The Spartan Omega AR500 Steel Body Armor Side Plates deliver Level III rifle protection in a 6" x 6" format, sold as a set of two. Each plate is cut from 0.25" thick, lab-certified AR500 ballistic-grade steel sourced from US steel mills and meets NIJ Standard-0101.06 Level III threat requirements. Two coating options are available: Base Coat for corrosion protection, and Full Coat with Encapsaloc spall mitigation, which adds thickness and weight relative to the Base Coat variant.

Who this is for

• Plate carrier users adding side coverage: anyone running a full chest-and-back plate setup who wants to close the lateral gap with rifle-rated protection on both flanks simultaneously
• Budget-conscious buyers upgrading existing kits: the AR500 steel format delivers Level III rifle protection at an accessible price point without requiring a new carrier or primary plates
• Preppers and range shooters building complete loadouts: these plates drop into standard side plate pockets and round out a 4-plate armor system with no special fitment hardware required

Compatibility with primary armor

These side plates are sized at 6" x 6" and fit standard side plate pockets found on most full-featured plate carriers. The Base Coat variant measures 0.25" (6.35 mm) thick, while the Full Coat variant ranges from 0.5" to approximately 0.6" (12.7–15.2 mm) thick due to the Encapsaloc coating layer. Carriers with shallow side pockets may not accommodate the Full Coat variant — confirm pocket depth before ordering, or contact us if you need help matching these plates to your current carrier.

Ballistic performance and coating options

Both variants are manufactured from AR500 ballistic-grade steel at a core thickness of 0.25" and meet NIJ Standard-0101.06 Level III protection requirements. Level III is rated to stop rifle threats up to 7.62x51 M80 Ball. These side plates provide that same rifle-rated coverage to your lateral torso zones, not just your front and back.

The Base Coat option applies a corrosion-resistant finish to the bare steel core. The Full Coat option applies Encapsaloc, a polyurea-based coating that encapsulates the steel and significantly reduces spall and fragmentation after a ballistic strike. For any use case where spall containment matters — close-quarters environments, vehicle use, or any context where bystanders or gear are nearby — the Full Coat variant is the stronger choice.

Specifications

Frequently asked questions

What plate carriers accept these side plates?

These plates fit standard 6" x 6" side plate pockets found on most full-featured plate carriers. Base Coat plates run 0.25" thick and fit virtually any side pocket. Full Coat plates run 0.5"–0.6" thick due to the Encapsaloc layer — confirm your carrier's pocket depth before selecting Full Coat. Contact us if you need fitment guidance for a specific carrier.

Are these NIJ Certified or do they meet NIJ standards?

These plates meet NIJ Standard-0101.06 Level III requirements. The vendor does not explicitly claim CPL listing status for this side plate SKU. If verified NIJ Compliant Products List status is a requirement for your application, check the NIJ CPL at nij.ojp.gov for this product before purchasing.

What is the difference between Base Coat and Full Coat?

Base Coat applies a corrosion-resistant finish only — the steel core is protected from rust but the spall and fragmentation pattern after a strike is unmitigated. Full Coat applies Encapsaloc, a polyurea coating that encapsulates the plate and significantly reduces spall and fragmentation after ballistic impact. Full Coat plates are heavier and thicker but provide meaningful additional protection to surrounding tissue and gear.

What does Level III actually stop?

Level III is rated to defeat rifle threats up to 7.62x51 M80 Ball (NATO 308 Winchester ball ammunition) at standard velocity. It is not rated for armor-piercing rounds, M855 (5.56 green-tip) at close range, or M80A1 enhanced performance rounds. If your threat profile includes those rounds, a Level III+ or Level IV plate is the appropriate choice for your primary coverage zones.

Do I need soft armor backers with these side plates?

These are standalone steel side plates. No soft armor backer is required for ballistic function. A trauma pad behind the plate can reduce blunt-force trauma from a strike — many carriers with side pockets accept thin trauma pad inserts alongside the plate.

Can this set 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, anyone with a federal felony conviction for a crime of violence is prohibited from purchasing or possessing body armor.