- Product Details
- Shipping and Returns
- The BPZ Promise
- Why Bulletproof Zone?
The Shellback Tactical Skirmish Level IV Body Armor Kit pairs the Skirmish plate carrier with two Prevail Series Model 4S17 alumina ceramic hard armor plates to deliver NIJ 0101.06 certified Level IV protection against armor-piercing rifle threats. Each 4S17 plate is NIJ Listed on the Compliant Products List, stands alone without a soft armor backer, and stops the .30 Cal M2 AP round at 2,880 fps — the standard NIJ Level IV test round. The kit ships ready to wear in 10x12 Shooters Cut configuration, made in the USA, and backed by a 10-year ballistic warranty on the plates and a lifetime warranty on the carrier.
Who this is for
- Law enforcement officers and security professionals who need certified Level IV rifle protection in a deployable carrier they can don quickly and adjust on the fly.
- Civilians and journalists in high-risk environments who want a complete, NIJ Listed plate-and-carrier solution without sourcing components separately.
- First-time plate carrier buyers who want a fully adjustable, comfort-padded kit that ships in 24 hours and requires no additional ballistic components to be operational.
Ballistic performance
The Model 4S17 is constructed of alumina ceramic bonded to a composite backing. It provides full edge-to-edge, stand-alone Level IV protection, meaning no soft armor backer is required for the rated performance. The plate is multi-hit rated and fully sealed in a 1000-denier Cordura nylon cover that resists liquids, chemicals, and harsh field conditions.
Beyond the NIJ 0101.06 Level IV requirement (.30 Cal M2 AP), the 4S17 is Special Threat Rated to stop M855 and M855A1 armor-piercing rounds and is DEA Hard Armor Protocol compliant. The plate defeats a documented range of common rifle threats across multiple calibers at standard service velocities.
Independent ballistic test data
| Standard | Projectile | Grain | Velocity (ft/s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIJ 0101.06 | .30 Cal M2 AP | 166 | 2,880 |
| DEA 2017 | .223 Tactical 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 Threat | 5.56x45 M855A1 | 62 | 3,100 |
| Special Threat | 5.56x45 M193 | 55 | 3,250 |
| Special Threat | 7.62x39 BZ API | 122 | 2,380 |
| Special Threat | 7.62x51 M61 AP | 150 | 2,750 |
| Special Threat | 7.62x54R LPS | 145 | 2,880 |
Plate compatibility and cut geometry
Each 4S17 plate ships in a 10x12 Shooters Cut, single-curve profile. The nominal listed size is 10x12 with an actual measurement of 9.5 x 11.5 inches and a thickness of 0.95 inches. The Skirmish carrier is sized specifically for 10x12 Shooters Cut plates, so the 4S17 drops directly into the carrier's plate pockets with no modification needed. The single-curve geometry conforms to a flat-to-moderate chest profile; buyers with a pronounced chest curve may want to contact us before ordering to confirm fit.
Skirmish plate carrier features
The Skirmish carrier is constructed from 500-denier nylon with a low-profile silhouette designed to maximize mobility. Interior 3D spacer mesh padding runs across contact surfaces for ventilation and all-day comfort. A front kangaroo pouch provides immediate-access storage, and the exterior MOLLE field accepts standard 1-inch PALS-compatible pouches, ID placards, and accessories. The cummerbund accepts soft armor inserts for expanded side coverage.
Shoulder straps and cummerbund are both fully adjustable to fit a wide range of body types. Heavy-duty bar tacking reinforces key stress points throughout. The carrier is backed by a lifetime warranty against manufacturing and material defects.
Specifications
- Kit contents: Skirmish plate carrier (x1) + Prevail Series Model 4S17 Level IV plates (x2)
- Plate NIJ certification: NIJ Listed under NIJ 0101.06 Level IV
- Special threat rating: DEA Hard Armor Protocol compliant; rated for M855 and M855A1 AP rounds
- Plate construction: Alumina ceramic with composite backing
- Plate cut: Shooters Cut, single curve
- Plate size (nominal): 10x12 in (actual: 9.5 x 11.5 in)
- Plate thickness: 0.95 in
- Plate weight: 7.2 lbs each
- Plate cover: 1000-denier Cordura nylon, fully sealed
- Protection type: Stand-alone, edge-to-edge, multi-hit
- Plate ballistic warranty: 10 years
- Country of origin (plates): USA
- Carrier material: 500-denier nylon with 3D spacer mesh padding
- Carrier plate pocket: Fits 10x12 Shooters Cut plates
- Carrier warranty: Lifetime (manufacturing and material defects)
- Carrier origin: Imported
- Spall protection: Yes
- Export control: ITAR controlled; cannot be exported without US State Department approval
Fit and carrier compatibility
The Skirmish carrier's shoulder straps and cummerbund adjust fully to accommodate most body types, from slim to larger frames. The cummerbund is available in a standard size; buyers who need extended side coverage should contact us to confirm cummerbund sizing before ordering. The carrier accepts 10x12 Shooters Cut plates only — SAPI cut or larger 11x14 plates will not seat correctly. The front kangaroo pouch and MOLLE field remain accessible regardless of torso adjustments.
Frequently asked questions
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 US 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.
Are the 4S17 plates NIJ Certified or just tested to NIJ standards?
NIJ Certified. The Model 4S17 is NIJ Listed on the NIJ Compliant Products List under NIJ 0101.06 Level IV — the most rigorous independent certification path available for hard armor. Tested-to-standard and CPL-listed are meaningfully different; the 4S17 has completed the full certification process and appears on the published list.
What is the difference between Level III, Level III+, and Level IV?
Level III is the NIJ baseline rifle rating, tested against 7.62x51 M80 FMJ at 2,780 fps. Level III+ is a vendor-specific special threat designation, not an official NIJ tier, typically covering M855 and M193 at higher velocities. Level IV is the highest NIJ-certified rifle rating, tested against .30 Cal M2 armor-piercing at 2,880 fps. The 4S17 meets Level IV and also carries special threat ratings beyond that baseline.
Will this plate stop M855A1 enhanced performance rounds?
Yes. The 4S17 is Special Threat Rated to stop 5.56x45 M855A1 at 3,100 fps and 5.56x45 M193 at 3,250 fps. Both are confirmed in the published ballistic test data above. M855A1 is not required by the NIJ Level IV standard, so this represents protection beyond the certified baseline.
Does this plate require a soft armor backer?
No. The 4S17 is a stand-alone plate with full edge-to-edge protection. A soft armor backer is not required to achieve the rated Level IV performance. A backer can be added for additional backface deformation reduction if desired, and the Skirmish carrier's cummerbund accepts soft armor inserts for expanded side coverage.
How heavy is a two-plate setup in this kit?
Each 4S17 plate weighs 7.2 lbs, so the two-plate load is 14.4 lbs of ballistic material before the carrier. The Skirmish carrier adds additional weight. For buyers sensitive to total carry weight, a lighter Level IV option may be worth evaluating — contact us and we can walk through the available alternatives.
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.
