How much does level 4 body armor cost?
The cost of level 4 body armor varies depending on the specific plates and plate carrier. In general, expect to pay $400-1200 for a set of level 4 ceramic plates and $200-500 for a good plate carrier. Here are some typical costs for quality level 4 body armor setups:| Armor Setup | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Ceramic level 4 plates + basic plate carrier | $600-800 |
| Ceramic level 4 plates + tactical plate carrier | $800-1200 |
| Polyethylene level 4 plates + plate carrier | $1000-1500 |
What does level 4 body armor protect against?
Level 4 body armor is rated to stop single hit of armor-piercing rifle rounds like the 30-06 M2 AP, 5.56x45mm M995, and 7.62x63mm M2 AP. It also protects against all handgun rounds and shotgun slugs. Specific threats that level 4 armor is tested against include: - .30 caliber steel core armor-piercing (AP) bullets (M2 AP) - 5.56mm / .223 armor-piercing rounds (M995) - 7.62x51mm NATO armor-piercing rounds - Multiple hits of lower velocity rounds However, even level 4 armor is not invincible. It has its limits and can be defeated by higher powered rounds or repeated impacts that exceed its rated protection.Who needs level 4 body armor?
Level 4 body armor is most commonly used by military personnel in combat zones facing armor-piercing rifle threats. SWAT teams and special response law enforcement officers may also wear level 4 plates on high-risk tactical operations. Most civilians, security guards, and patrol officers do not need level 4 protection for their typical threats. Soft armor or level 3/3A hard armor plates are sufficient and more practical for common handgun and rifle dangers. However, prepared citizens who want maximum protection against powerful weapons may choose to invest in level 4 armor for home defense or SHTF scenarios. In a situation facing military-grade threats, level 4 armor provides the best possible protection.Is level 4 body armor worth the cost?
Whether level 4 body armor is worth the cost depends on your expected threats and personal risk tolerance. For most people, level 4 protection is overkill and not worth the high expense and weight. However, if you expect to face armor-piercing rifle rounds, level 4 armor may be a justifiable investment to protect your life. No amount of money can replace your health and safety if you find yourself in a worst-case situation. Before buying level 4 armor, carefully consider your real threats and whether the cost, bulk and weight are practical for your needs. For many people, level 3A soft body armor or hard plates provide adequate protection in a lighter, more affordable package.Factors to consider other than cost
While cost is a major factor when buying body armor, it should not be the only consideration. Other important aspects to keep in mind include: Weight and thickness - Level 4 armor plates are the thickest and heaviest. A full set-up can easily exceed 30 lbs. Consider whether you can practically wear it for your needs. Multi-hit protection - Some level 4 plates are rated for multiple impacts, while others are only rated for a single hit. Single-hit plates must be replaced after taking a round. Shelf life - Ceramic level 4 plates can degrade over time even without use. Most have a 5-10 year shelf life. Shape and coverage - Level 4 plates come in different shapes like SAPI/ESAPI, shooter's, and multi-curve. The shape affects your range of motion and how well it covers your vital organs.Are there lighter or thinner level 4 options?
Advancements in materials have led to the development of special lightweight polyethylene (UHMWPE) level 4 plates that are thinner and lighter than standard ceramic plates. These are sometimes called "level 4+" or "special threat" plates. Polyethylene plates typically weigh 4.5-6 lbs per plate compared to 7-8.5 lbs for ceramic level 4 plates. They are also about 0.1-0.2" thinner on average. However, these lightweight level 4 plates come at a significantly higher cost, often over $1000 per plate. They may also have less edge-to-edge coverage compared to larger ceramic strike faces.What about inserts and other plate types?
In addition to rifle-rated level 4 hard armor plates, there are also lightweight level 3A and special threat inserts. These are designed to be worn in conjunction with soft armor panels or plate carriers. Inserts provide enhanced protection against higher-powered rounds in vital areas over the heart, lungs and spine. Common inserts include: Level 3A soft inserts - Lightweight and flexible inserts that increase protection to level 3A when worn behind soft armor. Does not protect against rifle rounds. ESAPI/XSAPI ceramic plates - Military grade small arms protective inserts (SAPI) made of boron carbide ceramic. Designed to protect against armor-piercing rounds and weigh less than standalone level 4 plates. Extremely expensive.Are combination plates better than level 4?
Level 3+ and special threat (RF3) combination hard armor plates have become popular alternatives to level 4 plates. These are UHMWPE polyethylene plates with a ceramic strike face, combining properties of level 4 ceramics and pure polyethylene plates. Combination plates typically have level 3 protection against steel-core and lead-core M80 ball ammo, plus additional special threat protection against M855/SS109 and M193 rounds. RF3 plates are significantly lighter at 4-5 lbs per plate. However, they are still expensive at $700+ per plate. For most non-military applications, RF3 special threat plates provide a good balance of protection and weight vs cost.Selecting a plate carrier for level 4 armor
Choosing a quality plate carrier is just as important as selecting the right level 4 plates. Look for these features in a plate carrier for level 4 armor: Durable materials - The plate carrier must be made of abrasion-resistant, high-strength fabric like 500D nylon. Full plate coverage - Ensure the carrier fully covers the plates. Avoid carriers with gaps or thin cummerbunds that leave the plate edges exposed. Weight bearing design - A rigid carry system with padded shoulder straps and internal stiffeners is a must to support the 15+ lb weight of plates. Quick-release system - A reliable emergency doff system allows you to quickly remove the plate carrier if needed.Sizing and fit considerations for level 4 armor
Proper sizing and fit are essential for level 4 armor to work correctly. Plates need to fully cover your vital organs while still allowing mobility. To find the right plate size, measure your chest width and the length from your sternum notch to 1-2" above your belly button. Most men wear size medium (9.5 x 12.5") or large (10 x 12.5") SAPI plates. The plate carrier should keep the plates high on your chest. The top should sit at your sternum notch, and the bottom should not restrict your ability to bend over. Avoid sizing up plates or carriers, as this can impede movement.Care and maintenance of level 4 body armor
Level 4 armor plates and carriers require proper care and maintenance to remain effective. Ceramic plates are especially vulnerable to damage from drops, moisture and temperature. Always store level 4 plates in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or humid environments. If ceramic plates get wet, allow them to dry completely before storing. Regularly inspect hard plates for any cracks, chips or dents in the strike face or back. If a plate is compromised, it must be replaced immediately. Clean the plate carrier with a mild detergent and hang dry completely between uses. Check for any rips, loose threads or damaged hardware.Warranty and replacement considerations
Most reputable level 4 body armor manufacturers offer a 5 year warranty against material and workmanship defects. However, this does not cover damage from improper use, so always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Ceramic level 4 plates have a typical useful lifespan of 5-7 years even without use. Regularly inspect plates as they near the end of their shelf life and replace as needed. If a plate is struck during use, it should be replaced immediately. Most manufacturers offer a free replacement for plates that have stopped a threat round within the warranty period.Training considerations for level 4 armor
Wearing level 4 body armor requires additional training and conditioning beyond lower level plates or soft armor. The added 15-20 lbs of weight affects your stamina, mobility and weapons handling. Spend ample time training in your plates before using them on duty. Practice shooting, moving, communicating and transitioning to secondary weapons while wearing the armor. Focus on building core strength and cardio endurance. Exercises like running, hiking and weightlifting translate well to wearing heavy armor plates for extended periods.Advantages of level 4 armor
The primary benefit of level 4 armor is its ability to protect against armor-piercing rifle threats. This level of protection is unmatched by any other type of body armor. In situations where you may face military-grade small arms fire, level 4 armor gives you the best chance of surviving a hit to the torso. It provides peace of mind in the most dangerous scenarios. Level 4 ceramic plates also typically have 5-7 year shelf lives, compared to 3-5 years for other armor types. They are a durable, reliable option for long-term preparedness.Disadvantages of level 4 armor
The biggest drawback of level 4 armor is its weight and bulk. A ceramic plate alone weighs 7-8 lbs, with a complete carrier setup often exceeding 20 lbs. This weight can quickly lead to fatigue and restricted movement. Level 4 plates are also the most expensive body armor option. A single ceramic plate can cost $300-400, with lightweight polyethylene plates reaching over $1000 each. Large rectangular level 4 plates may impede shouldering a rifle. Shooter-cut and multi-curve designs improve this, but still not as much as thinner, more flexible level 3a soft armor.Tips for buying level 4 body armor
If you've determined that level 4 armor is right for you, keep these tips in mind when making a purchase: Stick with reputable manufacturers that are transparent about NIJ FIT testing. Read the technical specs to ensure plates provide level 4 protection and check for any special threats stopped. Select a plate size that properly covers your vital organs without being oversized. Make sure your plate carrier is rated for the weight of level 4 plates. Factor in the cost of a plate carrier and any upgrades or accessories needed. Don't forget to include a set of trauma pads to reduce behind-armor blunt trauma.Level 4 vs. level 3+ body armor
Level 3+ armor plates have become a popular alternative to level 4 for those who want more protection than level 3 but in a lighter package. Level 3+ stops many common rifle rounds but may not stop true armor-piercing ammo. Here's a quick comparison of level 4 vs. level 3+ plates:| Feature | Level 4 | Level 3+ |
|---|---|---|
| Stops .30-06 M2 AP | Yes | No |
| Stops M80 ball | Yes | Yes |
| Stops M855/SS109 | Yes | Yes |
| Average weight (lbs) | 7-8 | 5-6 |
| Average cost (per plate) | $300-400 | $250-350 |