Ballistic Body Armor & Kits

BALLISTIC BODY ARMOR & KITS

When the heat is on, proper body armor can literally mean the difference between life and death. However, with so many options available, it can be difficult to decide what is appropriate for your given situation. US Patriot Tactical is here to cut through the chatter and help give you the confidence you need to get the job done safely and effectively.

TYPES OF BODY ARMOR

Body armor is available in several different types of material, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Soft armor inserts are made from lightweight, flexible material encased in a weatherproof cover. This type of body armor comes in various sizes and shapes to fit most body types.

Composite body armor is made by layering different types of materials (such as steel, ceramic, and polyethylene) on top of one another. This method provides exceptional protection while reducing weight. Likewise, Hybrid body armor is thinner and significantly lighter weight than hard body armor.

Hard armor plates are typically made from ceramic or metal (such as steel) and offer multi-hit rated protection against a wide range of threats. However, hard armor plates are heavy and inflexible, which can be limiting.

Ballistic plates are contoured in three different shapes: flat, single-curve, and multi-curve. Single-curve plates are designed to wrap around the torso, similar to a suit of armor breastplate from days gone by. These plates are available in small, medium, and large and are ideal for flat-chested users.

Multi-curve plates provide a more custom fit and feel than single-curve plates. These plates are fully contoured to provide better maneuvering capabilities. Multi-curve plates are available in standard sizes and are ideal for larger-chested and female users.

Additionally, body armor plates come in different cuts, the most common being shooter's cut and swimmer's cut. Shooter's cut plates cover a wide surface area and provide enhanced protection against live fire, while swimmer's cut plates are lightweight and offer increased maneuverability and mobility.

Check out the US Patriot Tactical Blog to read more about how to choose the right body armor for the job.

BODY ARMOR LEVELS

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) oversees the certification of ballistic armor to ensure conformity and overall safety. All law enforcement and military body armor must complete the Compliance Testing Program (CTP), which involves initial testing, as well as 6 follow-up inspections and testing over a period of 5 years.

The current certification is NIJ Standard 0101.06 and categorizes body armor into 1 of 5 levels:

• Level IIA: tested against 9mm FMJ RN and .40 S&W FMJ
• Level II: tested against .357 Mag JSP and 9mm FMJ RN
• Level IIIA: tested against .357 Sig FMJ FN and .44 Mag SJHP
• Level III (Rifle): tested against 7.62mm FMJ (M80)
• Level IV (Armor Piercing Rifle): tested against .30 cal M2 AP

LEVEL 3A BODY ARMOR

WHAT DOES LEVEL 3A BODY ARMOR STOP?

US Patriot Tactical carries a wide selection of NIJ level IIIA body armor certified to protect against .357 SIG FMJ FN 125 gr (1,470 ft/s) and .44 Mag Semi Jacketed HP (SJHP).

When you need ballistic protection that doesn't weigh you down, reach for the Point Blank Speed Level IIIA Body Armor Plate. These full-size multi-curve speed armor plates are made from durable polyethylene that significantly reduces weight. With standalone NIJ threat level IIIA protection, this lightweight body armor plate is ideal for quick action tasks.

A US Patriot bestseller, Shellback Tactical Level IIIA Soft Armor Cummerbund Inserts provide combat-tested ballistic protection that you can count on. Woven aramid fiber construction gives these soft armor inserts advanced durability that won't weigh you down. Shellback's level IIIA cummerbund armor inserts are 100% Berry compliant and proudly made in the USA.

LEVEL 3 BODY ARMOR

WHAT WILL LEVEL 3 BODY ARMOR STOP?

NIJ level III body armor protects against rifle fire, 7.62 mm FMJ SJ 147 gr (2780 ft/s). Check out our large inventory of high-quality level III ballistic armor, including the Point Blank Model 10260 Level III Body Armor Plate. This hard armor plate is multi-curved to provide a more comfortable fit. Made from Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWP), this lightweight armor plate ensures maximum mobility.

Another of our top picks is the Shellback Tactical Prevail Series Level III Hard Armor Plate - Model AR1000. Sculpted from high-strength AR1000 Advanced Armox Steel, this lightweight ballistic plate is coated with Rhino Extreme 11-50 anti-spall technology for enhanced durability. This NIJ-certified body armor plate is DEA compliant, 100% Berry compliant, and proudly made in the USA.

LEVEL 4 BODY ARMOR

WHAT WILL PENETRATE LEVEL 4 BODY ARMOR?

Designed to resist armor-piercing rifle rounds, level IV body armor has received the highest rating the NIJ offers. Level IV plates protect against .30 caliber M2 AP 166 gr (2880 ft/s).

Shellback Tactical Level IV Body Armor Plates – Model 4SICMH is sculpted from hardened ceramic with a polyethylene backing that provides multi-hit rated ballistic protection that won't weigh you down. With a multi-curve and SAPI/ESAPI shape, this rifle-rated body armor plate is lightweight and proudly made in the USA.

Made from high-quality composite and ceramic, the Point Blank Model 10800 Level IV Body Armor Plate provides exceptional protection without the weight of a full ceramic plate. This lightweight plate has a single curve and can be used in conjunction with soft armor inserts.

POINT BLANK BODY ARMOR PLATES

Wondering where to buy Point Blank armor plates? US Patriot Tactical has you covered. Our large selection of Point Blank Level III and Level IV includes single and multi-curve plates in a wide range of cuts and sizes. We also offer women's cut plates, which are specifically designed to accommodate the female form. As a Law Enforcement and US Military-focused company, we pride ourselves on carrying the best body armor at a price you can afford.

SHELLBACK TACTICAL PLATE CARRIER AND BODY ARMOR KITS

Need to buy the whole shebang? US Patriot Tactical is your one-stop shop for Shellback Tactical plate carriers and body armor kits.

The Shellback Tactical Rampage 2.0 Plate Carrier with Plates is a bestseller for a reason. This lightweight armor system comes with the Shellback Tactical Rampage 2.0 Plate Carrier and two Shellback Tactical Model LON-III-P plates. This ballistic plate carrier is built using premium materials that combine enhanced protection with exceptional comfort. Shellback Tactical Model LON-III-P ESAPI/SAPI cut plates are made from durable UHWMP and are NIJ
0101.06 Certified Level III.

Get advanced protection from armor-piercing rifle rounds with the Shellback Tactical Banshee Rifle Plate Carrier with Plates. This active shooter kit includes the Shellback Tactical Banshee Plate Carrier and Shellback Tactical Prevail Series Model 4S17 Level IV 10 in x 12 in Hard Armor Plates. This LAPD and NTOA-approved ballistic plate carrier kit have padded and fully adjustable shoulder straps, hydration/comms cable routing, and multi-hit rated ceramic plates that provide NIJ threat level IV protection.

IS BODY ARMOR ILLEGAL OR LEGAL?

In the US, it is legal for private citizens to purchase body armor in all 50 states. Some states have special requirements, such as in-person purchasing, while many other states allow body armor to be purchased online. In most states, convicted felons are barred from purchasing or wearing body armor and it is illegal to wear body armor
during the commission of a crime. Be sure to check your local and state laws before purchasing.

US Patriot Tactical does not claim to sell "bulletproof vests" or plates. This is because, while wearing body armor can significantly reduce your risk of injury during a firefight, no body armor product is truly "bulletproof". At US Patriot, we believe we have a responsibility to convey information about our products truthfully, so that you, our valued customer, can make the best decision possible.

All body armor purchases are final. US Patriot Tactical does not accept returns of body armor for any reason. Purchaser assumes all responsibility for compliance with local, state, and federal laws regarding the possession of body armor. Please see our Shipping & Delivery page under the Body Armor Policy section for additional information.