RTS Tactical FAQs
Everything You Need to Know About Body Armor, Plate Carriers & Tactical Gear
About RTS Tactical
Where are you located?
RTS Tactical headquarters and our 23,000 sq. ft. ISO 9001 Certified manufacturing facility are located at 7770 NW 22nd Ave, Miami, Florida 33147, with multiple NIJ-certified products and a GSA Schedule holder. Our mission is to empower the men and women who wear body armor in service to their community or country.
Are you a USA manufacturer?
Yes. RTS Tactical is a proud USA ballistics manufacturer. We design and produce advanced soft body armor, military-grade ceramic SAPI hard armor inserts, ballistic shields, and bunkers using next-generation USA materials engineered to meet NIJ 0101.07 standards with multiple NIJ-certified products. Several of our ballistic shield and plate carriers have patents pending.
Body Armor Basics
Is this armor bulletproof?
While no body armor is truly “bulletproof,” RTS Tactical armor is designed to stop real-world ballistic threats and provide dependable, life-saving protection when it matters most. What most people mean by bulletproof is ballistic-resistant armor that has been tested to stop specific rounds—and that’s exactly where standards matter.
Our armor is engineered and tested to National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standards, which define the types of handgun and rifle threats each armor level is proven to defeat. From HG2 (Level IIIA) soft body armor for common handgun threats to rifle-rated Level III, III+, and Level IV armor, every RTS Tactical product clearly lists the threats it is built to stop.
What is the difference between soft armor and hard armor?
Soft armor used in a concealable bulletproof vest, bulletproof vest, or body armor vest is flexible and designed to stop handgun rounds. Hard armor plates, including Level 4 body armor, are rigid inserts used in a plate carrier, tactical plate carrier, or plate carrier vest for rifle protection.
What protection level should I choose?
- Soft Body Armor (II or IIIA): Handgun threats and daily concealed wear
- Level III / Level III+: Intermediate rifle threats
- Body Armor Level IV: Maximum protection against armor-piercing rifle threats
What are ballistic shields and ballistic blankets used for?
A ballistic shield, mini ballistic shield, or ballistic blanket / tactical blanket provides mobile rifle-rated protection for breaching, defensive positions, vehicle operations, and emergency scenarios.
Comfort & Performance
How heavy is body armor?
Body armor weight varies by protection level and materials used. Soft body armor is lightweight and designed for all-day wear, while rifle-rated hard armor offers increased protection at a higher weight. RTS Tactical focuses on optimizing protection-to-weight ratios to balance safety, comfort, and mobility.
Can I wear body armor for long periods?
Yes. Our soft armor and plate carrier systems are engineered for extended wear with ergonomic shaping, breathable materials, and secure weight distribution to reduce fatigue during long shifts or prolonged use.
Will armor restrict my movement?
Modern ballistic armor is designed to support natural movement. RTS Tactical plate carriers and armor systems prioritize mobility, proper fit, and weapon handling while maintaining dependable ballistic protection.
Choosing the Right Gear
What comes in your body armor kits/Active Shooter Kits?
RTS Tactical Active Shooter Kits include a plate carrier with plates, typically with the option for add-on side plates, giving you a ready-to-use configuration that combines a carrier and your choice of ballistic inserts, including Level III, Level III+, or Level IV.
What is a plate carrier?
A plate carrier or tactical plate carrier is a modular vest designed to hold hard armor plates in the front, back, and sometimes sides. Our plate carriers and bulletproof tactical vests support MOLLE accessories, pouches, and mission-specific attachments.
Where can I buy a tactical outer vest?
If you're searching for “where to buy tactical vest” options, RTS Tactical offers a full lineup of plate carrier vests, soft armor vests, and body armor kits directly on our website.
Who is This Armor For?
Is this armor suitable for civilians?
Yes. Many RTS Tactical products are designed for law-abiding civilians and security professionals, including concealable body armor, plate carriers, and rifle-rated armor for personal safety, emergency preparedness, and defensive use.
Is this armor used by law enforcement or agencies?
RTS Tactical supplies ballistic protection solutions to law enforcement and government agencies nationwide. In addition to serving responsible civilian customers, we also maintain a dedicated lineup of law-enforcement-only gear, designed specifically to meet the operational requirements of duty use and agency procurement.
Can this armor be used for home defense or emergency preparedness?
Yes. Body armor, ballistic shields, and protective gear are commonly used as part of home defense, emergency response, and preparedness plans, providing added protection during high-risk situations.
Product Information & Sizing
How do I choose the right size vest or shield?
Finding the proper fit is crucial for protection and comfort:
- Use our sizing charts: Located on every product page under the description
- Take precise measurements: Chest, torso length, and height where required
- Still unsure? Our customer service team can help you choose between sizes
What’s the difference between Shooter’s Cut and SAPI Cut plates?
- Shooter’s Cut plates feature more aggressive top-corner angles for improved weapon handling and mobility.
- SAPI Cut plates offer increased ballistic coverage with a more traditional shape, prioritizing maximum protection
Fit & Compatibility
Are your plates compatible with other plate carriers?
Most RTS Tactical armor plates follow standard sizing and are compatible with many industry-standard plate carriers. Always confirm plate dimensions and carrier specifications before pairing products from different manufacturers.
Will your plate carriers fit plates from other brands?
RTS Tactical plate carriers are designed to accommodate standard SAPI-cut and Shooter’s-cut plates within their listed size ranges, including plates from many other manufacturers.
Can I mix soft armor with different vests or brands?
For soft armor vests, RTS Tactical does not recommend mixing armor from different manufacturers. Our soft armor panels use unique, proprietary shapes that provide increased coverage compared to many standard designs and are engineered specifically to fit RTS Tactical vests for proper protection and performance.
Care & Maintenance
How do I clean my vest or plate carrier?
Your plate carrier or body armor vest should be cleaned with mild soap and water, then air-dried. Never machine-wash ballistic materials or submerge armor panels.
How should I store my armor?
Store ballistic panels, vests, shields, and blankets flat, in a temperature-controlled environment, away from moisture, UV exposure, and chemicals.
Armor Lifespan
Does body armor expire?
Ballistic armor does not suddenly fail after a set date, but materials can degrade over time. Most armor manufacturers assign a recommended service life based on materials, usage, and environmental exposure.
When should body armor be replaced?
Armor should be replaced if it has stopped a ballistic impact, shows visible damage, or has exceeded its recommended service life (typically 5 years). Regular inspection helps ensure continued protection and performance.
Custom Orders
Do you offer custom gear solutions?
Yes. RTS Tactical provides custom-designed solutions for ballistic vests, shields, and specialty gear.
Here’s how it works:
- Submit our custom order inquiry form with your requirements.
- Collaborate with our design team to refine specifications.
- Receive a tailored quote and manufacturing plan.
From unique fit needs to specialized threat requirements, our experts create fully custom protection.
Customer Service
How can I get in touch with customer service?
We’re here to help. Contact our team via:
- Live Chat: Available on our website during business hours
- Email: info@rtstactical.com (responses within 24 hours)
- Phone: (786) 796-2759
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:30 AM–5:00 PM EST
Legal Questions
Is it legal for civilians to own body armor?
In most U.S. states, civilians may legally purchase and own bulletproof vests, concealable body armor, plate carriers, and even Level IV body armor, provided they are not otherwise prohibited by law (such as due to a felony conviction).
Due to state regulations, RTS Tactical does not ship body armor to New York or Connecticut.
Shipping, Returns & Warranty
How long will it take to receive my armor?
Shipping times vary by product. High-protection items such as ballistic shields or glass panel divider ballistic solutions may require manufacturing lead times.
What is your return policy?
Non-ballistic items such as carriers and accessories may qualify for returns or exchanges. Due to safety regulations, ballistic hard armor, shields, and blankets are typically final sale. See our return policy page for full details.
Do your products include a warranty?
Yes. RTS Tactical warranties cover manufacturing defects for carriers, plates, soft body armor, and other ballistic gear. Warranty duration varies by product category.
Specialized Products
What is a mini ballistic shield?
A mini ballistic shield is a compact, lightweight defensive tool designed for tight spaces, rapid deployment, and vehicle operations while still offering rifle-rated protection.
What is a tactical or ballistic blanket?
A ballistic blanket or tactical blanket is a flexible ballistic barrier used to reinforce entry points, protect personnel during evacuations, or enhance mobile defensive positions.
What is the purpose of a glass panel divider?
A glass panel divider provides transparent ballistic protection for offices, guard stations, reception areas, or vehicles. These are discreet defensive solutions that maintain visibility while offering ballistic resistance.
Department & Agency Purchasing
Do you offer department or bulk purchasing programs?
Yes. RTS Tactical partners with law enforcement, security teams, and government agencies for bulk orders of ballistic shields, ballistic blankets, body armor, plate carriers, and body armor compression shirts. Custom configurations and quotes are available upon request.