If you’ve ever trained for (or actually been on) a two-way shooting range, you well understand the value of good body armor. Military and law enforcement work certainly require this lifesaving equipment, but many private citizens also choose to purchase plates in case of emergency. There are many different styles, manufacturers, materials available on the armor market, in widely varying levels of protectiveness and quality. Many shooters prefer NIJ level IV ceramic plates, and Spartan Armor Systems’ new Ares model fits this bill.

Body Armor @ TFB:

• New Concealable Level IIIA Armor Vest from Premier Body Armor
• Safariland Introduces XpertFit For Quick And Easy Armor And Uniform Sizing
• New Core Plate Carrier with Cummerbund Armor from Premier Body Armor
• Gen 3 Fast Attack Vest Plate Carrier from Safariland
• TFB Review: Premier Body Armor’s Backpack Armor Insert

Spartan advertises that their use of boron carbide in the Ares plate is superior to other armor manufacturers’ materials, like aluminum oxide.

The NIJ, or National Institute of Justice, has been the arbiter of body armor quality for years. They perform standardized testing for armor plates, and rate manufacturers’ offerings based on their ballistic resistance. NIJ Level IV standards are the highest grade currently available. In order to meet level IV requirements, according to the NIJ, a hard armor plate is “Tested to stop .30cal steel core armor piercing rifle ammunition.” Spartan Armor Systems’ new Level IV Ares plate is advertised as the toughest and lightest model they’ve produced to date. The company is selling a pair of these plates, weighing in at 6.1 pounds apiece, at $699.99 for a pair. At the time of this writing, they are offering an introductory sale of 10% off, which brings a pair of the new Ares plates to $629.99. See their website and press release below for more details.

The size and shape of the Ares are meant to closely replicate military ESAPI plates, and provide compatibility with the majority of plate carrier options.

Spartan Armor Systems® Ares Level IV Ceramic Body Armor: Toughest and Lightest Level IV Plate Yet

The Ares Level IV Ceramic Body Armor made from boron carbide, one of the toughest materials on planet earth, and much lighter than softer ceramics, features Spartan Armor Systems®’ Edge-to-Edge ESAPI protection in a traditional multi-curve design. Made at the Spartan Armor Systems factory in Arizona and independently tested and verified to meet NIJ 0101.06 Level IV standards.

Tucson, Ariz. (August 2021) – Spartan Armor Systems®, manufacturers of American-designed and made body armor, tactical gear, and targets, announce the toughest and lightest body armor yet with the Ares Level IV Ceramic Body Armor, made at the Spartan Armor Systems facility in Arizona.

Wearing a typical Level IV ceramic body armor plate, weighing in at 7 to 8 lbs. can be incredibly taxing, especially when the situation requires operating in active and stressful hostile engagements. With the Ares Level IV Ceramic Body Armor plate, no one has to sacrifice safety for a lightweight alternative. The strike-face is made with one of the toughest materials known to man, boron carbide, and can easily destroy .30-06 M2 AP rounds upon impact. The lightweight UHMWPE backer catches the remaining bullet fragments preventing any penetration or secondary spall injury to the operator.

Unlike some ceramic body armor plates that only offer an 8” x 10” interior protected area, the Ares offers full edge-to-edge protection with a 9.5” x 12.5” shooters cut profile in a highly compatible ESAPI sizing to maximize the operator’s choice in plate carriers. Using a multi-curve design provides additional comfort, especially during extended duty use.

Spartan Armor Systems lightest and toughest yet; the Ares Level IV Ceramic Body Armor plate is covered with 1000 Denier Cordura® material and features the Ares embroidered logo. Designed to protect law enforcement, security contractors, military, first responders, and concerned civilians, the Ares has been tested and verified to meet NIJ 0101.06 level IV standards for advanced threat protection and safety.

Spartan Armor Systems Ares Level IV Specifications:

▪ Threat Protection: Armor Piercing Rifle Rated Up To .30-06 M2 AP.
▪ NIJ 0101.06 Rating: Laboratory tested and verified to meet NIJ 0101.06 level IV standards.
▪ Material Composition: Boron Carbide Ceramic & UHMWPE
▪ Plate Size: 9.5” x 12.5” ESAPI
▪ Protection Area: 9.5” x 12.5”
▪ Weight: 6.1 lbs.
▪ Thickness: 1.2”
▪ Plate Quantity: Two (2) Plates Included
▪ Curve Profile: Multi-Curve
▪ Cut: ESAPI (Shooters Cut)
▪ Armor Type: Stand Alone
▪ Exterior: 1000D Cordura® with Embroidered Logo
▪ Warranty: Guaranteed against manufacturer defects five years from the date of purchase.
▪ Origin: Made in the U.S.A – Manufactured by Spartan Armor System in Tucson, AZ.

Check out Spartan Armor Systems’ Ares Level IV Ceramic Body Armor online and learn more about the product by viewing this video.

Keep up to date with Spartan Armor Systems on their Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter accounts.

Images courtesy of Spartan Armor Systems.