Level IV Ceramic Body Armor Comparison: Hercules Xtreme & Hercules

In this article we'll be taking a close look at our Hercules Xtreme Level IV Multi-Hit Ceramic Body Armor and Hercules Level IV Ceramic Body Armor.

At first glance, the two plates appear almost identical. Both have been rigorously tested by an independent NIJ-accredited laboratory and meet the NIJ 0101.06 standard—meaning they are capable of stopping .30-06 M2AP armor-piercing rounds. They also share several key features, including edge-to-edge protection and a multi-curve design for enhanced comfort.

However, when you look more closely, the differences between the Hercules Xtreme and the Hercules begin to stand out. Quite simply, the Hercules Xtreme represents our top-of-the-line Level IV body armor plate, though each option has its own distinct advantages. In the sections that follow, we’ll take a deeper dive into the benefits of both plates to help you understand which one best fits your needs. 

Why are Hercules Xtreme Level IV plates more expensive than the Hercules?
Both are Level IV plates, so why pay more for the Hercules Xtreme?

The short answer: the Hercules Xtreme is built with a much stronger type of ceramic. Unlike the Hercules, the Hercules Xtreme Level IV features a military-grade strike face made of boron carbide—one of the most impact-resistant materials known to man.

Now, terms like “military grade” and “MIL-SPEC” get tossed around often. For those of us who have served, our view of “MIL-SPEC” is a little different from how civilians might perceive it. Veterans often joke that when something is “MIL-SPEC”, it usually means:

• “Great, it’ll only work half the time.”

OR

• “Here’s something many soldiers already used before, and it shows.”

That said, there’s bad MIL-SPEC and there’s good MIL-SPEC. When we say the Hercules Xtreme plates achieve military-grade protection, we refer to the same modern, top-tier body armor used to protect today’s soldiers.

It wasn’t long ago that our servicemen and women weren’t issued the level of ballistic protection they truly deserved. That changed with the introduction of hard ceramics like aluminum oxide (good) and boron carbide (best) into Level IV armor. The Hercules Xtreme is designed to withstand severe ballistic punishment specifically because of its boron carbide strike face.

Naturally, boron carbide is more expensive than standard aluminum oxide, which is why the Hercules Xtreme carries a higher price tag than the Hercules. However, because Spartan Armor Systems manufactures ceramic body armor in-house at our Tucson, AZ facility, we’re able to offer the highest quality boron carbide plates in the industry.

More Benefits of the Hercules X Level IV Body Armor Plate

In addition to its ability to defeat high-velocity armor-piercing rounds, boron carbide is remarkably lightweight. The Hercules Xtreme weighs just 6.1 lbs per plate, compared to the Hercules at 6.9 lbs per plate.

The Hercules Xtreme is designed to deliver maximum protection for vital organs with its 9.5" x 12.5" medium ESAPI multi-curve shooter’s cut profile. This highly compatible sizing allows operators to pair it with a wide range of plate carriers, though we recommend the U.S.A. made Leonidas Legend Plate Carrier for the best fit and performance.

Both the Hercules Xtreme and Hercules plates feature a ceramic strike face engineered to shatter and fragment incoming rounds. Once the bullet is broken down, a UHMWPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) backer captures the remaining fragments. Importantly, both models provide true edge-to-edge protection.

However, because boron carbide is significantly harder than standard ceramic materials, the Hercules Xtreme does a superior job of breaking up rounds. This reduces the size and energy of the fragments, leading to less backface deformation—which in turn helps to minimize blunt force trauma.

Below is a video overview of the Hercules X Level IV Ceramic Body Armor Plate.

Not So Fast—Hercules Is No Slouch

Stopping an armor-piercing .30-06 M2AP round is no small feat. Yet, the Hercules Level IV ceramic body armor plate does exactly that—while still offering a level of comfort not typically found in most other body armor plates (yes, even the Hercules Xtreme included).

It’s also worth noting that not everyone needs the maximum level of protection provided by the Hercules Xtreme. That’s exactly why our Hercules Level IV plates exist: they strike the perfect balance between powerful protection against high-caliber threats and a more accessible price point. The Hercules plate also shines when it comes to comfort and ergonomics. Featuring our Advanced Compound Curve, it conforms to the body in ways rarely seen in ceramic armor. The plate’s aggressive taper in the shoulder area makes it a hybrid between the shooter’s cut and swimmer’s cut. This unique design provides operators with greater mobility—making it easier to shoulder a rifle or draw a pistol without disrupting their natural shooting stance.

Final Thoughts

Both the Hercules Xtreme and the Hercules are excellent choices for Level IV protection. When it comes time to purchase, the best choice depends on your specific needs and priorities. Take the time to weigh the pros and cons of each plate to ensure you select the body armor that’s right for your mission or situation.

If you have questions, our team is always here to help!

Get in Touch:

• Phone: Give us a Call/Text at (520) 396-3335
• Email: info@spartanarmorsystems.com