First Impressions of Tacticon Armament Side Plate Body Armor Trauma Pads
In a world where threats are ever-evolving, personal protection becomes paramount, and body armor has become an increasingly vital piece of equipment. But it’s not enough to just wear armor; you need to maximize its effectiveness and comfort. That’s where the Tacticon Armament Side Plate Body Armor Trauma Pads come into play, promising to mitigate back face deformation and enhance wearability. With my extensive background in tactical gear, I was eager to see if these pads lived up to the hype.
As someone who has spent countless hours on the range and in the field, I’ve learned that the right gear can make all the difference between success and failure. I was looking for a way to improve the comfort of my side plates and also provide an added layer of protection against blunt force trauma. Having dealt with the discomfort of rigid plates digging into my ribs, the Tacticon Armament Side Plate Body Armor Trauma Pads appeared to be the answer to a problem I’ve personally encountered.
Upon receiving the package, my initial impression was… concerning. The packaging was minimalist, which isn’t inherently bad, but it lacked the professional presentation I’ve come to expect from Tacticon Armament. Picking up the trauma pad, it felt lightweight, which is good, but there was a slight initial concern about overall density.
Compared to some other trauma pads I’ve used in the past, such as those from HighCom Armor, the Tacticon Armament pad seemed less dense. I chose this over others due to the name recognition of Tacticon Armament and its aggressive price point.
My first impression was a mix of cautious optimism and slight disappointment due to the initial feel and the reports of missing items. However, I reserved final judgment until after I could put these pads through their paces in a real-world scenario. It was important to verify claims for myself.
Real-World Testing: Putting Tacticon Armament Side Plate Body Armor Trauma Pads to the Test
First Use Experience
I decided to test the Tacticon Armament Side Plate Body Armor Trauma Pads during a training session at my local shooting range, which incorporates dynamic movement and simulated tactical scenarios. I wanted to simulate real-world use. I paired the pads with my existing AR500 side plates, placing them inside my plate carrier cummerbund.
The weather was hot and humid, typical for a summer day, so I was expecting to sweat quite a bit. I immediately noticed an improvement in comfort compared to wearing the plates alone; the pads provided a welcome layer of cushioning. However, the lack of breathability was noticeable.
After several hours of drills, I did not experience any major issues with the pads shifting or bunching up. However, I did notice the increased sweat and moisture buildup.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use during training and range sessions, the Tacticon Armament Side Plate Body Armor Trauma Pads have held up reasonably well. I observed some slight compression of the foam in areas where the plates made direct contact with my body.
The pads are showing some wear, but nothing that would impact their performance. Cleaning the pads is relatively simple; I just wipe them down with a damp cloth and let them air dry. They still retain their shape for the most part.
Compared to previous experiences with other trauma pads, the Tacticon Armament version offers acceptable performance for the price. However, they don’t quite reach the level of comfort and durability of more premium options. The price point is appropriate for what they deliver.
Breaking Down the Features of Tacticon Armament Side Plate Body Armor Trauma Pads
Specifications
The Tacticon Armament Side Plate Body Armor Trauma Pads are designed to enhance the comfort and protection of side plate body armor. They are available in two sizes: 6″x6″ and 6″x8″, designed to match standard AR500/AR600 side plates. The pads are black and sold individually. The Manufacturer is, of course, Tacticon Armament.
The pads utilize Non-Newtonian foam, a material that absorbs and disperses energy upon impact. This is the same type of foam found in motorcycle protective gear. This specification is crucial for mitigating back face deformation.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the user’s comfort and safety. The size ensures a proper fit within the plate carrier, while the Non-Newtonian foam provides an additional layer of protection against blunt force trauma. The material choice directly impacts impact absorption.
Performance & Functionality
The Tacticon Armament Side Plate Body Armor Trauma Pads perform their primary job of adding comfort reasonably well. The padding does reduce the direct pressure of the plates against the body, making extended wear more tolerable. However, the lack of breathability and moisture-wicking properties are a definite drawback.
The pads excel at adding cushioning but fall short in managing heat and moisture. I feel that comfort is addressed, but more could be done in other key areas. They meet my basic expectations for padding but could be improved.
A key strength is the ability to absorb and disperse energy from impacts, but without quantifiable testing, this is difficult to verify. A weakness is the tendency to trap heat and moisture, which can lead to discomfort during prolonged use. More comprehensive lab testing from the Manufacturer would be welcome.
Design & Ergonomics
The Tacticon Armament Side Plate Body Armor Trauma Pads have a simple, no-frills design. They are lightweight and flexible, conforming to the shape of the body. However, the basic foam material lacks any advanced ergonomic features.
The build quality is acceptable for the price, but it doesn’t inspire confidence in long-term durability. The weight is a positive attribute, but the basic design could be improved for enhanced comfort and ventilation. The material choice could be better.
There is minimal learning curve; simply insert the pads behind the side plates in your plate carrier. The design is straightforward and easy to use. It lacks advanced features.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my testing, I anticipate the Tacticon Armament Side Plate Body Armor Trauma Pads lasting for a reasonable amount of time with regular use, perhaps a year or two. The lifespan will depend on the frequency and intensity of use. However, the foam will likely compress over time, reducing its effectiveness.
Maintenance is relatively simple; just wipe the pads down with a damp cloth and allow them to air dry. However, the lack of removable covers makes thorough cleaning more difficult. More frequent replacement may be needed than with more robust products.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Tacticon Armament Side Plate Body Armor Trauma Pads do not come with any additional accessories, nor do they offer customization options. They are designed to be used as-is with standard side plate carriers. Aftermarket options may include moisture-wicking covers.
The pads are compatible with most AR500 and AR600 side plates. They should be compatible with any standard plate carrier that accepts these plate sizes. However, due to the generic nature of the pads, there is limited opportunity for customization.
Pros and Cons of Tacticon Armament Side Plate Body Armor Trauma Pads
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to a wide range of users.
- Adds a noticeable layer of cushioning and comfort compared to wearing plates alone.
- Lightweight design doesn’t add significant bulk or weight to the plate carrier.
- Easy to install and use with minimal learning curve.
- May help mitigate back face deformation from impacts, providing added protection.
Cons
- Reports of missing items (only one pad received instead of a set) raise concerns about quality control.
- Basic foam material lacks breathability and moisture-wicking properties, leading to heat and sweat buildup.
- Durability may be a concern with long-term use, as the foam is likely to compress over time.
Who Should Buy Tacticon Armament Side Plate Body Armor Trauma Pads?
The Tacticon Armament Side Plate Body Armor Trauma Pads are perfect for budget-conscious individuals looking to enhance the comfort of their side plate carriers. They are suitable for recreational shooters, airsoft enthusiasts, and anyone who needs basic padding for their armor. Also, individuals new to the world of tactical gear and body armor would find these pads to be useful.
However, those who require high-performance, durable, and breathable trauma pads should skip this product. These users should consider investing in more premium options from reputable brands like Crye Precision or Velocity Systems. Also, those who require robust moisture-wicking properties should explore alternative products.
A must-have accessory for these pads would be moisture-wicking covers to improve comfort and hygiene. These can be found from various aftermarket tactical gear retailers. There are not modifications I would advise at this point.
Conclusion on Tacticon Armament Side Plate Body Armor Trauma Pads
The Tacticon Armament Side Plate Body Armor Trauma Pads offer a budget-friendly solution for enhancing the comfort of side plate carriers. They provide a noticeable improvement in cushioning and may offer some additional protection against blunt force trauma. However, the lack of breathability, potential durability concerns, and reports of missing items are drawbacks to consider.
At a price of $16.15, the value is decent, but the reported issues with fulfillment detract from the overall experience. However, the performance is adequate considering the budget.
I would cautiously recommend these pads to those on a tight budget who understand their limitations. If you need a basic level of comfort and padding, they may be worth considering. However, I strongly advise verifying the contents of your package upon arrival and being prepared to invest in moisture-wicking covers.