High Ground Media, LLC

The 4s17m is an ergonomic, multi-curve (MC) ballistic armor plate by HighCom Armor as part of its Guardian line. It is a curved variant, made in either SAPI (featured) or shooter cut design, from the same core ceramic strike face and materials and other HighCom products, is DEA compliant and certified by the National Institute of Justice to meet Level IV protection.

The 4s17m-MC-SAPI comes in various sizes/dimensions based on the qualifying cut type made at the time of purchase. HighCom offers a “Shooter’s Cut” that has the standard 10” (W) x 12” (H) x 0.95” (D) strike face, and allows for more opening in the shoulder pocket and range of motion. The company also offers five different sizes in its SAPI Cut (XSmall to XLarge) that provide for a more full-torso coverage, but sizing and weight vary. For the purposes of this review, a SAPI-Large with 10” (W) x 13.25” (H) x 0.95” (D) dimensions was selected. The MC variant has a single axis vertical curve, and two horizontal curves to allot for tapered corners more ergonomically correct to the upper torso.

The 4s17m-MC-SAPI plate is made from a standard monolithic aluminum oxide ceramic core, with a composite backer, and a poly honeycomb strike panel that enables the plate to sustain multiple hits edge-to-edge. Around the entire plate, HighCom uses a 1000D water-resistant nylon cover to help mitigate heat and moisture from the upper body.

The 4s17m was submitted by HighCom and certified by the National Institute of Justice in 2015. To date no Notice or Warning has been issued and the product has met any requisite FIT test to maintain certification.

As with most of its products, the 4s17m-MC-SAPI is made entirely in the USA. The 4s17m plate itself is available in only in Black, and in sizes ranging from XSmall to XLarge.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): The MSRP for the 4s17m model of ballistic plate varies based on selected cut and size at the time of purchase, however the evaluated SAPI-Large from HighCom was $269.99 per plate, or sold as a set by third-party retailers (such as Nightfall Solutions) for $538. The 4s17m are NIJ certified (as of this review) and meet DEA special threat ratings for inter-agency usage. The plates are curved along a single (vertical) axis, and at two points (top & bottom), and consists of a ceramic core commonly found in much of the industry. In contrast, market alternatives to the 4s17m include a set of the Level IV Hercules ($550) from Spartan Armor Systems, a set of Level IV 4400  Multi Curve ($512) from Hesco, or a set of Level IV Triple Curve (Model # 26605) ($539) from Hoplite Armor. All of which placed the 4s17m at an appropriate (or average) price point for the consumer amid its competitors, which all share a similar Level IV evaluated threat level using stated NIJ standards. What separates the 4s17m from its listed competitors is its added ability to also meet DEA special threats requirements.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): From a comfort aspect, the 4s17m was an improvement over other single curve body armor in that the multi-curve angles more appropriately contoured to the upper torso, specifically the shoulders, with less pressure points experienced from the corners. Females could find this curvature more comfortable than a single curve, although it would be dependent on individual upper body types. Perhaps the largest factor in the comfort of the 4s17m was the overall weight, as when worn for longer durations (1+ hours) fatigue did became apparent in the shoulders and lower lumbar region. This was the tradeoff for using a plate tested to meet various protective ratings, made from traditional ceramics, vice newer and lighter industry composites. With its 1” thickness, the 4s17m had a good profile off the torso and (properly sized for the individual) the corners curved more appropriately. Perhaps one recommendation to HighCom to improve the comfort aspect of the 4s17m would be to add a padding/buffer layer around between the core ceramic material (however this would add a minimal amount of weight as well) and the torso.
• Durability – Good (4/5): The durability of ballistic plates often lays in its ability to defeat a threat level to a consistent standard. The 4s17m was tested at one of four NIJ approved laboratories to meet NIJ Standard 0101.06 to stop projectiles under 3200fps (otherwise considered Level IV threats), or (as the NIJ also tests for) a single hit from a 30-06 AP round. With the advent of the newer NIJ Standard 0101.07, the rating of the 4s17m has not been placed within the newer R3 category (nor has any plate as of this review), but it still meets that previous Level IV protection rating. Additional research also showed how the 4s17m can handle accidental droppage and sudden impact, while still providing enough protection without evidence of cracking or structural failure (excluding ammunition with a velocity higher than that of 3200fps). Assuming the end-user does nothing that would otherwise compromise the integrity of the plates, research has shown the 4s17m will withstand some of the most common rifle-rated threats found in the civilian market. HighCom does offer a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty with all its ballistic plates, so HighCom does support its product and its performance for the appropriate (or average) timeframe as other manufacturers. As noted in part three of our editorial series on body armor, the warranty for ceramic body armor merely reflects the manufacturer’s interest to support the customer while still ensuring performance. Ceramic as a core material does not “expire” in the sense of the ceramic material deteriorating over time, but 10 years is average for what manufacturers are willing to ensure the product for. Separately, adding to the durability of the 4s17m it was noted in a BUFFMAN Range destructive field test, the plates have a unique poly honeycomb layer (which is only revealed after dissection of the plate) and did mitigate some frontal impact from repetitive droppage.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally, the 4s17m were readily found on the Compliance List of the NIJ at the corresponding Level IV threat rating (this will eventually become R3 under new NIJ guidance), with HighCom identifying the 4s17m  certification was attained in 2015. As a policy, HighCom does not publish its testing data, thus there is no public transparency aside from consumer confidence in the NIJ testing process. Furthermore, research showed few reviewers (aside from BUFFMAN Range) have tested the performance aspect of 4s17m in any informal setting. As such, given there has been no change to the 4s17m since first introduced, there is little functionally that could be done to the plates in terms evaluation (such as submersion/soak testing, drop-testing, and ballistic testing) that hasn’t already been performed and documented in a scientific lab with controlled settings. It is the position of High Ground Media that “backyard destructive testing” alone is neither a scientific nor credible means to evaluate body armor. While such informal “tests” can provide a glimpse into the performance of armor to a degree—it is not one that could be considered wholly reliable due to lapses or omission in measurable data, variances in ammo velocities, projectile materials, barrel length, and even ambient air temperature. Ergo the importance of body armor having either an NIJ certification, or publicly accessible testing data from an NIJ-approved laboratory as the principle comparator for the consumer. Ultimately, while the multi-angle curvature of the 4s17m provided a good level of functional comfort for the wearer, improved transparency of performance data beyond merely NIJ certification would add value for the consumer to have confidence in the product beyond what is minimally presented.
• Weight – Average (3/5): As stated above, the weight for each HighCom 4s17m varies based on size and cut of the plate selected. For comparison, the 4s17m “Shooter’s Cut” is a more common industry-sized 10” (W) x 12” (H) x 0.95” (D) that weighed 7.2 pounds per plate, whereas the one selected for this review (a SAPI-Large) was slightly larger in dimension and weighed in at 9.4 pounds per plate. This weight is appropriate (or average) within the market as the aluminum oxide ceramic core is also commonly found within the industry. In contrast, both the 1155MC (8.2 pounds) by RMA and the Level IV Hercules (6.9 pounds) from Spartan Armor Systems have the universal sizing of 10×12 and are on par with HighCom’s “Shooter Cut”, whereas the Level IV 4601 (7.6 pounds) from Hesco, or a Level IV Triple Curve (Model # 26605) (8.5 pounds) from Hoplite Armor are like HighCom’s larger 10.25×13.25 sizing but lighter. This difference illustrated HighCom’s smaller plates are consistent and appropriate (or average) with the market of alternatives, but differs the larger the coverage area becomes, and is likely attributed to differences in the larger strike face plate and/or drop protection.

Overall Rating – Above Average (18/25)

Product Link: https://www.highcomarmor.com/product/guardian-4s17m/

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via High Ground Media, LLC, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

A case specifically designed to accommodate a carbine rifle, the Assault Rifle Case by Elite Survival is part of the original Assault Systems line of rifle cases. The Assault Rifle Case (ARC); Size 2, provides the user with a robust soft case by which to transport rifle and magazines without concern for loss or damage.

Exterior

Made from 1000D nylon, the ARC exterior includes four, double rifle magazine pouches and a triangular accessory pouch—both of which are secured via individual hook-and-loop flaps. Both sides also consist of heavy-duty, 1” thick foam padding to protect the contents.

Along the long-axis of the case, steel D-rings provide anchoring points on both ends to an adjustable 2” shoulder carry strap with pad. The strap itself is removable with its steel clip/hook hardware. Near the center of the long axis are two carry handles that can be joined via attached cuff and are anchored into the fabric of the case behind the magazine pouches. A full length zipper runs along the angled edge of the ARC and opens to reveal the interior storage space.

Interior

The interior storage space of the ARC has a clean, open space that fits any carbine-type rifle (to include WML and/or optic) with up to a 20” barrel. Heavy-duty, 1” thick foam padding runs the entire outer edge of the ARC’s interior for maximum protection. The storage space is secured via YKK zipper, that also has a protective band of padding to separate the interior space and enclosure hardware.

Specifications:

• 1000D nylon
• 1” thick foam padding on all sides
• YKK zippers
• Multiple sizes to fit any sized rifle

The Assault Systems line of rifle cases come in varying sizes, between 1 and 10 with overall lengths from 28” to 48”. The cases are available in Mulitcam (featured in select sizes), Black, Olive Drab, and Coyote.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): At $104.95 the Assault Rifle Case is one of 10 in the Assault Systems lineup (pricing varies based on overall length and quantity of material used) and, like other packs from Elite Survival, made from thick 1000D nylon. It should be noted this sized bag is appropriately for SBRs or collapsed carbines with up 20” barrels. Comparable market alternatives include; the American Classic 32” Double Rifle Case ($53.99) or Patriot 35” Single Rifle Case ($29.95) by Savior Equipment, the Assault Rifle Case ($66) by American Mountain Supply, or the Rifle Bag ($159.95) by LaRue Tactical. It should be noted that less expensive soft cases generally involve lower denier nylon with lower abrasion resistance levels, or are made overseas where manufacturing costs can be lowered. Given that the ARC has some of the highest denier levels on the market, and is made entirely in the USA—while expensive—it is directly comparable and average to other soft cases in terms of overall cost. The consumer will need to weigh those factors against that cost.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): While made from 1000D nylon, the ARC was still soft and had no hard or sharp edges. The YKK zippers felt smooth and did not cross thread when it was closed/opened. The zipper pull and coils themselves were oversized and felt very comfortable. The padding on the shoulder strap was roughly ½” thick and felt comfortable on the shoulder, though it slid a little too easily. The carrying handles (joined together) felt comfortable in the hand and did not cut into the skin when the bag was fully loaded. However, the handles themselves needed more length as it was a tight fit to get the hand through. The hook-and-loop securing the magazine and accessory pouches provided a solid enclosure and at no point during handling allowed the contents to spill out.
• Durability – Excellent (5/5): Made entirely of 1000D nylon, the ARC was made from some of the most abrasion resistant material available. Double line stitching was used along the zipper material to strengthen it, and X-type stitching was noted to be anchoring the D-rings to the shoulder strap. The use of stainless steel for hardware was a nice additive for its strength, in a market increasingly turning to cheap plastic that cuts cost. One design aspect noted was the nylon bands for the carrying handles continue down the sides of the ARC thus ensuring it supported the entire weight of the contents and not just at the top.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): Very simplistic, the ARC supported carrying a single SBR easily. Users should note that while running a WLM mounted at the 3 or 9 o’clock position, the forward end of the case got pretty tight on the zipper. It was obvious the ARC was a case intended for a “slick” carbine with minimal rail accessories. There was adequate clearance around the optic (in this case a Vortex red dot). One noted area of improvement for Elite Survival would be to extend the hook-and-loop fields for the magazine pouches. When loaded with two magazines per pouch, getting a full connection between the fields was pretty tight. The alternative for improvement would be to extend the flap slightly to accommodate a slightly longer reach. Otherwise the ARC had thick foam padding on all sides and completely protected the rifle within.
• Weight – Excellent (5/5): Tipping in at 2.8 pounds, the ARC was extremely lightweight despite its heavier 1000D nylon. By angling the front half of the case, Elite Survival’s ARC design allowed the case to cut non-essential space that was otherwise lost in other generalized designs. In comparison; the American Classic (6 pounds) and Patriot (5 pounds), and Mountain Supply’s Assault Rifle Case (8 pounds) all demonstrate how generalized, one-size-fits-all rifle cases utilize more material and thus weigh more regardless of denier rated nylon. By focusing its ARC design to specifically meet the needs of the rifle, Elite Survival was able to minimize weight while still offering complete protection for a rifle and its accessories.

Overall Rating – Good (21/25)

Product Link: https://www.elitesurvival.com/rifle-cases/assault-systems-assault-rifle-cases-by-elite/

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

One of the longstanding producers of ballistic body armor, AR500 ARMOR® manufacturers a broad line of protective products. It’s Level III+ ASC body armor offers mid-level protection (up to M193 or M80 Ball ammunition) while maintaining the reasonable weight inherent to AR500 ARMOR® steel.

The Level III+ Advanced Shooter’s Cut (ASC) body armor is made from a single cut of 0.26” in-house AR500 ARMOR® steel, hardened to provide a multi-hit, multi-purpose body armor system. Consumers have their choice of plates formed on a continual die (i.e. flat), or curved to match the dimensions of the upper torso and improve comfort. Users also have the option to have the basecoat of protective coating applied that will prevent corrosion, or an optional coating of PAXCON PX-2100 protective coating (developed by Line-X) to capture and prevent fragmentation of the round upon impact.

Each plate of protective armor from AR500 ARMOR® ships with ASC angles, designed to lighten weight, improve flexibility (while worn in conjunction with a plate carrier), and provide maximum protection to vital areas. The side with the deeper cut (selected at the time of purchase) allows the user to fully shoulder a rifle buttstock in the shoulder’s pocket while still protecting the upper torso. The Level III+ ASC plate comes in three sizes; 8”x10”, 10”x12”, and 11”x14”. There are two side panels, and a backpack plate also available in the same material.

The Level III+ ASC plates were initially sent to the Oregon Ballistic Laboratories, one of four scientific testing centers in the United States approved by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). There the armor was given an abbreviated/modified evaluation to meet NIJ 0101.06 Level III+ standards; meaning it is rated up to 7.62mm NATO and other rifle calibers with projectiles at or below 3,000 fps, as per NIJ 0101.06 standards.

The name of AR500 ARMOR® steel refers to its “abrasion resistance” and its 500 Brinell Hardness rating.  The Brinell rating is used to rate the hardness of steel and various other materials. The higher the Brinell rating, the harder the steel. Higher Brinell ratings also translate to faster velocities and heavier caliber rounds defeated, without penetrating the plate or going beyond the maximum acceptable indentation or deformation. For AR500 ARMOR® steel, the National Institute of Justice has set a deformation maximum of 44 millimeters. The Level III+ ASC is rated between 504 and 519 on the Brinell Hardness Scale.

While the Level III+ ASC includes the industry standard of a 5-year warranty and a 20-year shelf life, this is standard across a majority of body armor manufactures. Engineers from AR500 ARMOR® maintain that, shy of droppage or extreme environmental conditions, the hardened steel has an infinite shelf life.

Link to NIJ Body Armor Compliant Manufacturers: https://nij.ojp.gov/body-armor-compliance-testing

• See “Find Compliant Armor” and select Ballistic Resistance, Standard-06.

Featured in this review for the Level III+ ASC, was the Rogue plate carrier by Tactical Tailor, but it did not play a factor in the evaluation of the ballistic plates themselves.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Excellent (5/5): At $99 – 160 the overall cost per Level III+ ASC 10”x12” plate varies based on the options selected by the user at the time of purchase. This price range covers not only the base plate with no special coating or curvature ($99), to a plate with curvature (an additional $25), or a plate with PAXCON coating (an additional $36) to mitigate spall or fragmentation. For the sample evaluated, AR500 ARMOR® provided a set of flat Level III+ ASC plates with PAXCON. The closest market comparison available would be Spartan Armor Systems AR550 Plates w/Shooters Cut ($107.65 with no curvature and no anti-fragmentation coating). Beyond that, other notable alternatives for Level III+ body armor would be Hesco’s BI200 ($145.99 for a set of two) or DFNDR’s Level III+ Rifle Rated BA ($600 per plate) however both use composite materials in lieu of AR500 ARMOR® steel. Thus, from a price point, AR500 ARMOR® is among some of the most affordable for those entering the market and who would considering AR500 ARMOR® steel as a form of protection.
• Comfort – Average (3/5): The flat variant of the Level III+ ASC plates provided for evaluation did present some discomfort on the center of the chest during stressor drills (pushup/lunges). This was due to the conflict between the natural curvature of the chest, and the flattened surface of the steel. It is strongly encouraged for consumers to consider spending the extra cost and getting a curved plate vice flat. Since this is an option to all manufacturers of AR500 ARMOR® steel protective plates (the curve has to be pressed later after the initial cut), the evaluated plates proved appropriate (or average) comfort for wear, but again consumers should consider getting the curvature option included. While it was not required, it is recommended Level III+ plates be worn in conjunction with either soft body armor plates or trauma pads to mitigate the potential impact to the body from defeated rifle rounds given the higher ballistic velocity levels involved. The weight of the Level III+ ASC steel plates was notable, especially after wearing it in a plate carrier for longer than an hour. The weight pulled on the carrier and on the shoulder straps, so ensure your carrier has sufficient padding in that area as well as a decent cummerbund.
• Durability – Good (4/5): Given that the root material for the Level III+ ASC is still AR500 ARMOR® steel, the durability of the plates went without question. And while that means your carrier and hardware will likely wear out long before the plate or its anti-fragmentation coating, wearers should take care not to drop their plate carriers. The PAXCON (if selected as an additional option) will help ensure some mitigation from impact as well as any potential fragmentation or corrosion, but still care should be taken as it’s entirely possible the plates themselves can still damage other items due to sheer mass.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): The ASC is one of many ballistic products by AR500 ARMOR® that were tested by certified, independent laboratories to meet NIJ 0101.06 standards, and certified as a Level III+, multi-hit ballistic plate. Thus, it will provide protection against some pistol and rifle calibers, at a distance of 50 feet or more (see chart), but not others. There was little in our evaluation process that could deduce anything more that hasn’t already been done to it in a formal laboratory, and under the strictest scientific methods of measurement. AR500 ARMOR®’s product rating is readily found on the NIJ database (link above). A simple search on the internet reveals cheaper ballistic plate alternatives, but these are often ballistic plates that are “pending” NIJ certification. While tested to meet NIJ standards, the single limiting factor in the Level III+ ASC’s functional score is its lacking actual NIJ certification. Doing so would dispel any public perceptions on the quality of the material and where/how it was tested. It is recognized that attaining NIJ certification is a costly and rigid process that locks up manufacturing and innovation, however amongst the market it is the delimiting factor between the ASC and higher rated personal protective equipment. It is also the balance AR500 ARMOR® strikes at manufacturing inexpensive body armor for the public.
• Weight – Average (3/5): Each Level III+ ASC plate weighed approximately 8.5 pounds (each) with variance of an additional 10% increase in weight if the PAXCON coating (up to approximately 10 pounds per plate). The one (and only) downside to AR500 ARMOR®-based ballistic plates is their sheer weight. The Level III+ ASC weight varies depending on the desired cut and coating. At roughly 16-20 pounds for the set, the weight of the ASC plates bared on the carrier/body after a time (1hr+). This weight is consistent to other ballistic plate models of similar design and appeared in research to be the average weight for most ballistic plates of similar material.

Overall Rating – Above Average (19/25)

Product Link: https://www.ar500armor.com/ar500-armor-body-armor/level-iii-body-armor-en/ar500-armor-10-x-12-asc-level-iii-body-armor.html

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.