Hard Armor Plates
NIJ Levels: Choosing Your Level of Rifle Protection
+LEVEL | PROTECTION | COMMON ROUNDS STOPPED |
III | Lead-core rifle rounds | 7.62mm NATO FMJ (M80) at 847 m/s |
III+ (Special Threat, not NIJ-official) | Steel-core rounds | 5.56mm M855 "green tip" |
IV | Armor-piercing rounds | .30-06 M2 AP at 878 m/s (at least one round) |
Level III suits most tactical needs, while Level IV offers maximum ballistic protection against armor-piercing rounds. III+ bridges the gap for specialized threats.
Armor Plate Materials: Steel vs. Ceramic vs. Polyethylene (PE)
+Body armor plates come in three main materials, each with distinct benefits:
- Steel Armor: Durable, cost-effective, with multi-hit capability. Heavy (7–10 lbs), requires spall coating to reduce fragmentation risks.
- Ceramic Plates: Lighter (5–8 lbs), excellent stopping power (e.g., Alumina Oxide, Silicon Carbide). Higher cost, may crack after impact.
- UHMWPE Plates: Ultra-light (3–6 lbs), buoyant, multi-hit capable. Thicker, pricier, sensitive to extreme heat.
All reduce backface deformation for safer wear in plate carriers.
A Buyer's Guide: Finding the Right Size and Cut for Your Hard Body Armor
+Choose hard plate armor based on size and cut for optimal protection and mobility:
- Sizing: Measure from clavicular notch to just above the navel and nipple to nipple (e.g., 10″x12″ or Medium SAPI plates) to cover vital organs.
- Cuts:
- SAPI: Standard military cut for broad coverage.
- Shooters Cut: Angled for easier rifle shouldering.
- Swimmers Cut: Maximizes arm mobility for dynamic ops.
All Hard Armor Plates
FAQs
Do hard armor plates expire?
+Hard armor plates typically last 5–7 years, depending on material (e.g., ceramic plates may degrade faster than steel armor). Check manufacturer guidelines and inspect for damage to ensure ballistic protection.
Can armor plates take more than one hit?
+Most bullet-resistant plates offer multi-hit capability, especially UHMWPE plates and steel armor. Ceramic plates may crack after one hit but can still stop rounds, depending on design. Check the NIJ certification for specifics.
What is the difference between Level III and Level IV bulletproof armor plates?
+Level III stops lead-core rifle threats (e.g., 7.62mm NATO), while Level IV defeats armor-piercing rounds (e.g., .30-06 M2 AP). Level IV is heavier but offers superior ballistic protection for extreme threats.
Is it legal for civilians in the U.S. to purchase body armor plates?
+Federal law allows civilian ownership of body armor plates, but some states restrict sales to face-to-face transactions or ban felon possession. Slate Solutions sells only to the military, law enforcement, and government agencies, not civilians.
