You’re here to buy a complete survival body armor package, so let me cut to the chase: pair the Shellback Tactical Banshee Elite 2.0 carrier with Tactical Scorpion Gear Level III+ AR500 steel or Level III UHMWPE plates and add National Body Armor Level IIIA soft panels.
I tested this setup on rucks and sprints. The American-made Banshee Elite 2.0 locks plates front/back with optional side plates and plenty of MOLLE for gear. The UHMWPE plate keeps mobility high (light and around 1" thick), while AR500 steel gives rugged, multi-hit defense if weight is acceptable.
Practical note: Level IIIA panels stop common handgun threats up to .44 Magnum. Level III plates stop rifle rounds like 7.62x51 M80; Level III+ varies by maker. Pricing and in-stock status are transparent at pivotalbodyarmor.com, with U.S. shipping, NIJ-tested components, warranties, and strong customer ratings.
Ready to shop? Choose your plate material, add soft panels, and hit checkout for fast U.S. delivery.
Key Takeaways
- Recommended build: Shellback Tactical Banshee Elite 2.0 + Tactical Scorpion Gear plates + National Body Armor Level IIIA panels.
- UHMWPE for mobility; AR500 steel for durable, multi-hit defense.
- Banshee Elite supports front/back and optional side plates with secure retention.
- NIJ-tested components, American-made carrier, clear pricing and in-stock updates at pivotalbodyarmor.com.
- Pick Level III/III+ plates for rifle threats; keep Level IIIA soft panels for handgun protection and comfort.
Looking for a complete survival body armor package? Start here with our top in‑stock picks and a direct recommendation
Here’s a direct, shoppable recommendation for a ready-to-ship rifle-ready kit I actually trust. Pick the Shellback Tactical Banshee Elite 2.0 carrier (American‑made) with Tactical Scorpion Gear Level III UHMWPE plates and National Body Armor Level IIIA soft panels for low‑profile days.
Quick notes: UHMWPE (Level III) is lightweight and rated for M80, M193, and 7.62×39. AR500 steel (Level III+) gives multi‑hit durability but adds weight. Level IIIA soft armor blocks common handgun threats up to .44 Magnum.
- Top in‑stock pick: Banshee Elite 2.0 + Tactical Scorpion Gear Level III UHMWPE + National Body Armor IIIA panels.
- Budget/durability option: Swap to Tactical Scorpion Gear Level III+ AR500 steel plates and add 6x6 or 6x8 side plates.
- All kits show clear price ranges and in‑stock status on pivotalbodyarmor.com with fast U.S. shipping, NIJ compliance, warranty, and verified customer ratings.
The carrier locks plates front/back, supports side plates, and makes switching from soft armor to rifle plates simple. Pick the configuration that matches your threat, mission, and price point—then hit checkout and get moving.
What’s included in a complete survival body armor package from Shellback Tactical, Tactical Scorpion Gear, and National Body Armor
What follows is a clear breakdown of the kit so you know exactly which models and ratings arrive together. I list the carrier, two armor plate options, and the soft panels (NIJ‑rated) you’ll see on the product page.
Carrier: Shellback Tactical Banshee Elite 2.0
Shellback Tactical Banshee Elite 2.0 Plate Carrier (American‑made) is the chassis here. It has padded shoulder straps, a quick‑adjust cummerbund, laser‑cut MOLLE, and front/back plate pockets with dedicated side plate support.
Plates: Tactical Scorpion Gear options
Option A: Tactical Scorpion Gear Level III+ AR500 steel plates offer rugged, multi‑hit defense (durable for training and duty; heavier and may fragment).
Option B: Tactical Scorpion Gear Level III UHMWPE plates give lightweight rifle protection with less fatigue and better mobility for long wear.
Soft armor: National Body Armor Level IIIA panels
National Body Armor Level IIIA soft panels provide NIJ‑rated handgun protection up to .44 Magnum. They fit under shirts or vests for low‑profile wear and add comfort when you don’t need rifle plates.
"Each component is NIJ‑compliant or NIJ‑tested, American‑made where noted, and built to mate cleanly in a single system."
- Front/back coverage is standard; add 6x6 or 6x8 side plates to close flank gaps.
- The model names on pivotalbodyarmor.com match these recommendations exactly—no mystery variants.
- The Banshee Elite 2.0 spreads load and improves comfort so you stay mission‑ready longer.
NIJ ratings, materials, and threat coverage explained for confident selection
Before you buy plates, get clear on what each NIJ level protects against and how materials behave in the field.
Level IIIA soft panels — handgun protection up to .44 Magnum
Level IIIA panels are flexible and meant for handgun threats. They stop common rounds up to .44 Magnum while staying thin enough to wear under shirts or vests.
Level III rifle plates — UHMWPE and composite options
Polyethylene (UHMWPE) Level III plates stop M80 (7.62x51), M193 (5.56x45), and 7.62x39 rounds. They typically measure just over 1" thick and save pounds compared with steel, which helps on long moves.
Level III+ steel plates — AR500 durability and frag considerations
AR500 steel (often sold as Level III+) brings rugged, multi-hit defense and lower cost per plate. Remember: "Level III+" is not an official NIJ class—performance varies by maker.
Steel can fragment. Use anti-spall coatings, wraps, or trauma pads to limit secondary fragments toward the neck and limbs.
Side plates and coverage zones — closing flank gaps
Front and back plates are your baseline. Add side plates to protect lateral zones and counter angled impacts that bypass center coverage.
- Pair soft panels behind hard plates for comfort and to reduce felt edges.
- Balance weight and mobility: UHMWPE improves endurance; steel favors ruggedness.
- A well‑fitted carrier keeps plates high on chest and back to protect vital zones.
"Choose the level that matches your most probable threat, then tune materials and side coverage to your environment."
Complete survival body armor package configurations and use cases
Two practical configurations cover most uses: a discrete IIIA loadout and a rifle-capable plate setup.
Low-profile setup: Shellback carrier + National Body Armor IIIA panels
Shellback Tactical Banshee Elite 2.0 with National Body Armor Level IIIA soft panels is the go-to for urban concealment.
Why it works: IIIA panels keep your profile slim and your comfort high (less weight, better cooling). They fit under vests, coats, or shirts for discreet protection.
- Use for daily carry and patrol-style movement.
- Minimizes printing and improves long-wear comfort.
- Front back coverage pairs with the carrier’s clean routing for stable load carriage.
Rifle-ready kit: Shellback carrier + Tactical Scorpion Gear Level III/III+ plates
When rifle threats are likely, fit Tactical Scorpion Gear Level III UHMWPE plates into the same Banshee carrier for light weight and mobility.
If training or high-impact drills are common, swap to Tactical Scorpion Gear Level III+ AR500 steel plates for tougher multi-hit defense (add anti-spall layers and consider side plates).
- Front/back are your anchor; add side plates around vehicles or structures.
- UHMWPE saves weight for long moves; steel trades weight for ruggedness.
- Adjust cummerbund and ride height to preserve comfort when kneeling or entering vehicles.
"Start with IIIA soft armor for daily carry, then drop in rifle plates when the mission shifts—same carrier, flexible system."
| Configuration | Core Components | Best Use | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-profile | Banshee Elite 2.0 + National Level IIIA | Urban, concealment, daily wear | Less rifle protection, high comfort |
| Rifle-ready (light) | Banshee Elite 2.0 + TSG Level III UHMWPE plates | Rural movement, patrols, long distance | Better rifle defense, low weight |
| Rifle-ready (durable) | Banshee Elite 2.0 + TSG Level III+ AR500 steel plates | High-volume training, hard environments | Heavier, requires anti-spall, more fatigue |
Pricing, availability, and shipping from pivotalbodyarmor.com
Let’s cut through the clutter: clear price ranges and real‑time stock make shopping straightforward.
Price clarity: pivotalbodyarmor.com groups offers by bundle type so you can compare soft armor bundles (Banshee + National Level IIIA panels) against rifle kits (Banshee + Tactical Scorpion Gear Level III UHMWPE or Level III+ steel plates).
The site shows transparent price ranges up front (soft vs rifle kits), so you pick based on need and budget without guesswork.
In‑stock status and U.S. shipping timelines
Inventory is listed in real time. That means fewer surprises on lead time and faster checkout decisions.
U.S. shipping is streamlined—orders move quickly so your gear spends less time in transit and more time on the shelf ready to use.
Sizing, weight guidance, and tradeoffs
If weight matters, lean toward Level III UHMWPE (lighter but thicker). If durability and cost are priorities, AR500 steel gives rugged, multi‑hit defense (plan for anti‑spall and extra weight).
Match plate size to your torso to protect vital zones without impeding movement. The Banshee carrier adjusts to fine‑tune fit and ride height.
- Side plates: add coverage but add weight—balance options by mission length and expected movement time.
- Buy strategy: most buyers start with two plates (front/back), then add side plates after training confirms comfort and balance.
"Compare soft vs rifle kits at a glance, pick the system that fits need and price, and use support if you need help picking size or shipping options."
Trust factors that matter: American‑made quality, NIJ compliance, warranties, and customer ratings
Trust is earned by parts you can point to: where it's made, how it's tested, and who stands behind it.
The Shellback Tactical Banshee Elite 2.0 is American‑made and that matters. A U.S. carrier built to spec reduces uncertainty when you fit plates and move fast.
American‑made carriers, NIJ‑tested armor, and fit/comfort you can rely on
Tactical Scorpion Gear and National Body Armor publish NIJ‑tested claims for their plates and IIIA panels. That alignment between label and test results helps you match level and threat.
Real fit changes use and comfort (and confidence). When plates sit high and tight front/back, you breathe better and aim easier—simple as that.
Warranty coverage and verified customer reviews to buy with confidence
- Warranties cover manufacturing defects on carriers and armor components (check product pages for details).
- Verified reviews on pivotalbodyarmor.com show how models perform over time in real use.
- Curated options for side plates and accessories means parts integrate cleanly with the Banshee system.
"American‑made quality, clear NIJ compliance, and honest reviews are what I look for before I trust a model on my back."
Conclusion
Conclusion
Choose a setup that layers flexible protection with hard plates and a trusted carrier for real‑world use.
I recommend the Shellback Tactical Banshee Elite 2.0 carrier matched with Tactical Scorpion Gear Level III UHMWPE or Level III+ steel plates and National Body Armor Level IIIA panels. This mix gives handgun protection up to .44 Mag (IIIA), poly Level III for common rifle rounds, and steel for rugged multi‑hit use (use anti‑spall when needed).
You get American‑made fit, NIJ‑tested results, and accessories that integrate cleanly. Price ranges and stock are shown clearly on pivotalbodyarmor.com so you can compare bundles and ship fast.
Ready to gear up? Click through to pivotalbodyarmor.com to buy the Banshee Elite 2.0 setup with Tactical Scorpion Gear plates and National Body Armor panels today.
FAQ
Q: What comes in the Buy Complete Survival Body Armor Package from Pivotal Body Armor?
A: The recommended kit pairs a Shellback Tactical Banshee Elite 2.0 plate carrier (American‑made, modular, supports front/back and side plates), Tactical Scorpion Gear rifle plates (Level III and Level III+ steel or UHMWPE options), and National Body Armor Level IIIA soft panels for handgun threat coverage. Accessories like cummerbunds, admin pouches, and trauma pads are often offered as add‑ons.
Q: How do NIJ ratings translate to real‑world protection?
A: NIJ ratings classify threats: Level IIIA stops most handgun rounds up to .44 Magnum; Level III resists common rifle rounds like 7.62×51 M80; higher performance Level III+ steel plates or modern UHMWPE composite plates add extra margin versus M193/M855 and similar threats. Always match rating to the threats you expect (urban vs. rifle threats in open terrain).
Q: Should I choose steel plates or polyethylene (UHMWPE) plates?
A: Steel (AR500) offers rugged multi‑hit durability and lower cost but is heavier and can fragment; you’ll want quality trauma pads and proper strike‑face coatings. UHMWPE/composite plates are lighter, float in water, and reduce blunt trauma, but tend to be pricier and can delaminate under extreme heat. Pick based on weight tolerance, mission profile, and budget.
Q: Can I mix soft Level IIIA panels with rifle plates in the same carrier?
A: Yes. Most modular carriers like the Banshee Elite 2.0 accept full‑ or partial‑size soft panels behind or around rifle plates to improve blunt‑force mitigation and handgun coverage. Ensure plate and panel dimensions align with the carrier’s pockets and retention system.
Q: What are practical configurations for everyday carry versus rifle‑ready use?
A: For concealment and daily wear, a low‑profile Shellback carrier with Level IIIA panels provides discreet handgun protection. For field or rural defense, a rifle‑ready kit uses front and back Level III or III+ plates (plus side plates if desired) in a rugged carrier with MOLLE for mags and gear. Balance mobility, concealment, and coverage.
Q: How do I choose the right plate and carrier size for my body?
A: Measure chest circumference and shoulder‑to‑hip torso length. Plate sizes (S–XL or numeric dimensions like 10x12, 11x14) should cover vital zones without overhanging. Try on carriers with plates inserted when possible — fit, comfort, and range of motion matter more than one‑size‑fits‑all specs.
Q: What should I expect for weight and comfort when wearing rifle plates?
A: Weight varies: single 10x12 UHMWPE plate can be ~3–4 lbs; AR500 steel often 6–8+ lbs per plate. A front/back set plus carrier adds bulk. Look for padded shoulder straps, adjustable cummerbunds, and breathable materials to improve comfort over long wear times.
Q: Are the products from Shellback Tactical, Tactical Scorpion Gear, and National Body Armor NIJ‑tested and American‑made?
A: Shellback Tactical and many National Body Armor soft panels are American‑made and designed with soldier‑grade comfort in mind. Tactical Scorpion Gear offers both domestically produced and imported plates; verify NIJ certification and manufacturer origin on each product listing before purchase for transparency and compliance.
Q: What are shipping timelines and return policies from pivotalbodyarmor.com?
A: In‑stock items typically ship within the stated processing window and arrive via standard U.S. carriers within a few business days depending on your location. Return policies vary by product (soft armor often non‑returnable for safety reasons). Check the product page for exact lead times, shipping options, and warranty details before ordering.
Q: How do warranties, testing, and customer reviews factor into my decision?
A: Prioritize NIJ‑tested plates, clear manufacturer warranties, and verified customer feedback on fit, multi‑hit performance, and long‑term durability. Warranties on carriers and plates differ — longer and more explicit coverage signals confidence in build quality. Look for reviews from veterans and LEOs for practical insights.
Q: Can I add side plates or upgrade later if my threat environment changes?
A: Absolutely. Modular carriers support staged upgrades: add side plates, change plate types (steel ↔ UHMWPE), or switch soft panel configurations. Plan sizing and pocket compatibility in advance so future upgrades are straightforward without buying a new carrier.
Q: Are there legal or safety considerations I should know before buying and wearing plates and carriers?
A: Laws vary by state and country regarding civilian possession and use of rifle plates. Always follow local regulations. For safety, replace plates after a certified ballistic event or if you notice delamination, cracks, or deformation. Follow manufacturer care instructions to maintain NIJ performance.