- Product Details
- Shipping and Returns
- The BPZ Promise
- Why Bulletproof Zone?
The Atomic Defense CQCM (Close Quarter Combat Mask) is a full-face ballistic mask rated to NIJ Level IIIA+, designed to protect the entire face — from below the chin to the top of the forehead — against handgun rounds, shotgun loads, and bladed weapons in close-quarters situations. Built from high-density polyethylene (PEAD) fabric with interior foam padding across the forehead, temples, cheekbones, and cheeks, the mask weighs 2 lbs (0.9 kg) and fits in a single one-size-fits-all configuration. It ships in black and includes a five-point adjustable strap system and a drawstring storage bag.
Who this is for
- Close-quarters personnel: anyone who needs facial ballistic protection in confined environments where a full helmet is impractical or too cumbersome
- Helmet-free setups: users who do not wear other headgear and need a standalone full-face ballistic option that extends above the forehead
- Glasses wearers: thin-framed or frameless eyeglass users who require a mask that accommodates corrective lenses without modification
Threat rating and standard
The CQCM mask meets and surpasses NIJ Level IIIA requirements under NIJ Standard 0106.01 and also complies with NIJ Level IIIA under Standard 0101.06. The IIIA+ designation reflects performance that exceeds the baseline IIIA requirements. Rounds the mask stops include 9mm FMJ, .45 ACP, .44 Magnum, .22 LR, .380 ACP, .38 Special, 10mm, 12-gauge, and 12-gauge buckshot. The mask does not provide rifle-level protection — it is rated for handgun and shotgun threats only.
Each mask is tested against multiple firearm rounds using various types of ammunition before leaving the facility. The mask can withstand multiple rounds without perforation or trauma per NIJ IIIA certification standards. The PEAD construction is also stab-resistant at certain levels, providing an additional margin in close-quarters scenarios where edged weapons are a threat.
Shell material and construction
The mask shell is formed from high-density polyethylene (PEAD) fabric — the same polyethylene-based ballistic material class used in soft armor panels — shaped to contour the full face. The material slightly wraps around the sides of the head for extended lateral coverage. Paint and fabric coatings resist water, fire, and dust. An anti-reflective exterior finish prevents light glare from compromising concealment. The interior foam cushions skin and bone while absorbing impact trauma to reduce injury from bullet strikes that do not penetrate.
Suspension and retention
Six-point adjustable elastic straps secure the mask to the head. Atomic Defense uses an upgraded Everlasting-elastic strap system engineered to hold tension through thousands of donning cycles without loosening. Padding runs across the entire forehead, temples, cheekbones, and cheeks, maintaining spacing between the face and the mask shell. That gap serves dual duty: it cushions impact energy and creates airflow that prevents heat buildup and fogging — a feature Atomic Defense calls Easy Breathe Technology.
Field of view and comfort
Standard human horizontal field of view runs approximately 120 degrees. The CQCM reduces that to 100–110 degrees, which exceeds the 90-degree industry standard for ballistic face masks. The PEAD fabric flexes to shape against any face geometry, and the one-size-fits-all fit has accommodated the full range of face shapes across thousands of units sold. Thin-framed or frameless glasses fit beneath the mask without modification. The Easy Breathe spacing gap eliminates the fogged-lens and heat-accumulation problems common to sealed face masks.
Specifications
- Standard: NIJ Level IIIA+ — meets and surpasses NIJ 0106.01 and 0101.06 Level IIIA requirements
- Weight: 2 lbs / 0.9 kg
- Size: One-size-fits-all; full-face coverage from chin to forehead
- Material: High-density polyethylene (PEAD) fabric with interior foam padding
- Color: Black
- Strap system: Six-point adjustable Everlasting-elastic straps
- Field of view: 100–110 degrees horizontal
- Threat coverage: 9mm FMJ, .45 ACP, .44 Magnum, .22 LR, .380, .38, 10mm, 12-gauge, 12-gauge buckshot
- Stab resistance: Yes, at certain levels
- Water/fire/dust resistance: Yes — paint and fabric coatings applied
- Anti-reflective finish: Yes
- In the box: Full-face ballistic mask with padding and straps; drawstring storage bag
- Warranty: Lifetime
Frequently asked questions
Can this mask be shipped to my state?
This mask 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. Subject to U.S. export regulations for international orders.
What does NIJ Level IIIA+ mean and what rounds does this stop?
NIJ Level IIIA is a handgun-threat protection standard. The IIIA+ designation indicates performance that exceeds standard IIIA requirements. This mask stops 9mm FMJ, .45 ACP, .44 Magnum, .22 LR, .380, .38 Special, 10mm, 12-gauge, and 12-gauge buckshot. It does not stop rifle-caliber rounds such as 5.56x45 or 7.62x39.
Will this mask stop rifle rounds?
No. The CQCM is rated to NIJ Level IIIA+ for handgun and shotgun threats only. Rifle-caliber rounds exceed its protective capacity. For rifle-level facial protection, a ballistic visor rated to a higher standard paired with a rifle-rated helmet would be required — though no current wearable full-face mask achieves rifle-level protection in a comfortable configuration.
Does this mask fit with a helmet?
This full-face mask is designed for use without a combat helmet. Because it extends above the forehead, it works best as a standalone facial protection solution. For users who wear a helmet, the half-face mask option pairs better with headgear. If you are unsure which configuration suits your setup, contact us.
Can my glasses fit under the mask?
Yes. Thin-framed or frameless glasses fit beneath the mask without modification. Thicker or larger frames may not clear the interior padding. If your frames are on the larger side, contact us before ordering to confirm fitment.
Do bulletproof masks actually work, and will my face still get hurt if struck?
The mask stops bullet penetration, but high-caliber impacts transfer significant energy through the shell and into the face. Interior foam padding cushions skin and bone while absorbing impact trauma to reduce — not eliminate — injury. The mask covers from below the chin to the top of the forehead, stopping or deflecting rounds with minimal damage at rated threat levels. It tests against multiple rounds per unit before shipment.
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.