- Product Details
- Shipping and Returns
- The BPZ Promise
- Why Bulletproof Zone?
The HighCom Armor Guardian 3s9 is a stand-alone Level III++ rifle plate engineered from a ceramic and UHMWPE composite. NIJ Listed under 0101.06 and validated under both the DEA Hard Armor Protocol and the Rifle Special Threats (RST) protocol, the 3s9 stops a documented 16-round threat matrix — from 5.56x45mm M855A1 at 3,100 fps to 7.62x54R API — while measuring just 1.15 inches thick. Available in sizes from 5x7 through 10x12, in Full Cut or Shooters Cut, the 3s9 is a primary duty plate for law enforcement agencies requiring multi-threat coverage in a single stand-alone package.
Who this is for
- Law enforcement officers: who need a single stand-alone plate that passes DEA Hard Armor Protocol and covers the agency's full patrol threat spectrum without a soft armor backer
- Civilians seeking NIJ Listed protection: who want a CPL-verified plate rated beyond the standard Level III threshold with documented armor-piercing and special threat coverage
- Shooters and range professionals: who require a 10-year warranted ballistic plate rated against M855A1, M61 AP, and BZ API in a 5.3 lb Shooters Cut configuration
Ballistic performance
The 3s9 carries the Level III++ designation, reflecting performance that exceeds the NIJ 0101.06 Level III standard. The ceramic strike face fractures the projectile on impact while the UHMWPE backer captures fragments and absorbs residual energy. This construction delivers stand-alone protection — no soft armor backer required — against threats that defeat standard steel and single-material polyethylene plates.
Validated threat coverage spans three testing protocols. Under NIJ 0101.06, the plate stops 7.62mm FMJ Steel Jacketed M80 at 2,780 fps. Under the DEA 2017 Hard Armor Protocol, it stops five additional rounds including 5.56x45mm M855 Green Tip at 3,100 fps, 7.62x39mm Mild Steel Core at 2,400 fps, and .308 Winchester PSPB Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded at 2,600 fps. The RST (Rifle Special Threats) protocol adds eleven further rounds including 5.56x45mm M193 FMJ at 3,250 fps, 5.56x45mm M855A1 at 3,100 fps, 7.62x51mm M61 AP at 2,750 fps, 7.62x39mm BZ API at 2,380 fps, 7.62x54R LPS at 2,880 fps, 7.62x54R-b-32 API at 2,800 fps, and a 12-gauge 1 oz. slug at 1,145 fps.
Ballistic test data
| Standard | Projectile | Grain | Velocity (fps) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIJ 0101.06 | 7.62mm FMJ Steel Jacketed (M80) | 147 | 2,780 ± 30 |
| DEA 2017 | .223 Remington Tactical Bonded Soft Point | 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 FMJ Steel Jacketed (M80) | 147 | 2,750 ± 50 |
| DEA 2017 | .308 Winchester PSPB Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded | 150 | 2,600 ± 50 |
| Special (RST) | .223 SCS Brush Hog | 55 | 3,150 ± 50 |
| Special (RST) | 5.56x45mm M193 FMJ | 55 | 3,250 ± 50 |
| Special (RST) | 7.62x39mm BZ API | 122 | 2,380 ± 50 |
| Special (RST) | 7.62x51mm M61 AP | 150.5 | 2,750 ± 50 |
| Special (RST) | 7.62x54R LPS | 148 | 2,880 ± 50 |
| Special (RST) | 7.62x54R-b-32 API | 155 | 2,800 ± 50 |
| Special (RST) | 7.62x63mm JSP | 150 | 2,780 ± 50 |
| Special (RST) | AK-47/M/SKS 7.62x39mm Ball | 123 | 2,380 ± 50 |
| Special (RST) | 12-Gauge 2¾-in Mag. 1 oz. Slug | 437.5 | 1,145 ± 50 |
| Special (RST) | 5.56x45mm M855A1 | 62 | 3,100 ± 50 |
Plate geometry and cut options
All 3s9 configurations use a single-curve profile. Three cut options cover the most common carrier formats: Full Cut for maximum coverage, Shooters Cut for shoulder mobility and cummerbund clearance, and Swimmers Cut for low-profile high-mobility applications. Note that the 10x12 Shooters Cut carries nominal dimensions of 9.5x11.5 inches. The exterior cover is 1000D CORDURA with a textured nylon finish.
Specifications
- Designation: Level III++ Stand Alone
- NIJ status: NIJ Listed under 0101.06; DEA Hard Armor Protocol validated; RST (Rifle Special Threats) validated
- Material: Ceramic + UHMWPE composite
- Thickness: 1.15 inches
- Exterior cover: 1000D CORDURA, textured nylon
- Curve: Single curve (all sizes)
- Available cuts: Full Cut, Shooters Cut, Swimmers Cut
- Available sizes: 5x7, 5x8, 6x6, 6x8, 8x10, 10x12
- Weight — 10x12 Shooters Cut: 5.3 lbs / 2.4 kg
- Weight — 10x12 Full Cut: 6.3 lbs / 2.9 kg
- Weight — 8x10 Shooters Cut: 4.1 lbs / 1.9 kg
- Weight — 8x10 Full Cut: 4.2 lbs / 1.9 kg
- Weight — 6x8 Full Cut: 2.6 lbs / 1.2 kg
- Weight — 6x6 Full Cut: 1.8 lbs / 0.8 kg
- Weight — 5x8 Full Cut: 2.2 lbs / 1.0 kg
- Weight — 5x7 Full Cut: 1.9 lbs / 0.9 kg
- Warranty: 10 years on all ballistic material; 1 year on exterior cover and workmanship
- Price range: $356.00 – $655.00
Fit and carrier compatibility
The 10x12 Shooters Cut is the most common patrol and tactical format and fits the plate pocket of most standard-issue and commercial plate carriers sized for 10x12 plates. The 10x12 Full Cut and Medium-format (8x10) options suit carriers with deeper or wider plate pockets. Swimmers Cut plates fit carriers with Swimmers-cut-specific pockets or wide-mouth pockets that taper at the shoulder zone. If you need help confirming fit for a specific carrier, contact us before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
Is this plate NIJ Listed or NIJ Certified?
Yes. The Guardian 3s9 is NIJ Listed under standard 0101.06 and appears on the NIJ Compliant Products List (CPL). The Level III++ designation reflects additional validated threat coverage beyond the core NIJ 0101.06 Level III test matrix, including M855A1, M61 AP, and multiple API rounds that are not part of the standard NIJ Level III test protocol.
What rounds does the 3s9 stop?
The 3s9 is tested against 16 documented threats across three protocols. Key rounds include 7.62mm M80 FMJ at 2,780 fps (NIJ 0101.06), 5.56x45mm M855 Green Tip at 3,100 fps, 5.56x45mm M193 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, and 7.62x54R API at 2,800 fps. See the full test table above for all velocities and grain weights.
What is the difference between Level III, Level III+, and Level III++?
NIJ 0101.06 defines Level III as the baseline rifle protection standard, tested against 7.62mm M80 FMJ. Level III+ is a common vendor-designated special threat tier covering rounds like M855 and M193 that defeat standard Level III plates. Level III++ extends further, adding validated coverage against armor-piercing variants such as M61 AP and API rounds. Neither Level III+ nor Level III++ are formal NIJ designations — they reflect independently validated threat performance beyond the NIJ baseline.
Does this plate require a soft armor backer?
No. The Guardian 3s9 is rated stand-alone, meaning it provides its rated protection without a soft armor backer inserted behind it. A trauma pad or soft armor backer may be added for behind-armor blunt trauma (BABT) mitigation, but is not required for the plate to achieve its stated ballistic rating.
How heavy is a two-plate 10x12 setup?
Two 10x12 Shooters Cut plates weigh a combined 10.6 lbs (4.8 kg). Two 10x12 Full Cut plates weigh 12.6 lbs (5.8 kg). Paired with a standard plate carrier shell, total system weight typically falls in the 13–16 lb range depending on the carrier and accessory load.
Can this plate be shipped to my state?
The Guardian 3s9 cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut due to state body armor restrictions. Exceptions apply to law enforcement officers and agencies in those states. 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. The 3s9 is subject to U.S. export regulations and cannot be exported from the United States without proper authorization.
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.
