Protection - Which Lorica was best?

[Tarbicus]

Until someone builds and uses a plumata for testing fully in a combat situation, there is no proof either way of its functional effectiveness. It's no good imagining the scenario until one is accurately made and used. All of the plumatae so far, that I know of, are not made incorrectly, and all conclusions become the kind of factoid you find on Wiki.

I also agree with Dan that segs were peasant armour, but given the size of the army when it was likely introduced it was a probably an economical armour to equip with. The absence of segs in grave stelae is maybe a suggestion of it being looked down on, but if the state was supplying the equipment, then there you go.