NIJ Level IIIA. Floatable. Compact. Built to Stack.
Reinforce Your Flank—Designed for Close-Contact Threats
SMC’s 6x6 hard armor side plates give you compact, rifle-resistant-style protection against the highest-end handgun threats. While most armor setups leave your flanks exposed, these rugged plates seal that gap with NIJ Level IIIA-rated protection in a fully sealed, waterproof, and buoyant format.
Stacked Defense with Soft Armor Integration
For maximum effectiveness, these hard plates are engineered to be worn over SMC’s soft armor side panels. The soft plate absorbs blunt impact and deformation; the hard plate halts penetration. Stacking two NIJ IIIA-rated elements doesn’t make it a rifle plate—but it does significantly reduce backface trauma, offer improved multi-hit performance, and increase survivability in close-contact handgun encounters or fragmentation-heavy scenarios.
Specifications
• Dimensions: 6" x 6"
• Protection Level: NIJ Level IIIA (Stops .44 Magnum and all lesser handgun threats)
• Intended Use: Worn over soft armor for blunt force mitigation and penetration stopping
• Construction: Rigid, waterproof composite—fully sealed
• Buoyancy: Fully floatable
• Compatibility: Fits most 6x6 side plate pouches and carriers
• Sold as: One pair (left and right)
What to Expect When Stacked with Soft Armor
• Enhanced multi-hit durability
• Improved protection from angled handgun shots
• Dramatically reduced blunt force trauma
• Better absorption from high-energy contact hits and fragments
• Still not rated to stop rifle rounds (5.56, 7.62)—for that, Level III+ or IV plates are required
Secure Your Blind Spots with Confidence
Finish your setup with rugged, floatable hard armor designed to reinforce the most overlooked angles of attack.