WHAT ARE TRAUMA PLATES?

Trauma plates are inserted into a ballistic carrier or vest in order to disrupt the kinetic energy of a bullet impact and reduce the blunt force trauma that would otherwise be transferred to the body. They are considered small in size than full coverage plates and are typically positioned over extremely sensitive areas, like the heart.

Trauma plates can also serve as side armor plates if they are worn on the sides of the body instead of in the front and back.

The National Institute of Justice is the government agency responsible for establishing certification and protection standards for body armor. Stealth Operator armor undergoes routine testing at an NIJ-approved laboratory, allowing us to guarantee its protection against specific threats.

WHAT ARE THE NIJ PROTECTION LEVELS?

Level IIA:
Tested to stop 9mm and .40 S&W ammunition fired from short barrel handguns.
No rifle ammunition protection.

Level II:
Tested to stop 9mm and .357 Magnum ammunition fired from short barrel handguns.
No rifle ammunition protection.

Level IIIA:
Tested to stop .357 SIG and .44 Magnum ammunition fired from longer barrel handguns.
No rifle ammunition protection.

Level III+:
Tested to stop 7.62 mm FMJ (full metal jacket) lead core rifle ammunition.

Level III+ Enhanced:

Tested to stop 7.62 mm FMJ (full metal jacket) lead core rifle ammunition and M855 green tip rounds.

Level IV:
Tested to stop .30 cal steel core armor piercing rifle ammunition.

DOES BALLISTIC RESISTANCE MEAN STAB RESISTANCE?

Soft armor panels typically will not be stab resistant even if they are ballistic resistant. Hard armor plates frequently are. The best way to know if the item you are purchasing is stab or puncture resistant is to check the official specifications.

ARE 'STAND ALONE' OR 'IN CONJUNCTION' PLATES BETTER?

Plates designed for stand alone use will – by themselves – provide the level of protection specified by the manufacturer. All plates sold by Stealth Operator are stand alone plates and provide the wearer the protection level they are rated for without any additions.

In conjunction plates require an additional piece of armor to live up to their rated protection. As you browse plates from a variety of sellers, make sure you see they are clearly labeled as stand alone to ensure you are getting the kind of protection you are intending or that a ‘deal’ on armor isn’t going to cost you your life because of a misunderstanding.

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