The Spartan Armor Omega AR500 Steel Body Armor Plate is a Level III rifle-rated hard plate machined from 0.25" lab-certified AR500 ballistic-grade steel sourced from USA steel mills. Meeting NIJ Standard-0101.06 Level III requirements, each plate stops rifle threats up to 7.62x51mm M80 Ball. This set includes two plates, available in 10"x12" or 11"x14" sizing, in Shooters Cut or High Mobility Cut, with your choice of Single Curve or the patented Advanced Triple Curve (ATC) geometry, and in Base Coat (corrosion protection) or Full Coat (Encapsaloc spall-mitigation coating) finish.

Who this is for

• Civilian and professional users building a two-plate loadout: this set delivers front-and-back Level III rifle coverage in a single purchase at a lower per-plate cost than buying individually.
• Shooters and range users who want steel durability: AR500 steel holds up to training and repeated handling in ways that ceramic plates do not, and the 5-year warranty against manufacturer defects backs that longevity.
• Budget-conscious buyers who refuse to compromise on rated protection: these plates meet NIJ 0101.06 Level III and come from a domestic manufacturer without the premium price of composite alternatives.

Ballistic performance

Each plate is cut from 0.25" AR500 ballistic-grade steel certified through lab testing. AR500 steel at this hardness rating stops all six NIJ 0101.06 Level III threat rounds, with the top-of-standard threat being the 7.62x51mm NATO M80 Ball at 2,780 fps. The steel core itself does not deform on impact the way ceramic or UHMWPE plates do, which means multi-hit capability across the plate face without structural compromise from repeated strikes.

Spall — the fragment spray generated when a projectile impacts a hard steel surface — is managed differently across the two available coating options. The Base Coat applies a corrosion-protective finish and nothing more; spall mitigation is not part of its function. The Full Coat option applies Encapsaloc, a proprietary coating that wraps the plate face and significantly reduces fragmentation dispersion on bullet impact. For any use case involving live-fire or realistic threat scenarios, the Full Coat with Encapsaloc is the strongly recommended choice.

Plate compatibility and cut geometry

Shooters Cut plates trim the upper corners of the standard rectangular plate profile, opening up shoulder and arm mobility while retaining the full chest-coverage zone. High Mobility Cut takes that corner relief further, making it the better fit for plate carriers with contoured shoulder cutouts or for users who prioritize unrestricted arm movement. Both cuts are available in 10"x12" and 11"x14" sizing.

Single Curve bends the plate along one axis to follow the natural contour of the torso. The Advanced Triple Curve (ATC) geometry — patented by Spartan Armor Systems — adds curvature on two additional axes, producing a closer anatomical fit that distributes plate weight more evenly across the chest and back. Weight and thickness specifications are identical between Single Curve and ATC for any given size and coating combination. Both curve options fit the same carrier pockets; ATC does not require a specialized carrier.

These plates fit standard plate carrier pockets sized for 10"x12" or 11"x14" hard plates. The 0.25" steel core thickness (0.5" on Full Coat with Encapsaloc) sits within the plate pocket depth of most carriers on the market. If you are unsure whether your specific carrier will accommodate the Full Coat thickness profile, contact us before ordering.

Specifications

Fit and carrier compatibility

The 10"x12" size fits the most common hard-plate pocket dimension found across mid-range and duty-grade plate carriers. The 11"x14" size suits larger-torso users or carriers with extended plate windows. Base Coat plates at 0.25" thickness fit any standard hard-plate pocket without adjustment. Full Coat plates, at up to 0.6" thick due to the Encapsaloc layer, require a carrier with sufficient pocket depth — most quality plate carriers accommodate this, but slimmer low-vis carriers with tight rear closures may not. Contact us if you need to confirm pocket-depth compatibility with a specific carrier.

Frequently asked questions

What rounds does this plate stop?

These plates meet NIJ 0101.06 Level III, which covers all six standard Level III test rounds up to 7.62x51mm M80 Ball at 2,780 fps. They are rated to stop rifle threats up to that standard. They are not rated for armor-piercing threats such as M855A1, M855 green tip at high velocity, M193 at close range, or M80A1 — if those are your primary concerns, look at Level III+ or Level IV options.

Is this plate NIJ Listed on the Compliant Products List?

These plates meet NIJ 0101.06 Level III requirements. For verified CPL listing status of the specific SKU, check the NIJ Compliant Products List at nij.ojp.gov directly.

What is the difference between Base Coat and Full Coat with Encapsaloc?

Base Coat provides corrosion protection only. Full Coat applies the proprietary Encapsaloc coating, which significantly reduces fragmentation and spall dispersion when a round impacts the plate. For any scenario involving live ballistic threats, Full Coat is the recommended configuration. Base Coat is appropriate for training setups where spall is managed through other means.

What is the difference between Single Curve and Advanced Triple Curve (ATC)?

Single Curve follows the chest contour along one axis. The patented ATC geometry curves on three axes for a closer anatomical fit and more even weight distribution across the torso. Both options share identical weight and thickness specs. Either fits a standard plate carrier pocket; no specialized carrier is needed for ATC.

How heavy is a two-plate setup?

With two 10"x12" Full Coat Shooters Cut plates, the combined plate weight is approximately 19 lbs 6 oz (8.82 kg). Two 10"x12" Base Coat Shooters Cut plates weigh approximately 17 lbs 4 oz (7.82 kg). Add your carrier weight on top of these figures when calculating total system weight.

Can this plate be shipped to my state?

These plates cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut due to state body armor restrictions. All orders are subject to US export regulations. Under 18 U.S.C. § 931, any individual with a federal felony conviction for a crime of violence is prohibited from purchasing or possessing body armor.