Protection Group Denmark NIJ 3++ Plates

Introduction

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Some months ago Protection Group Denmark approached us with the intention to let us do a review on their plates. We have always been curious about Protection Group Denmark, as they offer ballistic plates that are made in Europe that are available for really affordable prices. So my biggest fear is that I would end up with some relabeled chinese plastic plates.

After unboxing the PGD-U NIJ 3++ plates I was more than surprised to get my hands on some apparently quality ceramic/kevlar plates that are yet lightweight.

Yes you have read correct, „NIJ 3++“, which is not an official designation or rating but PGDs way to say that those plates are able to actuallly handle more than the NIJ 3 standard implies, which would mean that they are able to handle more than six shots 7.62 x 51mm NATO shot from a 15m distance. It also means that PGD plates feature what is called „edge to edge protection“ as on most ceramic plates the outer rim has some areas that offer less- or even no actual ballistic performance. So the NIJ3++ plates made by Protection Group Denmark offer 25% more ballistic coverage compared to most other plates.

CONSTRUCTION AND SPECS

The plates we have received are not cut in a classic SAPI shape but in the more agressive shooters cut. Shooters cut means that you trade in some protective area for a better ability to get a proper rifle pocket.

Sizing of PGDs plates is roughly 10“ by 12“, one size fits all. So there are no small, medium or large sizes. This sizing fits most people, only people that are so small or so big that they dont really deserve to stay alive will encounter minor problems.

So if you are between 1,70 and 1,90m tall and not extremely over- or underweight the shooters cut plate will fit you perfectly.

„But will they fit my platecarrier?“ you may ask. Well first off, your platecarrier has to fit your plates and not vice versa, as the platecarrier is an accesory and not the main dish. But yes, they will fit most medium to x-large platecariers, although you need some force to push them into medium sized platecarriers. It actually took some effort to place them inside my medium sized velocity systems SCARAB LT, which is owed to the plates thickness of 27mm, but thats the price you have to pay for level 3++, standalone, multi-hit capabilities, I guess.

Weightwise those plates are on the lighter side, 2,15kg per plate is slightly below average for modern balllistic plates. Of course there are lighter plates with a similiar rating, but you have to pay like double or even triple the ammount of money for those.

TERMINAL BALLSITICS

Yes we have shot the plates. But as we arent scientists we didnt reproduce the 15m NIJ test but engaged the plates from various distances, with various calibers, including Russian AP bullets as well as the feared 762x54mm calibre, better known as „the PKM round“. However take this „test“ (its just guys shooting plates) with a grain of salt and better trust guys with a lab coat and rad goggles. But watch the full video here:

We started with two rounds of 7.62x39mm MSC out of an Vz.58 rifle. The plate did hold the rounds and showed little backface deformation.We followed with two shots of 5.45 AP out of an AK74 from 60m distance. The plate did again stop the bullet, backface defomation was even less.

We continued with 9x19mm and some shots of 7.62x39mm MSC. No penetration was visible, even when the plate was shot from behind. We like to highlight the fact that the plates even managed to actually proof their claimed „edge to edge“ ballistic properties. Protection Group Denmarks NIJ Lvl 3++ plates even managed to withstand bullets that actually hit the very same spot, which is awesome.

As we didnt manage to penetrate the plate with mutiple AK47, AK74 and 9x19mm hits we wanted to push the second plate to its borders by firing the infamous PKM round on it, which NIJ 3 isnt rated for.

However, out of six shots fired from a Vz.59 GPMG only two shots managed to penetrate the plates. After disasemmbling the plates we inspected their construction quality, those plates are made out of three layer. One being the actual ceramic plates, followed by some sub-layers of kevlar and finally some foam for shock absorption, qulaity stuff. The outer shell is made of a wielded, waterproof material that will protect the plates from the elements and was really hard to cut apart, which is a goof sign.

CONCLUSION

If you are looking for an affordable plate that even outperforms its intended standards while being lightweight and rugged, dont look any further. PGD ships all over Europe and is happily supplying the military, law enforcement and responsible civilians with quality plates.

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