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Level 3 Body Armor Guide

Civilians can legally wear body armor in the US however, choosing the right body armor level can be quite challenging. There are different levels of body armor that are rated to stop different threat levels. In the USA, the National Institute of Justice sets the standards for body armor, and currently, you can get body armor level IIA, level II, level IIIA, level III and Level IV armor.

Level IIa, II, and IIIA are soft armor inserts that are designed to stop pistol rounds, whereas Level III and IV are hard armor plates designed to stop rifle rounds. Still, Level II armor is the most popularly used armor level in the US, by both civilians looking to wear body armor, and by professionals who need it for their jobs.

What is level 3 body armor?

When it comes to pistol threats, soft body armor can do the job. Most police officers use soft armor, however, officers in the Military and Special tactical police units regularly have to deal with bigger calibers, and soft body armor doesn't offer enough protection for them.

This is where hard body armor plates come in. Level III body armor is the first level designated by the NIJ to offer protection from Rifle threats. It is heavier than soft armor but offers a lot more protection. Moreover, it is worn on the front and the back using a plate carrier.

What does level 3 body armor stop?

Level III body armor stops most commonly used calibers, it can easily stop anything that soft armor does, and it stops rifle rounds as well. According to the NIJ, level III armor systems will stop up to a standard FMJ .308 Winchester round, also known as 7.62×51 NATO.

Level III body armor plates are also rated to storm shotgun rounds, and will even stop AP shotgun slugs that might defeat soft armor.

What is level 3 body armor made of?

Level III Hard armor plates can be made from different materials like steel, ceramics, or ultra-high molecular weight Polyethylene. All these materials have their benefits and drawbacks, but ceramic and polyethylene armor is always better than steel.

This is because level III steel plates can cause spalling. When a bullet hits a steel plate, it breaks into fragments, which are deflected to the sides. These fragments can hurt the person wearing body armor and the people around you. Many armor companies like AR500 steel make steel armor with a rubberized strike face, which prevents spalling, however, after a few shots, the coating doesn't work. This takes away the only benefit that steel armor has over ceramic and polyethylene plates, which is longevity.

Ceramic plates are also used for making level three body armor, and they are the best at absorbing the shock of incoming bullets and preventing fragmentation, however, they will deteriorate after every shot. Moreover, you have to be careful with them as these plates can also get damaged by blunt force trauma, for example, if the plate falls from a height, its integrity may also be compromised.

Polyethylene armor plates offer great protection and they are also the lightest of all materials, therefore, they are an ideal option for long term usage. Ace Link armor makes high-quality Level III Polyethylene armor plates.