I have an Icon with the ballistic material. The only benefit I have noticed is the ease of cleaning. You can use a simple damp cloth and wipe everything clean. Dirt and grim does not seem to absorb into the material. With the Cordura rigs, it would take a bit more to get the dirt/grim out of the material due to absorption. Besides that I see no difference. When I do order another rig it will be in ballistic also for simply the ease of cleaning.