Citizen Armor Classic NIJ IIIA/HG2 Soft Body Armor with Trauma Plate Pocket

***Specially Manufactured to Order: 2-5 week delivery

*Due to the nature of this product, returns/exchanges cannot be accepted”

The Citizen Armor Classic Body Armor vest delivers NIJ IIIA/HG2-rated ballistic protection across the front, back, and sides in a full-coverage wearable package designed for daily use. Built from 100% A.M.Y./Sorbtek polyester mesh with a DWR antimicrobial coating, the Classic sits between Citizen Armor's concealable Covert Vest and the more gear-heavy Light Tactical Vest — offering a clean front profile, a zippered trauma plate pocket, and a Velcro ID patch strip. Available in XS through XL in Standard or Prestige armor layups, and manufactured in the U.S.A.

Who this is for

  • Everyday carriers: professionals or private citizens who want consistent front, back, and side ballistic coverage without the bulk of a full tactical rig.
  • Personnel requiring visible ID: security staff, event workers, or first responders who need a Velcro strip to mount identification or unit patches on the outer shell.
  • Wearers in warm or high-activity environments: the moisture-wicking, breathable mesh construction and odor-control coating support extended wear during physically demanding shifts.

Threat coverage

The Classic vest is independently tested to NIJ IIIA/HG2 threat parameters — the highest handgun protection level under the NIJ standard — covering the front, back, and sides. NIJ IIIA/HG2 armor is rated to stop .357 SIG FMJ FN at 1,470 fps and .44 Magnum SJHP at 1,430 fps, along with a broad range of lower-velocity handgun threats.

NIJ IIIA/HG2 armor does not protect against rifle rounds. Anyone anticipating rifle-caliber threats should pair this vest with rated hard armor plates carried in the front and rear trauma plate pockets.

Concealability and comfort

The Classic is positioned as a mid-profile option — more coverage than the Covert Vest, less visual weight than the Light Tactical Vest. The clean front panel gives a lower-signature appearance under outerwear. Large adjustable straps allow the fit to be dialed in across the size range. The 100% A.M.Y./Sorbtek polyester mesh shell wicks moisture away from the body, and the DWR antimicrobial coating provides stain release and active odor control — two features that matter during multi-hour or multi-day wear cycles. The outer layer is washable.

Care and maintenance

The outer layer of the Classic vest is washable. The ballistic panels themselves should not be machine washed — remove them from the carrier before laundering the shell. Follow Citizen Armor's care instructions to preserve both the DWR antimicrobial coating and the integrity of the ballistic layup. Two armor layup options are available: Standard and Prestige. Third-party ballistic test results for both layups are available directly from Citizen Armor.

Specifications

  • Brand: Citizen Armor
  • Model: Classic Body Armor with Trauma Plate Pocket
  • SKU: CZ-S081BK0-00
  • NIJ Protection Level: IIIA / HG2 (front, back, and sides)
  • Armor Layup Options: Standard or Prestige
  • Shell Material: 100% A.M.Y./Sorbtek Polyester Mesh
  • Coating: DWR Antimicrobial with stain release and odor control
  • Color: Black
  • Available Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
  • Trauma Plate Pocket Size (XS/S/M): Fits up to 6" x 8" trauma pad
  • Trauma Plate Pocket Size (L/XL): Fits up to 8" x 10" trauma pad
  • Outer Layer: Washable
  • Country of Manufacture: Made in the U.S.A.
  • Fulfillment Lead Time: 10–15 business days

Fit and carrier compatibility

The Classic vest ships as a complete ballistic garment — ballistic panels and carrier integrated. Sizes XS through XL are available. XS, S, and M vests accept a trauma plate up to 6" x 8" in the zippered front pocket; L and XL vests accept a plate up to 8" x 10". The large adjustable straps accommodate a range of torso dimensions within each size. For fit confirmation before ordering, contact us.

Frequently asked questions

What is NIJ IIIA/HG2 and what does it stop?

NIJ IIIA (legacy designation) and HG2 (NIJ 0101.07 designation) refer to the same handgun protection tier — the highest level of soft armor protection available. It stops .357 SIG FMJ FN at 1,470 fps and .44 Magnum SJHP at 1,430 fps, as well as lesser handgun threats including 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP at rated velocities.

Will this vest stop rifle rounds?

No. NIJ IIIA/HG2 soft armor is not rated for rifle-caliber threats. To address rifle threats, insert a rated hard armor plate into the zippered trauma plate pocket on the front of the vest. The pocket accepts plates up to 6" x 8" (XS–M) or 8" x 10" (L–XL).

What is the difference between the Standard and Prestige layups?

Both layups provide NIJ IIIA/HG2-level protection. The Prestige layup uses a higher-specification ballistic material. Third-party ballistic test results for both are available from Citizen Armor. If you have questions about which layup suits your use case, contact us.

Is the outer layer washable?

Yes. The outer shell is washable. Remove the ballistic panels before laundering the carrier to protect the integrity of the ballistic layup and preserve the DWR antimicrobial coating. Do not machine wash the ballistic panels themselves.

How long does fulfillment take?

Due to manufacturing lead times, allow 10–15 business days for order fulfillment from the date of purchase. This applies to all size and layup combinations.

Can this vest be shipped to my state?

This vest cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut due to state body armor restrictions. 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. It is legal for all other eligible adults to purchase and wear body armor.

 

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.

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