The Shellback Tactical Level IIIA Model CLCIIIA Soft Armor Cummerbund Inserts are ballistic-rated side panels engineered specifically for the Banshee Elite 3.0 plate carrier cummerbund pockets. Constructed from 100% woven aramid fiber and sealed in a heat-laminated, water-resistant 70D nylon ripstop cover with TPU backing, each insert is NIJ 0101.06 certified and listed on the NIJ Compliant Products List. Sold as a matched set of two — left and right — they extend torso coverage to the side body without adding hard-plate bulk. Areal density runs 1.41 PSF at a thickness of just 0.32 inches. Available in Small/Medium (15.5" x 5"), Large/XLarge (17" x 5"), and 2X/3X (19" x 5").

Who this is for

• Law enforcement and SWAT operators: need full-torso coverage in a carrier they can move in, without the weight penalty of hard side plates
• Military personnel and first responders: running the Banshee Elite 3.0 and want to fill every ballistic gap in the system with a purpose-built, NIJ-listed insert
• Serious kit builders: assembling a modular protection package around the Banshee Elite 3.0 and want matched-warranty, carrier-specific armor at every coverage zone

Threat coverage

These inserts are NIJ 0101.06 certified at Level IIIA — the highest handgun-threat rating under that standard — and listed on the NIJ Compliant Products List. They provide multi-hit protection against .357 SIG FMJ (125 gr at 1,470 fps) and .44 Magnum SJHP (240 gr at 1,430 fps), the two signature rounds that define the IIIA threat threshold. The panel also defeats NIJ 0101.06 Level II threats: .357 Magnum JSP (158 gr at 1,430 fps), 9mm FMJ RN (124 gr at 1,400 fps), and .40 S&W FMJ (180 gr at 1,155 fps).

These are soft armor panels. They do not stop rifle rounds. For rifle-threat coverage, a hard armor plate in the front and rear pockets of the Banshee Elite 3.0 is required in addition to these inserts.

Concealability and comfort

At 0.32 inches thick and 1.41 PSF areal density, these inserts sit flush inside the Banshee Elite 3.0 cummerbund pockets with no perceptible outward profile change to the carrier. The woven aramid construction stays flexible across temperature ranges, conforming to the body rather than holding a rigid shape. The 70D nylon ripstop exterior with TPU backing resists moisture and sweat penetration at the ballistic core — a critical consideration for operators wearing body armor for extended periods. Protection runs edge to edge across the insert face.

Care and maintenance

Do not machine wash or submerge these inserts. The Sonobond-laminated ripstop cover protects the ballistic core from incidental moisture and sweat, but the panels should be wiped down with a damp cloth and allowed to air dry away from direct heat and sunlight. Store flat or hanging — do not fold the ballistic core. The 5-year ballistic warranty covers manufacturing defects and ballistic integrity under intended-use conditions; it does not cover everyday wear and tear, physical modification, alteration, or improper use.

Specifications

Fit and carrier compatibility

These inserts are designed and sized for the Shellback Tactical Banshee Elite 3.0 plate carrier cummerbund pockets. Select the insert size that matches your Banshee Elite 3.0 carrier size — Small/Medium, Large/XLarge, or 2X/3X — to ensure correct fit and full edge-to-edge coverage within the cummerbund pocket. Compatibility with other carrier cummerbund systems has not been specified; contact us if you need fit confirmation for a different platform.

Frequently asked questions

Can these inserts be shipped to my state?

These soft armor inserts cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut due to state body armor purchase 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.

Are these inserts NIJ Certified?

Yes. The Model CLCIIIA soft armor is NIJ 0101.06 certified and listed on the NIJ Compliant Products List at the Level IIIA threat rating. This means an independent NIJ-accredited laboratory has tested and verified the ballistic performance to the standard — not just manufacturer self-testing.

What rounds do these inserts stop?

These inserts stop .357 SIG FMJ (125 gr, 1,470 fps), .44 Magnum SJHP (240 gr, 1,430 fps), .357 Magnum JSP (158 gr, 1,430 fps), 9mm FMJ RN (124 gr, 1,400 fps), and .40 S&W FMJ (180 gr, 1,155 fps). Multi-hit protection is confirmed across all listed threats. They do not stop rifle rounds.

Will these stop rifle rounds?

No. Level IIIA soft armor is rated for handgun threats only. These inserts provide no protection against rifle-caliber rounds. Hard armor plates in the front and rear carrier pockets address rifle threats separately; these cummerbund inserts extend handgun-level coverage to the side torso.

How thick are these inserts, and will they add bulk to the carrier?

Each insert measures 0.32 inches thick. At that profile, they sit inside the Banshee Elite 3.0 cummerbund pockets without significantly altering the external profile of the carrier. The woven aramid construction stays flexible, so the cummerbund retains normal range of motion during wear.

What size insert should I order?

Match the insert size to your Banshee Elite 3.0 carrier size: Small/Medium (15.5" x 5", 1.9 lbs per set), Large/XLarge (17" x 5", 2.0 lbs per set), or 2X/3X (19" x 5", 2.2 lbs per set). If you are between sizes or need fit guidance for a specific build, contact us before ordering.