What is the Difference Between ICW and STA Hard Plates?

Submitted by Gail Drutman on Sun, 07/14/2019 - 10:34

In today’s world, with an ever growing list of threats and dangers that our law enforcement has to face on a daily basis, it is more important then ever that they have the correct protection gear for the

level of threat they are facing. Studies have shown that the correct body armor is more likely to save a life. There are two types of armor to choose from: the STA (Stand alone armor) and the ICW (In Conjunction with Armor). It is important to always consult the NIJ standards before choosing the ballistic body armor you need.

The STA, the stand alone armor, means exactly as it sounds, no other form of protection is needed in order to stop the level of threat, the hard armor plate is sufficient. They are generally used in tactical operations. The STA plates are thicker and heavier to compensate for the lack of bulletproof vest as the vest would be too heavy and cumbersome when used with STA plates in tactical operations. They have to be strong enough to stop bullets.

The second type of armor plates is the ICW, the In Conjunction with Armor. This plate needs to be used in conjunction, together with, a bulletproof vest in order to stop the bullets. It works best with the IIIA ballistic vest. Ballistic vests are specially designed with a front pocket that is big enough to fit in the ICW plate. The ICW components NIJ certification when the armor is used as a single system and it cannot be interchanged.

These two options allow you to choose the best type of protection that you and your team need, at the highest standard and with the most up to date equipment.

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What is the Difference Between ICW and STA Hard Plates?