Best for:

• Concealed carry / everyday wear
• Law enforcement uniforms
• Lightweight protection

Pros:

• Lightweight and flexible
• Comfortable for extended wear
• Easy to conceal

Cons:

• Not designed for rifle threats
• Less rigid structure

👉 Think of soft armor as wearable protection you can hide under clothing.

What it is:
Flexible panels made from woven aramid fibers (like Kevlar®) or similar materials.

How it works:
It catches and spreads out the energy of handgun rounds, stopping them without breaking.

Best for:

• Lightweight rifle-rated protection (Level III/RF1 Elaphros)
• Stab resistant
• Marine or specialty environments (plates float)

Pros:

• Extremely lightweight (approx. 3 lbs)
• Comfortable for long wear
• Resistant to moisture and corrosion

Cons:

• Typically more expensive
• Can be thicker than steel

👉 Think of composite armor as ultra-lightweight rifle protection built for mobility.

What it is:
Made from ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) or hybrid fibers.

How it works:
Layers of high-strength fibers absorb and disperse energy across the plate.

Best for:

• Budget-conscious buyers
• Durable, long-term use
• Training or rugged environments

Pros:

• Extremely durable and long-lasting
• More affordable than other rifle-rated options
• Thin profile compared to composites

Cons:

• Heavier (often 8–11 lbs per plate)
• Requires anti-spall coating or sleeve
• Less comfortable for extended wear

👉 Think of steel as rugged, reliable protection with a weight trade-off.

What it is:
Hardened ballistic steel plates (commonly AR500 or AR550).

Best for:

Maximum protection setups
Users prioritizing lighter weight than steel
Higher-threat environments

Pros:

Lighter than steel
Capable of stopping higher-level threats (including armor-piercing at Level IV)
Effective energy dispersion

Cons:

Higher cost
Can crack if mishandled
Limited lifespan compared to steel

👉 Think of ceramic as high-performance armor designed to defeat serious rifle threats.

What it is:
Plates made from ceramic strike faces (like aluminum oxide or boron carbide) backed by composite materials.

How it works:
The ceramic breaks and disperses the projectile, while the backing material absorbs remaining energy.

Purpose:

Trauma pads are worn behind armor plates to absorb and disperse impact, helping reduce blunt force and minimize bruising or injury.

Material:

Extremely light microcellular urethane padding and wrapped with durable nylon ripstop fabric.

Thickness of 0.25” (6.35 mm)

👉 Compatible with any of our body armor plates. To ensure proper protection and comfort, select the trauma pad shape and size that with best match your body armor plates/panels.

Cuts/Shapes:

• Shooter’s Cut
• High Mobility/Swimmer’s Cut (Only available in 10" x 12")

Sizes:

• 8” x 10”
• 10” x 12”
• 11” x 14”
  (Available individually or as a set of two.)
• 6” x 6” (Sides)
• 6” x 8” (Sides)
  (Sold only as a set of two side panels.)

One of the first questions many new buyers have before purchasing body armor is: “Is it legal for me to own this?”

In most states, body armor is legal for civilians to buy and own, and no background check is required if you are legally allowed to purchase it. However, laws can vary by state, and there may be certain restrictions depending on your location or circumstances.

👉 Quick takeaway: Body armor is generally legal but it’s always smart to check your local laws before making a purchase.