- Product Details
- Shipping and Returns
- The BPZ Promise
- Why Bulletproof Zone?
The Shellback Tactical Defender 2.0 Level IV Body Armor Kit pairs the discreet, minimalist Defender 2.0 plate carrier with two Prevail Series Model 4S17 ceramic hard armor plates and a dedicated carry bag. The 4S17 plates are NIJ Listed under 0101.06 Level IV, made in the USA, and rated to stop armor-piercing .30 Cal M2 AP rounds as well as a broad range of special threat rifle calibers including 5.56x45 M855A1, 7.62x39 BZ API, and 7.62x54R LPS. Each plate weighs 7.2 lbs, measures a nominal 9.5" x 11.5" in Shooters Cut, and carries a 10-year ballistic warranty. The carrier ships with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing and material defects.
Who this is for
- Law enforcement officers and departments needing an all-in-one Level IV active-shooter response kit that stows discreetly in a carry bag and deploys fast
- Armed professionals and security personnel who want NIJ Listed Level IV ceramic protection in a low-profile carrier with integrated magazine and tourniquet pouches
- Civilian preparedness buyers looking for a complete, ready-to-go armor package without sourcing plates and carrier separately
Ballistic performance
The Model 4S17 is a standalone hard armor plate constructed of alumina ceramic with a composite backing. NIJ 0101.06 Level IV certification requires defeating .30 Cal M2 AP at 2,880 fps — the 4S17 passes that standard and goes further with DEA 2017 Hard Armor Protocol compliance and special-threat ratings across eleven documented test rounds.
Edge-to-edge protection covers the full nominal 9.5" x 11.5" face, the plate is multi-hit rated, and a 1,000-denier Cordura nylon cover seals the plate against liquids, chemicals, and harsh environments. Thickness holds at 0.95 inches. Special-threat testing includes M855A1 enhanced performance rounds at 3,100 fps and 7.62x54R LPS at 2,880 fps — rounds not covered by the baseline NIJ 0101.06 Level IV standard.
Ballistic test data — rounds stopped
| Standard | Projectile | Grain | Velocity (ft/s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIJ 0101.06 | .30 Cal M2 AP | 166 | 2,880 |
| DEA 2017 | .223 Tact Bonded | 62 | 2,600 |
| DEA 2017 | 5.56x45 M855 | 62 | 3,100 |
| DEA 2017 | 7.62x39 MSC | 123 | 2,400 |
| DEA 2017 | 7.62 FMJ M80 | 147 | 2,750 |
| DEA 2017 | .308 Win PSPB | 150 | 2,600 |
| Special | 5.56x45 M855A1 | 62 | 3,100 |
| Special | 5.56x45 M193 | 55 | 3,250 |
| Special | 7.62x39 BZ API | 122 | 2,380 |
| Special | 7.62x51 M61 AP | 150 | 2,750 |
| Special | 7.62x54R LPS | 145 | 2,880 |
Plate compatibility and cut geometry
The 4S17 plates ship in a 10x12 Shooters Cut with single curve. The nominal 9.5" x 11.5" actual dimensions seat correctly in any carrier with a 10x12 Shooters Cut pocket. The Defender 2.0 carrier is purpose-built for this geometry, but the plates will also fit other 10x12 Shooters Cut carriers in your inventory. SAPI Cut and Swimmer Cut carriers are not compatible with the Shooters Cut plate geometry.
Defender 2.0 carrier and kit features
The Defender 2.0 carrier uses 500-denier nylon construction with laser-cut MOLLE on the front and rear panels. Fully adjustable side straps and shoulder straps provide a one-size-fits-most fit range. Integrated padded shoulder pads reduce fatigue during extended wear. The front and rear panels include loop fields for hook-backed placards and patches.
Two integrated kangaroo M4 magazine pouches with bungee retention sit at the front of the carrier. A dedicated tourniquet pouch marked with a red tab integrates on the front as well, keeping a CAT or similar tourniquet accessible without adding a separate pouch. A drag handle on the rear rounds out the feature set.
The included carry bag holds the loaded carrier, both plates, and magazines. Two carrying straps, a zipper closure, and a loop panel for hook-backed placards allow the bag to double as a marked soft case for vehicle storage or active-shooter pre-positioning. The bag opens from the top for fast access when deploying the vest.
Specifications
- Kit contents: Defender 2.0 plate carrier, two Model 4S17 Level IV ceramic plates (10x12), kit carrying bag
- Plate certification: NIJ Listed under 0101.06 Level IV; DEA Hard Armor Protocol compliant
- Special threat rating: M855A1, M193, 7.62x39 BZ API, 7.62x51 M61 AP, 7.62x54R LPS (see test data table)
- Plate construction: Alumina ceramic with composite backing; 1,000-denier Cordura nylon exterior cover
- Plate cut / curve: Shooters Cut / single curve
- Plate dimensions: 10x12 nominal; actual 9.5" x 11.5"
- Plate thickness: 0.95"
- Plate weight: 7.2 lbs each
- Multi-hit rated: Yes
- Plate protection type: Stand-alone, edge to edge
- Ballistic warranty: 10 years (plates)
- Carrier construction: 500-denier nylon; laser-cut MOLLE
- Carrier warranty: Lifetime against manufacturing and material defects
- Country of origin — plates: USA
- Country of origin — carrier and bag: Imported
Fit and carrier compatibility
The Defender 2.0 carrier fits one size fits most with fully adjustable side and shoulder straps. Plates seat in 10x12 Shooters Cut pockets. If you are running a different carrier from your existing kit, the 4S17 plates drop into any 10x12 Shooters Cut pocket. Contact us to confirm fit with a specific carrier model before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
Are the 4S17 plates NIJ Certified or NIJ Listed?
Both. The Model 4S17 is NIJ 0101.06 Level IV certified and listed on the NIJ Compliant Products List. That means an independent, NIJ-accredited laboratory has verified the plates meet Level IV threat requirements — not just a manufacturer self-certification.
What rounds does the 4S17 stop beyond the NIJ Level IV standard?
Beyond the baseline .30 Cal M2 AP requirement, the 4S17 is tested and rated against eleven rounds total, including 5.56x45 M855A1 at 3,100 fps, 7.62x39 BZ API at 2,380 fps, 7.62x51 M61 AP at 2,750 fps, and 7.62x54R LPS at 2,880 fps. The full test table is published above.
What is the difference between Level III and Level IV?
NIJ Level III plates are tested against 7.62x51 FMJ M80 at 2,780 fps. Level IV goes further: the defining test round is .30 Cal M2 AP at 2,880 fps — a steel-core armor-piercing round that Level III plates are not rated to stop. If your threat environment includes AP rifle rounds, Level IV is the appropriate choice.
Does the 4S17 need a soft armor backer?
No. The 4S17 is a stand-alone plate rated for full edge-to-edge protection without a soft armor backer. A backer can be added in carriers that have a soft-armor pocket, but it is not required for the plate to perform at its rated Level IV specification.
What is the two-plate carry weight?
Each 4S17 plate weighs 7.2 lbs, so a front-and-back two-plate setup adds 14.4 lbs of plate weight to the carrier. Factor in the carrier weight and any additional pouches, magazines, and accessories when estimating total load.
Can this kit be shipped to my state?
This kit cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut due to state body armor restrictions. It is ITAR-controlled and cannot be exported without approval from the U.S. State Department. 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.
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.
