Level IIIA Soft Armor S - SAPI
The DFNDR Armor® Level IIIA S Soft Armor Insert delivers advanced, high-performance handgun and fragmentation protection while maintaining exceptional comfort and flexibility. Constructed using premium USA-made ballistic materials and designed in a SAPI-style configuration, the Level IIIA inserts provide full-coverage defense against common handgun and shotgun threats including multi-hit Level IIIA rated protection for defense against 9mm, .40, .45, .357 and .44 magnum.
For operators requiring scalable protection, the Level IIIA Soft Armor Inserts are engineered to work In-Conjunction-With (ICW) DFNDR rifle-rated plates (sold separately), allowing seamless transition from soft armor protection to full rifle-rated capability. DFNDR ICW Rifle Rated Body Armor is available in Level III+ and M193 threat protection.
- Dimensions: 9.5”x12.5” (Medium), 10.25”x13.25” (Large), 11”x14” (X-Large)
- Weight: 0.84 lbs (Medium), 0.95 lbs (Large), 1.07 lbs (X-Large)
- Armor Thinness: 0.25”
- Areal Density: 0.99 psf
- NIJ Tested: STD-NIJ 0101.06 Level IIIA stand-alone protection.
- Special Shrapnel Threat Tested: Tested against realistic shrapnel to simulate metal debris and explosive fragmentation including 2-4 grain fragments, 16-17 grain projectiles, and 64-grain fragments.
- Flexible, lightweight design using USA-made multi-layer ballistic matrix combining ultra-dense aramid fibers and specialized high-strength materials
- Scalable ballistic protection when paired with DFNDR ICW rifle plates (sold separately)
Terms: This item is manufactured and fulfilled (shipped) by DFNDR. By making a purchase you acknowledge and agree to the Product Liability DFNDR Body Armor Terms and Conditions.
- Proudly made in the USA from USA materials by DFNDR Armor (Berry Compliant)
Item Comes With
- (1) Level IIIA S Soft Armor Insert
Note: DFNDR Armor IIIA inserts are sold individually, not in pairs. DFNDR Armor is made to order, expect lead times of 2-8 weeks.
DFNDR Armor® Advanced Lightweight Body Armor (IIIA)
The DFNDR Armor® Level IIIA Soft Armor is engineered using premium USA-made ballistic materials to provide flexible, lightweight protection without sacrificing stopping power. Built for modern law enforcement demands, each insert utilizes a multi-layer ballistic matrix that combines ultra-dense aramid fibers and specialized high-strength materials, creating a soft armor system capable of reliably defeating high-energy handgun rounds and fragmentation threats.
At the core of the design is a flexible ballistic package engineered to disperse and absorb impact energy across multiple layers, significantly reducing backface deformation while maintaining exceptional mobility. This construction enables the insert to bend and move with the body, offering comfort during extended wear while preserving its protective properties under dynamic conditions.
Each insert is formed into a SAPI-style profile, ensuring optimized coverage and compatibility with most plate carriers. The flexible ballistic matrix is sealed within a durable, moisture-resistant cover that protects the armor from environmental factors and preserves long-term ballistic integrity.
NIJ Testing: Every DFNDR Armor® system is independently tested and verified to the NIJ 0101.06 IIIA ballistic standard at NIJ-certified ballistic laboratories, with additional special-threat testing to validate real-world performance beyond baseline protocol requirements.
TSA Compliance: Body armor is permitted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in both carry-on and checked baggage, making DFNDR Armor® systems travel-ready for professionals on the move.
Dimensions
- SAPI profile
- Areal density: 0.99 psf
- Medium Size Insert: 9.5“ (L) x 12.5“ (W) x 0.25“ (H)
- Medium Size Insert: 0.84 lbs. (individual insert)
- Large Size Insert: 10.25“ (L) x 13.25“ (W) x 0.25“ (H)
- Large Size Insert: 0.95 lbs. (individual insert)
- X Large Size Insert: 11“ (L) x 14“ (W) x 0.25“ (H)
- X Large Size Insert: 1.07 lbs. (individual insert)
Construction
- USA Made multi-layer ballistic matrix (ultra-dense aramid fibers and specialized high-strength materials)