A kit is plates and a carrier bought together, already matched, so nothing arrives that does not fit. Ours start with a Level III+ steel setup at $313.47 and ladder up to a complete Level IV loadout with carrier and helmet. Cheaper than buying the same pieces separately, and it removes the part most people get wrong.
Every kit here pairs rifle plates with a carrier sized to hold them. The larger kits add a helmet and a belt, which is the difference between being protected and being equipped.
The reason to buy a kit rather than assemble one is fit. Plate cut, carrier size and cummerbund style all have to agree, and it is the single most common thing a first-time buyer gets wrong. A kit has that decision already made.
Kits are organised the way plates are — by what they stop. Pick the level first, then decide how much of the rest of the loadout you want included.
| Kit | Protection | Includes | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Templar Steel Core | Level III+ steel | Plates and carrier | $313.47 |
| Modern Crusader AR700 | RF2 steel | Plates, carrier, belt and helmet | $688.69 |
| Vanguard Assault RF2 | RF2 Aegis SRT hybrid | Plates, carrier and helmet | $869.19 |
| Bastion Ultima | Level IV Sanctum ceramic | Plates, carrier and helmet | $1,044.94 |
Armor that does not fit does not protect properly. Plates should cover from roughly the top of your sternum down to your navel, and sit inside the frame of your torso rather than overhanging it — a plate that is too large restricts movement and rides badly without adding meaningful coverage.
If you are between sizes, size to your torso length rather than your chest measurement. The carriers here adjust in both directions.
If you would rather assemble your own, start with the plates and work outward.
Questions
Yes. Every kit here is priced below the sum of its components bought individually. The larger the kit, the bigger the difference.
For most first-time buyers the Templar Steel Core covers the realistic threat at the lowest cost — Level III+ plates and a carrier at $313.47.
Step up to the Modern Crusader AR700 if steel-core rifle ammunition is in your threat model, and it adds a belt and helmet. Go to the Bastion Ultima only if armor-piercing genuinely is — Level IV is heavier and more expensive, and buying the highest number available is not the same as buying the right kit.
Not by default. Kits cover front and back. Side plates are sold separately as 6x6 sets and slot into a carrier's cummerbund — the cheapest meaningful upgrade once you have the main plates.
Yes. The carriers are modular and take standard plate sizes, so you can move up a threat level later without replacing the carrier. That is the argument for buying a good carrier early.
Only you can answer that, but be aware what a helmet does and does not do. Ballistic helmets are handgun-rated, not rifle-rated — no wearable helmet stops rifle fire. They protect against fragmentation and handgun threats, and they give you a mount for lights and optics.
4.82 from 455 reviews
American made armor. 20 year warranty. Amazing price on that alone. Rig fits great. Plenty velcro room for patches and accessories. Textiles are not American made but thats bc American greed and corrupt capitalism hinders small businesses from making a profitì on such things by outsourcing that labor for the past 40+ years. I just wanna give my humble opinion on this company and their customer service... They are some of the absolute best people i have ordered from. I bothered them numerous times, and even on the weekend! they always answered quickly and were kind courteous and professional. I will definitely be ordering the rest of my families armor here and recommending them to everyone i know thats looking.. Thank y'all for being a great American example.
Used for the first time in a shooting condition today and the Mk1 vest performed great, it’s well built and comfortable even after 5hrs, so far loving the vest.
This is a great quality belt, sturdy, and comfortable to wear. I am a comercial/industrial & Residential maintenance Mechanic, I didnt nessisarly need a tactical belt, but I did need a belt I could keep all my tools, radio, flashlight, keys and equipment on permanently. I was tired of sliding everything onto my belt every morning and night. Now I clip and go. I buy a lot of stuff and this is probably my favorite purchase of the year.
I love this belt. It is well made and will hold up to a beating if it gets to that. I have only had one minor issue and that with the inner belt loosening a bit. I had some belt keepers and that seems to help when using the inner belt. It adjusts to help fit and is versatile with what you can put on it. Its very comfortable for range use but I havent tested it in a harder environment. Its functional in the sense you can use it over garments with the nonslip pad. Very affordable.
This is a great quality belt, sturdy, and comfortable to wear. I am a comercial/industrial & Residential maintenance Mechanic, I didnt nessisarly need a tactical belt, but I did need a belt I could keep all my tools, radio, flashlight, keys and equipment on permanently. I was tired of sliding everything onto my belt every morning and night. Now I clip and go. I buy a lot of stuff and this is probably my favorite purchase of the year.
I love this belt. It is well made and will hold up to a beating if it gets to that. I have only had one minor issue and that with the inner belt loosening a bit. I had some belt keepers and that seems to help when using the inner belt. It adjusts to help fit and is versatile with what you can put on it. Its very comfortable for range use but I havent tested it in a harder environment. Its functional in the sense you can use it over garments with the nonslip pad. Very affordable.
This is a great quality belt, sturdy, and comfortable to wear. I am a comercial/industrial & Residential maintenance Mechanic, I didnt nessisarly need a tactical belt, but I did need a belt I could keep all my tools, radio, flashlight, keys and equipment on permanently. I was tired of sliding everything onto my belt every morning and night. Now I clip and go. I buy a lot of stuff and this is probably my favorite purchase of the year.
I love this belt. It is well made and will hold up to a beating if it gets to that. I have only had one minor issue and that with the inner belt loosening a bit. I had some belt keepers and that seems to help when using the inner belt. It adjusts to help fit and is versatile with what you can put on it. Its very comfortable for range use but I havent tested it in a harder environment. Its functional in the sense you can use it over garments with the nonslip pad. Very affordable.
