BODY ARMOR

Unpredictable threats demand protection that can scale with the mission. RTS Tactical’s Body Armor collection serves government agencies and other protectors with ballistic body armor ranging from low-profile handgun protection to rifle-rated systems for special-threat and armor-piercing threats.

Buyers can start with complete body armor kits or build around the mission by pairing compatible armor with the carrier and coverage required. Hard armor plates and soft armor panels form the core of the collection, with body armor side plates and active shooter kits available for broader protection. Carrier choices range from plate carriers and tactical vests to concealable armor carriers, including ballistic compression shirts for lower-profile assignments.

Across the collection, RTS Tactical focuses on operator-driven armor designs, dependable construction, NIJ-certified body armor models where applicable, and made-in-USA manufacturing.

Hard armor provides the foundation for rifle-rated body armor systems and fits inside a compatible ballistic plate carrier. RTS Tactical offers ceramic armor plates, steel armor plates, and polyethylene armor in multiple sizes and protection categories.

Available models include Level III+ armor plates, Level IV ceramic plates, RF2 armor plates, and RF3 armor plates. Ceramic body armor and polyethylene armor can reduce weight compared with many steel configurations. Compare each plate’s stated ballistic threat list rather than assuming every plate stops every round within a broad caliber family.

Soft armor uses flexible ballistic materials designed primarily for specified handgun threats. RTS Tactical soft body armor includes side panels, plate carrier inserts, and concealable armor for extended periods of wear.

HG1 replaces the previous Level II designation under NIJ 0101.07, while HG2 replaces Level IIIA. Level IIIA body armor remains widely used terminology for the previous NIJ protection designation now replaced by HG2. Concealable body armor can support law enforcement patrol, undercover work, executive protection, and private security. Ballistic compression shirts deliver soft ballistic protection in breathable performance apparel.

Front and rear protection can be expanded with body armor side plates or compatible soft side panels. Active shooter kits pair armor with compatible carriers to simplify selection.

Plate carriers and tactical vests hold the armor but do not provide the stated ballistic protection unless the required plates or panels are installed. Agencies can choose complete systems or combine separate carriers and armor components for mission-specific coverage.

These systems support active-shooter response, tactical entry, military and federal operations, and emergency preparedness. Complementary tactical gear such as riot suits and helmets can support crowd-management assignments where impact protection is needed.

Professional body armor should be selected for the expected ballistic threat and how it will be worn:

• Threat level: Match protection to the handgun, rifle, special-threat, or armor-piercing threat addressed by the model.
• Soft vs. hard armor: Soft armor favors flexibility and concealment. Hard armor addresses specified rifle threats.
• Fit: Confirm plate size, cut, thickness, and carrier dimensions.
• Coverage: Decide if front and rear protection is enough or if side protection is needed.

• HG1 / Level II: Soft armor for specified handgun threats. HG1 replaces the previous Level II designation.
• HG2 / Level IIIA: Higher-level soft armor for specified handgun threats. HG2 replaces the previous Level IIIA designation.
• RF1 / Level III: Rifle protection under NIJ 0101.07. RF1 replaces the previous Level III designation.
• Level III+: An industry term for special-threat rifle armor, not a formal NIJ 0101.07 category. Performance depends on the model’s tested threat list.
• RF2: A newer intermediate NIJ rifle category that includes the RF1 test threats plus 5.56 mm M855.
• RF3 / Level IV: RF3 replaces the previous Level IV designation and addresses the specified armor-piercing rifle threat under NIJ 0101.07.

RTS Tactical brings hard armor, soft armor, armor carriers, and complete law enforcement body armor systems together in one collection. Buyers can compare multiple materials, sizes, cuts, and protection levels. RTS Tactical has worked with thousands of law enforcement agencies and offers department testing and procurement assistance. Free shipping is available across the contiguous United States.