The Spartan Armor Systems AR500 Level III Shooters Package pairs two Spartan Omega AR500 10" x 12" shooters cut steel body armor plates with the Spartan Shooters Plate Carrier in a single, ready-to-wear bundle. The plates are cut from 0.25"-thick lab-certified AR500 ballistic-grade steel sourced from USA steel mills, meeting NIJ Standard-0101.06 Level III rifle protection. The carrier runs from size Small through 2XL and accepts optional 6" x 6" and 6" x 8" side plates. A 5-year warranty against manufacturer defects covers the package.

Who this is for

• First-time plate carrier buyers: the all-in-one format eliminates guesswork on plate-to-carrier fitment and delivers a field-ready setup at an accessible price point
• Budget-conscious buyers who need rifle-rated coverage: two full-size Level III plates and a functional carrier ship together, cutting the cost of sourcing components separately
• Shooters and range users: the shooters cut geometry clears the shoulder during high-ready and compressed positions, making this package practical for extended training sessions

Ballistic performance

The Spartan Omega AR500 plates are manufactured from 0.25"-thick AR500 ballistic-grade steel — a hardness designation that provides Level III rifle protection meeting NIJ Standard-0101.06. The steel is sourced from USA steel mills and is lab-certified to that standard. Level III covers threats including 7.62x51 NATO M80 ball at standard velocity; it does not cover M855 green tip, M855A1, M193 at close-range elevated velocity, or armor-piercing rounds unless the specific coating variant is independently rated for those threats.

Two coating tiers are available. The Base Coat variant weighs 8 lbs 10 oz (3.91 kg) per plate at 0.25" (6.35 mm) thickness. The Full Coat variant weighs 9 lbs 11 oz (4.41 kg) per plate and measures 0.5"–0.6" (12.7–15.2 mm) thick — the additional coating layer is applied over the steel face to address spall and fragmentation. Specifications for the single curve and the Advanced Triple Curve (ATC) variants are identical by weight and thickness.

Plate compatibility and cut geometry

Both plates in this package are 10" x 12" shooters cut. The shooters cut trims the upper corners of a standard rectangular plate, creating a notch that keeps the plate from contacting the shoulder during a high-ready or bladed stance. The Spartan Shooters Plate Carrier is sized specifically for 10" x 12" shooters cut plates, so the geometry is a confirmed fit out of the box. Side plate pockets on the carrier accept 6" x 6" and 6" x 8" armor — the optional Spartan Omega AR500 steel side plates are sold separately and drop directly into those pockets.

Plate carrier details

The Spartan Shooters Plate Carrier is built from 900D polyester and carries a minimalist, low-profile design intended for lightweight agility. Key features include an adjustable and removable cummerbund, PALS webbing on the front and back panels, ID panels on front and back, and a rear drag handle. The size range spans Small through 2XL. The carrier does not include plates on its own — plates are included as part of this package.

Specifications

Fit and carrier compatibility

The two plates in this package are cut and sized to fit the included Spartan Shooters Plate Carrier directly. The carrier accepts 10" x 12" shooters cut plates only — SAPI cut or other geometries are not confirmed fits for this carrier. The cummerbund is adjustable and removable, giving the wearer flexibility across the S–2XL size range. If you need guidance on sizing the carrier to your torso measurements, contact us before ordering.

Frequently asked questions

What rounds does this Level III plate stop?

NIJ Standard-0101.06 Level III covers 7.62x51 NATO M80 ball at standard velocity. The standard does not require defeat of M855 green tip, M855A1, M193 at elevated velocity, or any armor-piercing rounds. For threats beyond the Level III standard, consider Level III+ or Level IV rated plates.

What is the difference between Base Coat and Full Coat?

The Base Coat variant uses a minimal coating layer and weighs 8 lbs 10 oz per plate at 0.25" thickness. The Full Coat variant applies an additional coating over the steel face to address spall and fragmentation, adding approximately 1 lb 1 oz and increasing plate thickness to 0.5"–0.6". Both share the same NIJ Level III rating.

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

Single Curve plates have one bend running horizontally across the plate to follow the natural contour of the chest. The Advanced Triple Curve adds two additional contour bends for a closer anatomical fit against the torso. Weight and thickness specifications are identical between the two variants. ATC plates typically feel more comfortable during extended wear due to the improved body conformance.

What is the difference between Shooters Cut and SAPI Cut?

Shooters cut plates trim the upper corners at a steeper angle than SAPI cut, providing a wider shoulder clearance during high-ready shooting positions. SAPI cut uses a more gradual angle derived from military soft-armor panel geometry. The Spartan Shooters Carrier is designed for shooters cut plates; confirm carrier compatibility before substituting a SAPI cut plate.

Does the package include side plates?

No. The package includes two 10" x 12" front and back plates and the Spartan Shooters Plate Carrier. The carrier has side plate pockets that accept 6" x 6" and 6" x 8" armor, and the optional Spartan Omega AR500 steel side plates are available separately as an add-on at checkout.

Can this package be shipped to my state?

This package cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut due to state body armor restrictions. It is 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.