- Product Details
- Shipping and Returns
- The BPZ Promise
- Why Bulletproof Zone?
The Spartan Armor Systems Hercules Level IV Ceramic Body Armor is a 10"x12" stand-alone plate constructed from an aluminum oxide ceramic and UHMWPE composite, designed and manufactured in Tucson, Arizona. Independently tested to surpass NIJ 0101.06 Level IV threat parameters, it defeats armor-piercing .30-06 M2 AP (black tip) — the hardest round in the NIJ 0101.06 test matrix. The Advanced Compound Curve (ACC) geometry contours to the torso for close body contact and unrestricted movement. Each plate weighs 6.25 lbs (2.83 kg) at 1.1" thick and arrives as a set of two. A 5-year warranty against manufacturer defects is included.
Who this is for
- Law enforcement officers and armed professionals who operate in environments where armor-piercing rifle threats are a realistic concern and need a plate that meets the highest standardized NIJ threat level.
- Preppers and civilian owners building a Level IV home-defense or emergency-preparedness kit who want ceramic construction without the weight penalty of steel at comparable protection levels.
- Plate carrier owners upgrading from Level III who are ready to step up to confirmed .30-06 M2 AP defeat capability in a 10"x12" format that fits the vast majority of standard plate pockets.
Ballistic performance
The Hercules Level IV plate is built around an aluminum oxide ceramic strike face bonded to a UHMWPE composite backer. Ceramic plates work by shattering a hard projectile's penetrator on first contact, with the UHMWPE backer absorbing and distributing residual energy. This construction allows a plate to defeat armor-piercing threats at a weight profile that steel cannot match at the same protection level.
The Hercules meets NIJ 0101.06 Level IV standards, which requires defeat of .30-06 M2 AP ammunition — a steel-core, black-tip penetrator traveling at high velocity. This is the top threat tier under NIJ 0101.06 and covers any handgun or rifle round rated at lower NIJ levels by definition. The plate is rated as a stand-alone system, meaning no soft armor backer is required for the NIJ-rated protection level to apply.
Plate compatibility and cut geometry
The Hercules ships in a 10"x12" footprint with an Advanced Compound Curve profile. ACC geometry curves along both the vertical and horizontal axes simultaneously, tracking the natural contour of the chest and reducing the gap between plate and body that flat or single-curve plates can leave at the edges. This translates to a more stable carry position in a plate carrier and less plate movement during dynamic activity.
The 10"x12" size fits the standard large plate pocket found on most plate carriers sold for that format. The 1.1" thickness is on the thicker end for ceramic plates, so verifying pocket depth with your specific carrier before ordering is worthwhile. Contact us if you need fitment confirmation before purchase.
Specifications
- Protection level: NIJ 0101.06 Level IV — defeats .30-06 M2 AP (armor-piercing, black tip)
- Material: Aluminum oxide ceramic strike face / UHMWPE composite backer
- Design: Stand-alone plate (no soft armor backer required)
- Curve: Advanced Compound Curve (ACC)
- Size: 10" x 12"
- Weight (per plate): 6.25 lbs (2.83 kg)
- Thickness: 1.1" (27.94 mm)
- Set contents: Two plates
- Warranty: 5 years against manufacturer defects
- Country of manufacture: USA (Tucson, Arizona)
- SKU: SAS-IV-BT-MC-KIT
Fit and carrier compatibility
The 10"x12" ACC plate seats in any plate carrier with a standard large plate pocket. The 1.1" profile is thicker than most UHMWPE or steel plates in the same size class — confirm your carrier's pocket depth accommodates that dimension before ordering, particularly in low-profile or slick carriers with shallow pockets. As a stand-alone plate, no soft armor insert behind the plate is required for Level IV performance, though a trauma pad in front of the backer is a common add-on for additional backface deformation mitigation.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Hercules meet NIJ 0101.06 Level IV, or is it just tested to that level?
The Hercules is tested to surpass NIJ 0101.06 Level IV standards. For current CPL (Compliant Products List) listing status under that standard, check the NIJ's published list at nij.ojp.gov. Contact us if you need documentation for duty or procurement purposes.
What rounds does this plate stop?
The Hercules defeats .30-06 M2 AP armor-piercing ammunition — the Level IV test round — along with all lesser threats covered by NIJ 0101.06 Levels III, II, and IIA. This includes common intermediate rifle cartridges such as 5.56x45 and 7.62x51 FMJ at standard velocities. It is a stand-alone plate; no backer is required for rated performance.
What is the difference between Level III, Level III+, and Level IV?
NIJ 0101.06 Level III covers steel-core-free rifle threats up to 7.62x51 M80 ball. Level III+ is a vendor-specific designation — not an official NIJ tier — typically indicating defeat of 5.56x45 M855 or M855A1 steel-penetrator rounds that Level III does not cover. Level IV is the highest NIJ 0101.06 tier and requires defeat of .30-06 M2 AP armor-piercing rounds, which the Hercules achieves.
How heavy is a two-plate setup?
Each Hercules plate weighs 6.25 lbs, so a front-and-back setup totals 12.5 lbs of plate weight before the carrier, cummerbund, and any accessories. That is typical for a full ceramic Level IV setup. Steel Level IV alternatives tend to be heavier; UHMWPE-only Level III plates run lighter but do not reach the M2 AP threat tier.
Do I need a soft armor backer behind this plate?
No. The Hercules is rated as a stand-alone plate, meaning the NIJ 0101.06 Level IV protection applies without a soft armor panel behind it. A trauma pad placed between the plate and your body can help manage backface deformation, but it is not required for the ballistic rating to hold.
Can this plate be shipped to my state?
The Hercules 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.
