The DFNDR Armor E-IVSA04 is a Level IV rifle-rated hard armor plate built around a Crystalline Ceramic Strike Face and Strike Core, backed by a UHMWPE fiber matrix and finished with Spall-Tek fragmentation mitigation. Designed as a stand-alone system with a multi-curve profile, it is independently tested to the NIJ 0101.04 protocol at NIJ-certified ballistic laboratories. The plate defeats a single shot of 7.62×63 M2 AP at muzzle velocity and multiple shots of a wide range of armor-piercing and standard rifle threats. Sold individually — purchase two for front and back coverage.

Who this is for

• Patrol officers and security professionals who require certified rifle-rated protection worn comfortably throughout a full duty shift.
• Prepared civilians and home-defense planners who want a stand-alone Level IV plate that stops both armor-piercing and common rifle threats without requiring a soft armor backer.
• Tactical team members who carry a plate carrier against demanding multi-threat environments and need a system engineered for multi-hit performance.

Ballistic performance

The E-IVSA04 centers on a Crystalline Ceramic Strike Face and Strike Core. Ceramic shatters incoming projectiles while the UHMWPE fiber backing — bound in a resin matrix — absorbs and arrests residual energy. DFNDR's proprietary System Structural Reinforcement technology ties these two layers together to maintain multi-hit structural integrity after the ceramic strike face fractures on initial impact.

The Trauma Mitigation Base sits at the rear of the plate and significantly reduces the energy transferred to the body on impact. Spall-Tek coating on the strike face further reduces the deflection of projectile fragments. The plate is configured as a stand-alone system, meaning no soft armor backer is required for rated performance.

Testing is conducted at muzzle velocity — the most demanding test condition — at NIJ-certified ballistic laboratories under the NIJ 0101.04 protocol.

Rated threat profile

Plate construction and geometry

The E-IVSA04 uses a multi-curve profile engineered to sit flush against the torso, reducing pressure points during extended wear. The multi-curve geometry conforms to the natural contours of the chest and back, making all-day use more practical than a flat or single-curve plate of equivalent protection. The plate is hard and stand-alone — it does not flex and does not require an integrated soft armor panel to achieve its rated threat performance.

Specifications

Fit and carrier compatibility

The E-IVSA04 is a stand-alone hard armor plate sized for standard torso plate pockets. DFNDR offers a sizing chart matching plate dimensions to body measurements — measure chest circumference at the widest point, then match to the plate size and carrier size that align with your body measurements. Contact us if you need help confirming which size and carrier combination is right for your build.

Frequently asked questions

What does Level IV mean and what does this plate stop?

Level IV is the highest NIJ hard armor classification under NIJ 0101.04. This plate defeats a single shot of 7.62×63 M2 AP at muzzle velocity — the NIJ Level IV test round — plus multiple shots of 7.62×39 API, 5.56×45 M855A1, 7.62×54R LPS, 5.56×45 M855 Green Tip, mild steel core and PS Ball 7.62×39 AK-47 loads, and standard steel- or copper-jacketed .308, 7.62, .223, and 5.56 rounds.

Is this plate NIJ Listed or NIJ Certified?

The E-IVSA04 is independently tested to the NIJ 0101.04 protocol at NIJ-certified ballistic laboratories in a stand-alone configuration. For current NIJ Compliant Products List status, check the NIJ CPL at nij.ojp.gov directly, as listing status can change.

Does this plate require a soft armor backer?

No. The E-IVSA04 is a stand-alone system. It achieves its full rated threat performance without a soft armor backer. A trauma pad behind the plate can further reduce blunt-force energy transfer, but it is not required for ballistic performance.

What is Spall-Tek and why does it matter?

Spall-Tek is DFNDR's fragmentation mitigation coating applied to the strike face. When a round strikes a ceramic plate, the ceramic shatters and can produce secondary fragments. Spall-Tek reduces the deflection of those fragments toward the wearer or bystanders, adding a safety margin beyond the basic ballistic stop.

What is the difference between single-curve and multi-curve plates?

A single-curve plate bends on one axis only, fitting a flat or gently curved chest. A multi-curve plate bends on two axes to match the natural contour of the torso front and back. The E-IVSA04 uses a multi-curve profile, which distributes weight more evenly and reduces pressure points — particularly relevant for all-day wear.

Can this plate be shipped to my state?

This plate cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut due to state body armor purchase restrictions. Under 18 U.S.C. § 931, anyone with a federal felony conviction for a crime of violence is prohibited from purchasing or possessing body armor. The E-IVSA04 carries no TSA transport restrictions.