HighCom 4s17m Level IV Ceramic Multi Curve Body Armor Plate

***Delivery times may vary.

The HighCom 4s17m is a Level IV stand-alone, multi-curve hard armor plate engineered with a ceramic strike face and polyethylene backing. NIJ Listed under 0101.06 and DEA Hard Armor Protocol compliant, the 4s17m stops .30 caliber M2 AP rounds at 2,880 fps and defeats an extended threat list that includes 5.56x45mm M855A1, 7.62x39mm BZ API, and 7.62x54R API. The exterior shell is 1000D CORDURA with a textured nylon finish, and the plate measures just 0.95" thick. Available in six sizes ranging from 7.25x11.5 SAPI XS to 11x14 SAPI XL, plus a 10x12 Shooters Cut, with weights from 6.0 lbs to 11.3 lbs depending on size.

Who this is for

  • Law enforcement officers: seeking a DEA Hard Armor Protocol compliant plate that meets both NIJ 0101.06 Level IV and an extended special-threat test matrix at a competitive price point.
  • Civilian defensive shooters and preparedness users: who need confirmed armor-piercing protection in a stand-alone configuration without requiring a soft armor backer.
  • Agency and department procurement officers: requiring documented NIJ CPL listing, DEA compliance, and a full ballistic test table for internal approval processes.

Ballistic performance

The 4s17m uses a ceramic strike face bonded to a composite polyethylene backing. Ceramic strike faces fracture incoming projectiles on impact, disrupting the penetrator before the PE backing arrests residual energy. The plate is rated Level IV stand-alone, meaning it performs to standard without a separate soft armor panel behind it.

Under NIJ 0101.06, the plate is tested against .30 caliber armor-piercing M2 AP at 2,880 fps (+/- 30 fps). Beyond the NIJ standard, the 4s17m has also been validated under the DEA 2017 Hard Armor Protocol and a suite of Special Threat rounds. The DEA test matrix adds .223 Remington Tactical Bonded Soft Point (62 gr at 2,600 fps), 5.56x45mm M855 Green Tip (62 gr at 3,100 fps), 7.62x39mm Mild Steel Core (123 gr at 2,400 fps), 7.62mm M80 FMJ Steel Jacketed (147 gr at 2,750 fps), and .308 Winchester PSPB Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded (150 gr at 2,600 fps). The RST (Rifle Special Threats) validated designation covers additional rounds including 5.56x45mm M193 FMJ at 3,250 fps, 5.56x45mm M855A1 at 3,100 fps, 7.62x39mm BZ API at 2,380 fps, 7.62x51mm M61 AP at 2,750 fps, 7.62x54R LPS at 2,880 fps, 7.62x54R b-32 API at 2,800 fps, 7.62x63mm JSP at 2,780 fps, AK-47/M/SKS 7.62x39mm Ball at 2,380 fps, and 12-gauge 2.75-inch mag 1 oz. slug at 1,145 fps.

Ballistic test data

Standard Round Grain Velocity (fps) Tolerance
NIJ 0101.06 .30 Cal M2 AP 166 2,880 +/- 30
DEA 2017 .223 Rem Tactical Bonded SP 62 2,600 +/- 50
DEA 2017 5.56x45mm M855 (Green Tip) 62 3,100 +/- 50
DEA 2017 7.62x39mm Mild Steel Core 123 2,400 +/- 50
DEA 2017 7.62mm M80 FMJ Steel Jacketed 147 2,750 +/- 50
DEA 2017 .308 Win PSPB Core-Lokt Ultra 150 2,600 +/- 50
Special .223 SCS Brush Hog 55 3,150 +/- 50
Special 5.56x45mm M193 FMJ 55 3,250 +/- 50
Special 7.62x39mm BZ API 122 2,380 +/- 50
Special 7.62x51mm M61 AP 150.5 2,750 +/- 50
Special 7.62x54R LPS 148 2,880 +/- 50
Special 7.62x54R b-32 API 155 2,800 +/- 50
Special 7.62x63mm JSP 150 2,780 +/- 50
Special AK-47/M/SKS 7.62x39mm Ball 123 2,380 +/- 50
Special 12-ga 2.75-in mag 1 oz. Slug 437.5 1,145 +/- 50
Special 5.56x45mm M855A1 62 3,100 +/- 50

Plate compatibility and cut geometry

The 4s17m ships in a multi-curve profile across all sizes. Multi-curve geometry contours to the torso along both the vertical and horizontal axes, distributing the plate's weight more evenly across the chest and reducing hot spots during extended wear. The 10x12 Shooters Cut — with nominal dimensions of 9.5x11.5 inches — fits the widest range of plate carrier front and rear pockets. The SAPI cut options run from XS (7.25x11.5) through XL (11x14) and drop into any carrier with standard SAPI plate bags. Because the 10x12 Shooters Cut is the most common civilian and LE plate carrier format, it represents the most straightforward fitment. If you are unsure which size or cut works with your current carrier, contact us before ordering.

Specifications

  • Protection level: Level IV Stand-Alone (armor-piercing rated)
  • NIJ certification: NIJ Listed under 0101.06
  • DEA compliance: DEA 2017 Hard Armor Protocol compliant
  • RST designation: Rifle Special Threats validated
  • NIJ test round: .30 Cal M2 AP, 166 gr at 2,880 fps (+/- 30 fps)
  • Construction: Ceramic strike face, polyethylene composite backing
  • Exterior cover: 1000D CORDURA, textured nylon
  • Thickness: 0.95 inches
  • Curvature: Multi-curve (all sizes)
  • Available cuts: Shooters Cut (10x12 nominal 9.5x11.5), SAPI XS through XL
  • Weight range: 6.0 lbs (SAPI XS) to 11.3 lbs (SAPI XL); 10x12 Shooters Cut 7.2 lbs
  • Warranty: 10 years on all ballistic material; 1 year on exterior cover and workmanship

Fit and carrier compatibility

The 10x12 Shooters Cut fits the vast majority of plate carriers built around the standard 10x12 plate pocket format. SAPI-cut variants require a carrier with appropriately sized SAPI plate bags — confirm your carrier's accepted plate dimensions before selecting a size. All sizes ship in a multi-curve profile, so carriers with a rigid flat insert sleeve may not seat this plate flush. If you need help confirming fitment with a specific carrier, contact us.

Frequently asked questions

Is this plate NIJ Certified or NIJ Listed?

NIJ Listed. The HighCom 4s17m is listed on the NIJ Compliant Products List (CPL) under NIJ 0101.06 at Level IV. NIJ Listing means the specific product has been independently tested and verified by NIJ — it is the highest form of NIJ third-party validation available under the 0101.06 standard.

What rounds does this plate stop?

The 4s17m is tested against 16 distinct rounds across three protocols. The NIJ standard round is .30 Cal M2 AP at 2,880 fps. The DEA 2017 protocol adds M855 Green Tip, 7.62x39mm Mild Steel Core, 7.62mm M80, .223 Rem Tactical Bonded SP, and .308 Win PSPB. Special Threat validation covers M193, M855A1, 7.62x39mm BZ API, multiple 7.62x54R loads, M61 AP, and 12-gauge slugs. See the full test table above for velocities and grain weights.

What is the difference between Level III, Level III+, and Level IV?

Level III is the NIJ 0101.06 standard for rifle protection, tested against 7.62mm M80 FMJ at 2,780 fps. Level III+ is a vendor-defined special-threat designation not part of the NIJ standard, typically adding M855 and M193 to the test matrix. Level IV is the highest NIJ 0101.06 rifle rating, tested against .30 Cal M2 armor-piercing at 2,880 fps — a meaningfully harder projectile than those used in Level III testing.

Does this plate need a soft armor backer?

No. The 4s17m is rated stand-alone, meaning it meets Level IV protection without a soft armor insert behind it. A soft armor backer can be added for additional coverage at the plate edges, but it is not required for the plate to perform to its rated level.

What is the difference between Shooters Cut and SAPI Cut?

Shooters Cut has squared upper corners and is the standard format for most civilian and LE plate carriers. SAPI Cut has angled upper corners derived from military SAPI plate geometry, which provides additional clearance for shoulder movement and pairs with military-style carriers and cummerbund systems. The 10x12 Shooters Cut nominal dimension is 9.5x11.5 inches for this plate.

Can this plate be shipped to my state?

This plate cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut under applicable state body armor laws. Civilian sales are restricted to U.S. persons only — no international exports. 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. Law enforcement officers and agencies in restricted states should contact us directly for purchase options.

 

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.

Customer Reviews

Based on 4 reviews
75%
(3)
25%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
H
Hunter C
Just a heads up

The plates themselves seem like very good quality and were packed/shipped very well protected. Where this only gets 4 stars is the plates do not look like what’s in the picture. There is no HighCom logo or any writing on the front side of the plates. Just a part # and lot # sticker. I reached out to BPZ about this and they were awesome at getting me info from HighCom stating that those pics are for marketing purposes only. It’s not a deal breaker for me, but I would have liked to know the plates would be different than what’s advertised.

c
carlos zambrano
Comfortable and not heavy at all.

I’m 5’8 170lbs and very comfortable/mobile. I can trained all day in these. Weight is manageable, not bad at all.

r
r.b.

Excellent packaging and quick delivery. Recommend highly as all of my multiple purchases have been just as good.

R
Randall

Excellent packaging and quick delivery. Recommend highly as all of my multiple purchases have been just as good.

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