Set of (2) RF3 Ceramic Armor Edge-to-Edge Side Plates

Complete side protection with RF3 ceramic armor. This 2-plate set provides edge-to-edge RF3 protection for your sides, extending your armor coverage beyond front and back plates to protect vital organs from side impacts.

Key Features:

• RF3 standalone protection - Stops .30-06 M2 AP armor-piercing rounds at 2880 fps without requiring soft armor backing
• True edge-to-edge ceramic coverage - No foam perimeters or reduced coverage zones, just continuous ceramic protection
• 6"x6" size - Standard side plate dimensions fit most carriers with side plate pockets
• Lightweight design - Approximately 3 pounds per plate for manageable weight addition
• 99%+ pure alumina ceramic - Superior ceramic material provides reliable ballistic performance
• Single-curve design - Contoured profile conforms to your body for improved comfort
• Crack arresting technology - Aramid and carbon fiber layers control ceramic fragmentation
• Made in the USA - Manufactured with proprietary ARMORFILM™ adhesives and high-quality materials

Technical Specifications:

Why Side Plates Matter:

Front and back armor plates protect your chest and back, but they leave your sides vulnerable to impacts from lateral angles. Side plates extend your armor coverage to protect vital organs including your liver, spleen, and kidneys from side impacts. In tactical scenarios where threats can come from multiple directions, side plates provide critical additional protection.

The 6"x6" size is the standard dimension for side plates, providing coverage of the vital organs in your torso's side profile without excessive bulk or weight. At approximately 3 pounds per plate, they add manageable weight to your armor system while significantly extending your protected area.

RF3 Protection Level:

These side plates provide the same RF3 protection level as your front and back plates, stopping .30-06 M2 AP armor-piercing ammunition at 2880 feet per second. The RF3 protection level also covers all lower-tier threats including M193, M855, M855A1, 7.62 x 51mm M80, and 7.62 x 39mm MSC. This ensures consistent protection across your entire armor system.

The standalone design means no soft armor backing is required for ballistic performance. The 99%+ pure alumina ceramic provides the hardness needed to defeat RF3 threats, while the UHMWPE backing plate helps manage backface deformation to protect against blunt force trauma.

True Edge-To-Edge Ceramic Coverage:

These side plates feature true edge-to-edge ceramic coverage with no foam perimeters or reduced coverage zones. Every square inch of the plate offers the same level of RF3 protection, ensuring consistent ballistic performance regardless of impact location. This is particularly important for side plates where the smaller size means every inch of coverage matters.

The crack arresting layers made from aramid and carbon fiber materials help control ceramic fragmentation during impacts, reducing ceramic dust and maintaining structural integrity. All components are bonded using proprietary ARMORFILM™ adhesives where 100% of the adhesive source materials are made in the USA, ensuring consistent bonding performance and long-term durability.

Single-Curve Design & Comfort:

Unlike flat side plates, these feature a single-curve design that conforms to your body's natural contours. The curve helps the plate sit more naturally against your side, reducing standoff distance and improving comfort during extended wear. This ergonomic design is particularly important for side plates, which are positioned where arm movement and body flexion can create pressure points with flat plates.

The single-curve profile allows the plate to move more naturally with your body, reducing the tendency to shift or create uncomfortable pressure points during movement. This improved fit enhances both comfort and the plate's ability to manage backface deformation by maintaining better contact with your body.

Construction & Materials:

GTS manufactures these side plates using the same quality standards and materials as our front and back plates. The 99%+ pure alumina ceramic provides superior hardness and fracture resistance. The UHMWPE backing plate provides additional strength and helps manage energy transfer during impacts. The 1000 denier water-resistant nylon cover protects the plate during daily use and provides a durable outer surface.

The 1-inch thickness provides the ceramic mass needed for RF3 protection while maintaining a reasonable profile for side plate applications. The single-curve design requires more sophisticated manufacturing than flat plates but delivers superior comfort and fit.

Carrier Compatibility:

These 6"x6" single-curve side plates fit most plate carriers that include side plate pockets. Many modern tactical plate carriers include integrated side plate pockets or the ability to add side plate pouches. The standard 6"x6" dimension ensures compatibility with the vast majority of these systems, while the single-curve profile provides improved comfort compared to flat side plates.

When installing side plates, ensure they are positioned to cover the vital organs in your side profile, typically centered on your torso between your front and back plates. Proper positioning ensures maximum protection while maintaining mobility and comfort.

Applications & Use Cases:

RF3 side plates are ideal for law enforcement officers, military personnel, security professionals, and civilians who face high-threat environments where armor-piercing ammunition may be encountered and threats can come from multiple directions. Side plates are particularly important for tactical teams, close-quarters operations, and any scenario where lateral threats are a concern.

The RF3 protection level ensures your side protection matches your front and back plate protection, providing consistent armor-piercing resistance across your entire armor system. The true edge-to-edge ceramic coverage maximizes the protected area within the compact 6"x6" side plate format, while the single-curve design provides superior comfort for extended wear.

Important Notes:

• These ceramic armor side plates provide standalone RF3 protection
• Set includes 2 plates (left and right sides)
• 6"x6" size fits most carriers with side plate pockets
• Approximately 3 pounds per plate
• True edge-to-edge ceramic coverage with no foam perimeters
• Single-curve design for improved comfort and fit

U.S. Law prohibits persons convicted of certain violent state and/or federal felonies from purchasing body armor. You are responsible for knowledge of and compliance with federal, state and local laws regarding body armor.

All sales are in compliance with and customer acknowledgement of our Return Policy and LEGAL NOTICE here. Please wear your armor in compliance with the ballistic label included on your product. DO NOT test your armor by intentionally wearing it during ballistic testing.