Plate Carrier Armor: Should I Buy Level III or Level IV Armor Plates?

Level III is sufficient for the vast majority of threats faced by civilian law enforcement and prepared citizens. In fact, Level III is sufficient for many military threats too and was worn by a some of our team members (both SMU Veterans) down range when they were deployed. Level III hard armor plates are the optimal balance of weight, threat level, and cost for most people. Level IV adds lots of protection that isn't used most of the time. The Level IV weight penalty is permanent.

What armor plates should I buy for my plate carrier? Level III or Level IV?
https://www.qoreperformance.com/blogs/military-insights/what-armor-plates-should-i-buy-for-my-plate-carrier-level-iii-or-level-iv

IcePlate EXO® Ultralight Ventilated Plate Carrier, Chest Rig and Complete Armor Packages
https://www.qoreperformance.com/collections/iceplate-exo

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