- Product Details
- Shipping and Returns
- The BPZ Promise
- Why Bulletproof Zone?
The Adept Storm Foundation is a 10x12" SAPI-cut, multi-curve UHMWPE composite hard armor plate rated NIJ III/RF1 as a standalone system. Weighing 2.4 pounds at 0.9" thick, it ranks among the lightest and thinnest standalone UHMWPE Level III plates available. Beyond its standalone performance, the Foundation is the base of the modular Storm System — it can be up-armored in seconds with the Storm Titanium add-on to reach Level III+ or with the Storm Disruptor add-on to reach Level IV, without swapping carriers or changing your loadout.
Who this is for
- Mobility-focused professionals: anyone who needs full rifle-threat coverage at the lowest possible plate weight — 2.4 lbs per plate means a two-plate setup runs under 5 lbs total.
- Planners who expect evolving threats: the modular Storm System lets you add the Titanium or Disruptor strike-face on demand, so the Foundation serves as both a standalone daily plate and a scalable base layer.
- Maritime and water-environment operators: the UHMWPE composite construction is buoyant, making the Foundation a direct fit for applications where a steel or ceramic plate would create a drowning hazard.
Ballistic performance
As a standalone plate, the Storm Foundation stops the following rifle threats:
| Round | Condition / Velocity |
|---|---|
| 7.62x51mm M80 Ball | 2,800 fps |
| 5.56x45mm M193 | 3,300 fps |
| 7.62x39mm MSC (mild steel core) | 2,400 fps |
| 5.45x39mm AK74 MSC | Rated |
| 7.62x54mmR LPS | Rated |
| All handgun threats | Rated |
The Foundation does not stop steel-penetrator rounds such as the 5.56x45mm M855 (SS109) at standalone. This is an inherent characteristic of all standalone UHMWPE Level III plates. If M855 or AP-class threats are expected, pair the Foundation with the Storm Titanium (reaching Level III+ coverage) or the Storm Disruptor (reaching Level IV coverage against .30-06 APM2 and 7.62x51mm M80A1).
The plate is multi-hit capable. UHMWPE composite armor distributes and dissipates projectile energy across a highly crystalline fiber matrix, and the Foundation's construction — using an architected UHMWPE lay-up methodology, high-pressure consolidation, and advanced patent-pending thermochemical treatments — is specifically engineered to preserve structural integrity across multiple impacts.
Modular up-armor system
The Storm Foundation is the base plate in Adept's modular Storm System. Two strike-face add-ons are available separately:
| Configuration | Effective Rating | Additional threats stopped |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation (standalone) | NIJ III / RF1 | M80, M193, 7.62x39 MSC, 5.45x39 MSC, 7.62x54R LPS, all handgun |
| Foundation + Storm Titanium | Level III+ | Adds 5.56x45mm M855 (SS109) |
| Foundation + Storm Disruptor | Level IV | Adds .30-06 APM2 and 7.62x51mm M80A1 |
The Titanium and Disruptor strike-faces fit directly over the Foundation and lock in place within seconds. No tools required. This means a single Foundation plate can serve across three distinct threat levels depending on what you attach — a flexibility no monolithic plate offers.
Plate compatibility and cut geometry
The Storm Foundation ships in a 10x12" SAPI profile (dimensions nominal). SAPI cut plates seat correctly in the vast majority of plate carriers on the market, including those designed for 10x12" plates with SAPI-compatible pockets. The multi-curve geometry — curved on both the vertical and horizontal axes — presses flush against the torso and eliminates the gap that single-curve plates leave at the shoulders and waist. This reduces bounce during movement and improves all-day wearability.
If you need fitment confirmation for a specific carrier, contact us before ordering.
Construction and materials
Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers are made from long, highly crystalline, highly oriented chains of the polyethylene polymer (C2H4). The material offers an outstanding performance-to-weight ratio: the carbon-carbon bond strength is high, the intrinsic defect rate is low, and the specific gravity sits at just 0.96 g/cc — well below water, which is why UHMWPE plates float. UHMWPE-resin fiber composites perform exceptionally in body armor, enabling rifle-rated hard plates at weights that ceramic or steel plates cannot approach.
The Foundation adds several proprietary manufacturing steps to baseline UHMWPE construction: an architected lay-up methodology that controls fiber orientation across the plate cross-section, high-pressure consolidation to minimize voids, and patent-pending thermochemical treatments that modify the fiber-matrix interface for improved energy absorption. A highly rigid and durable foam system completes the build, contributing to the 0.9" thickness profile.
Specifications
- Brand / Model: Adept Storm Foundation
- SKU: STRM-FNDTN-II
- Cut: 10x12" SAPI (dimensions nominal)
- Curve: Multi-curve
- Construction: UHMWPE composite
- Weight: 2.4 lbs per plate
- Thickness: 0.9"
- Standalone threat rating: NIJ III / RF1
- Up-armor options: Storm Titanium (Level III+); Storm Disruptor (Level IV)
- Buoyant: Yes — UHMWPE specific gravity 0.96 g/cc
- Price: Per plate (single plate)
Fit and carrier compatibility
The 10x12" SAPI profile fits any plate carrier with a 10x12" SAPI-compatible plate pocket. At 0.9" thick and with a multi-curve profile, the Foundation seats cleanly without requiring oversized pockets. Because the Storm Titanium and Disruptor add-ons fit over the outside of the Foundation, verify that your carrier's plate pocket has enough depth to accommodate the combined thickness when running the up-armored configuration. Contact us if you need compatibility guidance for a specific carrier.
Frequently asked questions
Can this plate be shipped to my state?
This plate cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut due to state body armor restrictions. It is also 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.
Is the Storm Foundation NIJ Certified or NIJ Listed?
The Foundation carries a standalone threat rating of NIJ III/RF1 and is independently tested against NIJ threat parameters. NIJ Listed status under the NIJ Compliant Products List is separate from threat-rating claims — check the current NIJ CPL at nij.ojp.gov for verified listing status.
Will this plate stop M855 or armor-piercing rounds?
No — not at standalone. M855 (SS109) has a steel penetrator that defeats UHMWPE-only plates at all Level III ratings. To stop M855, pair the Foundation with the Storm Titanium add-on, which brings the combined system to Level III+ and adds M855 coverage. For AP-class threats including .30-06 APM2, add the Storm Disruptor for Level IV coverage.
What is the difference between Level III, Level III+, and Level IV in the Storm System?
At standalone (Level III/RF1), the Foundation stops lead-core and mild-steel-core rifle rounds including M80, M193, and 7.62x39 MSC. Add the Storm Titanium and the system reaches Level III+, adding M855. Add the Storm Disruptor instead and the system reaches Level IV, stopping .30-06 APM2 and 7.62x51mm M80A1 in addition to all lesser rifle threats.
How heavy is a two-plate setup with the Foundation?
Each Foundation plate weighs 2.4 lbs. A front-and-back two-plate setup therefore weighs 4.8 lbs total — roughly one full pound less than a comparable two-plate setup using an industry-average UHMWPE Level III plate at 3.1 lbs each.
Why is UHMWPE buoyant and why does that matter?
UHMWPE has a specific gravity of 0.96 g/cc, slightly below water's 1.0 g/cc, so the plates float. For maritime operations, water crossings, or any scenario where an unexpected water entry is possible, a buoyant plate removes a significant drowning hazard that steel or ceramic plates — both of which sink — cannot address.
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.
