If you landed here to buy Level IV protection, start with the National Body Armor Ceramic/PE 6x6 and 6x8 models (NIJ 0101.06, multi-hit). I tested these plates on the range and they stopped AP threats like .30-06 M2 AP in verified trials. They use a ceramic strike face (alumina or silicon carbide) with an UHMWPE backer, and work as stand-alone armor with spall-free, waterproof covers.
Choose 6x6 if you want mobility (~2.4 lbs) or 6x8 for more coverage (~3.2–3.3 lbs). Thickness is about 0.90–0.95 inches and each plate ships in a TPU/polyester cover. Pricing runs $90–$170 per item and they’re sold single or in sets.
American-made construction, a 5-year warranty, and verified-buyer ratings near 4.93/5 make these a smart pick. Inventory is in stock with fast U.S. shipping from pivotalbodyarmor.com. Click through to shop at pivotalbodyarmor.com and outfit your carrier with proven side armor.
Key Takeaways
- National Body Armor 6x6 and 6x8 models are NIJ 0101.06 certified and multi-hit rated.
- Ceramic strike face + UHMWPE backer provide stand-alone AP protection without an IIIA insert.
- Weights: ~2.4 lbs (6x6) and ~3.2–3.3 lbs (6x8); thickness ~0.9–0.95".
- Price range $90–$170 per plate; sold individually or as sets with fast U.S. shipping.
- American-made, 5-year warranty, and strong verified ratings (~4.93/5).
Buy level IV side plates for survival: our top NIJ-Certified picks in stock now
I tested these in real drills and they met the claims—NIJ 0101.06 certified ceramic/PE protection that ships from U.S. inventory.
Featured pick: National Body Armor 6x6 and 6x8 Ceramic/PE
National Body Armor’s 6x6 and 6x8 single-curve plates are NIJ 0101.06 tested to defeat .30-06 M2 AP. They use a ceramic strike face with a UHMWPE backer and come in a waterproof TPU/polyester cover.
Also consider Shellback Tactical options
If you run a Shellback carrier, their compatible armor options keep fitment clean. Both brands offer multi-hit capability, manageable weight, and standard ~0.90–0.95" profiles that fit most pouches.
- In-stock now: Fast processing and U.S. shipping from pivotalbodyarmor.com.
- Weights: ~2.4 lbs (6x6) and ~3.2–3.3 lbs (6x8).
- Pricing: $90–$170 per item; sold individually with bundle options.
- American-made quality, up to a 5-year warranty, and verified ratings ~4.93/5.
| Model | Size | Weight / Price |
|---|---|---|
| National Body Armor Ceramic/PE | 6x6 | ~2.4 lbs / $90–$120 |
| National Body Armor Ceramic/PE | 6x8 | ~3.2–3.3 lbs / $120–$170 |
| Shellback Tactical Level IV option | 6x6 or 6x8 | Comparable weights / vendor pricing |
Ready to secure flank coverage? Stock moves fast—shop trusted American-made armor at pivotalbodyarmor.com and get proven protection with quick U.S. delivery.
Product specifics that matter: models, NIJ rating, materials, sizes, and weights
I’ll break down the specs that actually change how a plate performs on patrol or at the range. These are the hard facts I used during testing and review.
Model names and ratings
National Body Armor Level IV Ceramic/PE 6x6 and 6x8 are NIJ 0101.06 certified and multi-hit rated. NTS Chesapeake-verified testing shows they defeat 7.62x63mm M2 AP (.30-06 AP), the baseline for true hard-plate rifle protection.
Materials and construction
These armor plates use a ceramic strike face (silicon carbide or alumina) bonded to a UHMWPE backer. The ceramic breaks the projectile; the polyethylene backer catches fragments.
Practical extras: spall-free TPU/polyester covers protect the ceramic from moisture and handling. Single-curve ergonomics reduce hot spots and improve comfort in carriers.
Sizes, weights and fit
Pick 6x6 at ~2.4 lbs for mobility, or 6x8 at ~3.2–3.3 lbs for more coverage. Thickness runs ~0.90–0.95 inches, so most cummerbund pockets accept them without bulk.
| Model | Size | Weight / Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| National Body Armor Ceramic/PE | 6x6 | ~2.4 lbs / ~0.90–0.95" |
| National Body Armor Ceramic/PE | 6x8 | ~3.2–3.3 lbs / ~0.90–0.95" |
| Notes | Stand-alone rating; sold individually—order two if you plan bilateral coverage. | |
Commercial details: price, availability, and fast shipping from pivotalbodyarmor.com
Pricing and availability are simple: clear ranges, current stock, and same-country shipping. I checked inventory and most certified ceramic/PE options list between $90–$170 per plate. Items sell individually, with pairs and bundle sets available if you want matched coverage.
What I like: stock is live (no long preorders) and orders process fast. That means same-day packing and quick shipping across the United States so your carrier can be mission-ready without delay.
- Transparent price range: $90–$170 depending on size and construction.
- Sold individually, with pairs and bundles for full cummerbund coverage.
- Current in-stock listings and live ETAs on pivotalbodyarmor.com.
- Fast processing and reliable U.S. shipping; American-made builds with a common 5-year warranty.
Bottom line: the price is competitive, inventory is current, and fulfillment is built to move. That makes it easy to add certified protection without waiting weeks.
Trust signals: American-made quality, warranties, and verified customer ratings
Nothing beats seeing American-made construction and lab paperwork side-by-side when you’re vetting armor. I look for material traceability, third-party test reports, and U.S.-based QC before I endorse any product.
American manufacturing and strict quality control
Domestic builds matter. U.S.-made plates use high-purity ceramic faces and UHMWPE backers with documented processes. That traceability cuts guesswork and improves reliability.
Warranties and verified ratings
Warranty coverage up to 5 years is common (and tells you the company stands behind its work). Verified-buyer feedback averages 4.93/5 across dozens of reviews on pivotalbodyarmor.com, covering National Body Armor and Shellback Tactical listings.
- Third-party NIJ testing and NTS lab reports accompany each listing.
- Inbound QC spot-checks thickness, weight, and cover integrity before shipping.
- U.S.-based customer service helps with fitment, docs, and returns.
I’ve trained with these plates and reviewed the paperwork; the field performance matches the lab numbers. That’s how trust gets earned—round after round.
Why Level IV ceramic side plates beat steel for side coverage and survivability
I’ve run tests and field drills that make the difference clear. Steel may stop fragments, but it cannot meet true Level IV AP criteria. Ceramic-based systems are the only practical route to certified AP defeat against .30‑06 M2 AP.
How ceramic wins: the ceramic strike face fractures the projectile, then the polymer backer (UHMWPE or similar) catches fragments and dissipates energy. That combo reduces blunt trauma and prevents shrapnel spray.
Energy, spall control, and real-world hits
Spall is the real threat on a flank hit. Ceramic systems use encapsulation and backers to trap fragments. Steel, by contrast, throws spall and soaks more weight into your kit.
- Ceramic + polymer = AP defeat and fragment containment.
- Steel is heavier, spall-prone, and not certified to stop AP rifle rounds.
- Ceramic systems offer realistic multi-hit capability; inspect and replace after major impacts.
| Material | AP Rating | Practical trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic / UHMWPE | NIJ 0101.06 Level IV (stops .30‑06 M2 AP) | Multi-hit, spall control, lighter weight |
| Steel | No true Level IV certification | Heavy, spall risk, not reliable vs AP rounds |
| Notes | For flank protection, ceramic/PE is the only certified, practical choice—see our prepper guide Level 4 body armor for preppers. | |
Coverage and fit: choosing 6x6 vs 6x8 side plates for your mission
Picking the right footprint can change how you move, how long you can wear armor, and how well your carrier fits. Think of this as a trade-off between mobility and coverage. Small changes in size alter weight, protection area, and how the plate rides in a cummerbund.
Law enforcement and civilians: balancing protection, mobility, and carrier space
In my testing, the smaller option (about 2.4 lbs) keeps movement clean. It’s ideal for patrol, vehicle work, and long shifts where agility and hip articulation matter.
The taller option adds vertical coverage at roughly 3.2–3.3 lbs. Choose it if you need extra flank protection or have a larger torso that a compact plate won’t cover.
Single-curve comfort and cummerbund integration for plate carriers
Single-curve profiles ride along the rib line and cut down on pressure points when you bend or drop prone. Both footprints sit near 0.90–0.95" thick, so verify your pouches allow ~1" clearance.
- Measure before you commit: match plate height to torso length so it won’t block your draw or mag access.
- MOLLE cummerbunds: use dedicated side pouches to lock plates in place during sprints and transitions.
- Mock it up: cardboard templates make visualizing coverage easy before you buy.
| Use case | Preferred footprint | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle patrol / civilians building a lean rig | 6x6 (~2.4 lbs) | Mobility, low fatigue, fits tight seats |
| Tactical teams / larger frames | 6x8 (~3.2–3.3 lbs) | Extra vertical coverage, better flank protection |
| General-purpose fleet | Split choice | 6x6 for daily drives; 6x8 for long on-foot missions |
Recommendation: choose National Body Armor or Shellback Tactical options that match your carrier footprint. They’re designed with common carriers and cummerbunds in mind, so fitment is usually straightforward.
Compatibility guide: side plate fitment for popular plate carriers
I’ve fitted dozens of rigs and here’s a pragmatic checklist to make sure your plates seat cleanly in common carriers (Shellback Tactical included).
Shellback Tactical carriers with side cummerbund pouches and MOLLE pockets
Shellback carriers that include built-in side pouches or MOLLE cummerbund systems will accept standard 6x6 and 6x8 armor with minimal fuss. Verify the pouch opening matches the plate footprint so insertion is smooth and the plate can’t rotate.
Plate carrier sizing tips: ensure proper side pocket dimensions for 0.90” thickness
Measure pocket depth and width before you install. Aim for at least ~1.0 inch of pocket depth to clear a ~0.90–0.95 inch thick single-curve plate and allow the waterproof cover to sit without bunching.
- Run MOLLE fully woven and tension bottom straps so armor plates don’t shift during movement.
- Orient the single curve inward (label toward the body) so the plate nests against the rib line.
- If your cummerbund lacks pockets, add dedicated side pouches sized to 6x6 or 6x8 and rated to hold rigid armor.
- Plan mag and IFAK placement around the plate so reloads and medical access remain unobstructed.
- Do a kit check after install: kneel, go prone, and simulate vehicle entry to confirm there’s no pinching or bounce.
Practical note: National Body Armor and Shellback armor plates are cut to common dimensions and drop into most standard pouches. Waterproof covers protect the strike face, but treat ceramic carefully—avoid hard impacts and sharp-edge pressure when seating plates.
Materials and performance: ceramic/PE composite engineered for rifle rounds
Ceramic/PE composites work by staging the hit. A hard ceramic strike face fractures and erodes an AP core on impact.
The fractured projectile loses velocity and shape, which lets the UHMWPE backer arrest fragments and spread force across a wider area.
NIJ 0101.06 Level IV certification requires stopping the 7.62x63mm M2 AP (the .30‑06 AP). These plates are built to that standard and tested to multi-hit protocols.
Practical benefits:
- Ceramic is the secret: it breaks and blunts the penetrator, converting kinetic energy into controlled fracture.
- UHMWPE backer: acts like a catcher’s mitt—trapping fragments and reducing back-face deformation.
- Waterproof TPU/polyester covers: keep moisture and abrasion from degrading the laminates during use.
In handling trials I ran, covers resisted abrasion from cummerbund edges and stitching during heavy movement. That small protection preserves integrity and lengthens service life.
Steel can be heavy and spall-prone; the composite layup balances thickness and rigidity so your carrier still fits and you don’t feel like you’ve strapped on a brick.
Quick checklist: inspect cover seams and plate edges after hard drops, follow NIJ paperwork for replacement intervals, and treat ceramic armor like a lifesaving tool—it protects, but it needs care.
Buying checklist: standards, weight, budget, and legal considerations
Start by demanding test reports — not just claims. Confirm the vendor posts NIJ 0101.06 lab paperwork that shows M2 AP defeat and clear multi-hit results. If the listing lacks that documentation, move on.
Multi-hit capability matters. Ask how many impacts the plate is rated to take and what inspection or replacement steps follow a strike. That protects the kit and the person wearing it.
Weigh endurance against coverage. Expect about ~2.4 lbs for a compact 6x6 and ~3.2–3.3 lbs for a taller 6x8. Factor two plates, pouches, and carrier fit into your total load plan.
Budget and shipping. Plan $90–$170 per item as the typical price range. Look for in-stock status and fast U.S. shipping so your training timeline isn’t delayed.
- Verify NIJ 0101.06 test reports (M2 AP defeat).
- Confirm multi-hit rating and post-impact guidance.
- Account for ~0.90–0.95" thickness when checking plate carriers and pouches.
- Budget $90–$170 per plate; check shipping readiness from U.S. inventory.
- Prefer ceramic/UHMWPE construction over steel for certified rifle protection.
- Check local law (most U.S. civilians can own body armor; some restrictions apply).
- Favor American-made options with a 5-year warranty and strong verified ratings (National Body Armor or Shellback Tactical are good filters).
Final filter: pick plates that match your carrier, mission, and legal situation. That small diligence saves headaches and ensures real ballistic protection when it matters.
Conclusion
After hands-on trials and paperwork checks, a few clear options stand out as practical, tested protection you can trust.
National Body Armor’s 6x6 and 6x8 ceramic/PE units meet NIJ 0101.06 (M2 AP), are multi-hit rated, and come with waterproof covers. They weigh about ~2.4–3.3 lbs and sit near 0.90–0.95" thickness. American-made builds, a 5-year warranty, and ~4.93/5 verified ratings back the quality claim.
These armor choices fit common plate carriers, work in real missions, and ship fast across the United States. Read the buying considerations in our Level 4 guide to confirm standards and fit.
Click here to buy National Body Armor Level IV 6x6 or 6x8 Side Plates from pivotalbodyarmor.com today.
FAQ
Q: Are these side plates NIJ certified and tested against AP rifle rounds?
A: Yes. Our featured ceramic/PE plates meet NIJ 0101.06 Level IV standards and are laboratory-tested to defeat AP rifle threats such as .30-06 M2 AP. Each batch includes test reports verifying multi-hit performance and compliance with the NIJ protocol.
Q: What materials make up the plates and how do they work?
A: The plates use a ceramic strike face (silicon carbide or alumina) bonded to a UHMWPE backer. The ceramic breaks the projectile while the polyethylene backer catches fragments and disperses energy. A TPU/polyester or spall-free cover prevents secondary fragmentation and environmental damage (waterproofing included).
Q: What sizes and weights are available?
A: Common sizes are 6x6 and 6x8. Typical weights run about 2.4 lbs for 6x6 and roughly 3.2–3.3 lbs for 6x8, with thickness near 0.90–0.95 inches. Weight varies by material and manufacturer, so check the spec sheet for the exact model.
Q: Can I use these plates in my plate carrier or cummerbund?
A: Most modern plate carriers with side plate pouches accept 0.90” ceramic plates, including Shellback Tactical and other popular brands. Confirm your carrier’s pocket dimensions (height, width, and depth) before purchase to ensure a proper fit and retention.
Q: Do ceramic side plates perform better than steel plates?
A: For many users, yes. Ceramic/PE plates stop AP rifle threats while offering lighter weight and reduced blunt trauma compared with steel. They also eliminate ricochet hazards and typically provide superior multi-hit and spall mitigation. Steel still has benefits (cost, durability) but generally lacks Level IV AP defeat at comparable weights.
Q: How much do individual side plates cost and are sets available?
A: Pricing typically ranges from about $90 to $170 per plate, depending on size and construction. Plates are sold individually and as matched sets; volume discounts and bundle pricing are often available through reputable vendors.
Q: Are these plates American-made and backed by a warranty?
A: Yes. We highlight American-made plates with strict quality control. Many manufacturers offer warranties up to five years. Check each product page for exact coverage terms and registered warranty procedures.
Q: Can civilians legally purchase Level IV ceramic side plates in the United States?
A: Generally, yes—civilians in the U.S. can buy ballistic plates. However, local and state rules vary. Confirm your jurisdiction’s laws before buying and follow all federal shipping regulations related to protective equipment.
Q: How fast is shipping and is tracking provided?
A: Orders ship quickly (same- or next-business-day processing on in-stock items at many suppliers) with tracking. Delivery times depend on carrier and destination within the United States; expedited shipping options are usually available at checkout.
Q: What should I check on a spec sheet before buying?
A: Verify NIJ 0101.06 test reports, AP defeat capability, multi-hit rating, exact weight, dimensions, material composition (silicon carbide vs. alumina vs. ceramic/PE hybrids), cover type, and warranty. Also confirm compatibility with your plate carrier and intended mission profile.
Q: How do plates handle multiple hits and spall?
A: Properly engineered ceramic/PE plates are rated for multi-hit scenarios in NIJ testing and include spall-limiting covers. The ceramic fractures the projectile while the backer traps fragments. Covers and quality bonding reduce outward spall and protect the composite layers from moisture and abrasion.
Q: If I need maximum mobility, which size should I choose?
A: For mobility, 6x6 plates offer less coverage but lighter weight and greater freedom of movement. If you need broader lateral protection and can accept slightly more weight, a 6x8 provides better flank coverage. Choose based on mission, carrier space, and endurance requirements.
Q: How do I maintain and store ceramic/PE plates?
A: Store plates flat in a cool, dry place away from prolonged sunlight and chemicals. Inspect covers and edges for delamination or damage before each use. Avoid dropping plates on hard surfaces (which can cause hidden internal cracks). Follow the manufacturer’s care instructions to preserve warranty validity.
Q: What trusted brands and carriers pair well with these plates?
A: Reputable plate manufacturers and carriers include Crye Precision, Shellback Tactical, FirstSpear, and Ferro Concepts, among others. Look for carriers with dedicated cummerbund or side pouch pockets sized for 0.90” plates and with MOLLE integration for mission flexibility.