So with the world getting hotter I've started thinking about someday I may need a little protection. Being on a budget I've looked around and
Found AR500 armor and it seems like good plates for the money.
What do you guys use or have used in the last that's affordable?

For affordable carriers I've found three

http://shop.ktgfirearms.com/511-TACTEC-PLATE-CARRIER-_p_74.html

http://shellbacktactical.com/bansheerifleplatecarrier.aspx

http://www.blackhawk.com/product/Enhanced-Commando-Recon-Harness,756,83.htm

I would prefer camo like kryptek or multicam but I would survive with FDE

I saw this package deal on ar500 and it seemed like a good deal.

http://www.ar500armor.com/banshee-p...uches-multicam-proline.html#.U1Mcn-29Kc3

I would like to be able to add side plates and soft armour someday. And recommendations for soft armor on a budget?

Any input would be nice.

And price does matter so please nothing made out of unabtainium

GD, I understand you desire for "Safety". BUT, why do you need HARD PLATES? Yes, they are more protective, but at the same time they are much heavier. Why not conventional "Armour". BTW, NO vest, flexible or hard plates will protect you from a head shot or below the Armour.

I run the AR500 plates as far a weight they are a lot less than the old flack vests we used to wear and they offer much more protection.
Get the curved plates you can thank me later I run mine in the condor operator 2 carrier it is comfy and has lots of room for pouches.

As always pics or it didn't happen.

Thanks for the feedback.
Randy the reason I'm looking at hard armor is because it stops a wider verity of rounds. And I haven't seen level IIIA soft armour that's affordable.
I know you can't protect everything but some is better than nothing.
I'm not saying I'd wear it all the time. But if I'm buying a LBE chest rig then it might as well be able to carry plates or soft armor.
At my age the weight isn't an issue. In in a long distance but out situation you can all ways ditch the plates if it was an issue.

You get used to the weight I hike in mine. (yes I get a few looks but just quick ones then they high tail it out of my AO)lol

They (AR500) also sell affordable lvl 3A but I got mine for SHTF so having the rifle protection was a must.

^^^ exactly!!!

Sounds like you're using your head Mike. Good job.

Looking at current events my investment strategy has changed
And priorities have shifted.

Weight is an issue. Don't plan on moving out with a loaded Plate carrier. My work vest with plates weighs in just shy of 40 lbs. Thats just plates and ammo. Not a water bladder and soft armor.

With the rest of my work gear I'm carrying 70lbs of gear when I suit up not including weapons etc.

AR-500 is the cheapest right now but it isn't light and spalling is an issue without a backer.

It all comes with antispalling material applied now because of those concerns, the weight issue is manageable with regular training as you are well aware of carrying 110 lbs worth of gear is quite doable.
I see the pluses as
1 never expire the S might not hit the fan in the next 3 years while your ceramics are good.
2 cost I dont want to spend 1000 dollars on new sapi plates every few years.
3 thin they are less than half the thickness of sapi plares.
4 multi hit capable
cons
1 weight (but not really stand alone sapi plates weigh the same unless you pay 2000 for a set then they are 4-5 lbs lighter for the set. I think the weight thing has been skewed be people comparing them to 3A plates which are much lighter but also much less effective.
I.E.
http://ep.yimg.com/ty/cdn/yhst-64617591706811/BulletSafe-Spec-Sheet.pdf

protection is heavy learn to deal with that and you will be good to go.