The Target Man’s Spartan AR550 Armor isn’t just tough, it’s tough as nails – or, more accurately, tough as Level III body armor. According to The Target Man, their AR550 has a 10% harder ballistic core than its predecessor, and they’ve done the testing to prove it. Significant research went into the creation of AR550, in fact, the company tested others first, such as AR650, which they found to be too brittle for body armor. Apparently AR650’s BHN (Brittle Hardness) range resulted in fracturing, whereas AR550 is what The Target Man describes as the “sweet spot” BHN. AR550 can withstand the stress created during the manufacturing process as well as the force of higher velocity rounds, including at close range. Better still, these are triple-curved plates, which the company cites as an industry first. On their site you can see the armor go up against XM193s, M855s, and M80s, but if you want to see it pitted against a 12-gauge shotgun, head over to Iraqveteran8888’s Youtube page – or just scroll down, and watch it here.

Specs from The Target Man:

Size: Choose from 8″ x 10″, 10″ x 12″, or 11″ x 14″

Configuration:  This armor comes as a pair, meaning you will receive both front and back plates, and optional side plates

Level III+ Side Plates: Choose from either 6″ x 6″ (small) or 6″ x 8″ (large)

Chest Plate Weight (per plate): 8×10 approximately 6.4 lbs, 10×12 approximately 8.1 lbs, 11×14 approximately 9.3 lbs

Side Plate Weight (per plate): 6×6 approximately 2.7 lbs, 6×8 approximately 3.1 lbs.

Thickness: .25″ AR550 plus approximately .25″ coating makes this slim profile plate overall .5-.6″ in total thickness

Visit https://www.thetargetman.com/product/level-iiiadvanced-triple-curve-atc-spartan-ar550-armor/ for a closer look at Spartan AR550 Armor