- Product Details
- Shipping and Returns
- The BPZ Promise
- Why Bulletproof Zone?
The Spartan Armor Systems AR500 Level III Leonidas Package pairs two Spartan Omega AR500 10" x 12" steel body armor plates with the Leonidas plate carrier — a Berry-compliant, fully adjustable tactical carrier built in 500D Cordura. The plates are cut from 0.25" thick lab-certified AR500 ballistic-grade steel sourced from USA steel mills and meet Level III rifle protection under NIJ Standard-0101.06. The Leonidas carrier accommodates 10" x 12" or 9.5" x 12.5" Medium ESAPI plates, accepts 5" x 11" side plates in its cummerbund, and fits sizes M through 4XL. Optional AR500 side plate pairs can be added at checkout.
Who this is for
- Home defenders and preparedness-minded civilians who want a complete rifle-rated armor setup without sourcing plates and a carrier separately.
- Security professionals and range instructors who need Level III coverage in a carrier large enough to fit a wide range of body types, M through 4XL.
- Budget-conscious buyers who want a proven AR500 steel platform with a five-year manufacturer warranty and the option to expand with side plates later.
Ballistic performance
The Spartan Omega AR500 plates are manufactured from 0.25" AR500 ballistic-grade steel certified in-lab and sourced exclusively from USA steel mills. At the base coat configuration, each 10" x 12" plate weighs 8 lbs 10 oz (3.91 kg) and sits at 0.25" (6.35 mm) thick. The Full Coat configuration — which applies a thicker protective coating over the strike face — brings each plate to 9 lbs 11 oz (4.41 kg) and 0.5"–0.6" (12.7–15.2 mm) total thickness. Both the Single Curve and Advanced Triple Curve (ATC) variants share the same weight and thickness figures.
These plates meet Level III rifle protection under NIJ Standard-0101.06, designed to defeat common intermediate rifle threats. The Shooters Cut geometry provides a higher shoulder clearance than a SAPI cut, allowing a fuller range of motion when shouldering a rifle or carbine.
Plate compatibility and cut geometry
Each plate ships in the Shooters Cut profile. The curve options — Single Curve and Advanced Triple Curve (ATC) — offer the same dimensional and weight specifications, so the choice comes down to fit preference against the torso. The Leonidas carrier is built around the 10" x 12" format and also accepts 9.5" x 12.5" Medium ESAPI plates, giving flexibility if you later swap to a different plate standard. Side plate pockets on the cummerbund accept 6" x 6" or 6" x 8" panels; the optional Spartan Omega AR500 side plates sized to fit those pockets can be added as a variant at checkout.
Leonidas plate carrier
The Leonidas is the predecessor to the Leonidas Legend carrier. It is built from 500D Cordura with an interior padded with airflow channels to manage heat during extended wear. The adjustable internal buckle system and fully removable cummerbund let you dial in fit across sizes M through 4XL. The cummerbund is designed to accommodate 5" x 11" side plates, and dedicated MOLLE side plate pouches fit 6" x 6" or 6" x 8" panels. PALS webbing runs across the carrier for accessory attachment, a YKK-zippered admin pouch is built in, and a rear drag handle is present for emergency extraction scenarios.
Specifications
- SKU: SAS-AR500PKG-LEO
- Included plates: Spartan Omega AR500 10" x 12" Steel Body Armor x2 (Shooters Cut)
- Plate material: 0.25" lab-certified AR500 ballistic-grade steel, sourced from USA steel mills
- NIJ rating: Level III — meets NIJ Standard-0101.06
- Plate weight — Base Coat: 8 lbs 10 oz (3.91 kg) each
- Plate weight — Full Coat: 9 lbs 11 oz (4.41 kg) each
- Plate thickness — Base Coat: 0.25" (6.35 mm)
- Plate thickness — Full Coat: 0.5"–0.6" (12.7–15.2 mm)
- Curve options: Single Curve or Advanced Triple Curve (ATC) — same weight and thickness for both
- Carrier: Leonidas Berry-compliant plate carrier
- Carrier fabric: 500D Cordura
- Carrier plate pocket sizes: 10" x 12" or 9.5" x 12.5" Medium ESAPI
- Cummerbund side plate size: 5" x 11"
- Side plate pouch sizes: 6" x 6" or 6" x 8"
- Carrier size range: M–4XL
- Side plates: Not included; available as an optional add-on variant
- Warranty: 5-year warranty against manufacturer defects
Fit and carrier compatibility
The Leonidas carrier's adjustable internal buckle system and removable cummerbund work together to fit a wide range of torso sizes across M through 4XL. The PALS webbing accepts standard MOLLE-compatible accessories. For fit questions specific to your measurements, contact us before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
What does Level III mean and what rounds do these plates stop?
Level III is an NIJ designation under Standard-0101.06 for rifle-rated hard armor. These plates are designed to defeat common intermediate rifle threats at the threat parameters defined by NIJ 0101.06 Level III. They are not rated for Level IV armor-piercing rifle threats such as M2 AP.
What is the difference between the Base Coat and Full Coat configurations?
The Base Coat plate applies a thinner protective coating to the AR500 steel strike face, resulting in a plate that weighs 8 lbs 10 oz and measures 0.25" thick. The Full Coat configuration adds a substantially thicker coating layer, bringing each plate to 9 lbs 11 oz and 0.5"–0.6" thick. The Full Coat coating is designed to significantly reduce spall and fragmentation off the steel strike face.
What is the difference between Single Curve and Advanced Triple Curve (ATC)?
Single Curve plates bow along one axis to follow the natural curvature of the chest. Advanced Triple Curve (ATC) plates are contoured along multiple axes for a closer body fit, which can improve comfort and reduce plate shift during movement. Both options share identical weight and thickness specifications in this product line.
What is the difference between Shooters Cut and SAPI Cut?
Shooters Cut removes more material from the upper corners of the plate compared to a standard SAPI Cut, raising shoulder clearance so a rifle stock seats cleanly without the plate edge interfering. SAPI Cut follows the geometry standardized for military plate carriers. Both cuts are compatible with the Leonidas carrier.
Are the side plates included in this package?
No. Side plates shown in product images are not included in the base package. Optional Spartan Omega AR500 side plates are available as a separate add-on variant at checkout using the variant selector on the product page.
Can this package be shipped to my state?
This package cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut due to state body armor restrictions. It is subject to US export regulations. 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.