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Perhaps Tier 3 would work better, then? That way, it would confer upon its wearer the same amount of protection as a suit of heavy personal armor - except when up against energy weapons (lasers, plasma, aether, scalar, et cetera).
I original chose Tier 5 because its supposed to be 'kinda normal levels of armor' but with special materials replaced with just 'a lot more space for the armor'. Tier 5 of course is right in the middle of the armor tiers.
Ultimately, there isn't any particular rules-reason for the armor to be at any specific level.
Also the line in question has been changed to, "Upon impact the material rapidly hardens, quickly spreading out the heat and kinetic energy of the impact over the armor's surface."
I think this more clear, but if I need to change it up again just let me know.