When it comes to choosing body armor, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) has created a series of standardized ratings that indicate the level of protection provided by a given plate. NIJ Level 3 and Level 4 are two of the most popular levels for body armor plates, but what is the difference between them? Let’s take a closer look at both levels and explore their features in more detail.

Level 3 Armor Plates

NIJ Level 3 Armor plates provide ballistic protection up to .30-06 M2AP rounds. These plates are made from Ceramic, Polyethylene, or steel materials and offer superior protection against high-velocity rounds. They are usually used by law enforcement officers or military personnel who may be exposed to gunfire from assault rifles. The plates can also be used as inserts in tactical vests for added protection against bullets and fragmentation.

Level 4 Armor Plates

NIJ Level 4 armor plates provide ballistic protection up to .30-06 AP rounds. These plates are made from hardened steel or polyethylene ceramic materials and offer superior protection against high-velocity rounds like those fired from sniper rifles or machine guns. They are usually used by military personnel who may be exposed to gunfire from assault rifles or heavy machine guns. The plates can also be used as inserts in tactical vests for added protection against bullets and fragmentation.

Both NIJ Level 3 and Level 4 armor plates provide superior ballistic protection against high-velocity rifle rounds, however, they differ in terms of the type of round they protect against. For example, NIJ Level 3 armor is primarily designed to protect against .30-06 M2AP rounds while NIJ Level 4 is designed to protect against .30-06 AP rounds. Ultimately, it’s important to choose the right level of armor plate for your specific needs; if you’re unsure which one is best for you, consult with a professional who can help you make an informed decision about which level will provide the best level of protection for the situation you’re likely to encounter. By familiarizing yourself with what each level offers, you can ensure that your body armor provides maximum protection when it matters most.

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