- Product Details
- Shipping and Returns
- The BPZ Promise
- Why Bulletproof Zone?
The Spartan Armor Systems AR550 Rapid Response Kit is a Special Threat Rated Level III+ steel body armor package that pairs two AR550 hard plates with the Hydra Gen 2 plate carrier for fast first-on-scene rifle-rated protection. Built around high-hardness AR550 steel and manufactured in the USA, the kit ships ready to wear: seat the plates in the carrier, adjust the cummerbund and shoulders, and go. Each 10" x 12" plate weighs 8 lbs 1 oz in the standard base coat. Available in Black, Coyote Brown, and OD Green, in Shooters Cut, with Single Curve or Advanced Triple Curve (ATC) plates and a choice of base coat or Encapsaloc full-coat spall mitigation.
Who this is for
- Law enforcement and first responders: who want a grab-and-go rifle-rated setup staged in a vehicle, locker, or patrol bag.
- Military and security personnel: who need affordable steel armor for training, range work, or a backup loadout.
- Responsible civilians: building a home-defense or range kit around a budget steel plate and a sized carrier.
Ballistic performance
Both plates use a high-hardness AR550 steel core. Spartan Armor Systems rates the kit as Special Threat Rated Level III+ and describes it as rifle-rated against most common rifle threats. AR550 is the manufacturer's higher-hardness steel formulation, marketed above its AR500 line for special-threat rifle protection at a steel-armor price point.
Spartan Armor Systems publishes the Special Threat Rated Level III+ designation for this plate but does not list specific tested rounds or velocities on the product page. Treat the plate as rifle-rated against common threats rather than as an armor-piercing rating; armor-piercing protection sits at Level IV (RF3), which steel III+ plates do not claim.
Two coating options change the plate's spall behavior. The standard Base Coat Protection is the entry coating. The Encapsaloc Full Coat Spall Mitigation option adds a thicker build-up layer the manufacturer markets for spall and fragmentation containment. The full coat measures thicker and heavier than the base coat, as shown below.
Weight and thickness by coating
| Configuration (each) | Weight | Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| 10" x 12" Base Coat | 8 lbs 1 oz (3.66 kg) | 0.25 in (6.35 mm) |
| 10" x 12" Full Coat | 8 lbs 10 oz (3.91 kg) | 0.5 in (12.7-15.2 mm) |
Spartan Armor Systems notes that the Single Curve and Advanced Triple Curve (ATC) plates share the same weight and thickness specifications.
Plate cut and curve geometry
The plates ship in Shooters Cut, which clips the upper corners so the plate clears your shoulders and lets you shoulder a rifle without the plate edge digging in. Choose Single Curve for a flatter plate that bends on one axis, or Advanced Triple Curve (ATC) for a plate contoured on multiple axes to sit closer to the torso. At 10" x 12", these plates drop into the standard 10" x 12" pocket of the included Hydra Gen 2 carrier.
Specifications
- Threat rating: Special Threat Rated Level III+ (rifle-rated AR550 steel)
- Plate material: High-hardness AR550 steel
- Plates included: Two 10" x 12" plates
- Plate weight (base coat): 8 lbs 1 oz (3.66 kg) each
- Plate weight (full coat): 8 lbs 10 oz (3.91 kg) each
- Plate thickness: 0.25 in base coat; 0.5 in full coat
- Cut: Shooters Cut
- Curve options: Single Curve or Advanced Triple Curve (ATC)
- Coating options: Base Coat Protection or Encapsaloc Full Coat Spall Mitigation
- Carrier: Hydra Gen 2, 900D polyester, sizes S-4XL
- Country of origin: Made in the USA
- Warranty: 5-year warranty against manufacturer defects
Fit and carrier compatibility
The included Hydra Gen 2 carrier uses a dual-pocket design that accepts 10" x 12", 11" x 14", and 9.5" x 12.5" Medium ESAPI plates, so the kit's 10" x 12" plates seat in the standard pocket with room to size up later. The carrier runs S-4XL and adjusts through quick-release buckles, adjustable shoulder straps, and removable shoulder pads with hook-and-loop guides. Front and back PALS webbing carries MOLLE attachments, and the shell adds a front map pocket, cable organization loops, a padded mesh interior lining, and a rear drag handle. For measurements, check the Spartan Armor Systems plate carrier sizing guide before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
Is this kit NIJ Certified or NIJ Listed?
No. Spartan Armor Systems rates the AR550 plates as Special Threat Rated Level III+, which is a manufacturer designation rather than an NIJ standard level. The product page does not claim NIJ certification or current Compliant Products List (CPL) listing for this kit, so it should be described as special threat rated, not as NIJ Certified or NIJ Listed.
What is the difference between Level III, Level III+, and Level IV?
It comes down to the threats each is built to stop. Level III is a rifle rating tested against specific lead-core rifle rounds. Level III+ is a special-threat designation above III, marketed for additional or higher-velocity rifle threats but not standardized by NIJ. Level IV (RF3) is the armor-piercing rifle rating. This kit carries the Special Threat Rated Level III+ designation.
What is the difference between Single Curve and Advanced Triple Curve plates?
It is about fit. A Single Curve plate bends on one axis and sits flatter against the chest. An Advanced Triple Curve (ATC) plate is contoured on multiple axes to wrap closer to the torso, which many wearers find more comfortable for extended wear. Spartan Armor Systems lists identical weight and thickness for both options, so the choice is fit, not protection level.
What does the Encapsaloc full coat do?
It changes the plate's coating. Base Coat Protection is the standard entry coating. The Encapsaloc Full Coat Spall Mitigation option adds a thicker build-up layer that Spartan Armor Systems markets for spall and fragmentation containment. The full coat runs heavier and thicker, at 8 lbs 10 oz and roughly 0.5 in per plate versus 8 lbs 1 oz and 0.25 in for the base coat.
Can this kit be shipped to my state?
It ships to most states, with exceptions. This kit cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut due to state body armor restrictions, and it is subject to US export regulations. Under 18 U.S.C. 931, anyone with a federal felony conviction for a crime of violence is prohibited from purchasing or possessing body armor. Confirm your state's rules before ordering.
Bulletproof Zone will ship orders as soon as possible. For example, if you purchase three items, they will be shipped to you based on lead time and availability. This way you get as much of your order as soon as possible, which means that your order may come in separate packages, especially if you order products from different manufacturers.
We will bear the shipping cost for products returned because of product defect, misrepresentation, or false description. Afterward, we will initiate a full reimbursement should you decline an offer to replace the item with the same item of equal value and assured quality.
Order Confirmation:
As soon as you place your order with Bulletproof Zone, you will receive an order confirmation e-mail. This means that your order has been logged in our system and your credit card has been pre-authorized for the purchase. Afterward, we contact our suppliers to confirm the availability of the product you are ordering for immediate shipment. If your item is on backorder or unavailable, we will cancel the pre-authorization and duly inform you via e-mail.
Order Shipment:
Orders are shipped within five business days from the date of your order unless specified otherwise on the product page. The product page will contain the most accurate estimate on shipping and lead times. Shipping and lead times provided on the product page are our best estimates based various factors including order volume, information from our manufacturer, raw material fluctuations, etc., and may vary due to these factors.
You will receive an email containing the tracking information of your order after the order has been shipped to your location. If you do not receive tracking information from us within seven business days of the lead time specified on the product page, feel free to follow up with us at orders@bulletproofzone.com.
Bulletproof Zone is not responsible for lost or stolen packages. A tracking number will be provided when the package is shipped. It is the buyer’s responsibility to provide a safe place to receive mail. Once an item has been marked as delivered by the carrier, the seller is not responsible should that item go missing.
Some of our products are carried by manufacturers in various countries. Due to the nature and cost of the products that Bulletproof Zone sells, you may be charged additional import duties upon delivery. Our support team can help in investigating abnormally high import duty charges but we are unable to cover the cost of any import duties.
Damages:
We take full responsibility for any obvious damage to your product caused by wrong packaging or delivering an already defective product. Please inspect the packaging of your item(s) when they arrive, if you notice any damage, you should document it when signing for delivery. If the item(s) contained in the package arrives damaged, please send photos to support@bulletproofzone.com, and we will process an insurance claim on your behalf.
Returns and Cancellation Policy:
We back all our products with a customer satisfaction guarantee, so we created a fair return and cancellation policy.
All sales are final. No Refunds, No Cancellations. In most cases, once the order is processed, it is final and not cancellable. We may allow exceptions due to an order error or wish to return your order after delivery for any reason other than a product defect or misrepresentation. Any cancellation request is subject to an administration and cancellation fee equal to 10% of your order with a minimum of $35, whether order shipment is successful or not.
All sales are final on all closeout items and for custom manufactured bulletproof clothing once the manufacturing process has begun or not returnable unless there is a product defect or misrepresentation. Applicable to brands such as MC Armor, Israel Catalog, BulletBlocker, Tacticon Armament, Wonder Hoodie, and others.
Before returning any product, you MUST obtain a return authorization from our customer service representative. We can only process AUTHORIZED returns for items.
To make a Return or Exchange:
- Obtain authorization for return or exchange by emailing us at support@bulletproofzone.com explaining the reason for the return or exchange.
- Please use or indicate your order number as attention
Return or exchanges request submission must be within 14 calendar days upon receipt of shipment unless noted otherwise on the product description page. Your return must be in original packaging and unused.
We encourage using USPS flat-rate shipping in returning products to receive a shipping expense refund. Buyers must ensure all returned parcels delivery receipt AND signature confirmation. We highly recommend insuring your parcel as we cannot issue a refund for an item that we do not receive back should it get lost/damaged during transit.
Refunds:
Should an item be returned because it was defective, misrepresented, not as described, etc., Bulletproof Zone will issue a full refund and will reimburse the customer for all shipping expenses associated with the return.
Please allow 5-10 business days from the time the item is received to process a refund. Refunds will only be issued to the original credit card that you use when placing your order.
We stand behind our products 100%!
By purchasing any of our items, the buyer certifies they have read and agree to our shipping, return, and privacy policies.
The Bulletproof Zone Promise
When you buy body armor, you're buying your safety. We don't take that lightly. Here's what every order from Bulletproof Zone includes.
1. Authorized dealer of every brand we carry
Every plate, vest, and carrier we ship comes from the manufacturer directly to our warehouse. We don't sell gray-market product, surplus, or returns. That means factory-fresh stock, the full manufacturer warranty, and real after-sale support — the kind only an authorized dealer can offer.
We maintain authorized-dealer relationships with America's leading body armor brands, including Spartan Armor Systems, AR500 Armor, RMA Defense, Shellback Tactical, Caliber Armor, DFNDR Armor, Protection Group Denmark, BulletSafe, BulletBlocker, and over 40 more.
2. Best price, guaranteed
If you find a lower price at another authorized dealer of the same product within six months of your purchase, we'll refund the difference.
Why the "authorized dealer" requirement? Because gray-market and surplus armor may not be genuine, may have a compromised supply chain, and almost never comes with a manufacturer warranty. We won't price-match against products that may not actually protect you.
3. Free fitment consultation
Body armor only protects you if it fits. Email us a photo and your measurements before you order, and one of our specialists will help you size your carrier and plates correctly — at no charge, no obligation.
4. Trusted by thousands of customers
Bulletproof Zone has been a trusted authorized dealer of America's leading body armor manufacturers for over five years. We have over 4,000 verified Trustpilot reviews from real customers across all 50 states.
Price Match Guarantee — Terms
- You must have purchased the item from our website before requesting the price match.
- Discounted items and "free with purchase" items are not eligible.
- The item must be in stock on the competitor's website at the time of your request.
- The price match is valid for six months from the date of your purchase.
- The competitor must be an authorized dealer of the product. Auction sites (eBay, Overstock), discounters, and gray-market resellers do not qualify.
- The competitor must operate an online store. Brick-and-mortar-only retailers do not qualify.
- Price match applies to the item price plus shipping. Sales tax is excluded.
To request a price match, email us a link to the product on our site and the same product on the competitor's site within six months of purchase. We'll process the refund.
Why Bulletproof Zone?
At Bulletproof Zone, we are passionate about protecting lives. Every piece from our catalog is designed and rigorously tested to provide the highest quality of protection you need from firearms, explosives or even close quarters combat.
We’ve partnered with various manufacturers that operate within the United States under a strict set of guidelines both on a national and corporate level so that when you shop with us, you will be able to select from the highest quality body armor, ballistic plates and tactical gear available on the market.
Whether you are a military service member looking to find your own gear, a professional that operates in the security field, or an avid firearms enthusiast that capitalizes the importance of safety when shooting, our tactical gear will provide you the level of protection you need.
Any questions or concerns? Please call us at (408)-909-4938 or email us at support@bulletproofzone.com and a member of our professional support team will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
