The Spartan Omega AR500 Level III Body Armor and Achilles Plate Carrier Package pairs two 10" x 12" AR500 steel body armor plates with the Achilles laser-cut plate carrier in a single ready-to-wear bundle. The plates are cut from 0.25"-thick, lab-certified AR500 ballistic-grade steel sourced from US steel mills and meet Level III rifle protection under NIJ Standard-0101.06. The Achilles carrier accepts 10" x 12", 11" x 14", and 9.5" x 12.5" Medium ESAPI plates, covers sizes S through 4XL, and ships with a removable triple M4 mag pouch pre-installed. Optional AR500 side plates (6" x 6", 6" x 8", or 5" x 11") can be added using the variant selector above.

Who this is for

• First-time plate carrier buyers who want a tested steel plate and a feature-equipped carrier without sourcing components separately.
• Range shooters and trainers who need a durable, multi-role setup that fits everything from a slim 10x12 to a Medium ESAPI profile.
• Preppers and home-defense planners who want Level III rifle protection on a 5-year-warranted platform that adjusts from size S to 4XL.

Ballistic performance

The Spartan Omega AR500 plates are formed from 0.25"-thick AR500 ballistic-grade steel, a hardened alloy selected for resistance to rifle-caliber impacts at Level III threat parameters. The steel is lab-certified and sourced exclusively from US mills. Both the Base Coat and Full Coat variants meet Level III rifle protection under NIJ Standard-0101.06.

Coating matters with steel plates. The Base Coat variant weighs 8 lbs 10 oz (3.91 kg) at 0.25" (6.35 mm) thickness. The Full Coat variant adds a thicker protective layer over the steel, bringing thickness to 0.5"–0.6" (12.7–15.2 mm) and weight to 9 lbs 11 oz (4.41 kg). The Full Coat build is designed to reduce spall and fragmentation hazard at the plate face. Both variants are available in Single Curve and Advanced Triple Curve (ATC) geometry — specifications are identical across both curve options at each coat level.

Plate compatibility and cut geometry

Both included plates are 10" x 12" Shooters Cut. The Shooters Cut profile provides a wider shoulder opening than a SAPI Cut, which suits most plate carriers and allows a more natural rifle presentation. Single Curve plates have a single front-to-back bend; the ATC variant adds lateral curvature for closer contact with the torso across the full plate face.

The Achilles carrier's dual-pocket design accepts 10" x 12", 11" x 14", and 9.5" x 12.5" Medium ESAPI plates, so upgrading plate size later requires no carrier swap. The cummerbund side pockets accommodate 6" x 6", 6" x 8", and 5" x 11" side plates — available as an add-on from the variant selector above.

Achilles plate carrier

The Achilles is built from 1000-denier polyester with laser-cut MOLLE throughout. Laser-cut MOLLE eliminates fabric webbing loops in favor of die-cut slots directly in the carrier shell, which reduces bulk and weight while maintaining the full PALS attachment grid. A fully adjustable and removable cummerbund handles torso-width sizing; an adjustable internal buckle system locks the carrier's vertical position. Shoulder straps are padded, and both front and rear panels include padding with ventilation vents for airflow under load.

Factory-installed features include a removable triple M4 mag pouch on the front, a YKK-zipped admin pouch, and a rear drag handle. The size range runs S through 4XL. For detailed plate carrier sizing, visit the Spartan Armor Systems Plate Carrier Sizing Guide or contact us.

Specifications

Fit and carrier compatibility

The Achilles carrier's fully adjustable cummerbund and internal buckle system handle most adult torso sizes from S to 4XL without needing a separate sizing kit. Padded shoulder straps distribute plate weight across the trapezius and shoulder. The two included 10" x 12" Shooters Cut plates seat directly into the front and rear plate pockets; no additional adapters are required. If you are between sizes or have an atypical torso length, contact us before ordering.

Frequently asked questions

What rounds does the Spartan Omega AR500 Level III plate stop?

These plates meet Level III protection under NIJ Standard-0101.06. Level III steel plates are rated to defeat common rifle threats including 7.62x51 NATO (.308 Win) FMJ at standard test velocities. AR500 steel at this thickness is not rated for armor-piercing rounds such as M855A1 or M193 at high velocity — if those threats are a concern, consider a Level III+ or Level IV option.

Is this plate NIJ Listed on the Compliant Products List?

The Spartan Omega AR500 plates meet Level III protection under NIJ Standard-0101.06. For current CPL listing status, check the NIJ Compliant Products List at nij.ojp.gov directly, as listing status can change between audit cycles.

What is the difference between the Base Coat and Full Coat variants?

Both variants use the same 0.25" AR500 steel core and carry the same Level III rating. The Base Coat is 0.25" thick and weighs 8 lbs 10 oz. The Full Coat adds a thicker outer layer that brings thickness to 0.5"–0.6" and weight to 9 lbs 11 oz; this additional material is designed to manage spall and fragmentation at the plate face. Both are available in Single Curve and Advanced Triple Curve geometry.

What is the difference between Single Curve and Advanced Triple Curve (ATC)?

Single Curve plates have one bend running front to back, conforming to a cylindrical body profile. The ATC adds curvature in both axes, following the natural contour of the torso more closely and distributing contact pressure more evenly across the plate face. Weight and ballistic specifications are identical between the two options at the same coat level.

Do the side plates come with the package?

No. The two side plate slots in the Achilles cummerbund are present on the carrier, but side plates are not included in the base package. They are available as an add-on through the variant selector above in 6" x 6", 6" x 8", and 5" x 11" sizes.

Can this package be shipped to my state?

This package cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut due to state body armor restrictions. It is also subject to US export regulations. Under 18 U.S.C. § 931, anyone with a federal felony conviction for a crime of violence is prohibited from purchasing or possessing body armor.