9912000 Рік тому

      @Pwerful Agreed, simular designs in the past had this very issue, and I would never wear this plate. I want the protection of extra flexibility

  • @MesoTroniK
    @MesoTroniK 2 роки тому +2

    I really want to see Fort Scott's 40gr 556 load tested against various armor and even bare gel.

    • @MrDillaKilla
      @MrDillaKilla 2 роки тому

      That's about where the velocity threshold gets beat.

    • @MesoTroniK
      @MesoTroniK 2 роки тому

      @@MrDillaKilla hm?

  • @PastaLaVista.
    @PastaLaVista. 2 роки тому +3

    Be interesting to see a hit on the seam when the plate is flexed to conform to the body.

    • @peterv1318
      @peterv1318 2 роки тому

      Yes I also want to see this.

  • @timrobinson6573
    @timrobinson6573 2 роки тому +2

    Can you test the 112 grain .223 from Atomic Ammo? They have it labeled as 'Hunting' and they rate it at 2,000 fps. I've wondered if that would really reach 2,000 fps from a 22" barrel.

    • @BuffRANGE
      @BuffRANGE  2 роки тому

      This bullet, but much faster? ua-cam.com/video/iBpYmAdr8Lg/v-deo.html

  • @user-oy9zy4ds9m
    @user-oy9zy4ds9m 2 роки тому +1

    Do you think the 40 grain varmint loads from 20”+ would go through?

    • @BuffRANGE
      @BuffRANGE  2 роки тому +3

      I think the ceramic would destroy that light of a bullet

    • @TMega5612
      @TMega5612 2 роки тому +1

      Ceramic stops velocity pretty well. Steel is more prone to being defeated by speed alone, but for ceramic you need some mass, and also preferably some rigidity (like hardened steel or tungsten), to get through.

  • @chongerard1661
    @chongerard1661 Рік тому

    Wow. Such a great video. Definitely went above beyond. Very well thought out and conducted. 💜🐼

  • @TheRealNighthawkBaby
    @TheRealNighthawkBaby 3 дні тому

    So is this three a or 3+ armor? And what’s the difference between three and four? Will three stop rifles.?

    • @BuffRANGE
      @BuffRANGE  3 дні тому +1

      This is a 3+ plate as it can handle additional threats besides M80 ball. Level IV stops M2 Armor Piercing at 2,880 fps. Level III will stop rifle threats, but they have to be listed by the company.

    • @TheRealNighthawkBaby
      @TheRealNighthawkBaby 3 дні тому

      @ I’d like to see more if the three a or 3+ plus can stop a couple typical AR 556 rounds

    • @BuffRANGE
      @BuffRANGE  3 дні тому +1

      @@TheRealNighthawkBaby It's all dependent on the model because there are various types of material. If you have a plate in mind I could probably tell you more. The SafeLife FRAS will cover all common 5.56 threats as seen here.

  • @andreasr6632
    @andreasr6632 Рік тому +1

    I would love to see what kind of material combination their IIIA+ panels have inside. 🤔🤔🤔🤔 The 300 BLK A1 is an amazing thought 👍😍🤩 congrats 👏👏👏👏 for the dark arts enhanced penetration potion recipe !

  • @joquin4618
    @joquin4618 Рік тому +1

    Off topic: really nice shirt 👍
    My 0.02 cents

  • @AtroposLeshesis
    @AtroposLeshesis 9 місяців тому +1

    Nice sparks

  • @luckeypolishing
    @luckeypolishing Рік тому +1

    I have a pair of these together with hyperline in my concealed vest. Comfortable.

  • @titter3648
    @titter3648 2 роки тому +2

    So it's dragons skin reinvented...

  • @caseybrown5183
    @caseybrown5183 2 роки тому +1

    Keep up the good work

  • @380master9
    @380master9 2 роки тому

    Oh not, so how can you don't test 7.62? Is it comparable to the 30?

  • @WarDogMadness
    @WarDogMadness 2 місяці тому

    Now to make a suit of it

    • @BuffRANGE
      @BuffRANGE  2 місяці тому

      That'd be one heavy suit!

  • @lancekilkenny721
    @lancekilkenny721 2 роки тому +1

    I would send you my full coverage FRAS but it took me 6 months to get it!

    • @BuffRANGE
      @BuffRANGE  2 роки тому +1

      No need! How do you like it?

    • @lancekilkenny721
      @lancekilkenny721 2 роки тому

      I really like it. It's surprisingly comfortable even when wearing it all day. It's not " I forget I was wearing armor " comfortable but it's better than 10×12 plates hanging off your shoulders.

    • @mghegotagun
      @mghegotagun 2 роки тому +1

      @@BuffRANGE
      It does feel like the weight is nicely distributed, and part of your body rather than concentrated weight between your neck and shoulders. In the proper size, it has nice side coverage too, which should be the main selling point of FRAS.

  • @lucion511
    @lucion511 2 роки тому +1

    Awesome video. I like these FRAS plates.

  • @zack9912000
    @zack9912000 Рік тому +2

    I would rather just have solid level 4 stand-alone plates. This may stop the round, but more than 1.5 inches, it will still stop your heart. This plate is just meh. That backface deformation isn't good. The design has been done before, and the flexibility of the tiles allows rounds to pass through.
    I am not wearing armor to be comfortable, I am wearing plates that keep me alive. Plenty of NIJ rated swimmer plates out there that give you the same or more flexibility with a higher rating. I wouldn't buy this plate, I would buy level 4 stabd alone plates for a little more.

  • @ed9603
    @ed9603 2 роки тому

    Looks like we have a FRICKING DEAD MAN

  • @poshweevil2960
    @poshweevil2960 2 роки тому

    How fast do you think I can safely push a 55gr in a 26in barrel?

    • @BuffRANGE
      @BuffRANGE  2 роки тому

      in 5.56? No idea; maybe over 3500 fps?

    • @blackberet9997
      @blackberet9997 2 роки тому

      Judging by data I've seen online that'd probably be about accurate

  • @dannyarcher6163
    @dannyarcher6163 Рік тому

    Whats with the red sparks?? Tracer?

    • @BuffRANGE
      @BuffRANGE  Рік тому

      That’s the steel penetrator being broken up by the ceramic :)

  • @Will-W
    @Will-W 2 роки тому

    Um... Was that last M855A1 a silver-tip 5:44 based on flash at impact? 7:45 or was that just steel on ceramic?

    • @BuffRANGE
      @BuffRANGE  2 роки тому +2

      That's just the steel breaking apart hitting ceramic :D

    • @Will-W
      @Will-W Рік тому +1

      @@BuffRANGE Ah, thanks, I nerd out over the little things.

  • @AtlasArmsResearch
    @AtlasArmsResearch 2 роки тому +2

    Looks like Safelife continues to "exaggerate" the performance of their armor. *SMH*

    • @BuffRANGE
      @BuffRANGE  2 роки тому

      Hey How the heck are you Atlas? Been a long time!

    • @AtlasArmsResearch
      @AtlasArmsResearch 2 роки тому +2

      @@BuffRANGE Pretty good. Yes it has. Very busy and in a hurry to start production. Not sure if you get our updates, but we'll add you to the list if not for a more detailed answer. Still loving your content and it learns us a thing or two.

    • @BuffRANGE
      @BuffRANGE  2 роки тому

      @@AtlasArmsResearch I think it's been awhile since I got an update, but all welcomed! Excited to see production is progressing!

  • @koltaire5938
    @koltaire5938 Рік тому

    Some people who may ask, I know several women who prefer our soft MP best rather than the hard sapi plates because of their boobs. Soft armor can be concealed easier, stored easier, and can be more comfortable for women

  • @bluecollaramerican3884
    @bluecollaramerican3884 2 роки тому +1

    I like your shirt.

    • @BuffRANGE
      @BuffRANGE  2 роки тому

      Thanks. I think it came from Kohl's

  • @audi_kid
    @audi_kid 2 роки тому +1

    Hahaha super cool shirt bro!!!! Great video like always watching while eating dinner 😝🤙🏼

    • @BuffRANGE
      @BuffRANGE  2 роки тому +1

      What's for dinner?!

    • @audi_kid
      @audi_kid 2 роки тому

      @@BuffRANGE chicken beans & salad 🙂 💪🏼

  • @mentalllllll
    @mentalllllll Рік тому

    @buffmanr.a.n.g.e. Do you know what is unfair to Fras? Everybody tested it as a stand alone plate rather than what it was meant for and that's as in conjunction with. Nobody has tested it with the accredited plate armor that makes it Level IV armor in the first place. What exactly would that Bernanke Black Magic do if if had the accredited plate to go wit it? Let alone those other pieces of ammunition that pierced it as a stand alone? How would it fair if you pair the full plate in conjunction with a smaller Fras plate in the place of the hard plate? Now that is a fair test to the Fras system sir.

    • @BuffRANGE
      @BuffRANGE  Рік тому +1

      The FRAS tested here is a StandALOne III+. they sell an ICW model but that’s to be used with a IIIa backer to achieve full level III stops. Safelife also sells a level IV plate that’s ICW with their IIIA backer/vest. The FRAS performed very nicely against threats here but could do better against regular .308 :)

    • @mentalllllll
      @mentalllllll Рік тому

      @@BuffRANGE That is true sir. But it didn't say that it gave stand alone level IV protection. As stated below it brings the level of protection up to a level III state when in conjunction with a level IIIA plate. Level III is a higher rating than level IIIA.
      WITH YOUR IIIA+ VEST: (ICW Maximum Protection) Use this 10×12 plate in your IIIA or IIIA+ Vest plate pocket to achieve level III+ protection against threats up to .308 & 7.62x54r!
      STANDALONE: Need to be light and agile? Use this Flexible Rifle Plate standalone in your favorite plate carrier for protection against common .223 and 5.56 rounds including Green Tip, M193, M855, SS109 as well as 7.62×39 lead core ammo.

    • @mentalllllll
      @mentalllllll Рік тому

      @@BuffRANGE As I was reading on the Premier website here is the way to rate it:
      Understanding armor levels is crucial for choosing appropriate protective gear. As defined by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), there are five distinct body armor ballistic levels: Level IIA, Level II, Level IIIA, Level III, and Level IV. Each level signifies the armour's capability to resist specific types of rounds at particular velocities:
      Level IIA: This level offers protection against lower velocity 9mm and .40 S&W ammunition.
      Level II: Provides increased protection, including higher velocity .357 Magnum and 9mm ammunition.
      Level IIIA: Offers even greater protection, suitable for high-velocity 9mm and .44 Magnum ammunition.
      Level III: Resists rifle rounds, specifically 7.62mm FMJ lead core rifle ammunition.
      Level IV: The highest NIJ body armor level, designed to withstand armor-piercing rifle rounds.
      In essence, each increase in armour level offers enhanced ballistic protection, but it's crucial to consider factors like comfort and mobility when selecting the appropriate level for your specific needs.
      In the .06 Standard, there are five protection levels (IIA, II, IIIA, III, IV). The “A” in levels IIA and IIIA means that the body armor is more effective than the level below it, but doesn’t meet the standards of the next level. Think of it as a half (for example: level IIIA = 2.5). Each of the levels are tested with a specific round, at a particular distance (5 meters for level IIA, II, & IIIA and 15 meters for level III and IV), at a specific velocity.

    • @BuffRANGE
      @BuffRANGE  Рік тому +1

      @@mentalllllll None of the threats shot here were level IV threats. The M80 ball is actually the only current threat level in III that the NIJ under 06 recognizes. When NIJ 07 drops, the M193, and M855 will be added. I'm slightly confused as to your concerns? This plate stopped way more hits than NIJ testing calls for, and threats outside of the purview of the NIJ as well to include M80 Ball @ 3,000 fps, and m855A1. The AP threats I developed in 300 BLK are obscure, but are used to show that bullet technology and armor technology at times play catch up with each other. I'm all about worst case. If you were looking to buy this and the panel is able to stop M193 at 3,400 fps, but another competitor's plate can't stop M193 at 3,150 fps, clearly this plate is better in that regards.

  • @TacticalandThings
    @TacticalandThings 2 роки тому +3

    I think safe life is overrated and overpriced especially with these. Yes they are light but comes with loss of protection. So you have to give and take. Personally I wouldn’t take weight over my life unless it’s does protect you. I think Guard Dog has one just like this and does a better job protecting you.

  • @aluisious
    @aluisious Рік тому

    300 blackout at 1500ish FPS should not be making it through a III+ plate. You have to wonder if this will stop 7.62x39 which is everywhere and trucking over 2300 fps.

    • @BuffRANGE
      @BuffRANGE  Рік тому

      7.62x39mm mild steel core is often stopped by Level III PE plates. The 2 300 BLK threats here are Armor piercing threats, and would fall in line in the API-BZ threat that is a very rare threat inside the US.

  • @Steve-xm3mv
    @Steve-xm3mv 3 місяці тому

    Judging by the clay backing, it would still Jack your 💩 up broken ribs, and blunt force trauma and internal damage.

    • @BuffRANGE
      @BuffRANGE  3 місяці тому +1

      They do have NIJ lab results showing the M80 ball having BFD under 44mm. But that doesn't mean it won't hurt or break something.

  • @DinoNucci
    @DinoNucci 2 роки тому +2

    RoaR

    • @BuffRANGE
      @BuffRANGE  2 роки тому +1

      Fattoush salad!

    • @DinoNucci
      @DinoNucci 2 роки тому +1

      @@BuffRANGE too vulgar

    • @BuffRANGE
      @BuffRANGE  2 роки тому +1

      @@DinoNucci jasmine rice?

    • @DinoNucci
      @DinoNucci 2 роки тому +1

      @@BuffRANGE approved

  • @allanbain7930
    @allanbain7930 2 місяці тому

    too bad it is only 8.8 x 11 shooters cut

  • @trechtzach8151
    @trechtzach8151 Рік тому +1

    Cheap as always.
    Still using that HB50 with no architecture even though they chose not to press it.

    • @BuffRANGE
      @BuffRANGE  Рік тому

      Architecture ?

    • @trechtzach8151
      @trechtzach8151 Рік тому +1

      @@BuffRANGE stitching have an impact on BFS control. If you aren't going to press that PE, you might as well perform some multi layer architecture. If you revisit some of your older videos on soft armor, you may notice a pattern. Hell, a more recent example would be to look at what Stealth Armor System is doing.

    • @BuffRANGE
      @BuffRANGE  Рік тому

      @@trechtzach8151 i thought that’s what you meant! I agree

  • @craigme3014
    @craigme3014 Рік тому

    lost me at the start with the fake accent.

    • @BuffRANGE
      @BuffRANGE  Рік тому +1

      Sorry. I don’t get to pretend to be funny for 10-20 sec ?

  • @kejerf69
    @kejerf69 Рік тому

    Poorly conducted experiment overall.

    • @BuffRANGE
      @BuffRANGE  Рік тому +2

      Why is that? What did I do wrong or could
      I do better ?

    • @kejerf69
      @kejerf69 Рік тому

      ​@Buffman - R.A.N.G.E. you have multiple calibers and multiple groups of calibers. You have to stop and document between groups so you can see how the plate is damaged. After you have all those shots on the plate of various calibers, there's no way to tell if there was interaction or secondary damage between groups.

    • @BuffRANGE
      @BuffRANGE  Рік тому +3

      @@kejerf69 True. However I am not an NIJ lab, and these demos/reviews rely solely on manufacturers to send plates or for me to buy them. I simply can't afford to buy dozens of plates. NIJ considers 2" shot placement as acceptable distance from shot to shot.