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So.... these two graphics shows the most common sizes of primary plate sizes available;
Now.. these 3 sizes that are right in the middle... SAPI M, 10x12, SAPI L are so very close to each other, that other than the extra height/length of the SAPI plates, there's no real justifiable differences... except cut and curve type.
Unless you're a real skinny dude, any of these three sizes will be fine with "single curve", but try to find multicurves if you're more of a beefier build to porkier build
For me, Single curve doesn't fit me well, although I only have the 10x12 Body Armor Outlet Shooter cuts (4401SH)... but multicurve/triple curve 10x12 ICW plates fit me much better. XL SAPI thats available, Level 4s... about 11 pounds each Level 3+/Special Threat (tested to M193 and M855s) ICWs in XL SAPI with multicurve.. only 5 something pound each, but requires 3A soft armor which I do have in relatively ancient 2xl Safariland size from the 2000s....
SAPI L might be a better compromise, giving me more than an inch height over the 10x12 plates, but much better fit through multicurve versus single curve.
As to why they're mostly irrelevant... for very large dudes, the SAPI M/10x12/SAPI L might not be quite enough coverage horizontally, especially if your chest measurements are greater than 50 inches. There are significant gaps between armpits and plate edges that in theory, a round can easily go and completely disable the user, which was why i went for the 2XL soft armor, some protection is better than absolutely minimal the largest side plates are 6x8 I believe. There's no 8x10 plates thats curved on the 10" side, although that in my opinion would have been a great option for large chested dudes. The plates in 8x10 size is curved on the 8" side and usually has upper corner cuts for very small torsos (women for example)
There are currently no larger sizes than 11x14 XL SAPIs in terms of hard armor plates.
Now.. these 3 sizes that are right in the middle... SAPI M, 10x12, SAPI L are so very close to each other, that other than the extra height/length of the SAPI plates, there's no real justifiable differences... except cut and curve type.
Unless you're a real skinny dude, any of these three sizes will be fine with "single curve", but try to find multicurves if you're more of a beefier build to porkier build
For me, Single curve doesn't fit me well, although I only have the 10x12 Body Armor Outlet Shooter cuts (4401SH)... but multicurve/triple curve 10x12 ICW plates fit me much better. XL SAPI thats available, Level 4s... about 11 pounds each Level 3+/Special Threat (tested to M193 and M855s) ICWs in XL SAPI with multicurve.. only 5 something pound each, but requires 3A soft armor which I do have in relatively ancient 2xl Safariland size from the 2000s....
SAPI L might be a better compromise, giving me more than an inch height over the 10x12 plates, but much better fit through multicurve versus single curve.
As to why they're mostly irrelevant... for very large dudes, the SAPI M/10x12/SAPI L might not be quite enough coverage horizontally, especially if your chest measurements are greater than 50 inches. There are significant gaps between armpits and plate edges that in theory, a round can easily go and completely disable the user, which was why i went for the 2XL soft armor, some protection is better than absolutely minimal the largest side plates are 6x8 I believe. There's no 8x10 plates thats curved on the 10" side, although that in my opinion would have been a great option for large chested dudes. The plates in 8x10 size is curved on the 8" side and usually has upper corner cuts for very small torsos (women for example)
There are currently no larger sizes than 11x14 XL SAPIs in terms of hard armor plates.
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