The HighCom 4s17m is a Level IV stand-alone, multi-curve hard armor plate engineered with a ceramic strike face and polyethylene backing. NIJ Listed under 0101.06 and DEA Hard Armor Protocol compliant, the 4s17m stops .30 caliber M2 AP rounds at 2,880 fps and defeats an extended threat list that includes 5.56x45mm M855A1, 7.62x39mm BZ API, and 7.62x54R API. The exterior shell is 1000D CORDURA with a textured nylon finish, and the plate measures just 0.95" thick. Available in six sizes ranging from 7.25x11.5 SAPI XS to 11x14 SAPI XL, plus a 10x12 Shooters Cut, with weights from 6.0 lbs to 11.3 lbs depending on size.

Who this is for

• Law enforcement officers: seeking a DEA Hard Armor Protocol compliant plate that meets both NIJ 0101.06 Level IV and an extended special-threat test matrix at a competitive price point.
• Civilian defensive shooters and preparedness users: who need confirmed armor-piercing protection in a stand-alone configuration without requiring a soft armor backer.
• Agency and department procurement officers: requiring documented NIJ CPL listing, DEA compliance, and a full ballistic test table for internal approval processes.

Ballistic performance

The 4s17m uses a ceramic strike face bonded to a composite polyethylene backing. Ceramic strike faces fracture incoming projectiles on impact, disrupting the penetrator before the PE backing arrests residual energy. The plate is rated Level IV stand-alone, meaning it performs to standard without a separate soft armor panel behind it.

Under NIJ 0101.06, the plate is tested against .30 caliber armor-piercing M2 AP at 2,880 fps (+/- 30 fps). Beyond the NIJ standard, the 4s17m has also been validated under the DEA 2017 Hard Armor Protocol and a suite of Special Threat rounds. The DEA test matrix adds .223 Remington Tactical Bonded Soft Point (62 gr at 2,600 fps), 5.56x45mm M855 Green Tip (62 gr at 3,100 fps), 7.62x39mm Mild Steel Core (123 gr at 2,400 fps), 7.62mm M80 FMJ Steel Jacketed (147 gr at 2,750 fps), and .308 Winchester PSPB Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded (150 gr at 2,600 fps). The RST (Rifle Special Threats) validated designation covers additional rounds including 5.56x45mm M193 FMJ at 3,250 fps, 5.56x45mm M855A1 at 3,100 fps, 7.62x39mm BZ API at 2,380 fps, 7.62x51mm M61 AP at 2,750 fps, 7.62x54R LPS at 2,880 fps, 7.62x54R b-32 API at 2,800 fps, 7.62x63mm JSP at 2,780 fps, AK-47/M/SKS 7.62x39mm Ball at 2,380 fps, and 12-gauge 2.75-inch mag 1 oz. slug at 1,145 fps.

Ballistic test data

Plate compatibility and cut geometry

The 4s17m ships in a multi-curve profile across all sizes. Multi-curve geometry contours to the torso along both the vertical and horizontal axes, distributing the plate's weight more evenly across the chest and reducing hot spots during extended wear. The 10x12 Shooters Cut — with nominal dimensions of 9.5x11.5 inches — fits the widest range of plate carrier front and rear pockets. The SAPI cut options run from XS (7.25x11.5) through XL (11x14) and drop into any carrier with standard SAPI plate bags. Because the 10x12 Shooters Cut is the most common civilian and LE plate carrier format, it represents the most straightforward fitment. If you are unsure which size or cut works with your current carrier, contact us before ordering.

Specifications

Fit and carrier compatibility

The 10x12 Shooters Cut fits the vast majority of plate carriers built around the standard 10x12 plate pocket format. SAPI-cut variants require a carrier with appropriately sized SAPI plate bags — confirm your carrier's accepted plate dimensions before selecting a size. All sizes ship in a multi-curve profile, so carriers with a rigid flat insert sleeve may not seat this plate flush. If you need help confirming fitment with a specific carrier, contact us.

Frequently asked questions

Is this plate NIJ Certified or NIJ Listed?

NIJ Listed. The HighCom 4s17m is listed on the NIJ Compliant Products List (CPL) under NIJ 0101.06 at Level IV. NIJ Listing means the specific product has been independently tested and verified by NIJ — it is the highest form of NIJ third-party validation available under the 0101.06 standard.

What rounds does this plate stop?

The 4s17m is tested against 16 distinct rounds across three protocols. The NIJ standard round is .30 Cal M2 AP at 2,880 fps. The DEA 2017 protocol adds M855 Green Tip, 7.62x39mm Mild Steel Core, 7.62mm M80, .223 Rem Tactical Bonded SP, and .308 Win PSPB. Special Threat validation covers M193, M855A1, 7.62x39mm BZ API, multiple 7.62x54R loads, M61 AP, and 12-gauge slugs. See the full test table above for velocities and grain weights.

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

Level III is the NIJ 0101.06 standard for rifle protection, tested against 7.62mm M80 FMJ at 2,780 fps. Level III+ is a vendor-defined special-threat designation not part of the NIJ standard, typically adding M855 and M193 to the test matrix. Level IV is the highest NIJ 0101.06 rifle rating, tested against .30 Cal M2 armor-piercing at 2,880 fps — a meaningfully harder projectile than those used in Level III testing.

Does this plate need a soft armor backer?

No. The 4s17m is rated stand-alone, meaning it meets Level IV protection without a soft armor insert behind it. A soft armor backer can be added for additional coverage at the plate edges, but it is not required for the plate to perform to its rated level.

What is the difference between Shooters Cut and SAPI Cut?

Shooters Cut has squared upper corners and is the standard format for most civilian and LE plate carriers. SAPI Cut has angled upper corners derived from military SAPI plate geometry, which provides additional clearance for shoulder movement and pairs with military-style carriers and cummerbund systems. The 10x12 Shooters Cut nominal dimension is 9.5x11.5 inches for this plate.

Can this plate be shipped to my state?

This plate cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut under applicable state body armor laws. Civilian sales are restricted to U.S. persons only — no international exports. 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. Law enforcement officers and agencies in restricted states should contact us directly for purchase options.