- Product Details
- Shipping and Returns
- The BPZ Promise
- Why Bulletproof Zone?
The DFNDR Armor E-IVSA04 is a Level IV rifle-rated hard armor plate built around a Crystalline Ceramic Strike Face and Strike Core, backed by a UHMWPE fiber matrix and finished with Spall-Tek fragmentation mitigation. Designed as a stand-alone system with a multi-curve profile, it is independently tested to the NIJ 0101.04 protocol at NIJ-certified ballistic laboratories. The plate defeats a single shot of 7.62×63 M2 AP at muzzle velocity and multiple shots of a wide range of armor-piercing and standard rifle threats. Sold individually — purchase two for front and back coverage.
Who this is for
- Patrol officers and security professionals who require certified rifle-rated protection worn comfortably throughout a full duty shift.
- Prepared civilians and home-defense planners who want a stand-alone Level IV plate that stops both armor-piercing and common rifle threats without requiring a soft armor backer.
- Tactical team members who carry a plate carrier against demanding multi-threat environments and need a system engineered for multi-hit performance.
Ballistic performance
The E-IVSA04 centers on a Crystalline Ceramic Strike Face and Strike Core. Ceramic shatters incoming projectiles while the UHMWPE fiber backing — bound in a resin matrix — absorbs and arrests residual energy. DFNDR's proprietary System Structural Reinforcement technology ties these two layers together to maintain multi-hit structural integrity after the ceramic strike face fractures on initial impact.
The Trauma Mitigation Base sits at the rear of the plate and significantly reduces the energy transferred to the body on impact. Spall-Tek coating on the strike face further reduces the deflection of projectile fragments. The plate is configured as a stand-alone system, meaning no soft armor backer is required for rated performance.
Testing is conducted at muzzle velocity — the most demanding test condition — at NIJ-certified ballistic laboratories under the NIJ 0101.04 protocol.
Rated threat profile
| Round | Designation / Notes | Threat class |
|---|---|---|
| 7.62×63 M2 AP | APM2, single shot at muzzle velocity | Armor-piercing (NIJ Level IV) |
| 7.62×39 API | Armor-piercing incendiary, multi-shot | Light armor-piercing |
| 5.56×45 M855A1 | Enhanced penetrator, multi-shot | Light armor-piercing |
| 7.62×54R LPS | Light armor-piercing, multi-shot | Light armor-piercing |
| 5.56×45 M855 (SS109) | Green Tip | Steel core |
| 7.62×39 | Mild Steel Core Chinese / PS Ball Russian (AK-47) | Steel core |
| .308 / 7.62×51 | Steel jacketed / lead core | Standard rifle |
| .223 / 5.56×45 | Copper jacketed / lead core | Standard rifle |
Plate construction and geometry
The E-IVSA04 uses a multi-curve profile engineered to sit flush against the torso, reducing pressure points during extended wear. The multi-curve geometry conforms to the natural contours of the chest and back, making all-day use more practical than a flat or single-curve plate of equivalent protection. The plate is hard and stand-alone — it does not flex and does not require an integrated soft armor panel to achieve its rated threat performance.
Specifications
- Model: E-IVSA04
- Protection level: Level IV (NIJ 0101.04 protocol, tested at NIJ-certified labs)
- Configuration: Stand-alone hard armor plate
- Strike face: Crystalline Ceramic Strike Face and Strike Core
- Backing material: Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber, resin matrix bound
- Structural technology: System Structural Reinforcement (proprietary multi-hit enhancement)
- Trauma mitigation: Trauma Mitigation Base
- Fragmentation mitigation: Spall-Tek coating
- Plate geometry: Multi-curve profile
- Country of manufacture: Made in the USA
- TSA restrictions: None
- Sale unit: Sold individually; purchase two for front and back coverage
Fit and carrier compatibility
The E-IVSA04 is a stand-alone hard armor plate sized for standard torso plate pockets. DFNDR offers a sizing chart matching plate dimensions to body measurements — measure chest circumference at the widest point, then match to the plate size and carrier size that align with your body measurements. Contact us if you need help confirming which size and carrier combination is right for your build.
Frequently asked questions
What does Level IV mean and what does this plate stop?
Level IV is the highest NIJ hard armor classification under NIJ 0101.04. This plate defeats a single shot of 7.62×63 M2 AP at muzzle velocity — the NIJ Level IV test round — plus multiple shots of 7.62×39 API, 5.56×45 M855A1, 7.62×54R LPS, 5.56×45 M855 Green Tip, mild steel core and PS Ball 7.62×39 AK-47 loads, and standard steel- or copper-jacketed .308, 7.62, .223, and 5.56 rounds.
Is this plate NIJ Listed or NIJ Certified?
The E-IVSA04 is independently tested to the NIJ 0101.04 protocol at NIJ-certified ballistic laboratories in a stand-alone configuration. For current NIJ Compliant Products List status, check the NIJ CPL at nij.ojp.gov directly, as listing status can change.
Does this plate require a soft armor backer?
No. The E-IVSA04 is a stand-alone system. It achieves its full rated threat performance without a soft armor backer. A trauma pad behind the plate can further reduce blunt-force energy transfer, but it is not required for ballistic performance.
What is Spall-Tek and why does it matter?
Spall-Tek is DFNDR's fragmentation mitigation coating applied to the strike face. When a round strikes a ceramic plate, the ceramic shatters and can produce secondary fragments. Spall-Tek reduces the deflection of those fragments toward the wearer or bystanders, adding a safety margin beyond the basic ballistic stop.
What is the difference between single-curve and multi-curve plates?
A single-curve plate bends on one axis only, fitting a flat or gently curved chest. A multi-curve plate bends on two axes to match the natural contour of the torso front and back. The E-IVSA04 uses a multi-curve profile, which distributes weight more evenly and reduces pressure points — particularly relevant for all-day wear.
Can this plate be shipped to my state?
This plate cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut due to state 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. The E-IVSA04 carries no TSA transport restrictions.
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.
