If performance is the most important aspect of your armor purchase, then you have come to the right place.
Our Model 1023 armor utilizes the ballistic ceramic tile mosaic pattern.
Our mosaic ceramic patterns are also referred to as tile "arrays." This ceramic is created from 2" (50mm) square tiles with some specialty shapes along the edges used to assemble custom designs. There are numerous advantages to mosaic style armor.
Below is an image depicting a comparison of monolithic (left) and mosaic ceramic (right) strike faces:
But we didn't arrive at this conclusion by ourselves. Many ballistics researchers agree that mosaic ceramic patterns offer distinct advantages over single-piece monolithic forms. The use of ceramic armor tile mosaics has been around for over 20 years.
In September 2024, a research paper was published entitled Mosaic ballistic ceramics: A review by Dresch, Pizzato,Venturini, Montedo, Arcaro and Bergmann.
The research identified the mosaic style as being superior to monolithic armor in "to overcome the brittleness of the ceramic material." The predetermined ceramic tile boundaries between tiles are an important design feature that limits collateral tile damage and maximizes multiple hit protection. The ceramic armor mosaic pattern offers a pre-designed break line and avenue for ballistic energy absorption and dissipation through a well-designed adhesive layer.
Our own research, field testing and National Institute of Justice (NIJ) accredited lab testing also clearly shows an increase in multiple-hit protection when mosaic ceramic patterns are used. Here are two of our most recent lab reports showing our Model 1023 and 9049 resisting six shots (each) of .30 M2AP.
Although one may exist, I am not aware of other professional monolithic plate ballistic test reports that routinely document this type of performance.
Buyers should also be aware that social media "testers" that demo armor are often allied with manufacturers offering them affiliate links and other benefits to promote monolithic armor. It is interesting to see these same social media entertainers "test" mosaic style armor for a paid fee, and while noting the excellent performance characteristics - they revert back to their original monolithic "go to list" that is tied up with compensation.
Watching these videos is entertaining, but remember to compare ballistic test reports from NIJ labs if you really want to understand performance differences. In those reports, you will certainly see performance benefits with properly built mosaic armor plates.
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Ive been messaging Gilliam tactical for awhile about the armor and ive always recieved quick replies and great answers to my questions. The plates i recieved feel excellent they're lighter than ESAPIS and have more coverage. Theres a thick protective lip all the way around the edge od the plates to prevent from shattering which i appreciate because i often find myself being pretty rough with my equipment due to the nature of my job. Shipping was quick and it was well packaged
Many thanks! Your plates are edge to edge SSiC with a 2mm rubber strip along the outside plate perimeter.
I got these for my wife because she didn’t like the weight of some steel ones I got her. They’re nice and light and look great as well. Definitely confidence inspiring at a great price !!!
