Body Armor Plates
Body armor plates rated for rifle threats: NIJ Level III and Level IV hard armor, and the plate carrier to wear them in. Soft armor stops handgun rounds. Plates are what you add when rifle rounds are part of the threat.
$399.00USD
$399.00USD
Sold out$399.00USD
$100.00USD
Choosing body armor plates
Level III or Level IV
NIJ Level III plates are tested to stop 7.62x39mm FMJ (AK-47 standard ball ammunition), 7.62x51mm NATO M80 and 5.56mm standard velocity threats.
The Level IV plate is NIJ certified and multi-impact, tested for two hits, with .30-06 AP, 7.62x51 AP, 7.62x54R AP, 5.56 SS109 and 7.62x39 MSC threats. It is the highest commercially available level of ballistic resistance, and it is heavier: a single plate is 10 x 12 in and about 6.3 lb.
Plates, carriers and soft armor
A plate does nothing on its own. It sits in a carrier. The ballistic plate carrier is a carrier shell for building a plate-based setup, and the Level III plates with free carrier bundle gives you both in one checkout. The DRF outer vest also has modular plate compatibility.
The Level IV plate is sold as a single plate, so order two for front and back protection. Check each listing for exactly what it includes.
Who these are for
The listings are written for law enforcement, tactical and special operations teams, executive protection, security professionals and prepared civilians who need protection beyond handgun rounds.
No armor stops every threat. Read the level and the rounds it is tested against before you choose, and let the certification, not the marketing, guide the decision.
At a glance
| Product | Protection | Sizes | Ballistic warranty | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level III Plates Set | Level III | One size per listing | See product | $399 |
| Level III Plates + Carrier | Level III | One size per listing | See product | $399 |
| Ballistic Plate, Level IV | NIJ Level IV | One size per listing | See product | $399 |
| Ballistic Plate Carrier | No ballistic rating | One size per listing | See product | $100 |
Questions people ask
Do I need plates, or is soft armor enough?
Soft armor is rated for handgun threats. NIJ Level IIIA is designed to stop rounds such as 9mm, .357 SIG, .44 Magnum and .45 ACP. Rifle rounds need hard plates rated Level III or Level IV.
What is the difference between Level III and Level IV?
Level III plates are tested against rifle rounds such as 7.62x39mm FMJ, 7.62x51mm NATO M80 and 5.56mm standard velocity. Level IV plates are tested against armor-piercing rifle rounds and are certified multi-impact for two hits.
How many plates do I need?
One plate protects one side. The Level IV plate is sold individually, so order two for front and back protection.
How big is the Level IV plate?
10 x 12 in (30 x 25 cm) and about 6.3 lb (2.9 kg). Check the other listings for their own dimensions.
Is it legal to own body armor plates?
Rules on buying and owning body armor differ by state and by who you are. The state-by-state guide lists what applies where.