The Shellback Tactical Prevail Series Model 4S17 is a 10x12 Level IV hard armor plate, NIJ 0101.06 Certified and listed on the NIJ Compliant Products List, manufactured in the USA from alumina ceramic with a composite backing. At 7.2 lbs and 0.95 inches thick, it delivers full edge-to-edge stand-alone protection against armor-piercing rifle rounds — including .30 Cal M2 AP, M855, M855A1, and 7.62x51 M61 AP — and carries a 10-year ballistic warranty. Available in single-curve Shooters Cut at a nominal 9.5 x 11.5-inch actual dimension, sold as a single plate.

Who this is for

• Active-shooter responders: first responders and armed civilians who need NIJ-Listed Level IV stand-alone coverage without a soft armor backer
• Tactical operators: anyone running a plate carrier for patrol, training, or duty use who requires documented, CPL-listed ballistic certification against AP threats
• Budget-conscious buyers: shooters who want verified Level IV ceramic protection at a price well below most comparable NIJ-Listed plates

Ballistic performance

The 4S17 is built around an alumina ceramic strike face bonded to a composite backing, a construction that absorbs and disrupts AP projectiles before the backing captures residual energy. The plate provides full edge-to-edge protection — not just center-plate coverage — and is rated for multi-hit performance. Its stand-alone rating means it functions without a soft armor backer, simplifying loadout and keeping carrier compatibility broad.

The plate is DEA hard armor protocol compliant and special-threat rated to stop M855 and M855A1 armor-piercing rounds, extending its documented performance well beyond the NIJ 0101.06 Level IV baseline (.30 Cal M2 AP at 2,880 fps). The 1,000-denier Cordura nylon cover seals the ceramic core against liquids, chemicals, and field conditions.

Independent ballistic test data

Plate compatibility and cut geometry

The 4S17 ships in a single-curve Shooters Cut. The nominal size is 10x12 inches; actual measurement is 9.5 x 11.5 inches, which is standard for this cut. Shooters Cut removes material at the upper shoulder corners compared to a SAPI cut, giving better shoulder and arm mobility while still covering the vital zone. The plate seats directly in any carrier with a 10x12 Shooters Cut pocket — including Shellback's own Banshee, Banshee Elite, Patriot, and Rampage carriers — and in the large majority of third-party carriers sized for the same format. No soft armor backer is required due to the stand-alone rating, though a trauma pad can be added for blunt-force trauma mitigation. This listing covers a single plate; order two for a front-and-back set.

Specifications

Fit and carrier compatibility

The 4S17 seats in any plate carrier with a standard 10x12 Shooters Cut plate pocket. At 0.95 inches thick and 7.2 lbs, it fits the same pocket envelope as other single-curve 10x12 ceramic plates. Shellback's own Banshee Elite 2.0, Patriot, and Banshee carriers are confirmed-compatible by the manufacturer. Most third-party carriers sized for 10x12 Shooters Cut will accept this plate without modification. If you're pairing with a carrier not listed here, contact us to confirm compatibility before ordering.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 4S17 NIJ Certified or NIJ Listed?

Both. The 4S17 is NIJ 0101.06 Certified and listed on the NIJ Compliant Products List, meaning it passed independent third-party ballistic testing under NIJ's formal certification program — not just manufacturer testing. The NIJ certification marking and manufacturing date appear directly on each plate.

What rounds does the 4S17 stop?

At minimum, it stops the NIJ Level IV baseline: .30 Cal M2 AP at 2,880 fps. Beyond that, it is special-threat rated to stop 5.56x45 M855 and M855A1 at 3,100 fps, 5.56x45 M193 at 3,250 fps, 7.62x39 BZ API at 2,380 fps, 7.62x51 M61 AP at 2,750 fps, and 7.62x54R LPS at 2,880 fps, among other DEA-protocol rounds. See the full ballistic test data table above.

Will this plate stop M855A1 enhanced penetrator rounds?

Yes. M855A1 is listed as a Special Threat-rated stop for the 4S17 at 62 grains and 3,100 fps. This goes beyond the NIJ 0101.06 Level IV baseline, which specifies only .30 Cal M2 AP. Many Level IV plates do not explicitly rate for M855A1, so this is a meaningful addition to the certified threat coverage.

What is the difference between Level III, Level III+, and Level IV?

Level III covers common rifle threats including 7.62x51 M80 FMJ at 2,780 fps. Level III+ is a vendor-defined special-threat designation — not an NIJ standard — typically indicating the plate stops M855 green-tip at higher velocities than Level III. Level IV is the highest NIJ standard, requiring a stop of .30 Cal M2 AP (armor-piercing) at 2,880 fps. The 4S17 meets and exceeds Level IV.

Does this plate need a soft armor backer?

No. The 4S17 is stand-alone rated, meaning it functions at full ballistic performance without a soft armor backer behind it. A trauma pad can be added to reduce blunt-force trauma from rounds that do not penetrate, but no additional ballistic panel is required for the plate to perform to its rated level.

Can this plate be shipped to my state?

It cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut due to state body armor restrictions. It is ITAR-controlled and cannot be exported without U.S. State Department approval. 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.