CompassArmor BPV-C03A VIP Level IIIA Concealable Soft Body Armor

Lead Time: 4-6 Weeks

*Due to the nature of this product, returns/exchanges cannot be accepted”

The CompassArmor BPV-C03A VIP Style is a concealable soft body armor system rated to NIJ 0101.06 Level IIIA, II, and IIA — designed to be worn under normal clothing with front, back, and side ballistic coverage. Ballistic panels are constructed from UHMW-PE, Kevlar, or Twaron aramid fabric depending on configuration. The outer shell uses Oxford or Cotton fabric with adjustable side and shoulder straps secured by Velcro. Available in seven sizes from S through 4XL, with protection areas ranging from 0.25 sq.m. (Size S) to 0.48 sq.m. (Size 4XL) and unit weights from approximately 1.9 kg (Size S) to 3.8 kg (Size 4XL).

Who this is for

  • Plainclothes professionals: executives, investigators, and security personnel who require discreet ballistic protection under business or casual attire throughout a working day.
  • Law enforcement and corrections officers: personnel seeking an all-day concealable panel system that covers front, back, and sides without a visible outer carrier.
  • Civilians prioritizing everyday protection: individuals who want NIJ 0101.06-rated handgun defense in a wearable format that does not telegraph the presence of body armor.

Threat coverage

The BPV-C03A VIP carries NIJ 0101.06 ratings across three protection levels: IIA, II, and IIIA. Level IIIA represents the highest handgun protection tier under the NIJ 0101.06 standard, stopping threats including .357 SIG FMJ and .44 Magnum SJHP. Level II covers 9mm FMJ and .357 Magnum JSP. Level IIA addresses lower-velocity 9mm and .40 S&W FMJ rounds. All three levels are rated against the standard handgun threat matrix defined in NIJ 0101.06.

This vest does not provide protection against rifle-caliber threats. Level IIIA soft armor is not rated to stop 5.56x45, 7.62x39, or any other rifle-velocity round. For rifle-threat scenarios, a hard armor plate must be added to the system.

Concealability and comfort

The BPV-C03A VIP is engineered specifically for concealed wear under normal clothing. The outer shell is available in Oxford or Cotton fabric, and the adjustable side and shoulder Velcro straps allow the vest to conform to a wide range of body shapes across seven sizes. The system integrates front, back, and side panel coverage in a single garment, eliminating the need for separate side plate pouches. Panel material options include UHMW-PE for a thinner, lower-weight profile, or Kevlar and Twaron aramid fabric for buyers who prefer a traditional woven construction.

Care and maintenance

The ballistic panels carry a 5-year warranty period from CompassArmor. Soft armor panels should not be machine-washed or submerged; wipe the outer shell with a damp cloth and allow to air dry away from direct heat or sunlight. Do not fold, crease, or compress the ballistic panels during storage. If the panels sustain a ballistic strike, retire the vest immediately regardless of visible damage — soft armor panels are not rated for multi-hit replacement use after an impact event.

Specifications

  • Model: BPV-C03A VIP Style
  • Protection level: NIJ 0101.06 IIA, II, and IIIA
  • Coverage: Front, back, and sides
  • Ballistic panel material: UHMW-PE, Kevlar, or Twaron aramid fabric
  • Shell material: Oxford or Cotton fabric
  • Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL, 4XL
  • Protection area by size: S 0.25 sq.m. · M 0.28 sq.m. · L 0.31 sq.m. · XL 0.34 sq.m. · XXL 0.38 sq.m. · XXXL 0.42 sq.m. · 4XL 0.48 sq.m.
  • Unit weight by size: S ~1.9 kg · M ~2.1 kg · L ~2.4 kg · XL ~2.7 kg · XXL ~3.0 kg · XXXL ~3.4 kg · 4XL ~3.8 kg
  • Closure/adjustment: Adjustable sides, shoulders, and upper straps with Velcro
  • Wear style: Concealable, worn under clothing
  • Ballistic panel warranty: 5 years
  • Color options: White, Black, Grey, Blue (available on bulk orders)

Fit and carrier compatibility

The BPV-C03A VIP is a standalone concealable vest — the ballistic panels are integrated into the garment rather than inserted into a separate carrier. Sizing runs from S through 4XL, accommodating a broad range of body dimensions. The adjustable Velcro side, shoulder, and upper straps provide fit customization within each size. If you are between sizes or need guidance matching your measurements to the size chart, contact us before ordering.

Frequently asked questions

What is NIJ 0101.06 Level IIIA and what does it stop?

NIJ 0101.06 Level IIIA is the highest handgun-rated protection tier under that standard. It stops .357 SIG FMJ flat-nose rounds at approximately 1,470 fps and .44 Magnum SJHP at approximately 1,430 fps, as well as all threats covered by the lower Level IIA and Level II tiers. It does not stop rifle-caliber rounds.

Will this vest stop rifle rounds?

No. Soft armor rated to Level IIIA stops handgun threats only. It provides no meaningful resistance against 5.56x45, 7.62x39, or other rifle-velocity ammunition. Stopping rifle threats requires a separate hard armor plate worn in front of or behind the soft armor panel.

Can I conceal this under a normal shirt or jacket?

Yes. The BPV-C03A VIP is designed specifically for concealed wear under normal clothing. The UHMW-PE panel option produces the thinnest profile. Fit depends on your clothing cut and size selection — order the size that matches your body measurements rather than your typical shirt size, and contact us if you need sizing guidance.

How does the HG2 designation compare to the legacy Level IIIA label?

HG2 is the threat designation introduced under the newer NIJ 0101.07 framework and covers substantially the same handgun threat set as the legacy Level IIIA designation under 0101.06. The BPV-C03A VIP is rated under NIJ 0101.06, so the applicable label is Level IIIA. The two designations address comparable threats but are defined under different standards documents.

How long do the ballistic panels last and when should I replace them?

The ballistic panels carry a 5-year warranty. Replace the vest immediately after any ballistic impact event, regardless of visible damage. Outside of a strike event, follow the manufacturer's inspection interval and retire the panels at or before the end of the warranty period, or sooner if the panels show signs of delamination, moisture intrusion, or physical damage.

Can this vest be shipped to my state?

The BPV-C03A VIP cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut due to those states' body armor purchase 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. Contact us if you have questions about your state's regulations before placing an order.

 

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
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P
Paul Collins
Obeying Jesus 's laws.

I like the bullet proof vest I bought from you guys. I feel a lot more safe when I am out in public. There is a lot of evil out there and I have been stocked by a lot of very bad people for quite some time now. I carry a pistol with me every where I go. I am a Christian and all Christians have a God given right to carry a gun when they are in public. It is one of Jesus 's laws.

B
Bryan Bubbenmoyer
Bullet vest

This product is awsome. Fits and wears very well. Is conceilable and not noticed. The price was excellent for the product and quality ! Good job. I am a paid security guard that works 8 school districts and 3 large businesses.

T
T.T.
It's great but...

It is a great vest. Weight was good. Size was correct. But I think the velcro will wear down over time. And the top straps are so low you can clearly see them in a sports jacket.

C
Charles

The buttons on the front doesn't conceal the vest

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