When to Use Level 4 Body Armor
Level 4 body armor should be worn whenever the threat of rifle fire, especially armor-piercing rounds, is high. This includes active combat missions for military personnel and high-risk police operations like hostage situations or apprehending armed and dangerous suspects. Private security contractors working in volatile places like war zones should also equip level 4 plates in their carriers. Some examples of when level 4 protection is called for: - Military patrols and assaults in active combat areas - SWAT deployments against heavily-armed criminals - Providing security details in regions of conflict or instability - Guarding critical infrastructure from terrorist threats - Traversing areas known for high violent crime rates When in doubt, it's better to have level 4 armor and not need it than to need it and not have it. The stakes are too high to take chances.What is Level 4 Body Armor Rated to Stop?
Level 4 body armor is tested and rated to stop some of the toughest ammunition threats, including: - 7.62x51mm NATO M2 Armor Piercing (AP) (.30-06 AP) - 5.56x45mm M955/SS109 NATO Armor Piercing (AP) - 7.62x54mm R LPS Armor Piercing (AP) Mild Steel Core - 7.62x51mm M61 Armor Piercing (AP) - 5.56x45mm M193 (55 Grain Ball) - 7.62X39mm MSC (Mild Steel Core) It provides protection against virtually all lesser rifle and handgun rounds as well. This includes high-powered hunting cartridges and magnum pistol loads. If a situation involves firearms, level 4 armor offers the most comprehensive defense. It is the go-to choice for the most elite and at-risk personnel who may face advanced armor-defeating ammo.Ceramic vs. polyethylene level 4 plates
Level 4 body armor plates are mainly made from two advanced materials: ceramic and Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE). Ceramic has long been the standard for level 4 protection. When hit, ceramic plates fracture to absorb and disperse energy. This allows them to stop multiple rounds in the same area. They are very rigid and tend to be the heaviest level 4 options. Polyethylene plates are a newer alternative made from high-tech plastics. When impacted, polyethylene plates deform inwards, catching and trapping bullets inside. This allows them to maintain integrity for repeat shots. Because polyethylene is less dense than ceramic, these plates can be thinner and lighter while providing the same level 4 protection. However, they tend to be more expensive.| Plate Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic | - Time-tested level 4 protection - Multi-hit capability |
- Heaviest level 4 option - Rigid and inflexible |
| Polyethylene | - Lighter and thinner - Maintains integrity after shots |
- More expensive - Newer technology |
Steel Level 4 Body Armor
Steel body armor is sometimes marketed as level 4 protection, but this is misleading. Steel plates are rated for handgun rounds and some non-armor-piercing rifles, but do not meet true level 4 standards. They cannot consistently stop armor-piercing ammo and may allow deadly fragmentation when hit. Actual level 4 ceramic and polyethylene plates are clearly superior to steel. While steel is low-cost and multi-hit capable, it is extremely heavy and potentially less effective. No professional users today, whether military, law enforcement, or security contractors, rely on steel plates for protection from rifle fire. Polyethylene and ceramic level 4 armor is the only way to go for the most serious situations.How Much Does Level 4 Body Armor Weigh?
Level 4 body armor plates typically weigh between 7 to 10 pounds per plate. The exact weight depends on the size and specific material. In general, expect a set of level 4 plates (front and back) to add around 15-20 pounds to your kit. Ceramic plates tend to be on the higher end of this range while polyethylene plates are usually lighter. This is significant weight and can be tiring to wear for extended periods. However, it is a necessary tradeoff for the high level of protection. Using a well-designed plate carrier can help distribute this load ergonomically. Some carriers also have padded ventilation channels to reduce heat buildup. Conditioning yourself to move efficiently in your loadout is also key.Where to Buy Level 4 Body Armor
For top-quality level 4 body armor, your best bet is purchasing from a reputable armor specialty retailer. Avoid big box stores and outdoor/sporting goods chains, as their selection and expertise tend to be limited. Instead, look for a company that focuses exclusively on body armor and tactical gear. Here are some key things to check for when choosing where to buy level 4 plates and carriers: - NIJ certification: Only buy from companies that sell NIJ-certified level 4 armor. The National Institute of Justice sets the standards for body armor performance. If it's not tested and officially rated by the NIJ, avoid it. - Variety: Having a range of level 4 options in both plates and carriers is ideal for finding your perfect setup. Look for ceramic, polyethylene, and different cuts/sizes. - Knowledgeable staff: Being able to ask questions and get expert guidance is invaluable, especially if you're new to body armor. See if the company offers real-time customer support. - Easy shipping and returns: As most armor is purchased online, having reliable shipping and a lenient return policy for sizing is important. Read the company's policies before ordering. At Pivotal Body Armor, we are committed to providing high-quality, NIJ-certified level 4 protection to those who need it most. We offer level 4 plates and carriers from top manufacturers all in one convenient place:Standalone Vs. In-Conjunction Level 4 Plates
There are two types of level 4 hard armor plates: standalone and in-conjunction. Standalone plates are worn by themselves inside a plate carrier. They require no additional padding or soft armor to meet the level 4 rating. Practically all level 4 plates on the market today are standalone designs. This configuration gives the most flexibility for use with a variety of carriers. In-conjunction plates are thinner and lighter but require an underlying layer of soft armor to achieve level 4 protection. The plate and soft armor must be used together. In-conjunction designs were more common in the past but have fallen out of favor with the rise of better standalone plates. They are not recommended today as they limit interoperability of plates and carriers.| Plate Type | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standalone | Worn alone in carrier | - Total flexibility - Widespread availability |
- Slightly thicker and heavier |
| In-Conjunction | Requires additional soft armor | - Thinner and lighter plates | - Limits plate/carrier mixing - Less common today |
Level 4 Plate Sizes and Cuts
Pivotal Body Armor provides a wide selection of level 4 plates in different sizes and cuts to fit every user's needs: Level 4 Body Armor Plates & Inserts The most popular level 4 plate size is 10x12 inches. This offers substantial coverage of the vital organs for an average adult male. Other common sizes are 8x10 inches (smaller/female) and 11x14 inches (larger male). Plates are sized in 2-inch increments to allow proper fitting to your body size. Plates also come in different cuts. The most popular is the Shoot Cut (SC), which features angled edges on the top corners. This provides clearance for shouldering a rifle. The Full Cut (FC) is a basic rectangle shape, maximizing coverage at the expense of rifle compatibility. The Multi-Curve (MC) cut contours inward on the sides for a closer, more ergonomic fit.
Level 4 plate carriers and vehicle armor
Pivotal Body Armor is your one-stop destination for a complete selection of level 4 plate carrier setups: Level 4 body armor isn't limited to just personal plate carriers. Vehicle armor kits using level 4 plates are available for civilian, law enforcement, and military vehicles operating in dangerous places. These bolt-in kits replace the factory door panels with armored versions that can stop AP rifle fire. They turn an everyday car or truck into a discreet armored vehicle. Level 4 ballistic blankets are another protection option. These portable, foldable blankets contain level 4 plate inserts. They can be quickly deployed to shield a person or provide hard cover. Ballistic blankets are popular for home defense, vehicle use, and high-risk security details. They add another layer of level 4 protection beyond body armor alone.Who Makes Level 4 Body Armor?
Pivotal Body Armor partners with a range of leading body armor manufacturers to offer the best selection of level 4 plates and carriers. Some of our top level 4 brands include: - Spartan Armor Systems - AR500 Armor - Shellback Tactical - Vism - NcStar These companies use cutting-edge materials and construction techniques to produce top-quality level 4 armor. Their plates are rigorously tested beyond the NIJ standards to ensure performance. Many have body armor contracts with military and law enforcement agencies attesting to their expertise. Reputable level 4 manufacturers will always have clear NIJ certification for their plates. Avoid companies making level 4 claims without independent NIJ testing. Trust only established armor specialists like the brands above for this critical, life-saving gear.UHMWPE Vs. Ceramic Level 4
Most level 4 plates today use one of two primary materials: Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) or ceramic. UHMWPE is a high-tech plastic that is extremely strong for its weight. It is used in everything from artificial joints to tow ropes to military helmets. UHMWPE is known for its high impact resistance and low density compared to other plastics. Ceramic plates are made from advanced ceramic composites like aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, and boron carbide. They are very hard and excel at shattering and absorbing incoming rounds. Ceramics tend to be somewhat heavier and thicker than UHMWPE but are lower in cost. Their multi-hit performance is excellent as the shattered ceramic still defeats repeated rounds in the same spot.
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| UHMWPE | - Lighter weight - Thinner profile - High multi-hit performance |
- Higher cost - Not as rigid |
| Ceramic | - Widely available - Lower cost - Also very good multi-hit |
- Heavier than UHMWPE - Thicker than UHMWPE |