NIJ Level 4 (IV) body armour is at the top tier of ballistic protection, designed and manufactured to defend the wearer against high-velocity rifle rounds, and armour piercing ammunition.
In this guide from the expert team at Sarkar Tactical, we will go into detail on NIJ Level 4 body armour, what exactly it can stop, why it’s so strong, and much more.
What Ammunition Can Level 4 Body Armour Stop?
Level 4 plates are capable of stopping high-calibre, armour piercing rounds shot from rifles. This includes 7.62x63mm AP (.30-06 AP) and 7.62x54mmR API (B32) bullets. This armour is the strongest body armour available, as rated by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ).
NIJ level 4 armour is typically made from a combination of ceramic plates backed by composite materials like kevlar. This is to protect against the deeper penetration of high-calibre bullets and the possibility of being shot multiple times by an automatic weapon, for example.
When is Level 4 Body Armour Typically Worn?
Level 4 body armour is worn in situations where personnel need the highest level of protection available. This includes environments where individuals are at risk of encountering armour-piercing rifle rounds and other high-velocity projectiles. Groups who may need armour as strong as this include:
- Military Forces & Special Operations
- Armed Police Teams & Tactical Units
- Journalists, correspondents, and humanitarian staff working in hostile environments/warzones
And more.
How Much Does Level 4 Body Armour Weigh?
NIJ Level 4 body armour typically weighs between 6 to 8 pounds (2.7 to 3.6 kilograms) per plate. Since most Level 4 armour consists of two plates (front and back), the total weight can range from 12 to 16 pounds (5.4 to 7.3 kilograms). The exact weight can vary depending on the specific design, materials used, and manufacturer.
Each individual Sarkar Ranger Solo plate weighs approximately 6.61 lb (3.0 kg).
Level 4 body armour is significantly heavier than armour of any other rating because it provides the highest level of ballistic protection available. However, the heavy-duty materials which are essential for making the armour as impenetrable as possible to high-calibre bullets also add substantial weight, weighing the wearer down considerably when compared to other options.
What Can’t Level 4 Body Armour Stop?
Whilst NIJ level 4 body armour is designed and built to provide the highest level of ballistic protection possible, it isn’t completely invulnerable. Here is a list of threats that a level 4 body armour plate might not be able to stop:
- Multiple Hits in the Same Area: Level 4 armour is designed to stop a single shot from an armour-piercing rifle round. Multiple hits in the same spot can compromise its integrity and effectiveness.
- .50 Calibre Rounds: Bullets of this calibre are significantly more powerful than what Level 4 armour is rated to stop. .338 magnum rounds will also penetrate level 4 body armour.
- Explosive Devices: While Level 4 armour can protect against a majority of high-velocity and AP rounds, it may not provide sufficient protection against shrapnel or blasts from explosive devices.
All Body Armour Levels
The NIJ categorises body armour into different levels based on their effectiveness against a wide range of ballistic threats.
Read our full guide to the different levels of body armour to learn more.
Body Armour Levels Chart
Here is the current body armour levels chart from the NIJ:
| Former Threat Level | New Threat Level | Notes |
| NIJ Level II | NIJ HG1 | HG = handgun |
| NIJ Level IIIA | NIJ HG2 | |
| NIJ Level III | NIJ RF1 | RF = rifle |
| NA | NIJ RF2 | NIJ RF2 is a new intermediate rifle protection level that includes all the threats at the NIJ RF1 protection level plus an additional threat |
| NIJ Level IV | NIJ RF3 |
Level 4 Body Armour FAQs
What can penetrate level 4 body armour?
Level 4 body armour can be penetrated by .50 calibre rounds (such as .50 BMG) as well as .338 Laupa Magnum rounds. The armour is rated on its ability to stop one bullet – it’s possible that multiple bullet hits to the same spot may compromise the effectiveness of a level 4 armour plate regardless of calibre.
Do NIJ level 4 helmets exist?
No, NIJ-certified helmets don’t exist. Helmets are classified from level 1-3 based on their ability to stop different sizes of rounds. A helmet labelled as Level 4 is designed to potentially offer defence against powerful .30 calibre armour-piercing bullets. However, no helmets have been officially certified as true Level 4 according to NIJ testing standards.
Conclusion: What Does Level 4 Body Armour Stop?
In summary, Level 4 body armour offers the highest level of protection against armour-piercing rifle rounds and other high-velocity ammunition. It’s heavy, strong and robust, but not invincible. Multiple hits in the same spot, .50 calibre rounds, and explosive devices are still able penetrate it in some scenarios. Level 4 armour is essential gear for military, SWAT teams, and journalists in warzones, providing crucial protection in the most dangerous situations.
Level 4 Body Armour Plates and More At Sarkar Tactical
Sarkar Tactical specialise in manufacturing industry-leading tactical gear and protective armour. We offer level 3 body armour plates, level 3a plates, and level 4 plates, all manufactured in the UK. In addition to our armour plates, we also offer a wide range of helmets, EOD and demining equipment, and tactical communications gear.
Contact us for a bespoke quotation on any of our products, or visit our factory shop to make a quick purchase on available stock.
