This product is regulated by ITAR. It can only be shipped in the USA.

Every citizen has the right to arms, as articulated in our 2nd amendment. This means weapons and armor. Enter the Hesco L210, a lightweight, single curve, multi-hit, standalone Special Threat Plate in Shooters Cut. The light 5.4 lb (per plate) weight in a 10×12 single curve design coupled with a thin .6 inch profile is a proven winner for the performance/cost balance. This is a plate set, so you’ll receive two plates – one for the front and another for the rear.

A plate set does not come with a plate carrier. You will need to purchase one separately.

The L210 is neither a Level 3 or Level 4 plate. It’s what’s called a Special Threat Plate. The National Institute of Justice, which rates armor plates, defines a Level 3 plate as one that will stop 7.62×51 M80 ball and a Level 4 plate as one that will stop 30-06 M2 AP (NIJ 0101.06).

But what if you aren’t really concerned about full-powered rifle threats like M80 ball? Most militaries have been moving to intermediate cartridges over the last few decades, as have most civilian shooters and law enforcement agencies. And this is reflected in crime; most criminals and active shooters in recent history have used either handguns or intermediate rifle calibers. Also, some Level 3 plates are not able to stop M855 ball due to its mild-steel armor-penetrating core. They weren’t designed with this threat in mind.

Therefore, some companies sell “Special Threat” plates – plates designed around a special threat not covered by the NIJ standards. The L210 is an example of this plate; it drops M80 ball protection but stops several AR-15 and AKM light armor-penetrating rounds.

Comparison of a Medium 3810 (left) and the L210 Specialty Plate (right).

3810s are all 0.98 inches thick. L210s are 0.59 inches thick.

How does the L210 stand up to different rounds? Consult the Threat Matrix on the Technical Specifications sheet for details. Basically here is how it breaks down (per round type, not combined):

5.56x45mm-M193: 3150 ft/s (6 hits)

7.62x39mm-M67: 2390 ft/s (6 hits)

5.56x45mm-M855/SS109: 3150 ft/s (6 hits)

7.62x39mm-M43 (Mild Steel Core): 2390 ft/s (3 hits)

7.62x39mm-API: 2390 ft/s (1 hit)





Which size should I get? We only sell one size for these plates (“Large” 10×12). They’ll fit in Medium or Large plate carriers, but have the least amount of wiggle room in Medium carrier. Typically vital organs can be covered if you measure nipple-to-nipple and clavicle notch to the belly button.



I found steel plates online for cheaper. Why should I get these? You get what you pay for and in the armor market, many products are snake oil. If you want to get a budget option for an item that is designed to save your life, you can, but we think it’s a terrible idea. Hesco is the most respected and tested brand in the industry, which is why out of all the hundreds of options and brands, we trust and recommend this not just to our customers but with our own lives as well.

Can I purchase an individual plate instead of the set? No. These are designed to be used as a pair and we don’t recommend just running a single plate. So we sell them as a pair.

Body Armor is regulated by Federal Law. We are can only sell and ship body armor to 49 states in the US.

No Body Armor will be sold or shipped to Connecticut. This applies to law enforcement in Connecticut too. We only sell products to states that allow the citizenry to possess the same arms as their law enforcement.

No Body Armor can be sold or shipped internationally. Not even to APO / FPO / DPO addresses.

Felons are not generally eligible to own body armor. Please check your local laws before ordering if you have any questions.