Welcome to our in-house proudly manufactured USA Made Lightweight Rifle Special Threats Armor, designed to be your first line of defense. These 11x14 plates are specifically engineered to stop SS109 and Mild Steel Core AK47 rounds, meeting the rigorous standards set by the DEA armor protocol.
The RTS Tactical Lightweight Rifle Special Threats Steel Core Inserts come in at an overachieving 5mm thickness, striking a remarkable balance between protection and comfort, and weight.
These Lightweight Rifle Special Threat plates offer superior ballistic protection exceeding NIJ Level III standards. Independently tested and proven to outperform, they provide Level III+ defense for law enforcement, first responders, and security personnel. Made in the USA with high-quality steel, these plates are engineered for those who demand the best.
LEVEL OF PROTECTION
LWR5 Rifle Special Threat ensures defense against specialized threats, setting a new standard for Ballistic Shield Protection.
NIJ 0101.06 Level III+
Defends against: 5.56x45mm 62 gr. M855 (Green Tip) Russian 7.62x39mm 123 gr. MSC (M43) 7.62×51mm NATO M80 FMJ calibers.
SIZE & WEIGHT
[Size]
11" x 14"
[Thickness]
5 mm
[Weight]
SAPI Cut single plate weight is 8.4 lbs
Shooter Cut single plate weight is 7.7 lbs.
SHELF LIFE & WARRANTY
We are confident in the quality of our products. That's why we offer a 5-year warranty against any manufacturing defects, giving you peace of mind with your purchase.
RTS Tactical Steel Armor outperforms ceramic or polyethylene alternatives, withstanding a relentless barrage of high-velocity rounds without shattering.
Ultimate Durability
Steel armor sets the gold standard for toughness. Drop it, beat it up – our steel plates maintain their ballistic integrity through it all.
Full Surface Protection
Unlike ceramic or polyethylene, our steel armor provides complete surface defense, crafted from a solid AR600 steel slab.
Encapsulating Coating
The RTS Tactical AR600 Armor boasts an exceptionally robust polyurea coating. It ensures minimal fragmentation escape and guards the armor against moisture, rain, and other environmental challenges.
WHY WE MADE IT
At RTS Tactical, we created the Lightweight Rifle Special Threats Steel Core Armor in the 11x14 size because we understand that superior protection should never slow you down. Crafted for those who demand the best, whether you're a law enforcement officer, first responder, or civilian, these plates offer uncompromising defense while allowing you to move with agility. Our mission is to enable you to be fearless, no matter the situation.
TRUSTED BY
HERE TO PROTECT THE PROTECTORS
We’ve worked with over 1,000 satisfied law enforcement departments, and growing.
Sumter County Sheriff's Office
‘’Thank you to RTS Tactical for the quality and functionality of their recent shield purchase, citing confidence and efficiency for officers.” They plan to turn to RTS Tactical for future needs, expressing gratitude for the invaluable impact on their team
Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office
‘’RTS Tactical delivers top-notch service and supplies over 40 Medium-Level III+ Special Threat Mini Shields.” The Police Chief endorses RTS Tactical, emphasizing their commitment to officer safety and recommending them for reliable and effective equipment.
Seagoville Police Department
‘’We recently invested in RTS Tactical's Ballistic Shields, impressed by their quality and professional service. The enhanced safety and confidence these shields provide make a crucial difference for our officers in high-stress situations. We highly recommend RTS Tactical for Tactical Gear and Ballistic Products’’.
Chattanooga Police Department
Chattanooga PD's Lt. Rusty Morrison praises RTS Tactical's Level lll+ Rifle Shields for operational satisfaction, resilience, and ideal weight, balance, and maneuverability. “The seamless integration of 70 shields highlights their compatibility with evolving policing needs, backed by RTS Tactical's responsive support”.
FAQ
What is the AR600 Special Threat Insert designed to protect against?
Our AR600 Inserts are designed to defend against a range of threats, including armor-piercing rounds and special threats specified in the DEA armor protocol. These plates provide a high level of protection against various threats you might encounter.
Are these inserts made in the USA?
Yes, we proudly manufacture these inserts in-house in the USA. We believe in providing our customers with the highest quality American-made products.
What makes steel armor a good choice compared to other materials like ceramic or polyethylene?
Steel armor, like our AR600 Level III+ plates, offers exceptional durability. It can withstand impacts, drops, and beatings without losing its ballistic integrity. Unlike ceramic or polyethylene, steel armor provides full surface protection as it's constructed from a solid piece of AR600 steel.
What kind of coating do these inserts have?
These inserts feature an extremely durable polyurea coating that helps minimize fragmentation escaping the outer layer. This coating also protects the armor from water and moisture, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Can these plates be dropped or beaten up without losing their ballistic integrity?
Yes, steel armor, such as our AR600 Level III+ inserts, is known for its durability. These plates can withstand rough handling, drops, and impacts without compromising their ballistic protection.
Do you offer free shipping for these inserts?
Yes, we offer free shipping for the RTS AR600 Level III+ Special Threat Inserts.
The vest is lightweight and is easy to put on and take off with the quick release buckles. If you're running thicker plates, it'll be a tight fit and I recommend adding your pouches first and then putting the plates in. It's pretty low profile so there isn't a lot of room to add pouches after the plates are in. The cumme is easy to adjust for outer layers. I highly recommend this vest.
Compared to my old plate carrier, a tasmanian tiger base vest mk2, it breathes better and has better ventilation. The Quick release system makes donning and doffing easy enough that I can take my armor off of me meanwhile at work so I can take a break. The first spear tube system is better but this one isn't bad. The MOLLE available is generous but it's less than what I had before it's not a bad thing since it forced me to make my setup more space efficient. I do wish the shoulder straps had some webbing for my radio to clip on to, but that's a personal preference. I also thought this came with pouches for side plates but it doesn't and had to order them. Knowing what I know now, would I buy this same carrier. Well, I don't regret it entirely and it is an improvement but I would have to reexamine the First spear product line. But that's only because they have programs for local first responders and military that result in near 50% savings. Otherwise this plate carrier is a better bang for your buck.
I love the HST, but the recieved model is different than the shown photos, missing the quick release clips on the shoulder straps, having velcro instead.
Adjustment is super simple and fit is great. Overall quality seem great too. I’ve ran with it for a couple miles to make sure it was properly adjusted and it’s pretty comfortable compared to other carriers I’ve used.
I use this vest for all my work and work related duties with special threat plates. So long as you're in decent enough shape to support the weight the setup is good!
It isn’t a 4 point QR carrier like it says all over the website or shows on the pictures. It has the buckles around your belly but not the shoulders. So it is a 2 point QR carrier. This poses a HUGE problem because it defeats the purpose of quickly doffing in an emergency lets say for some reason someone was laying down and couldn’t get up for whatever reason… now lets add someone wearing actual gear like a helmet with accessories. No way are you “quickly” doffing this plate carrier especially in an emergency.
Absolutely love this vest! It took me a second to get used to the quick attach but I figured out the easier to reach my right hand under the plates (I have III+) and secure it. Excellent quality and I will definitely be purchasing more products!
Best is nice and seems durable. However, they need to update the pictures. The vest doesn’t have near the padding in the shoulders that was shown in the pictures. Also the vest does not come with quick release on the shoulders just Velcro.
I took advantage of RTS’s black friday deals and bought this vest for EDC, while I just received it I know I will love it. It is clean, sleek, fitted and versatile. Im a level 4 armed contractor and my assignments can vary greatly whether its PP (Personal Protection), site security, prisoner transport, QR (Quick Response) all with varying low-high risk. A balance between minimal and maximal for external armor in my field is a must. I did have a sizing problem requiring me to return and exchange for a smaller size. I had to cover all associated costs but RTS handled my predicament great and given my short time frame solved my issue very quickly. I have a slender/fit broad shouldered frame and even though my stomach circumference is 35 inches medium was loose fitting despite the cummerbund being tightened as much as possible. If you’re in a similar situation I suggest selecting a small and not a medium. I have multiple armor platforms and will run 3+ steel DBL build up with a aramid wrap or mosaic ceramic level 4 strictly with a good crack arresting layer(boosts multi hit capability) depending on my specific needs. If your armor plates are even just L/W wise .20 of an inch bigger than 10x12 it will be difficult to squeeze those plates in just a heads up as this carrier is built around RTS’s armor dimensions. I ordered their 6x8 side plates on a separate order that I should receive soon and maybe soon will purchase their level 4 edge to edge ceramic armor.
Came pretty fast and was everything I wanted. Didn’t know you could adjust the size of the waist and thought I would have to exchange it. Matt walked me through with a video on how to adjust it. Saved me a lot of time and money. 10/10
Neither impressed nor disappointed. They’re steel plates, they’re on the smaller side of true to size, true to the posted weight on my scale at 6.6 lbs each. I received a pair of asymmetrical shaped plates. Don’t notice it in the carrier and over trauma pads and spall guard. They work. Shipping was fast. Company is good. The plates are plates though.
I'm impressed with the quality of this RTS Tactical plate carrier it is versatile I added AXL PlaceCard Adapter along with AXL shoulder pads which stays in place unlike the ones that come with the plate carrier, they shift around but are very comfortable but I prefer them to be secure. The place Card is from Shaws Concept. Will still be adding to this plate carrier. The carrier itself is comfortable and of great quality. I would recommend.
The RTS Tactical HST Quick Release Plate Carrier is the absolute best carrier I’ve ever worn! It’s comfortable, extremely well made, and fits perfectly. The customer support is the best I’ve experienced in quite a while. I’ve already recommended RTS to several of my friends, and I plan on doing more business with them in the future.
Great product. Very comfortable in comparison to other “high speed” plate carriers I’ve tried, fits my XL ESAPI plates perfect. I ordered the Large but the cummerbund was a bit too long around my torso. I was able to exchange the cummerbund by itself and have them send me a new one, Matt Morales made this process quick and easy.
Great level3+ plates. Engineering is on point, shipping was quick, eduction and customer service / experience was top tier. Shout out to Phill for reaching out directly to make sure I had everything I needed. Recommend 10/10