XRT RF2+ Special Threat Plate
RMA’s new XRT Special Threat plate is the latest addition to our special threat plate lineup. Sure, it’s an RF2 plate. But it’s so much more.
With the publication of NIJ’s 0101.07 standard, testing thresholds have shifted quite a lot. What was once the Level III+ category is now the RF2 standard. Effectively, it’s the addition of M855 ‘green tip’ into the official NIJ testing matrix to separate these ‘penetrator round-rated’ plates from FMJ-rated plates. RF3 is largely the same as the old Level 4 rating. However, they still leave a huge performance gap between RF2 and RF3.
Save weight, spend money?
And so ensues the purchaser’s dilemma; do you purchase Level 4 plates–almost certainly thicker and heavier than you will need for any real-world threats–or do you risk real threats like M855A1 and go for green-tip rated RF2 plates? And of course, there’s the question of price. The cut in ceramic weight brings dozens of layers of expensive UHMWPE to compensate. RF2 plates are always more expensive than budget-friendly Level 4 plates. For the budget-conscious law enforcement officer or prepared citizen, it’s incredibly difficult to find lightweight options that fit your budget without sacrificing protection or dealing with a lot of weight.
XRT Special Threat Plate
The XRT RF2+ Special Threat Plate is dramatically stronger than other RF2 plates. Utilizing new Hypure alumina oxide ceramics, we were able to build performance approaching RF3 without the cost, bulk, or weight. Starting at only 5.3 lbs, the XRT plate defies convention to hit the ultimate price-performance-weight sweet spot. The XRT defeats 7.62X54R API, M80A1, M855A1, and other hard-hitting AP and penetrator rounds without the weight penalty of a true RF3 plate designed to defeat lab-spec velocity M2AP.
Lab-spec velocity M2AP is 2880 FPS at 45 feet. That isn’t a very realistic threat when most 30-06 rifles will achieve 100-200 FPS less. Combine that with the practical implications of velocity loss over a distance where you might actually encounter M2AP fire (100-300 yards or more). You raise the question of how valuable that extra weight really is when you can’t afford $2000 Level 4/RF3 plates that get under the 5 lb mark. Is encountering M2AP from an ultra-long barrel in CQB realistic? Or are we more likely to encounter a variety of rounds like 5.56, 308, 7.62X39, and 300 AAC up close while larger magnum-type calibers are at a distance?
XRT In the Real World
The XRT covers the threats you’re really thinking about when you press the “EASY” button on armor by purchasing Level 4/RF3 plates. XRT fills the performance gap between RF2 ‘green tip’ plates and heavy RF3 plates. And, it does it without the price, weight, or performance penalty of either. For example, there aren’t many RF2 plates that can handle M80A1. XRT is multi-hit rated for M80A1. The XRT starts at only 5.3 lbs for a 10X12 Shooter’s Cut. You’ll spend five times as much to get lab velocity RF3 protection at the same weight.
A New Choice In Budget-Friendly Armor
The XRT represents the thing we’ve always done best. That is, throwing a wrench in the fat profit margins of other armor makers. We could have charged upward of $350 each for these plates. But, we thought it would be more compelling to offer full RF2-rated protection at an affordable price point. If you need armor and you’re on a budget, RMA has multiple options for you at very affordable price points. The XRT plate is a new option for you with entry-level pricing while slashing 3 pounds of weight per plate. Compare the 5.3 lb XRT to the 8.3 lb 1155. That means (2) 10X12 Shooter’s Cut XRT plates plus (6) 30-round 5.56 magazines weighs about the same as (2) 1155 Level 4 plates. Compare that to other special threat plates that don’t even offer any M80 protection whatsoever that cost more from other manufacturers.
