Level 3+ Body Armor | III+ Armor Plates

Level 3+ body armor will soon be known as RF2 under its upcoming designation from the National Institute of Justice. When NIJ updates its standard to Level 3+, or RF2, armor plates will be required to defeat three (3) m80 NATO rounds, three (3) 7.62×39 msc, three (3) m193 and three (3) m855 green tip rounds on separate body armor plates. [+] Read more

Previously, Level 3+ body armor was widely known as any body armor that was capable of defeating a single m855 Green Tip round (and in some cases, no other rounds). However, it became convoluted because some armor manufacturers would consider anything that stopped a high velocity 5.56 cartridge as Level III+ body armor.

To meet the new requirements set forth by NIJ, RMA has manufactured a carefully-engineered balance of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) and a proprietary Alumina Oxide ceramic core, RMA’s new Level III+ body armor plates protects against the same threats as our Generation 1 plate. This includes the M855 and M193, but additionally stops the new high-speed M855A1 steel and copper penetrator round cold at 25 yards. Even heavier steel armor can’t do that.

Stronger than ever before, RMA’s Generation 2 Level III+ plates break new ground in protection and lightweight wearability.

Level 3 plus body armor has become a difficult level of body armor to define, simply because the National Institute of Justice doesn’t have a specific definition. Its loose definition is that it simply defeats some faster or larger rounds than a Level III body armor plate.

Some companies claim that because their armor defeats the xm193, that it’s “Level 3 plus” body armor. But the most popular delineation when it comes to Level III+ armor plates vs. Level III armor plate is when the armor defeats the m855 green tip. But that’s why RMA Armament goes over and above by having a Level 3 plus ceramic plate that is thin, lightweight, AND defeats the m855A1 round.

No matter what body armor you choose, RMA Armament strives to keep you safe, regardless of the threat. RMA manufactures a wide variety of rifle rated body armor plates, as well as concealable bulletproof vests.

What Does Level 3+ Body Armor Stop?

According to the upcoming National Institute of Justice’s upcoming NIJ .07 RF2 standard, a Level 3+ body armor plate will be required to defeat all RF1 threats (7.62×51 m80 NATO, 7.62×39, 5.56 m193) PLUS the RF2 threat, which is a 5.56 m855 green tip.When the new NIJ .07 standards are released, the certification will include either 51 or 67 body armor plate samples for full testing.

What are Level 3+ Body Armor Plates Made Out Of?

The main components of all RMA’s level 3+ body armor -both single and multi-curve – is a ceramic strike face and a composite backer.

RMA builds its NIJ .07 tested level 3+ body armor plates with a thin alumina oxide ceramic strike face and a polyethylene composite backer. The ceramic serves to break apart the bullet, which allows the composite backer to act as a catcher’s mitt and catch the remaining bullet fragments and reduce the energy impact transferred to the body.

Typically, the lighter the material, the more expensive it is. Please see the “Details” section on each of our product pages to see the materials RMA utilizes to manufacture them.

Our Level 3+ body armor plates come in a single-curve 10×12 size and shape (Model 1090), as well as multi-curve 3+ armor size small through extra large (Models 1091-1094).

Why Should I Buy Level 3+ Body Armor?

We say that Level 3+ body armor is the sweet spot of armor. While it may not live up to the Level 4 body armor standards in terms of ballistics in defeating the 30.06 M2AP round, it stops many of the most common rifle rounds in the U.S.

At just 4.5lbs (for a single curve 10×12 plate, or multi-curve size medium) a Level 3+ body armor plate defeats rifle rounds like m80 NATO, 7.62×39 mild steel core, m193 AND the m855 green tip.

What Happens if I Drop My Armor?

If you happen to drop your level 3+ body armor, train with it, or are one of those people who toss your rig around after you take it off, your armor from RMA should be just fine.

RMA’s level 3+ body armor plates are built with a protective padding on the strike face to aid in the protection of the ceramic, ensuring it doesn’t crack under normal use. However, we do suggest that you take care of your armor as best you can, to ensure it performs to its highest level of protection.

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