The Predator Armor Level III Steel Body Armor Plate is a 10" x 12" Shooters Cut hard plate manufactured in the USA from ballistic-grade steel. Each set includes two plates — one front, one back — independently tested and certified to NIJ 0101.06 standards by NTS-Chesapeake, an NIJ-approved facility accredited by both NVLAP and A2LA to ISO 17025. At 0.25" thick and approximately 7.5 lbs per plate, these are available flat or in a Multicurve profile, with an optional Kevlar-lined spall and fragmentation containment layer. Stab and slash resistance are built in at every tier.

Who this is for

• Civilians building a home-defense loadout who need rifle-rated protection that ships ready to drop into an existing plate carrier
• Budget-conscious buyers who want independently tested, NIJ 0101.06-certified Level III coverage without paying ceramic plate prices
• Preppers and range shooters who value a steel plate that outlasts ceramic, Dyneema, and UHMWPE armor over long-term storage and repeated impact cycles

Ballistic performance

Predator Armor uses a proprietary heat-treating, quenching, and tempering process that produces an extra-hardened ballistic steel. The result is a thinner plate — 0.25" — that delivers full Level III protection without the added bulk of conventional steel. Each production run is independently certified to NIJ 0101.06 Level III by NTS-Chesapeake.

Beyond the NIJ 0101.06 standard 7.62x51 NATO test round, these plates are tested to stop 5.56x45 M193 and 5.56x45 M855 fired from a 16" barrel. Every plate comes with a base coat that adds durability and water resistance. This base coat does not provide fragmentation mitigation. The optional Kevlar lining contains spall and fragmentation and further enhances overall ballistic performance. If your carrier or plate does not already include anti-fragmentation characteristics, adding the Kevlar lining is strongly advised.

Plate compatibility and cut geometry

Both plates in the set measure 10" x 12" in a Shooters Cut profile — the most widely accepted geometry across civilian and duty plate carriers. The flat profile sits flush in standard plate pockets. The Multicurve option introduces a slight vertical bend to either side of the plate for improved body contour and wear comfort during extended use. Either profile fits any carrier with a standard 10x12 Shooters Cut plate pocket. Contact us if you need help confirming fit with a specific carrier.

Specifications

Fit and carrier compatibility

The 10" x 12" Shooters Cut is the standard dimension accepted by the vast majority of civilian plate carriers on the market. Both the flat and Multicurve profiles seat correctly in any carrier designed for this footprint. The Multicurve profile may reduce pressure points compared to a flat plate during prolonged wear. If you are pairing these plates with side plate pockets or a cummerbund soft armor insert, note that this listing covers front and back plates only.

Frequently asked questions

What rounds do these plates stop?

These plates are independently tested to stop 7.62x51 NATO, 5.56x45 M193, and 5.56x45 M855 — all fired from a 16" barrel. This covers the most common intermediate and full-power rifle cartridges encountered in civilian and law enforcement contexts. They do not cover armor-piercing variants such as M855A1 or M993; a Level IV plate is required for AP threats.

Is this plate NIJ certified?

Yes. These plates are independently certified to NIJ 0101.06 Level III by NTS-Chesapeake, an NIJ-approved testing facility accredited by NVLAP and A2LA to ISO 17025. This is third-party lab certification against the published NIJ standard, not a self-reported claim.

What is the difference between the flat and Multicurve profiles?

The flat profile is a standard planar plate. The Multicurve profile introduces a slight vertical bend on either side of the plate to better follow the natural contour of the torso. Multicurve typically improves comfort and reduces edge pressure during extended wear. Both profiles offer identical ballistic protection and fit the same 10x12 Shooters Cut plate pockets.

Do I need the Kevlar lining?

It depends on your carrier setup. The standard base coat provides durability and water resistance but does not mitigate fragmentation or spall. If your plate carrier or existing plate system lacks anti-fragmentation features, adding the Kevlar lining is strongly advised. The Kevlar lining contains spall and fragmentation and further enhances ballistic performance.

How heavy is a two-plate setup?

Each plate weighs approximately 7.5 lbs, so a front-and-back set adds roughly 15 lbs of plate weight to your carrier. Factor in carrier shell weight and any pouches or accessories when planning your total load. Steel plates run heavier than ceramic or UHMWPE equivalents — the trade-off is durability, longevity, and cost.

Can these plates be shipped to my state?

These plates cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut due to state body armor restrictions. They are subject to US export regulations. 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.