ADVANCED LIGHTWEIGHT HARD PLATE
No compromises between lightweight and high protection
Specially designed from advanced UHMWPE composite, the plate offers protection from most common rifles for minimum carry weight. The shape mimics the chest and the back curvature, giving optimal comfort.
Small - 8.7 x 11.8in - 33.1 - 37.0in
Medium - 9.4 x 12.6in - 37.4 - 43.3in
Large - 10.2 x 13.4in - 43.7 - 46.5in
X-Large - 11.0 x 14.2in - 46.9 - 52.8in
Adapt To Your Environment
Our armor plates cover a wide range of ballistic threats from handguns to high-powered rifles – find which protection level suits your needs.
7.62×51 FMJ M80
5.56×45 FMJ M193
5.45×39 MSC 7N6 (AK-74)
7.62×39 MSC 57-N-231 (AK-47, AKM)
Tested in NIJ-accredited and DSTU-certified laboratories independently.
Shock Absorption
Unlike traditional solutions, our ballistic plates are designed to absorb the kinetic kick delivered from a bullet by engulfing the projectile – simultaneously eliminating ricochet. This means you can keep fighting even after taking multiple hits.
Advanced Armor Materials
Your armor could save your life, so know it like the back of your hand. Utilizing a unique UHMWPE molding technique, our ballistic plate backbones are on the bleeding edge of body armor – ensuring maximum durability and protection with the lowest weight.
Stay Lightweight
Despite offering uncompromising protection, this armor plate maintains a thickness of only 1.18” and a weight of 2.6 lbs (S size). These impressive standards put less strain on the body, helping reduce the weight of your rig and increase mobility.
Multi-curve Design
Designed to mimic the human body, our 3D multi-curved design incorporates both horizontal and vertical curvature. This results in better overall comfort, mobility, and weight distribution – making your vest feel lighter and more accommodating.
Features:
- Priced per plate
- All-time bestseller with optimal weight/protection/price ratio
- Can be used for both the chest and the back
- Advanced lightweight composite of UHMWPE (2.58 lbs for S)
- Same composite is available as side plates and shoulder plates
- SAPI/ESAPI cut with 4 sizes
- Neutral buoyancy in water
- 3D multi-curved body shaped
- Multi-hit capability for over 6 shots
- Independently tested in an NIJ-accredited laboratory for NIJ Standard 0101.06, as well as certified laboratories according to DSTU 8835:2019 against Soviet/Russian ammunition. NIJ test report
Specs:
Small - 8.7 x 11.8in - 33.1 - 37.0in
Medium - 9.4 x 12.6in - 37.4 - 43.3in
Large - 10.2 x 13.4in - 43.7 - 46.5in
X-Large - 11.0 x 14.2in - 46.9 - 52.8in
Ballistic Performance:
7.62×51 FMJ M80
5.56×45 FMJ M193
5.45×39 MSC 7N6 (AK-74)
7.62×39 MSC 57-N-231 (AK-47, AKM)
Use trauma pad to reduce BFD <44mm
Testing
This product has been independently tested in an NIJ-approved laboratory according to the NIJ Standard 0101.06, as well as a certified laboratory according to the DSTU 8835:2019 against Soviet/Russian ammunition.
NIJ test report
Armor Composite
Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)
Shape
SAPI/ESAPI
Curvature
Multi-curved in 3D axes
Capabilities
Multi-hit, minimum 6 shots
Configuration
Stand Alone (STA)
Thickness
1.18″ (30 mm)
FAQ:
Q: Are prices listed for a single plate?
A: Yes. This allows you to choose different plates for the front and the back, as well as order multiple plates from the setting screen.
Q: How do I determine the size of the armor plate?
A: By measuring your chest circumference. With standard sizes (S, M, L, XL), it is made to cover your lethal zones on the torso (heart, lungs, kidneys) without extending further due to weight. To make the correct choice, you can use the Size Chart in the Tech Specs or the Determine Size at the settings screen on the top of the page.
Q: Are the same plates used for the front and the back?
A: Yes. The UARM™ SA3U™ hard plates are ergonomically designed to fit equally well on the front and on the back. Additionally, there are specialized hard plates that are made for the shoulders (SA3USH™) and the sides (SA3USP™).
Q: What is the advantage of SA3U over steel armor plates?
A: The most significant advantage is the absence of ricochet, as it protects both the operator, their comrades, as well as the environment of the team from secondary damage and injuries. Also, the SA3U is significantly lighter than any steel plate of comparable size.
Q: Does the armor plate experience the backface deformation effect?
A: Yes. As well as any armor plate, the SA3U™ has some backface deformation. You can always use the EVV™ Exchangeable Vest Ventilation that reduces such effect to virtually zero by simultaneously improving comfort.
Q: What is the shelf life of armor plates?
A: Officially, 5 years. The date is calculated from the manufacturing label on the back of the plate. While good maintenance and handling can preserve the plate's ballistic capabilities for longer, we will only guarantee five years from manufacturing.
Q: Do armor plates lose their protective properties after expiration?
A: Not instantly. Due to chemical processes and oxidation occurring inside the composite material, the anti-ballistic capabilities of the armor plate will slowly deteriorate over time. After five years, we no longer guarantee the same level of protection and you should renew your plates as soon as possible.
Q: How many hits can an armor plate withstand?
A: Armor plates are tested under the NIJ standard to withstand up to 6 consecutive hits. While that number can be greater, we can’t guarantee that result.
Q: Is it possible to use an armor plate that has been hit by a bullet?
A: It is not recommended. You may continue operations with a damaged armor plate due to composite materials that, when damaged, only a tight zone of the armor fails. Undamaged zones still offer ballistic protection. However, you will need to replace the armor plate after the mission as further use is prohibited.
Q: Why is the weight of the armor important?
A: Especially over extended missions, every pound counts. Because the SA3U is significantly lighter than the alternatives, that weight can be used for other types of gear such as ammo or med-packs, or serve to lighten the load in general and make the operator more agile and less fatigued over time. Finally, lighter gear reduces the medical impact of carrying heavy loads on the spine and lower back, reducing the chance of chronic pain and injury.
Q: Is it NIJ Certified?
A: This product has been independently tested in NIJ-accredited laboratories according to the NIJ Standard 0101.06, as well as certified laboratories according to the DSTU 8782:2018. against Soviet/Russian ammunition.