Hard Body Armor

Hard Body Armor for Military, Police, and Prepared Citizens

Build a hard armor setup that matches your mission, carrier, and coverage needs. The LAPG Hard Body Armor collection includes ballistic plate options in common threat levels, sizes, and cuts so you can balance protection, mobility, and budget for duty, range, security, or preparedness use. Choose from hard armor plates in Level III, Level IIIA, Level III+, and Level IV options.

Level III plates are commonly selected for rifle-round protection, while Level IIIA options are geared toward handgun defense.

For higher-risk scenarios, Level IV plates are designed for high-velocity rifle threats. LAPG also tests its own Level IV plates, including additional higher-caliber testing, to evaluate performance beyond basic expectations. Fit and coverage matter just as much as protection level.

This category includes standard and shooters cut armor plates, giving users options for coverage and shoulder mobility.

Popular plate sizes include 8x10, 10x12, and 11x14. An 8x10 plate may be a better fit for smaller users, the 10x12 size is the most common choice and fits many plate carriers, and 11x14 plates are often selected by taller users. When selecting a plate, focus on covering the vital organs—primarily the heart and lungs—rather than trying to cover the entire torso down past the belly button.

For additional protection, side plates can be added to compatible armor setups.

LAPG carries side plate options in 6x6 and 6x8 sizes to help address threats from more angles. Side plates can increase weight and reduce mobility, but they may provide important added coverage depending on the situation. Use this category to compare:

• Standard cut and shooters cut plate configurations
• 8x10, 10x12, and 11x14 primary plate sizes
• 6x6 and 6x8 side plates for expanded coverage
• Ceramic and steel armor plate options
• Armor kits that pair plates with carriers for a ready-to-build loadout

Ceramic and steel body armor each have tradeoffs. Steel armor is often more budget-friendly, but it is heavier, especially when worn as front and back plates. Ceramic armor is thicker, typically lighter than steel, and does not create spall in the same way steel can.

Select the material, size, cut, and kit configuration that best fits your plate carrier, mobility requirements, and intended use.