19 Best Ar500 Body Armor Systems for Bullet-Resistant Protection

Our Ar500 body armor lineup combines exceptional protection with advanced comfort features, designed to keep you safe during rigorous training sessions or real-world situations. Each piece is engineered with military-grade materials to stop a wide range of threats while maintaining unparalleled mobility and breathability.

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Reviews

AR500 Body Armor Plate

These single 8 x 10 curved plates offer exceptional protection with the ability to absorb up to six hits from 7.62 NATO bullets at velocities up to 2780 fps. The premium AR500 steel construction is fully encapsulated to resist corrosion, chemical damage, and sweat deterioration. Users appreciate the laser-cut precision and the comfortable fit in their vests, with many reporting no issues and plans to purchase additional plates.

Scorpion AR500 Body Armor Plates

These USA-made AR500 steel plates deliver serious protection with their ballistic rating for six hits from 7.62 NATO bullets. The lightweight design and fully encapsulated construction resist corrosion and chemicals, while the included trauma pads make them surprisingly comfortable under clothing. Backed by independent testing and a solid 5-star rating from satisfied customers, these plates are a reliable choice for anyone seeking standalone body armor.

Spartan Armor Legion XL Plate Carrier

Load up with over 50 pounds of Kevlar-free protection in this high-volume plate carrier that can swallow NIJ Level III+ armor plates like a desert camel hoovers up cactus fruit. The webbing girdle cinches tight around everything from scrawny recruits to boulder-bellied veterans, while reinforced shoulder straps distribute the metal load like a smart backpack sharing weight between your hips and chest. With double the fabric of lesser carriers and triple the stitching at stress points, this beast of a vest looks primed to wear down tanks before giving up the ghost – which is why every correctional officer, correctional officer wannabe, and civil patriot in the country stocks one of these behemoths for their personal protection arsenal.

Tactical Scorpion Gear Level III AR500 Body Armor Plate

These Level III AR500 steel plates offer remarkable protection withstanding multiple hits from 7.62 NATO bullets, while their curved, shooters-specific cut allows for unrestricted movement. Independently tested to industry standards, these USA-made plates feature a fully encapsulated design to prevent corrosion and ensure long-term durability. Users praise their lightweight design and superior fit, making them a popular choice for both professionals and enthusiasts who need reliable protection without sacrificing mobility.

Level III AR500 Steel Body Armor

Made in the USA, this steel body armor plate can handle multiple hits from 7.62 NATO bullets, with independent lab testing backing its six-hit capability. At 11x14 inches and 10 pounds, it offers robust protection for your torso, though the added weight might not suit everyone. The fully encapsulated plate resists corrosion and damage from sweat and chemicals, making it a reliable choice despite its hefty nature.

Tactical Scorpion Gear Level III AR500 Body Armor Plates

Designed for USA-made reliability, these dual-level III AR500 steel plates provide exceptional protection with multiple hit capability. The fully encapsulated design shields against corrosion, chemicals, and sweat, while independent lab testing verifies their effectiveness against 7.62 NATO bullets at up to 2780 fps. The modified curved shooters cut allows for maximum mobility and proper weapon presentation, making them perfect for both front and back protection in tactical situations.

Tactical Scorpion Gear Level III AR500 Body Armor Plates

These stand-alone armor plates pack a punch with their reinforced steel construction rated for six hits from 7.62 NATO bullets. The fully encapsulated design keeps them corrosion and damage-resistant, while the curved and flat coated plates offer versatile protection for both front and back. The USA-made plates come with full lab testing documentation and are worth every penny for serious protection seekers.

AR500 Omega Body Armor Side Plates

The AR500 Omega side plates from Spartan Armor Systems combine exceptional quality with practical design. Each curved plate offers reliable protection while maintaining a low profile, thanks to the company’s proprietary die-forming process that eliminates harmful crease bends. The 6x6 plates, weighing just over 2 pounds each with the base coat, provide a significant upgrade in comfort without sacrificing performance.

Tactical Scorpion AR500 Body Armor Plates

These body armor plates pack a serious punch with their 1/4-inch AR500 steel construction, rated to stop multiple hits from 7.62 NATO bullets. Coming in at 8 pounds each, they’re not exactly featherweight, but the USA-made plates have earned solid praise for their effectiveness and durable coating that resists corrosion and wear. While they’re a bit heavy for casual wear, users appreciate how well the curved design (the seller notes these are the only plates made with this precise laser-cutting technique) matches their body shape for both front and back protection.

Armalite AR500 Valkyrie Plate Carrier

A rugged, American-made plate carrier that blends military-grade durability with practical tactical features. The Ar500 Armor Valkyrie keeps things simple with its essential pouches and fully adjustable cummerbund, while adding thoughtful touches like quick-release buckles and generous Velcro ID panels. When you’re looking to upgrade your gear without the complicated extras, this carrier delivers the protection and comfort you need for both duty and training.

Armalite AR500 Testudo Lite PlateCarrier

Crafted from durable 500D Nylon, this adaptable plate carrier features front and rear Velcro panels combined with MOLLE webbing for versatile gear attachment. With supported insert sizes ranging from 10” x 12” to 11” x 14”, it provides reliable protection while maintaining a comfortable, non-bulky profile. The adjustable design supports body types from M to XXXL, making it a practical choice for both casual shooters and law enforcement.

Spartan Armor Systems Spartan Armor/Sentinel Plate Carrier with Level III+ AR550 Body Armor

This Spartan Armor Systems package combines a Level III+ AR550 plate carrier with durable, single-curved armor plates that exceed NIJ III standards. The adjustable carrier fits a wide range of body types while maintaining a sleek profile. Reviewers praise its quality construction and long-term value, though some mention minor drawbacks like slightly tight magazine pouches and basic shoulder padding for the weight. The system’s robust protection and reliable performance make it a solid choice for both new and experienced users.

Tactical Scorpion Gear Level III AR500 Body Armor Plates

Crafted from ultra-durable AR500 steel, these body armor plates offer six-hit capability against 7.62 NATO bullets, withstanding velocities up to 2780 fps. The fully encapsulated design protects against corrosion and chemicals, while independent lab testing backs up their performance claims. The USA-made plates feature clean laser-cut edges for precise fitting in tactical vests.

Tactical Scorpion Gear Level III AR500 Steel Body Armor Plates

Made in the USA, each plate sports a 10x12 inch dimension and is crafted to stop multiple 7.62 NATO rounds - though the manufacturer rates it for six hits, independent testing suggests it could handle more. The plate’s fully encapsulated design protects against corrosion and wear, while its laser-cut edges ensure precise fitment in any carrier system. Users praise its durability and value, though some note the flat face design can be uncomfortable.

AR500 Armor Veritas Lite

The AR500 Armor Veritas Lite brings a welcomed refinement to the original design, shedding unnecessary weight while maintaining crucial features like the American-made impact-resistant buckles. With its slim profile and generous 10” x 12” plate capacity, it excels as both a primary and secondary carrier option. The combination of durable 500D Cordura construction and strategic ventilation makes it a practical choice for anyone who needs reliable body armor with minimal bulk.

Tactical Scorpion Gear Level III Body Armor Plates

I have had the pleasure of using Scorpion Gear’s Level III AR500 Steel Body Armor Pair for months now, and I must say that it has been an exemplary addition to my personal protection gear. This armor’s multiple hit capability, made possible by its fully encapsulated construction, offers unparalleled durability and has left me feeling safe and secure during each use.

One remarkable feature of this armor is its resistance to corrosion, chemicals, and sweat, a characteristic that puts my mind at ease knowing it will maintain its effectiveness in any situation. I was impressed when I saw the independent lab test results, which confirmed its ability to withstand the impact of up to six 7.62 Nato bullets (. 308 Winchester) with velocities up to 2780 fps. This level of protection is perfect for front and back protection.

However, it’s essential to note that not all armor plate sellers disclose the cutting method of their products. I appreciated Scorpion Gear’s transparency in mentioning that their armor plates are cut by laser, which attests to their commitment to quality and precision.

In summary, the Scorpion Gear Level III AR500 Steel Body Armor Pair has been an excellent addition to my personal protection gear. The armor’s durability, resistance to corrosion, and its impressive ability to protect against multiple bullet impacts make it a must-have for anyone seeking high-quality, reliable body armor.

Tactical Scorpion Gear AR500 Body Armor

This highly-rated American-made body armor features a sleek, adjustable vest design that can accommodate various plate sizes, from small to XXLarge. The Level III AR500 steel plates provide exceptional protection against high-velocity bullets, with independent lab testing backing their effectiveness. While some users note the vest’s bulkiness during extended wear, nearly all reviewers praise its durability and comfort once properly adjusted.

Tactical Scorpion 4 PC Level III AR500 Body Armor

Crafted from durable AR500 steel plates with innovative trauma padding, this Level III body armor vest provides military-grade protection against high-velocity rifle rounds. The fully adjustable MOLLE II vest system features robust Velcro straps and multiple cargo pockets, allowing for customization with additional modular accessories. Built to US standards with domestic manufacturing and independent testing, these plates are rated to stop multiple 7.62 NATO rounds while remaining surprisingly adaptable for users of various sizes.

Spartan Armor Systems Omega AR500 Body Armor

Featuring a rugged yet lightweight design that can grow with your needs, the Sentinel Plate Carrier lets you choose exactly how much protection you carry - whether you’re heading to the range or just want peace of mind at home. With roomy 10x12 plate slots and comfy padded mesh interior, you can swap out the protective plates and carrier pieces to tailor it to your size and style preferences. Thousands of law enforcement pros and civilians have found this carrier so reliable that they’re passing it down as their go-to plate carrier for decades of service.

Buyer’s Guide

AR500 body armor combines optimal protection with lightweight design, making it a popular choice for various applications. This buyer’s guide outlines key features and considerations to help you select the right AR500 armor for your needs.

Material Composition

AR500 armor consists of hardened stainless steel plates. The steel’s microstructure and composition determine its performance, with higher manganese content enhancing both hardness and toughness. Understanding these material properties helps in assessing the plate’s ability to resist penetration while maintaining durability.

Protection Levels

AR500 plates offer varying degrees of protection, typically rated to stop specific types of ammunition. Common ratings include protection against 7.62x39mm NATO, 7.62x51mm NATO, and 5.56x45mm rounds. The protection level directly impacts plate thickness and weight, with heavier plates providing greater resistance.

Attachment Systems

Proper plate retention is crucial for effective armor performance. Common attachment systems include soft carrier systems with MOLLE compatibility, rigid carrier systems, and plate carriers. The attachment method should match your intended use, with factors like movement restriction, breathability, and accessibility impacting your choice.

Additional Considerations

Other key factors include plate rigidity, which affects how well the armor transfers energy during impact, and thermal properties, particularly in hot environments. The armor’s compatibility with other gear, such as vests and pouches, and its integration with weapon systems are also important for practical use.

FAQ

What is Ar500 body armor made of?

Ar500 body armor is typically made from advanced composite materials, combining multiple layers of ceramic plates and high-density foam inserts. These materials are designed to stop a wide range of threats, from handgun rounds to some rifle-fired projectiles.

The armor configuration usually consists of 10mm-12mm ceramic plates backed by 20mm-25mm of high-density foam. The ceramic plates are generally composed of boron carbide or silicon carbide, while the foam uses polyethylene or expanded polystyrene for energy absorption.

How does Ar500 body armor work?

When a projectile strikes the Ar500 armor plate, the ceramic material disrupts the bullet’s momentum. The bullet fragments and spreads across the plate’s surface, while the high-density foam layer absorbs and dissipates the remaining kinetic energy. This dual-layer system significantly reduces the risk of injury from both penetrating and non-penetrating threats.

Ar500 armor is designed to stop threats at the 500 ft/lb energy level, hence its name. However, it’s important to note that penetration resistance can vary based on specific threat levels and armor configurations.

What types of threats does Ar500 body armor protect against?

Ar500 body armor is primarily designed to protect against handgun rounds, including most pistol-caliber weapons. It can also provide stopping power against some lower-energy rifle rounds, though protection against higher-energy threats (like armor-piercing rounds) may be limited.

The armor typically provides coverage for vital areas like the chest, abdomen, and sometimes the sides and back. Some configurations offer additional protection for the shoulders and neck.

How heavy is Ar500 body armor?

Standard Ar500 body armor vests weigh between 10-15 pounds, including all plate carriers and padding. The weight distribution is designed to be comfortable through the use of adjustable straps and padded back panels.

When worn with the necessary ceramic plates, the total weight is distributed across the body for stability during movement. The foam padding adds to the weight but significantly enhances comfort and impact absorption.

How long does Ar500 body armor last?

Ar500 body armor plates typically have a service life of 5-7 years when properly maintained and not exposed to corrosive environments. The ceramic plates are the most durable component, while the foam backing degrades over time through exposure to body heat and moisture.

Signs of wear include visible cracks in the ceramic plates, excessive compression in the foam backing, or changes in the weight and shape of the armor. Proper storage in a dry environment and regular inspection can extend the service life of the armor.

How should I care for my Ar500 body armor?

Regular maintenance of Ar500 body armor is essential to ensure maximum performance and longevity. Armor should be cleaned with mild soap and water after each use, allowing it to completely dry before storage. All components, including plates and padding, should be replaced if damaged or showing signs of wear.

Storage should be in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The armor should be inspected monthly for signs of damage or degradation, and ceramic plates should be professionally checked every 2-3 years by a certified armor evaluator.

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