The Spartan Armor Systems AR550 Level III+ Steel Body Armor and Legion Gen 2 Plate Carrier Package combines two 11" x 14" AR550 rifle-rated steel body armor plates with the Legion Gen 2 PALS plate carrier in a single purchase. The AR550 plates are manufactured entirely in the USA from American steel, carry a Special Threat Rating at Level III+, and are available in Base Coat and Full Coat variants. The Legion Gen 2 carrier is built from 1000d polyester, accommodates 10" x 12", 11" x 14", and 9.5" x 12.5" Medium ESAPI plates, and sizes from Medium through 4XL. Side plates are not included and must be added separately.

Who this is for

• Law enforcement officers: needing rifle-rated steel plate protection in a fully adjustable, MOLLE-compatible carrier they can configure for duty loadouts
• Military personnel and veterans: who want a proven American-made steel plate system with a carrier that accepts side plates for expanded coverage
• Responsible civilians: building a complete rifle-threat protection setup and want plates and carrier sourced and delivered as a matched package

Ballistic performance

AR550 steel is a harder alloy than the more common AR500, and that added hardness translates to a Special Threat Rating at Level III+. This designation covers a broader range of rifle threats than standard NIJ Level III. The plates are produced entirely in the USA from American steel.

Two coating options are available for the 11" x 14" Shooters Cut in both Single Curve and Advanced Triple Curve (ATC) geometries. The Base Coat variant weighs 9 lbs 15 oz (4.51 kg) at 0.25" (6.35 mm) thickness. The Full Coat variant weighs 11 lbs (4.99 kg) at 0.5" (12.7–15.2 mm) thickness. The Full Coat's thicker build-up reduces spall and fragmentation risk compared to the Base Coat.

AR550 plate specifications by variant

Plate compatibility and cut geometry

Both plate variants ship in Shooters Cut. Single Curve and Advanced Triple Curve (ATC) geometries are available; the weight and thickness specifications are identical between the two curve options. The 11" x 14" format seats directly into the Legion Gen 2's front and rear plate pockets. Shooters Cut geometry offers the widest range of carrier compatibility and provides better shoulder mobility than SAPI Cut at the same plate size.

Legion Gen 2 plate carrier

The Legion Gen 2 is a PALS-webbing plate carrier built from 1000d polyester. Its dual-pocket design accepts 10" x 12", 11" x 14", and 9.5" x 12.5" Medium ESAPI plates. The removable cummerbund carries 6" x 6" or 6" x 8" side plates and disconnects from the carrier via Maglocks for quick on/off. An adjustable internal buckle system lets the carrier dial in to the wearer's torso length, while anti-slip shoulder padding keeps the carrier seated under load. Elevated mesh lining runs behind the plate pockets for airflow. A YKK-zippered admin pouch and rear drag handle round out the feature set. The carrier runs from Medium through 4XL.

Specifications

Fit and carrier compatibility

The Legion Gen 2 is sized Medium through 4XL and uses an internal buckle system for torso-length adjustment. The cummerbund is removable and adjusts independently. The carrier accepts 10" x 12" and 11" x 14" plates — the 11" x 14" AR550 plates included in this package drop straight in. If you carry soft armor backers behind your hard plates, contact us to confirm backer thickness compatibility before ordering.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Base Coat and Full Coat on the AR550?

Base Coat is the lighter option at 9 lbs 15 oz per plate and 0.25" thick, with a thinner fragmentation-mitigating coating. Full Coat weighs 11 lbs per plate and runs 0.5" thick; the heavier build-up further reduces spall and fragmentation off the steel face. If you spend extended time in the carrier, the weight difference matters. If maximum fragmentation mitigation is the priority, Full Coat is the better choice.

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

Single Curve bends on one axis and seats flat against a straight torso profile. Advanced Triple Curve (ATC) contours on three axes for a closer fit against the natural curve of the chest and back. Both options carry identical weight and thickness specs for the AR550. ATC typically improves long-wear comfort and stability under movement. Neither curve option affects the threat rating.

Are side plates included in this package?

No. The package includes two AR550 11" x 14" front and rear plates plus the Legion Gen 2 carrier. The cummerbund pockets accept 6" x 6" or 6" x 8" side plates, which must be selected and added separately using the variant options on this page.

What plate sizes fit in the Legion Gen 2 beyond the included 11" x 14" plates?

The Legion Gen 2's front and rear pockets accept 10" x 12", 11" x 14", and 9.5" x 12.5" Medium ESAPI plates in Shooters Cut or compatible geometries. The removable cummerbund pockets are sized for 6" x 6" or 6" x 8" side plates.

What is the warranty on this package?

The AR550 plates and the Legion Gen 2 carrier both carry a 5-year warranty against manufacturer defects. Returns are accepted within 10 business days of receipt. Shipping fees are non-refundable. Steel body armor can be returned; ceramic body armor cannot. For orders shipping to Puerto Rico, contact us to place the order directly.

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.