The HighCom 4s16 is a Level IV Stand Alone ceramic body armor plate rated to stop armor-piercing rifle threats, independently tested by an NVLAP-accredited laboratory against NIJ Standard 0101.06 Level IV ballistic requirements. Constructed from a ceramic and UHMWPE composite, the 4s16 measures just 0.75 inches thick and is covered in 1000D CORDURA or textured nylon. It carries a 5-year warranty on all ballistic material and a 1-year warranty on exterior cover material and workmanship. Available in sizes from 5x7 through 11x14, in Shooters, Swimmers, SAPI, and Full cuts, with single-curve and multi-curve options to match your carrier and torso profile.

Who this is for

• Law enforcement officers: who need rifle-rated, armor-piercing protection in a plate that fits standard-issue carriers across a range of plate sizes.
• Security professionals and armed civilians: who want independently lab-tested Level IV coverage with a validated ceramic and UHMWPE build at a range-accessible price point.
• Military and government personnel: who require NIJ 0101.06 Level IV performance across SAPI and swimmer-cut formats in both single- and multi-curve geometries.

Ballistic performance

The 4s16 is rated Level IV Stand Alone, meaning it is designed to function without a soft armor backer. The ceramic and UHMWPE composite construction defeats .30 Caliber Armor Piercing (M2 AP) projectiles at 2,880 fps (878 m/s), the NIJ 0101.06 Level IV threat standard. It also carries RST (Rifle Special Threats Validated) designation, extending coverage beyond the NIJ-standard M2 AP round to a wider set of rifle special threats.

Testing was conducted by an NVLAP-accredited, NIJ-approved laboratory. The plate is 0.75 inches thick across all sizes, keeping profile low across a wide size matrix.

Independent ballistic test data

Plate compatibility and cut geometry

The 4s16 ships in four cuts: Shooters, Swimmers, SAPI (XS through XL), and Full. The 10x12 Shooters Cut is produced to nominal 9.5x11.5-inch dimensions. Single-curve geometry is available for Full and Shooters cuts in the 8x10 and 10x12 sizes. Multi-curve geometry covers the 10x12 Shooters and the full SAPI size run from XS (7.25x11.5 inches) through XL (11x14 inches). Smaller auxiliary sizes — 5x7, 5x8, 6x6, and 6x8 — ship in single-curve Full cut only.

The breadth of cut and size options means the 4s16 fits a wide range of plate carriers designed for 10x12, SAPI, or 11x14 formats. If you need confirmation that a specific carrier accepts a particular size and cut combination, contact us before ordering.

Care and lifespan

The ballistic material carries a 5-year manufacturer warranty. The exterior cover material and workmanship carry a 1-year warranty. Follow HighCom's published product use and care guidelines to avoid compromising the plate's protection level; improper storage, use, or fitment can affect ballistic efficacy.

Specifications

Fit and carrier compatibility

With 15 size and cut combinations spanning 5x7 auxiliary plates up to 11x14 SAPI XL, the 4s16 fits everything from compact chest rigs to full tactical plate carriers designed around military SAPI dimensions. The 10x12 Shooters Cut — the most common patrol and civilian format — hits 6.46 lbs, a competitive weight for a standalone Level IV ceramic plate at 0.75 inches of thickness. For SAPI-format carriers, multi-curve geometry in sizes XS through XL ensures proper torso conformance. Contact us with your carrier model if you need a fit confirmation before purchasing.

Frequently asked questions

Can this plate be shipped to my state?

The 4s16 cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut due to state body armor restrictions. Under 18 U.S.C. § 931, anyone with a federal felony conviction for a crime of violence is prohibited from purchasing or possessing body armor. This plate is classified as ITAR-controlled (Category X) and may only be sold to lawful U.S. persons; it cannot be exported from the United States without an approved export license.

Is this plate NIJ Certified or NIJ Listed?

The 4s16 has been independently tested by an NVLAP-accredited, NIJ-approved laboratory against NIJ Standard 0101.06 Level IV threat parameters. For current NIJ Compliant Products List status, you can check the CPL directly at nij.ojp.gov.

What does Level IV Stand Alone mean?

Stand Alone means the plate is designed to meet Level IV ballistic requirements without a soft armor backer panel behind it. Level IV is the highest NIJ threat tier under 0101.06, requiring defeat of .30 Caliber Armor Piercing (M2 AP) projectiles at 2,880 fps. A soft armor backer can be used with a standalone plate but is not required for the rated performance.

What is the RST designation?

RST stands for Rifle Special Threats Validated. It means the 4s16 has been tested against a defined set of rifle special-threat rounds beyond the NIJ-standard M2 AP projectile. This designation extends the plate's validated protection envelope for shooters who face a wider range of rifle ammunition types.

What is the difference between Shooters Cut and SAPI Cut?

Shooters Cut removes material from the upper corners of a rectangular plate to allow greater arm and shoulder mobility, making it popular for range use and high-mobility scenarios. SAPI (Small Arms Protective Insert) cut follows U.S. military dimensional standards with a more pronounced upper-corner relief and a specific trapezoid profile, designed to fit military-spec SAPI pockets. The 4s16 is available in both, as well as Full and Swimmers cuts.

How heavy is a two-plate setup?

Two 10x12 Shooters Cut single-curve plates weigh a combined 12.92 lbs (2 x 6.46 lbs). Two 10x12 Full single-curve plates total 15.28 lbs (2 x 7.64 lbs). SAPI-format pairs range from 9.82 lbs for two XS plates up to 18.48 lbs for two XL plates, before adding the carrier weight.