Selecting the proper body armor size and shape, to allow maximum protection and maintain ease of mobility, is of utmost importance. This guide will assist in selecting the ballistic insert size and shape best suited for you.
Body armor is available in a number of shapes and sizes, as well as various curvatures, weights, and thicknesses. Torso plates provide front and back chest protection. Side plates are also available for additional protection.
| STEP 1 - Determine your chest measurement and length of plate that best suits you. |
| Chest |
32 - 35"
(81.3 - 88.9 cm) |
36 - 39"
(91.4 - 99.1 cm) |
40 - 43"
(101.6 - 109.2 cm) |
44 - 47"
(111.8 - 119.4 cm) |
48"+
121.9 cm+) |
| Length of Plate |
Determine the optimum plate length for you. When standing, the top plate edge should rest at the level of the suprasternal/jugular notch (see figure below). Bottom plate edge should extend to approximately 4.5 inches above service belt insuring protection of vital organs and vessels.
|
| STEP 2 - Select your plate style and appropriate size. |
| SAPI / ESAPI Cuts |
XS
7.25 x 11.5"
(184 x 292 mm) |
S
8.75 x 11.75"
(222 x 298 mm) |
M
9.5 x 12.5"
(241 x 318 mm) |
L
10.25 x 13.25"
(260 x 337 mm) |
XL
11 x 14"
(279 x 356 mm) |
| Shooter / Swimmer / LE Cuts |
S
8 x 10"
(203 x 254 mm) |
L
10 x 12"
(254 x 305 mm) |
SO, WHAT SHOULD I GET?
Using the chart above, pick the closest size to your measurements. Once you have determined the armor size you can buy a plate carrier that fits that armor.
The size of the carrier has little to do with your shirt size but everything to do with the size of your armor plate. The carrier itself is adjustable, usually in the shoulders to adjust the ride height of the plates, and in the cummerbund to adjust waist size. If your hard armor is sized correctly to cover your vitals then the correctly sized carrier will adjust to fit you properly.
10 x 12" size plates are increasingly popular as it is a middle of the road size that covers many individuals. 10 x 12" is closest to a Medium SAPI or Large Swimmer cut, so most vests designed to these sizes will fit a 10x12" plate.
WHAT NIJ LEVEL IS BEST FOR ME?
This is highly subjective, and the answer is different for many people. Some things to keep in mind: Select armor designed to defeat ammunition used in your own firearm or in weapons known to be used in the area you patrol; know if your armor will be used as part of an active shooter / bug out kit (infrequent wear) or worn for extended periods or during patrols (more frequent wear) ; know what firearms are used by your workforce; be aware of sport shooting or hunting in your area.
WHAT CARRIER WILL FIT MY PLATES?
Most plate carriers are designed to fit SAPI cut plates, and are sized to the plate. For example, a Medium plate carrier from most brands means it will fit Medium SAPI plates. This isn't always the case, but it's the most common way of sizing plate carriers. Small or Medium carriers can generally can hold Large 10x12" Shooter cut plates too, as the dimensions are similar. Each plate carrier is slightly different, so see the size chart on the item page for the best description of the fit.
