The Shellback Tactical Banshee Elite 3.0 Lightweight Armor System pairs the Banshee Elite 3.0 plate carrier with two Model LON-III-P Level III UHMWPE body armor plates, delivering full front-and-rear rifle protection in a complete, ready-to-wear kit. Each LON-III-P plate is NIJ 0101.06 certified and listed on the NIJ Compliant Products List, weighs 3.5 lbs in the 10x12 SAPI cut, and measures 1.25 inches thick. The Banshee Elite 3.0 carrier is built from 500-denier Cordura nylon and 1000-denier laminated Squadron nylon, with a laser-cut MOLLE platform, a quick-release cummerbund system, and an integrated six-pocket M4 magazine cummerbund. Both components carry independent warranties: a 10-year ballistic warranty on the plates and a lifetime warranty on the carrier. Both are made in the USA.

Who this is for

• Professionals needing certified rifle protection: the LON-III-P is NIJ 0101.06 Listed, providing independently verified Level III stand-alone performance in a platform built for daily wear.
• Shooters and responders who carry for extended periods: the UHMWPE construction brings each plate in at 3.5 lbs, reducing the total two-plate load significantly compared to a typical steel or ceramic rifle-plate setup.
• Buyers who want a complete system out of the box: the kit ships carrier and plates together, so there is no guesswork around fitment — the LON-III-P seats directly in the Banshee Elite 3.0's 10x12 plate pockets.

Ballistic performance

The LON-III-P is constructed of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and provides stand-alone, full edge-to-edge Level III rifle protection. The plate is multi-hit rated across its entire face — protection runs from edge to edge, not only in a central strike zone. A 1000-denier nylon exterior fully seals the UHMWPE core against liquids, chemicals, and harsh environmental exposure. The plate carries positive buoyancy and floats in water.

In addition to meeting the NIJ 0101.06 Level III standard for 7.62x51mm M80 ball at 2,780 fps, the LON-III-P is Special Threat Rated against three additional rounds: 7.62x39mm mild steel core at 2,400 fps, 5.56x45mm M193 at 3,250 fps, and .223 SCS Brush Hog at 3,150 fps. These special threat ratings are outside the scope of the NIJ certification but are documented in independent ballistic testing.

Independent ballistic test data

Plate compatibility and cut geometry

The LON-III-P ships in a 10x12 SAPI/ESAPI cut with a single-curve profile and measures 1.25 inches thick. The Banshee Elite 3.0 plate pockets load from the bottom and accept 10x12 Shooters Cut or SAPI cut plates, making this kit a direct mechanical match. The single-curve geometry seats flush against the torso without requiring multi-curve contouring, and the SAPI cut provides the widest coverage footprint in the standard 10x12 form factor.

Banshee Elite 3.0 carrier features

The Banshee Elite 3.0 is built from 500-denier Cordura nylon for the main shell and 1000-denier laminated Squadron nylon for high-wear surfaces. A laser-cut MOLLE platform covers the front panel, rear panel, and cummerbund, reducing weight relative to traditional woven MOLLE while maintaining full accessory compatibility. Two quick-release cummerbund buckles allow fast donning and doffing. The rear drag handle extends to 34 inches.

The cummerbund integrates six M4 magazine pockets and two soft armor panel pockets sized for Banshee Elite 3.0 soft armor inserts, along with interior laser-cut MOLLE panels for attaching side armor plate pockets. A front zipper admin pouch handles small field gear. A rear hydration pocket accommodates a 2L bladder. 3D spacer mesh padding runs across the front, rear, and shoulder pads for airflow and load distribution. Removable front chest clips accept chest rigs or placards, and loop panels on front and rear mount ID placards.

Sizing and adjustability

The Banshee Elite 3.0 cummerbund is available in three sizes. To find your size, measure the circumference of your torso at the level where the bottom of the plate will sit, then add 2 inches to that measurement and match it to the chart below.

Two shoulder buckles allow quick height adjustment to raise or lower the carrier for proper plate placement. Contact us if you have questions about sizing before ordering.

Specifications

Fit and carrier compatibility

The LON-III-P plates are a factory-matched fit for the Banshee Elite 3.0's bottom-loading 10x12 plate pockets. The SAPI cut and single-curve profile seat correctly without modification. The carrier's cummerbund size covers torso circumferences from 32 inches to 58 inches across three cummerbund options. If you are pairing LON-III-P plates with a different carrier, confirm that the carrier accepts 10x12 SAPI cut plates with 1.25-inch thickness before ordering.

Frequently asked questions

Is the LON-III-P plate NIJ Certified?

Yes. The Model LON-III-P is NIJ 0101.06 certified and listed on the NIJ Compliant Products List at Level III. NIJ certification means an independent, NIJ-accredited laboratory tested the plate against the 7.62x51mm M80 threat at 2,780 fps and the plate passed. The Special Threat ratings for M193, 7.62x39mm MSC, and .223 SCS Brush Hog are additional documented test results outside the scope of the NIJ standard.

What rounds does the LON-III-P stop?

The plate is NIJ-certified to stop 7.62x51mm M80 ball at 2,780 fps. It is also Special Threat Rated to stop 7.62x39mm mild steel core at 2,400 fps, 5.56x45mm M193 at 3,250 fps, and .223 SCS Brush Hog at 3,150 fps. It does not carry Level IV certification and is not rated for armor-piercing rifle rounds such as 7.62x51mm AP or M855A1.

What is the difference between Level III and Level III+?

Level III is an NIJ-standardized designation covering rifles up to 7.62x51mm M80 ball. Level III+ is a vendor-specific special threat rating — not an NIJ standard — used to indicate that a plate has additionally passed testing against higher-velocity or steel-core threats such as M193 or M855. The LON-III-P meets the NIJ Level III standard and carries Special Threat ratings for M193 and 7.62x39mm MSC, placing its performance in the Level III / Special Threat tier.

How heavy is the full two-plate kit?

Each LON-III-P plate weighs 3.5 lbs, so the two-plate load totals 7.0 lbs before adding the carrier shell. The UHMWPE construction keeps this well below a comparable two-plate steel setup, which typically runs 14–16 lbs for front and rear 10x12 plates.

Does this kit come with soft armor side panels?

The kit includes the Banshee Elite 3.0 carrier and two LON-III-P rifle plates. The cummerbund features two pockets sized to accept Banshee Elite 3.0 soft armor cummerbund inserts, and interior laser-cut MOLLE panels accommodate side plate pockets — but soft armor panels and side plates are sold separately.

Can this armor system be shipped to my state?

This kit cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut due to state body armor restrictions. It is subject to US export regulations. 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.