- Product Details
- Shipping and Returns
- The BPZ Promise
- Why Bulletproof Zone?
The DFNDR Armor E-IVSA04 is a stand-alone Level IV hard armor plate built around a Crystalline Ceramic Strike Face and Strike Core, backed by an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber layer bound in a resin matrix. Tested independently to the NIJ 0101.04 protocol at NIJ-certified ballistic laboratories, this plate is rated to defeat a single shot of 7.62x63 APM2 at muzzle velocity — the Level IV benchmark round — along with multiple shots of light armor-piercing and standard rifle threats. The multi-curve profile is engineered to sit against the body comfortably during all-day wear. Made in the USA.
Who this is for
- Law enforcement and security professionals who need a stand-alone Level IV plate capable of defeating armor-piercing rifle threats during active assignments.
- Civilians and preppers seeking maximum rifle-rated protection who want a plate independently tested against the full NIJ 0101.04 Level IV threat suite, including AP and green-tip rounds.
- Tactical shooters and range-safety personnel who want a daily-wearable multi-curve plate that delivers hard armor stopping power without sacrificing ergonomic fit.
Ballistic performance
The E-IVSA04 meets the Level IV standard requirement by stopping a single shot of 7.62x63 APM2 (M2 AP) at muzzle velocity. Beyond that single-hit Level IV benchmark, the system is rated to defeat multiple shots of the following light armor-piercing and special threat rounds:
- 7.62x39 API — multiple rounds, light AP
- 5.56x45 M855A1 — multiple rounds, enhanced penetrator
- 7.62x54R LPS — multiple rounds, light steel core
- 5.56x45 M855 (SS109) Green Tip — mild steel core
- 7.62x39 Mild Steel Core (Chinese) — AK-47 platform
- 7.62x39 PS Ball (Russian) — AK-47 platform
- .308 / 7.62 steel-jacketed, lead-core — standard rifle
- .223 / 5.56 copper-jacketed, lead-core — standard rifle
All listed threats are tested at muzzle velocity in a stand-alone configuration.
The plate's construction pairs a Crystalline Ceramic Strike Face and Strike Core with System Structural Reinforcement technology — a proprietary architecture designed to enhance multi-hit capability. The UHMWPE fiber backer, bound in a resin matrix, absorbs residual energy after ceramic disruption. Spall-Tek coating reduces deflection of projectile fragments after impact. The Trauma Mitigation Base layer further dissipates impact energy to minimize blunt trauma transfer to the wearer.
Plate geometry and construction
The E-IVSA04 is manufactured with a multi-curve profile — contoured across both the vertical and horizontal axes — so the plate conforms to the natural shape of the torso. This geometry allows all-day wear against the body without the pressure points common in flat or single-curve designs. The plate is a hard stand-alone system; no soft armor backer is required for the rated ballistic performance.
Specifications
- Model: E-IVSA04
- NIJ rating: Level IV — independently tested to NIJ 0101.04 at NIJ-certified ballistic laboratories, stand-alone configuration
- Primary test round: 7.62x63 APM2 (M2 AP) at muzzle velocity — single shot
- Additional rated threats: 7.62x39 API, 5.56x45 M855A1, 7.62x54R LPS, 5.56x45 M855 Green Tip, 7.62x39 Mild Steel Core, 7.62x39 PS Ball, .308/7.62 steel-jacketed lead-core, .223/5.56 copper-jacketed lead-core
- Strike face: Crystalline Ceramic Strike Face and Strike Core
- Backer material: UHMWPE fiber, resin-matrix bound
- Structural technology: System Structural Reinforcement (multi-hit enhancement)
- Spall mitigation: Spall-Tek coating
- Trauma mitigation: Trauma Mitigation Base layer
- Configuration: Stand-alone hard armor plate
- Curve profile: Multi-curve
- Country of manufacture: USA
- TSA restrictions: None
- Sold: Individually — purchase two for front and back coverage
Fit and carrier compatibility
The E-IVSA04 is a torso plate sold individually. Purchase two plates for full front-and-back protection. To select the correct plate size, measure the chest circumference at its widest point and match it against the DFNDR sizing chart. For specific carrier compatibility questions, contact us.
Frequently asked questions
What does Level IV mean and what rounds does this plate stop?
Level IV is the highest NIJ hard armor rating. It requires defeat of a single shot of 7.62x63 APM2 (M2 armor-piercing) at muzzle velocity. The E-IVSA04 also stops multiple shots of 7.62x39 API, 5.56x45 M855A1, 7.62x54R LPS, M855 Green Tip, 7.62x39 mild steel core and PS Ball, standard .308, .223, and 5.56 rifle rounds — all tested at muzzle velocity.
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.
Does this plate require a soft armor backer?
No. The E-IVSA04 is a hard stand-alone system. The UHMWPE fiber backer and Trauma Mitigation Base are integrated into the plate construction, so no separate soft armor backer is needed to achieve the rated ballistic performance.
What is Spall-Tek and why does it matter?
Spall-Tek is a coating applied to the plate that reduces deflection of projectile fragments after a round impacts the strike face. When a bullet is defeated, ceramic and bullet fragments can scatter toward the wearer's unprotected areas. Spall-Tek reduces that secondary fragmentation risk without adding meaningful thickness or weight to the system.
What is the difference between single-curve and multi-curve plates?
Single-curve plates are contoured along one axis (typically vertical). Multi-curve plates are contoured across both vertical and horizontal axes, conforming more closely to the natural shape of the torso. The E-IVSA04 uses a multi-curve profile, which reduces hotspots and pressure points during extended wear.
Can this plate be shipped to my state?
The E-IVSA04 cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut due to state body armor purchase restrictions. It is subject to US export regulations. Under 18 U.S.C. § 931, any person 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.
