SA3AU™ Level IIIA UHMWPE SAPI

AGILE, ADAPTABLE, AND PROTECTIVE

Remarkably lightweight and comfortable, this plate is made for lightning-fast urban missions.

These ergonomic and comfortable plates allow for effortless long-term carrying and unhindered movement even in long missions. With stand-alone protection from all handguns and piercing weapons, it opens up a plethora of tactical advantages.

Adapt To Your Environment

.44 Magnum 240 gr SJHP/SWC
.357 SIG 125/158 gr FMJ
7.62×25 Tokarev SJRN FNH
9×18 mm Makarov MSC

9 mm 50 gr Liberty Civil Defense
9 mm 127 gr Ranger SXT +P+
.45 ACP 230 gr TMJ
FN 5.7×28 40 gr SS197 / SS197SR / SS195LF
9×19 SXT T-SERIES
NIJ 0115.0 Level 2 P1 blade / S1 blade

Tested in NIJ-accredited and DSTU certified laboratories independently.

Advanced Armor Materials

Your armor could save your life, so know it like the back of your hand. Utilizing a unique UHMWPE molding technique, our ballistic plates backbones are on the cutting edge of body armor – ensuring maximum durability and protection with the lowest possible weight.

Shock Absorption

Unlike traditional solutions, our ballistic plates are designed to absorb the kinetic kick delivered from a bullet by trapping the projectile and simultaneously eliminating the potential for ricochet. This means you can keep fighting even after taking multiple hits.

Stay Lightweight

Despite offering uncompromising protection, this armor plate maintains a thickness of only 8 mm and a weight of 0.9 lbs (S size). These impressive standards put less strain on the body, helping reduce the weight of your rig and increase mobility.

Multi-curve Design

Designed to mimic the human body, our 3D multi-curved design incorporates both horizontal and vertical curvature. This results in better overall comfort, mobility, and weight distribution – making your vest feel lighter and more accommodating.

Features

  • 1.Priced per plate
  • 2.The lightest hard plate possible (0.95 lbs for S)
  • 3.Advanced lightweight composite of UHMWPE
  • 4.SAPI/ESAPI cut with 4 sizes
  • 5.3D multi-curved body shaped
  • 6.Multi-hit capability for over 6 shots
  • 7.Neutral buoyancy in water
  • 8.Same composite available as side plates and shoulder plates
  • 9.Can be used covertly with WPC™ Weightless Plate Carrier
  • 10.Available as STA (Stand Alone) design
  • 11.Can be used for both the chest and the back
  • 12.Independently tested in an NIJ-accredited laboratory for NIJ Standard 0101.06, as well as certified laboratories according to DSTU 8835:2019 against Soviet/Russian ammunition

Tech specs

Ballistic Performance

.44 Magnum 240 gr SJHP/SWC
.357 SIG 125/158 gr FMJ
7.62×25 Tokarev SJRN FNH
9×18 mm Makarov MSC

9 mm 50 gr Liberty Civil Defense
9 mm 127 gr Ranger SXT +P+
.45 ACP 230 gr TMJ
FN 5.7×28 40 gr SS197 / SS197SR / SS195LF
9×19 SXT T-SERIES
NIJ 0115.0 Level 2 P1 blade / S1 blade

Use trauma pad to reduce BFD <44mm

Testing

This product has been independently tested in NIJ-approved laboratory according to the NIJ Standard 0101.06, as well as certified laboratory according to the DSTU 8835:2019 against Soviet/Russian ammunition.

Armor Composite

Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)

Vance Hallow
16 Nov 2021
The only issue I have with these plates is the naming department, which I was told makes issues several time. I ordered SA3U and needed to ask the customer support why are 3a plates so thick before they told me I ordered the wrong product and needed to exchange it. Thankfully, that took less than a week and now I have the plates that I need. A slightly bothersome experience, but I’m very satisfied with my purchase.
Tom Irwing
13 Nov 2021
I fully understand that these can’t be anyone’s main set of plates. But, if you ever want to stay covert, or want to do something where your armor can’t be seen directly, these are the best alternatives to the thick ones.
Lammar Williamson
26 Oct 2021
These are not shooter’s cut, but are very comfortable to train with. Also, they can fit under a jacket if you have a leaner carrier without any issues.

FAQ

Are prices listed for a single plate?

Yes.
This allows you to choose different plates for the front and the back, as well as order multiple plates from the setting screen.

How do I determine the size of the armor plate?

By measuring your chest circumference.

With standard sizes (S, M, L, XL), it is made to cover your lethal zones on the torso (heart, lungs, kidneys) without extending further due to weight constraints. To make the correct choice, you can use the Size Chart in the Tech Specs or the Determine Size at the settings screen on the top of the page.

Are the same plates used for the front and the back?

Yes.
The UARM™ SA3U™ hard plates are ergonomically designed to fit evenly on the front and on the back.

What is the shelf life of armor plates?

Officially, 5 years.
The date is calculated from the manufacturing label on the back of the plate. While good maintenance and handling can preserve the plate ballistic capabilities for longer, we only guarantee five years from the manufacture date.

How many hits in a row can a single armor plate withstand?

Armor plates are tested under the NIJ standard to withstand up to 6 consecutive hits. While that number can be greater, we can’t guarantee that result.

Is it possible to use an armor plate that has been hit by a bullet?

It is not recommended.
You may continue operations with a damaged armor plate due to composite materials that, when damaged, only a tight zone of the armor fails. Undamaged zones still offer ballistic protection. However, you will need to replace the armor plate after the mission as further use is prohibited.

Does the armor plate experience backface deformation?

Yes.
Like any armor plate on the market, the SA3AU™ can experience backface deformation after ballistic impact. You can always use the EVV™ Exchangeable Vest Ventilation that reduces such effect to virtually zero, while simultaneously improving comfort.

Do the armor plates lose their protective properties after the five-year expiration period?

Not instantly.
Due to chemical processes and oxidation occurring inside the composite material, the anti-ballistic capabilities of the armor plate will slowly deteriorate over time. After five years, the NIJ standard no longer guarantees the same level of protection and you should renew your plates as soon as possible.

Why is the weight of the armor important?

Especially over extended missions, every pound counts. Because the SA3U is significantly lighter than the alternatives, that weight can be used for other types of gear such as ammo or med-packs, or serve to lighten the load in general and make the operator more agile and less fatigued over time. Finally, lighter gear reduces the medical impact of carrying heavy loads on the spine and lower back, reducing the chance of chronic pain and injury.

Is it NIJ Certified?

This product has been independently tested in NIJ-accredited laboratories according to the NIJ Standard 0101.06, as well as certified laboratories according to the according to DSTU 8782:2018. against Soviet/Russian ammunition.

Compare

SA3AU™ Level IIIA UHMWPE SAPI
SA3AU™

Protection level

Type IIIA - NIJ 0101.06
Level 2 - DSTU 8782:2018

Threats

.44 Magnum 240 gr SJHP/SWC
.357 SIG 125/158 gr FMJ
7.62x25 Tokarev SJRN FNH
9x18 mm Makarov MSC

Armor composite

UHMWPE

Weight (S size)

0.95 lbs (0.43 kg)
$142
SA3U™ Level III UHMWPE SAPI
SA3U™

Protection level

Type III - NIJ 0101.06
Level 3 - DSTU 8782:2018

Threats

7.62x51 FMJ M80
5.56x45 FMJ M193
5.45x39 MSC 7N6 (AK-74)
7.62x39 MSC 57-N-231 (AK-47, AKM)

Armor composite

UHMWPE

Weight (S size)

2.58 lbs (1.17 kg)
$313
Learn more
ICW3U™ Level III+ UHMWPE SAPI
ICW3U™

Protection level

Type III - NIJ 0101.06
Level 3 - DSTU 8782:2018

Threats

In Conjunction With Type IIIA backing

7.62x51 FMJ M80
5.56x45 FMJ M193
5.45x39 MSC 7N6 (AK-74)
7.62x39 MSC 57-N-231 (AK-47, AKM)

Armor composite

UHMWPE

Weight (S size)

2.09 lbs (0.95 kg)
$287
Learn more
SA3S™ Level III+ SILICON CARBIDE SAPI
SA3S™

Protection level

Type III - NIJ 0101.06
Level 3 - DSTU 8782:2018

Threats

5.56x45 M855 (Green Tip)
7.62x51 FMJ M80
5.56x45 M193
5.45x39 MSC 7N6 (AK-74)
7.62x39 MSC 57-N-231 (AK-47, AKM)

Armor composite

SiC + UHMWPE

Weight (S size)

3.9 lbs (1.77 kg)
$342
Learn more
SA3B™ Level III+ Boron Carbide SAPI
SA3B™

Protection level

Type III - NIJ 0101.06
Level 3 - DSTU 8782:2018

Threats

5.56x45 M855 (Green Tip)
7.62x51 FMJ M80
5.56x45 M193
5.45x39 MSC 7N6 (AK-74)
7.62x39 MSC 57-N-231 (AK-47, AKM)

Armor composite

B4C + UHMWPE

Weight (S size)

3.53 lbs (1.6kg)
$992
Learn more
SA4B™ Level IV Boron Carbide SAPI
SA4B™

Protection level

Threats

7.62x63 AP M2
7.62x54 API B-32 (Dragunov)
5.56x45 M855A1
7.62x51 FMJ M80

Armor composite

B4C + UHMWPE

Weight (S size)

4.51 lbs (2.18 kg)
$1488
Learn more
SA4S™ Level IV Silicon Carbide SAPI
SA4S™

Protection level

Type IV - NIJ 0101.06
Level 6 - DSTU 8782:2018

Threats

7.62x63 AP M2
7.62x54 API B-32 (Dragunov)
5.56x45 M855A1
7.62x51 FMJ M80

Armor composite

SiC + UHMWPE

Weight (S size)

5.64 lbs (2.56 kg)
$379
Learn more
ICW4S™ Level IV+ Silicon Carbide SAPI
ICW4S™

Protection level

Type IV - NIJ 0101.06
Level 6 - DSTU 8782:2018

Threats

In Conjunction With Type IIIA backing

7.62x63 AP M2
7.62x54 API B-32 (Dragunov)
5.56x45 M855A1
7.62x51 FMJ M80

Armor composite

SiC + UHMWPE

Weight (S size)

4.96 lbs (2.25 kg)
$315
Learn more
SA4A™ Level IV Aluminum Oxide SAPI
SA4A™

Protection level

Type IV - NIJ 0101.06
Level 6 - DSTU 8782:2018

Threats

7.62x63 AP M2
7.62x54 API B-32 (Dragunov)
5.56x45 M855A1
7.62x51 FMJ M80

Armor composite

Al₂O₃ + UHMWPE

Weight (S size)

6.39 lbs (2.9 kg)
$284
Learn more
ICW4A™ Level IV+ Aluminum Oxide SAPI
ICW4A™

Protection level

Type IV - NIJ 0101.06
Level 6 - DSTU 8782:2018

Threats

In Conjunction With Type IIIA backing

7.62x63 AP M2
7.62x54 API B-32 (Dragunov)
5.56x45 M855A1
7.62x51 FMJ M80

Armor composite

Al₂O₃ + UHMWPE

Weight (S size)

6.06 lbs (2.75 kg)
$267
Learn more

SA3AU™ Level IIIA UHMWPE SAPI

$142
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