- Product Details
- Shipping and Returns
- The BPZ Promise
- Why Bulletproof Zone?
The Shellback Tactical Banshee 4 LT Armor Kit pairs the minimalist Banshee 4 LT plate carrier with two NIJ 0101.06 Listed Level IV 4S17 ceramic hard armor plates in a single ready-to-wear package. The 4S17 plates stop .30 Cal M2 AP at 2,880 fps — the benchmark NIJ Level IV threat — plus eleven additional rounds including 5.56x45 M855A1 and 7.62x54R LPS under DEA 2017 and special-threat protocols. The Banshee 4 LT carrier weighs just 1.8 lbs empty, and each plate weighs 7.2 lbs at 0.95 inches thick. The complete kit ships ready to wear in 10x12 Shooters Cut, single-curve configuration.
Who this is for
- Law enforcement and duty personnel who need a DEA hard armor protocol-compliant Level IV system that ships in 24 hours and installs without additional fitting work.
- Home defense planners who want a fully matched, rifle-rated armor kit without sourcing a carrier and plates separately and verifying compatibility.
- Trainers and range users who need genuine multi-hit-rated Level IV coverage with a carrier light enough to wear through extended training evolutions without restricting shoulder movement on a rifle.
Ballistic performance
The 4S17 plates are NIJ 0101.06 Certified Level IV and listed on the NIJ Compliant Products List. Level IV is the highest NIJ hard armor rating and requires the plate to defeat .30 Cal M2 AP rounds — the hardest armor-piercing standard in the NIJ 0101.06 framework. Each plate provides full edge-to-edge, stand-alone protection, meaning no soft armor backer is required for the rated threat coverage.
Beyond the NIJ Level IV requirement, the 4S17 carries DEA 2017 Hard Armor Protocol compliance and special-threat ratings covering M855A1 enhanced penetrator, M193 ball, 7.62x39 BZ API, 7.62x51 M61 AP, and 7.62x54R LPS — a notably broad envelope for a single-plate system. The alumina ceramic strike face backed by composite material absorbs and fractures the projectile on impact while the composite layer manages the residual energy. Spall protection is built in. Multi-hit protection is confirmed across the rated threat set.
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
The 4S17 plates measure a nominal 9.5 x 11.5 inches (listed as 10x12 nominal size) in Shooters Cut with a single curve. Shooters Cut removes material from the upper plate corners, lowering the plate's top edge so it clears the shoulder and collarbone when raising a rifle. This geometry suits most standard-profile plate carriers sized for 10x12 plates. The Banshee 4 LT carrier is designed around this exact plate, so fitment requires no modification. The plates are fully sealed in 1000 denier Cordura nylon covers that protect against liquids, chemicals, and environmental exposure.
Banshee 4 LT carrier features
The Banshee 4 LT carrier uses laser-cut laminated nylon construction and weighs 1.8 lbs empty. Two front-mounted QASM buckles accept Velcro-backed placards and chest rigs without additional hardware. The quick-release cummerbund uses Taktic buckles on both sides for rapid donning and doffing, with three rear locking attachment points that prevent the cummerbund from shifting under load. Front and rear plate bags each include a center airflow channel between the comfort padding layers to allow ventilation during extended wear.
The cummerbund sizes in three ranges: Small/Medium fits a 32- to 40-inch torso circumference measured at the bottom of the plate position (13 inches below the sternum notch, plus 3 inches for final measurement); Large/XLarge fits 40 to 48 inches; 2XL/3XL fits 48 to 58 inches. The Banshee 4 LT is handcrafted in the USA and backed by a lifetime warranty covering manufacturing and material defects — repair or replacement at no charge.
Specifications
- Kit contents: Banshee 4 LT plate carrier x 1; Model 4S17 Level IV ceramic plates x 2
- NIJ certification (plates): NIJ Listed under NIJ 0101.06 Level IV
- Special threat rating (plates): M855A1, M193, 7.62x39 BZ API, 7.62x51 M61 AP, 7.62x54R LPS
- Additional compliance (plates): DEA 2017 Hard Armor Protocol compliant
- Plate construction: Alumina ceramic strike face with composite backing
- Plate cover: 1000 denier Cordura nylon, fully sealed
- Plate cut: Shooters Cut, single curve
- Plate nominal size: 10x12 (actual 9.5 x 11.5 inches)
- Plate thickness: 0.95 inches
- Plate weight: 7.2 lbs per plate
- Plate protection type: Stand-alone, full edge-to-edge, multi-hit rated
- Plate ballistic warranty: 10 years
- Carrier weight (empty): 1.8 lbs
- Carrier construction: Laser-cut laminated nylon
- Carrier placard attachment: QASM buckles (2, front-mounted)
- Carrier cummerbund release: Taktic quick-release buckles
- Carrier cummerbund sizing: S/M 32–40 in; L/XL 40–48 in; 2XL/3XL 48–58 in
- Carrier warranty: Lifetime (manufacturing and material defects)
- Country of origin: USA (both carrier and plates)
Fit and carrier compatibility
The Banshee 4 LT is sized to accept 10x12 plates in Shooters Cut — the exact profile of the included 4S17 plates — so no fitment guesswork is involved with this kit. The cummerbund fits torso circumferences from 32 to 58 inches across three sizes. To find your cummerbund size, measure around your torso at a point 13 inches below the sternum notch, add 3 inches, and match that number to the sizing chart in the Specifications above. Contact us if you need help confirming your size before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
Is this plate NIJ Certified or NIJ Listed?
Yes — the 4S17 plate is NIJ 0101.06 Certified Level IV and listed on the NIJ Compliant Products List. That means it passed independent third-party testing at an NIJ-recognized laboratory and cleared the .30 Cal M2 AP standard at 2,880 fps. The Banshee 4 LT carrier is not a ballistic component and carries no NIJ rating, but it is backed by a lifetime manufacturer warranty.
What rounds does the 4S17 stop?
The 4S17 stops .30 Cal M2 AP at 2,880 fps under NIJ 0101.06. Under DEA 2017 protocol it also stops .223 Tactical Bonded, 5.56x45 M855 and M80 7.62 FMJ, 7.62x39 MSC, and .308 Win PSPB. Special-threat testing adds M855A1, M193, 7.62x39 BZ API, 7.62x51 M61 AP, and 7.62x54R LPS. The full test table with grain weights and velocities appears in the ballistic data section above.
Will this plate stop M855A1 enhanced penetrator rounds?
Yes. The 4S17 carries an explicit special-threat rating for 5.56x45 M855A1 at 62 grains and 3,100 fps. M855A1 is not part of the NIJ 0101.06 standard test matrix, so this rating comes from separate special-threat testing — not from the Level IV NIJ certification itself.
Does this plate require a soft armor backer?
No. The 4S17 is rated stand-alone, meaning it provides full edge-to-edge Level IV protection without a soft armor insert behind it. Adding a Level IIIA soft armor backer is optional and can provide additional coverage for areas the plate does not cover, but it is not required for the plate's rated performance.
What is the difference between Level III, Level III+, and Level IV?
NIJ Level III requires defeat of 7.62x51 M80 ball at 2,780 fps. Level III+ is a vendor-defined special-threat designation — not an official NIJ standard — typically covering M855 and similar enhanced-penetrator rounds at higher velocities. Level IV is the highest NIJ hard armor standard and requires defeat of .30 Cal M2 AP at 2,880 fps, a significantly harder test. The 4S17 meets Level IV, the most demanding of the three.
Can this kit be shipped to my state?
This kit 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. Check your local and state laws before ordering. Contact us with any questions about your specific situation.
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.
