The Ace Link Armor 5x15 Soft Armor Side Panel delivers Level IIIA ballistic protection in a 5-by-15-inch insert designed to slide directly into any standard side armor pocket. Built from unidirectional (UD) aramid layers, the panel weighs just 1.1 lbs and stops handgun threats up to .44 Magnum, as tested at NTS Chesapeake to NIJ.06 Level IIIA threat parameters. Manufactured in the USA and covered by an 8-year warranty, it adds meaningful side-coverage to virtually any plate carrier or tactical vest with a 5x15 side pocket.

Who this is for

• Plate carrier users seeking side coverage: fits every 5x15 side pocket currently on the market, filling the lateral gap left by standard front and back plates.
• Law enforcement and security professionals: the ultra-thin, pliable UD aramid construction keeps coverage low-profile without bulk or rigidity during active duty.
• Weight-conscious wearers: at 1.1 lbs per panel, the insert adds genuine Level IIIA ballistic protection with minimal impact on overall armor-system weight.

Compatibility with parent armor

This panel is sized at 5x15 inches and fits all 5x15 side armor pockets available on the market. The flexible UD aramid construction allows the panel to bend and conform to the wearer's torso, so it seats cleanly in cummerbunds and side-pocket wings without creating pressure points. If you are unsure whether a specific carrier's side pockets accept this panel, contact us before ordering.

Function

The 5x15 Side Panel extends Level IIIA soft armor coverage to the lateral torso — the zone left unprotected by most standard front and rear plate configurations. It stops 9mm, .45 ACP, .45 GAP, 10mm, .44 Magnum, shotgun slugs, and 9mm Makarov. The UD aramid structure provides low back face deformation, reducing blunt trauma transfer on impact. A nylon TPU cover seals the panel against moisture, and ultrasonic sealing along all edges prevents delamination under field conditions. The panel is also TSA-approved, making it compatible with air travel scenarios where personal protection equipment is carried in checked or carry-on luggage.

Specifications

Frequently asked questions

What plate carriers and vests does this panel fit?

It fits all 5x15 side armor pockets currently available on the market. The flexible aramid construction allows the panel to bend slightly, so it seats in both rigid side-pocket sleeves and soft cummerbund pockets. If your carrier uses a non-standard side pocket size, contact us to confirm fitment before ordering.

Is this panel NIJ-rated on its own?

Yes. The 5x15 Side Panel is independently rated to NIJ.06 Level IIIA, tested at NTS Chesapeake. It comes with a testing report documenting defeat of six shots of .44 Magnum — the most demanding handgun round in the NIJ.06 IIIA test protocol. It does not require a primary hard plate to achieve its rated protection level.

Does this stop rifle rounds?

No. Level IIIA is a handgun-rated protection level. This panel stops 9mm, .45 ACP, .45 GAP, 10mm, .44 Magnum, shotgun slugs, and 9mm Makarov. It does not provide ballistic protection against intermediate or full-power rifle threats. For rifle-rated side coverage, a hard side plate rated Level III or Level IV is required.

Can I use this panel without a plate carrier?

It depends on the application. The panel functions as a standalone ballistic insert, so any garment or bag with a 5x15 pocket can accept it. That said, the panel is designed to sit against the lateral torso inside a carrier or cummerbund. Without a carrier holding it in position, the protective benefit is limited to situations where the panel stays stationary relative to the threat vector.

How does this panel add weight to my overall kit?

Each panel weighs 1.1 lbs. A two-panel side setup adds 2.2 lbs to your total armor-system weight. The UD aramid construction is one of the lightest ballistic material configurations available at this protection level, keeping the weight addition minimal relative to the lateral coverage gained.

Can this be shipped to my state?

This panel cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut due to state body armor 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. All other US states are unrestricted. The panel is subject to US export regulations for international shipments.