Quick Answer
Install a Level IIIA soft armor insert by placing it in the designated soft armor pocket of your plate carrier, ensuring it sits flat and centered behind the hard plate. This upgrade reduces backface signature and adds blunt trauma protection.
Why Add a Soft Armor Insert?
A Level IIIA soft armor insert is designed to sit behind a hard rifle plate. It catches fragments and reduces the backface signature—the dent the plate makes on the back side when it stops a round. That means less blunt force transferred to your torso.
Soft armor also fills the gap between the plate and your body, which can make the carrier feel more stable and reduce plate shift during movement.
Check Your Carrier Compatibility
Before you buy, confirm your plate carrier has a dedicated soft armor pocket or enough interior space behind the plate bag. Some carriers have built-in pockets; others require you to slide the insert between the plate and the rear wall of the bag.
If your carrier lacks a pocket, you can still install the insert by placing it directly behind the plate, but make sure it does not bunch up or create pressure points.
Installation Steps
- Unload and clear your carrier: Remove all plates, magazines, and accessories from the plate carrier. Lay it flat on a clean, dry surface. This gives you full access to the plate bags and prevents accidental damage. Always work on an unloaded carrier to avoid snagging or damaging gear.
- Locate the soft armor pocket: Check the inside of the front and rear plate bags for a zippered or hook-and-loop pocket. If there's no dedicated pocket, identify the space between the plate and the outer fabric. If no pocket exists, the insert will sit directly behind the plate—ensure it doesn't fold.
- Insert the soft armor panel: Slide the Level IIIA insert into the pocket or behind the plate area. Make sure it lies flat and is centered behind the hard plate. Smooth out any wrinkles or folds. A folded insert creates uneven protection and discomfort.
- Reinstall the hard plate: Place the hard plate back into the plate bag, on top of the soft armor insert. Ensure the plate is fully seated and the carrier's retention system is secure. The soft armor should be between the plate and your body—never in front of the plate.
- Test fit and adjust: Put on the carrier and check for proper coverage and comfort. The insert should not shift or bunch when you move. Adjust the cummerbund and shoulder straps as needed. A snug fit reduces plate shift and keeps the soft armor in place.
Product Facts
-
Level IIIA Soft Armor Insert: The Level IIIA Soft Armor Insert is priced at USD 114.00 (catalog comparison price USD 190.00). It's an affordable way to upgrade your plate carrier's protection without replacing your existing plates.
Level IIIA Soft Armor Insert
