6″ x 8″ AR500 Armor® Steel A1 and A2 Hard Side Plates

Description

AR500 Armor A1 and A2 Side Armor plates provide stand-alone and multi-hit protection from rifle threats.  The A1 plate is rated to protect from threats up to 7.62×51 M80 Ball (i.e. .308) at 3,000 FPS (+/- 30FPS), 5.56×45 M193, 5.56×45 M855/SS109 at 3,100 FPS (+/- 30FPS), 7.62×39 (i.e. AK-47), and all lesser rifle, pistol, and shotgun threats.  The A2 plate is slightly lighter in weight and with a deeper cut on the corners to make them more ergonomic.  The A2 plate is rated to protect rates slightly less than the A1 plate, which includes 7.62×51 M80 NATO Ball (i.e. .308) at 2,850 FPS, 5.56×45 M193, 5.56×45 M855/SS109 at 3,000 FPS (+/- 30FPS), 7.62×39 (i.e. AK-47), and all lesser rifle, pistol, and shotgun threats.  Neither plate is rated for armor piercing rounds.  The 6″ x 8″ armor plate fits in carriers with side plate pockets that accept 6″ x 6″, 6″ x 8″, and 8″ x 8″ plates.  The 6″ x 8″ plate is designed to be oriented with the longer side vertical in the pocket.  AR500’s side plates are thinner than ceramic plates of the same protection rating at with a weight from 3 – 4 lbs.

The A1 and A2 plates come standard with a curved profile and a base coat of FragLock® configuration- this base coat protects the plate from the elements, gives it a 20-year shelf-life, and deflects fragmentation away from the wearer.  An upgrade is available to give the plate a Build-Up FragLock® Coat, which captures the fragmentation completely instead of deflecting it away.  The extra coating adds only a fraction more to the entire weight and thickness of each plate.  Please note that because of demand, choosing a FragLock coating can add up to several more weeks of expected delivery time for your order.

Before your final purchase, you’ll also want to decide if you’d like to add a trauma pad for your plate.  Trauma pads are constructed of a non-Newtonian material and are designed for the sole purpose of reducing the amount of blunt force energy felt by the armor user.  They offer no additional ballistic protection and add about .25″ in thickness to your plate carrier.