Level IV (Level 4) plates are the highest NIJ-certified hard armor, rated to stop armor-piercing rounds up to .30-06 M2 AP, plus everything the lower levels stop. They are ceramic and the heaviest tier, the right choice when armor-piercing threats are credible. We carry American-made Level IV plates from Hesco and LTC in a range of weights and price points, from the most affordable certified options to the lightest Level IV plates available.
Our Level IV lineup spans budget-friendly certified plates, mid-tier options that shave weight, and ultralight builds that come in lighter than many special threat plates, plus SOCOM-grade multi-hit plates tested against repeated API impacts. Each product page lists the exact weights, thickness, and full tested-against threat list.
Do you actually need Level IV? Most domestic threats are covered by lighter special threat or Level III+ plates. Our body armor guide explains when Level IV is worth the weight, and our ceramic vs polyethylene guide covers the materials.
