Protect yourself from armor-piercing threats in the field with body armor and ballistic plates. We carry a wide selection of body armor and plates for plate carriers in multiple sizes and cuts. Full-cut armor plates are ideal for side protection or can be used as back plates. Shooter-cut plates are one of the most common cuts and are typically worn in the front or back of a plate carrier. Their popularity is due in part to the enhanced mobility they offer. Swimmers-cut plates provide the highest range of motion but at the cost of less coverage. Small arms protective inserts (SAPI) feature a 45-degree cut with rounded corners. We have a wide variety of ballistic plates available to match any shooting situation, so you can customize your body armor to your unique needs. Aside from different sizes and cuts of armor plates, our body armor plates are also available in different levels, so you can customize your level of protection. We have Level 2, Level 3, Level 3A, Level 4 plates, and even more, giving you unmatched variety with how much protection you need and use.
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) classifies body armor into five different levels of protection against ballistic threats. Both armor plates and soft body armor are broken down into these categories:
Level II armor is designed to stop popular pistol calibers such as .22LR, 380, .40, 9mm, .45ACP, and .357 Mag. Level II armor is only available as soft body armor.
Level IIIA armor is designed to stop .357 Sig FMJ FN bullets traveling at a velocity of 1,470 ft/s and .44 Magnum SJHP rounds at a velocity of 1,430 ft/s.
Level III body armor is designed to stop six hits from 7.62x51mm FMJ M80 at a velocity of 2,780 ft/s.
Level III+ is a classification that the body armor industry has adopted to show the capabilities of armor beyond the standard NIJ Level III testing.
Level IV body armor is the highest-rated hard armor plate according to NIJ standards. It is designed to take one hit from an armor-piercing 30-06 traveling at a velocity of 2,880 ft/s.
Learn more about armor plates and classifications with our guide on How to Choose Armor Plates.
Yes, civilians can legally purchase any type of body armor in the USA, including Level IV body armor. However, those with prior felony convictions may not unless required to do so by their employer. There are several laws dictating the use and sale of body armor and ballistic plates to civilians, so please check your local and state laws before purchasing.
Yes, armor plates are certainly worth wearing when facing threats. Law enforcement and military members wear body armor for protection in the field, and armor plates have saved countless lives since they were invented and became popular.
Stay safe in the line of duty by wearing soft body armor or ceramic or steel plates. Pair body armor with a plate carrier or tactical vest to create a protective system for your vital organs. Also, check out our collection of bulletproof vests for more tactical gear. And don't forget, we offer Free Shipping on most orders over $49!