2024's Top Picks: The Best Level IV Body Armor for Protection

Protection against large caliber armor-penetrating enemy rounds was originally handed out to the US Army way back in the mid-‘60s.

Since then, the ever-growing use of high-velocity firearms in society has lead to more and more civilians adopting the same precautionary measures - - that's to say, wearing Level IV Body Armor.

Tactical police units called out to high-risk situations, for example. Even ordinary folk when out game hunting and in places of business or study.

Nowadays, as a rule, only approved Personal Protective Equipment [PPE] is issued to military operators. Otherwise, there’s a head-scratching assortment of Stand-Alone Level 4 plates out there.

Quite apart from those things such as your budget, plate weight, size, shape, and curvature to factor in.

Exactly why we’ve lined up today’s best Level IV body armor followed by a short question & answer session on the subject as a whole.

 

BEST VALUE LEVEL 4 BODY ARMOR

RMA Defense Level IV Body Armor Plates (model #1155)

AT A GLANCE

Our number one selling Level IV body armor, with good reason. Though a touch on the heavy side, they’re seriously comfortable to wear, extremely resilient, and about as wallet friendly as Level IV armor plates get.

Up for grabs as either a set or a single plate, a smart pick for home defense, disaster/emergency readiness, or recreational shooting.

FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS

• NIJ 0101.06 Certified: yes
• Multi-hit capable: yes - - tested to defeat a handful of 30-06 M2AP (7.62 x 63mm ‘Black Tip’) rifle ammunition
• Ballistic material: 100% alumina ceramic core with edge-to-edge coverage on the strike face, and a polyethylene backing
• Plate profiles & shapes: single-curve SAPI/ESAPI Cut (Shooter's Cut) or multi-curve Swimmers Cut
• Plate cover/finish: 600 Denier water-resistant wrapper
• Plate dimensions: 10.0” wide x 12.0” tall x 1.0” thick
• Plate weights: 8.0lbs Swimmer plates and 8.3lbs SAPI plates
• Plate color: black
• Manufacturer’s warranty: 10 years

So long as your bullet resistant vest or plate carrier can take such, benefit from wrap-around protection by adding on RMA Defense’s 6”x6”x1” Level IV side plates (model #1155SP).

RELATED MODEL

A favorite among American Law Enforcement Officers [LEOs], RMA Armament’s model #1192 multi-curve Level IV SAPI style plates are forged of boron carbide; a substance very nearly as hard as diamond.

In other words, one of the toughest, yet lightweight (at just 5.7lbs) and low cost, Level IV inserts on the market.

 

Hoplite Armor Level IV Body Armor Plate Set (model #26225/26226)

AT A GLANCE

Hoplite plates are widely reckoned as some of the easiest- and longest-wearing out there. Not to mention, boasting an impressive build quality and surprisingly slim with it.

Hardly surprising since, as it happens, they are made by Leading Technology Composites [LTC] - - only the biggest and most esteemed manufacturer of body armor on the planet.

Making these particular Level IV plates a complete steal for what you get.

FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS

• NIJ 0101.06 Certified: yes
• Multi-hit capable: yes - - tested to stop at least three hits from .30 caliber armor-piercing rounds
• Ballistic material: high-density aluminum oxide ceramic core backed by Fiber-Reinforced Polymer [FRP]
• Plate profile: single curve
• Plate shape: Swimmers Cut
• Plate cover/finish: Cordura exterior housing
• Plate dimensions & weights: 8.0” wide x 10.0” tall x 0.7” thick (5.9lbs) or 10.0” wide x 12.0” tall x 0.7” thick (8.25lbs)
• Plate color: black
• Manufacturer’s warranty: 5 years

 

BEST LIGHTWEIGHT LEVEL 4 BODY ARMOR

Legacy Safety & Security Level IV Body Armor Plate

AT A GLANCE

True to their mission, Legacy’s Level IV plate isn’t just lower in weight than much of the competition’s but also rather mightier.

In other words, a top choice for when mobility and speed are critical but without sacrificing protection.

FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS

• NIJ 0101.06 Certified: no
• Multi-hit capable: yes - - tested to beat half-a-dozen .30 caliber M2 AP rounds
• Ballistic material: silicon carbide ceramic tile array backed with polyethylene
• Plate profile: single curve
• Plate shape: Shooters Cut
• Plate cover/finish: nylon
• Plate dimensions & weights: 10.0” wide x 12.0” tall x 1.0” thick (5.2lbs) or 11.0” wide x 14.0” tall x 1.0” thick (6.8lbs)
• Plate color: black
• Manufacturer’s warranty: 5 years

 

DFNDR Armor Level IV Armor Plate

AT A GLANCE

Their top selling armor insert, DFNDR’s rifle rated plate is crafted from military grade stuff. Pretty feathery in weight and the snuggest, comfiest fit for wearing all day, every day if need be.

Deployed by armed forces personnel, ,FBI, and security personnel, but no less worthy for a host of other civilian applications.

FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS

• NIJ 0101.06 Certified: no
• Multi-hit capable: - - tested to resist a single shot of 7.62×63mm APM2 or several hits from lesser armor piercing threats such as 7.62x39mm API, 5.56x45mm M855 A1, and 7.62x54mmR LPS
• Ballistic material: blend of silicon carbide and boron carbide crystalline ceramics on the strike face and core, with an Ultra-High Molecular Weight PolyEthylene [UHMWPE] backing layer. Plus, to keep the wearer in the fight, a state-of-the-art Trauma Mitigation Base on the back face of the plate to drastically reduce the energy of a bullet upon impact
• Plate profile: multi curve
• Plate shape: SAPI Cut
• Plate cover/finish: exterior covering rigged with Spall-Tek to better trap any ceramic and projectile fragments
• Plate dimensions & weights: 8.75” wide x 11.75” tall x 1.1” thick (5.0lbs); 9.5” wide x 12.5” tall x 1.1” thick (5.8lbs); 10.25” wide x 13.25” tall x 1.1” thick (6.6lbs); or 11.0” wide x 14.0” tall x 1.1” thick (7.5lbs)
• Plate color: black
• Manufacturer’s warranty: 5 years

 

BEST LEVEL 4 BULLETPROOF BACKPACK INSERT

Mira Safety Tactical Level IV Armor Plate

AT A GLANCE

Better known for their excellent gas masks, Mira Safety's Level IV Body Armor Plate is no less on point.

Sure, it can always be slipped into a carrier vest. But works just as well as backpack armor and best suited to tactical/assault packs.

Affordably priced and feeling a lot lighter than it really is, max ballistic protection that won’t break your bank or your back.

FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS

• NIJ 0101.06 Certified: no
• Multi-hit capable: yes - - tested against multiple armor-piercing battle rifle rounds, such as 5.56, 7.62, .308, and 30-06, with zero penetration
• Ballistic material: alumina oxide ceramic with edge-to-edge coverage on the strike face of the armor plate. Fully covered with Ultra-High Molecular Weight PolyEthylene [UHMWPE] to protect from spalling and deflection of bullet frags
• Plate profile: single curve
• Plate shape: ESAPI Shooters Cut
• Plate cover/finish: 600D water-repellent nylon liner
• Plate dimensions: 10.0” wide x 12.0” tall x 0.9” thick
• Plate weight: 5.9lbs (+/- 5%)
• Plate color: black
• Manufacturer’s warranty: 10 year extended guarantee

 

BEST LEVEL 4 INSERT FOR TACTICAL LAW ENFORCEMENT

HighCom Armor Guardian series Level IV Hard Armor Plate (model #4s17m)

AT A GLANCE

Actually put together and performance tested in-house, the HighCom Armor Guardian series Level IV Hard Armor Plate (model #4s17m) is a wildly popular and professional class hard armor insert.

Neatly balancing protection, weight, fit and cost, amongst the best all-round Level IV plates today.

Mainly a government contractor, HighCom were one of the first armor outfits in the USA to offer Level IV inserts to non-military/police folk.

FEATURES & SPECS [H4]

• NIJ 0101.06 Certified: yes, besides being US Drug Enforcement Administration [DEA] Hard Armor Protocol compliant, and Rifle Special Threats [RST] validated
• Multi-hit capable: yes - - tested to repel the likes of .30 caliber AP, ‘Green Tip’, and M193 FMJ bullets
• Ballistic material: monolithic alumina ceramic strike face and composite wear face
• Plate profile: multi-curve
• Plate cover/finish: heavy-duty 1000D textured Cordura external covering
• Plate dimensions, shapes, & weights: 10” wide x 12” tall x 0.95” thick Shooter's Cut (7.2 lbs); 7.25” wide x 11.5” tall x 0.95” thick SAPI Cut (5.5 lbs); 8.75” wide x 11.75” tall x 0.95” thick SAPI Cut (7.1 lbs); 9.5” wide x 12.5” tall x 0.95” thick SAPI Cut (8.2 lbs); 10” wide x 13.25” tall x 0.95” thick SAPI Cut (9.4 lbs); or 11” wide x 14” tall x 0.95” thick SAPI Cut (10.3 lbs)
• Plate color: black
• Manufacturer’s warranty: 10 years

 

BEST LEVEL 4 BODY ARMOR PACKAGE

Shellback Tactical Banshee Active Shooter Kit with Level IV Plates

AT A GLANCE

Good-to-go out of the box, our most sought-after Level IV body armor kit by a mile - - Shellback’s original, and justly famous, low-profile Banshee armor carrier bundled with their best selling Prevail series Level IV ballistic plates (model #4s17).

Rubber-stamped by the Los Angeles Police Department [LAPD] and the National Tactical Officer Association [NTOA]. Even for regular citizens looking to prep for a SHTF scenario.

PLATE CARRIER FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS

• Inside padding on the front and back panels
• Wide, fully adjustable and padded shoulder straps. Complete with hidden quick-release buckles for speedy doffing, as well as elasticated loops for routing comms wires, antennas, and hydration tubes so they don’t snag
• Detachable cummerbund with inner and outer PALS attachment points accept 13.75”x5.5”x0.35” Level IIIA soft armor inserts (sold separately)
• Color/pattern-matched PALS modular webbing on the front, back, and waist band for attaching MOLLE gear
• Velcro patches, front and back, for sticking on ID/Identification Friend or Foe [IFF] badges, insignias, flags, or morale tags
• Pull-tabbed front pocket accepts ammo mag-holding kangaroo inserts
• Sewn-through, lay-flat rear grab/drag handle
• Constructed of 500 Denier nylon with robust bar tack stitching at major stress points
• Supplied in black, coyote, ranger green, navy blue, or genuine multicam
• Lifetime warranty

BALLISTIC PLATES FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS

• NIJ 0101.06 Certified: yes, as well as compliant with DEA Hard Armor Protocol
• Multi-hit protection: yes - - tested to withstand no less than three strikes from M2AP, M80 steel-jacketed Ball (7.62x51mm), M43 MSC PS (7.62x39mm), M855 Ball (5.56×45mm NATO), or .223 Remington cartridges
• Ballistic material: aluminum oxide ceramic strike face in combo with a composite backing
• Plate profile: single curve
• Plate shape: Shooter's Cut
• Plate cover/finish: 1000 denier Cordura external lining
• Plate dimensions: 10” wide x 12” tall x 0.95” thick
• Plate weight: 7.2lbs
• Plate color: black
• Manufacturer’s warranty: 10 years

 

LEVEL IV BODY ARMOR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Level IV Body Armor?

It is a rating of body armor as classified by the US National Institute of Justice - - the go-to specification globally for measuring the ballistic resistance of non-military body armor with the latest standard being NIJ-STD 0101.06. In fact, Level 4 (officially ‘Type IV’) armor represents the highest level of protection there is.

Note that ’NIJ Certified’ means the Level IV plate is a ‘Listed Model’ on the NIJ Compliant Products List [CPL]. That way, the buyer knows they’re getting body armor that meets or exceeds the NIJ’s minimum performance requirements.

Less steel and more poly-ceramic these days, one or more Level IV inserts are slipped into specially adapted pockets in:

• Plate carriers - - like Spartan Armor Systems' Sentinel Plate Carrier

• Bulletproof vests - - such as BulletSafe's VP3 Vest

• Chest rigs - - Condor's Modular Chest Rig, for instance

• A backpack

What can Level IV Body Armor protect against?

In terms of rifle rounds, at least a single shot of 10.8 gram (166 grain) 30-06 Springfield steel core traveling at 878 meters per second (+/- 9.1 m/s). And also counting the scores of lesser ballistic threats as per Level III, Level IIIA, Level II, and Level IIA.

Anything more powerful than these, like .338 Lapua Magnum sniper bullets or .50 BMG machine gun ammo, will blast a hole clean through the Level 4 plate.

Of course, it’s essential the Level IV armor is loaded into the carrier vest/backpack correctly and also to ensure a properly fit body armor.

How much does Level IV Body Armor cost?

As a rough guide, a decent quality torso plate starts from slightly under 100 bucks to ten times that. And from a few hundred dollars to several grand for a paired set of plates.

The price tag depends mainly on the type and quantity of ballistic material, along with the plate curvature, size, and cut.

How heavy is Level IV Body Armor?

With advances in material science and ballistic technologies, modern Level 4 torso plates range from around 4.5lbs to upwards of 8 pounds a piece.

Can civilians buy & wear Level IV Body Armor?

As per national body armor laws in the United States, if you’re 18 or over and haven’t been convicted of a violent felony, it’s perfectly legal to buy, own, and wear Level 4 armor in public - - with some exceptions for non-military/law enforcement persons:

• A few of the 50 states have their own body armor laws when buying or wearing body armor of any sort is unlawful.

• The Transportation Security Administration [TSA] rules that no body armor can be worn inside an airport or onboard a commercial flight.

• Certain body armor manufacturers and retailers only sell their Level IV hard plates to the likes of the Department of Defense and federal/state agencies.

Does Level IV Body Armor expire?

It does, absolutely. Because, no different to ordinary clothing, the materials that make up the hard plate just naturally break down over time.

How long a Level 4 plate lasts hinges on its ballistic make-up. Ceramic armor is generally good for 5 to 10 years from the date it rolled off the factory line. Whereas steel armor has a much longer shelf life at some one and a half to two decades.

Beyond which, the armor doesn’t suddenly stop working but there’s no guarantee that it’ll offer the same level of protection.

Besides the material itself, how long the plate can be relied on to do its job also depends on its upkeep and use - - if it’s not maintained or stored properly and worn a lot, then it won’t survive as long. Similarly, if it gets damaged by excessive heat or moisture, or takes a bullet, it’s necessary to replace it.

 

FINISHING UP

Most commonly popped into plate carriers, decking out in Level 4 body armor is the only way to stand a chance against an armor-piercing bullet. No matter if you're a private citizen who uses a hunting rifle or a police officer showing up at a mass shooting.

Pick up one or more ballistic plates from the Bulletproof Zone Level IV Body Armor collection and take advantage of our:

• Price match guarantee

• Safe payment system

• First Responder discounts

• Finance options

• Free shipping throughout the continental US on all orders over $100 dollars

• Hassle-free returns

Before you disappear, we'd love to hear from you! Military or not, share your experiences or your questions about Level IV armor in the comments section below!