The Spartan Armor Systems Flex Fused Core Level IIIA Soft Body Armor Side Panels deliver pistol-rated ballistic coverage in a concealable, low-profile form factor built from American-made aramid fibers and assembled in Tucson, Arizona. Designed to fill the side plate pockets of a plate carrier or tactical vest, the panels extend HG2-level protection to the torso flanks — areas left exposed by front and rear plates alone. Available in four sizes (5"x11", 6"x6", 5"x7", and 6"x8"), each set ships as a pair at a combined weight starting at 0.35 lb per panel, with a 0.35" (8.89 mm) thickness profile that seats flush inside standard side pockets.

Who this is for

• Plate carrier users seeking fuller coverage: anyone running a front-and-rear hard plate setup who wants to close the ballistic gap at the ribs and obliques
• Law enforcement and security professionals: officers and agents requiring discreet, all-day wearable side protection against handgun threats
• Civilians prioritizing concealability: those who carry a plate carrier under outerwear and need a side panel thin enough at 0.35" not to print through a jacket

Threat coverage

The Flex Fused Core side panels are rated at NIJ HG2 / Level IIIA, the highest handgun protection level in the NIJ soft armor classification system. At this rating, the panels stop common pistol calibers including .44 Magnum and .357 SIG. The aramid fiber construction absorbs and disperses projectile energy across the woven panel structure.

These panels do not stop rifle-caliber threats. Anyone requiring rifle-rated side coverage should pair this carrier configuration with a hard armor side plate rated at Level III or higher.

Concealability and comfort

Each panel measures 0.35" (8.89 mm) thick — thin enough to sit inside a side pocket without creating visible bulk under outerwear. The aramid fiber build allows the panel to flex slightly with body movement rather than staying rigid, which reduces pressure points during extended wear. Weight per panel runs from 0.35 lb (6"x6") to 0.50 lb (5"x11"), keeping the total added load under 1.0 lb per pair for any size combination.

Care and maintenance

Soft aramid panels should not be machine washed or tumble dried. Remove panels from the carrier pocket before any cleaning cycle. Store flat or vertically in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight. The Flex Fused Core side panels carry a 5-year warranty against manufacturer defects.

Specifications

Fit and carrier compatibility

These panels slot into the side plate pockets found on most plate carriers and tactical vests. The 5"x11" and 6"x8" formats suit the deeper rectangular side pockets common on full-size carriers, while the 6"x6" and 5"x7" options fit compact or minimalist side pocket configurations. Measure your carrier's side pocket opening before selecting a size. Contact us if you need help matching a panel size to your specific carrier.

Frequently asked questions

What carriers are these side panels compatible with?

They fit any plate carrier or tactical vest with side plate pockets that match the panel dimensions. The four available sizes (5"x11", 6"x6", 5"x7", 6"x8") cover most standard side pocket formats. Measure your pocket's interior dimensions and select the closest match. Contact us if you are unsure which size suits your carrier.

Are these panels NIJ Listed or NIJ Certified?

The Flex Fused Core panels carry an HG2 / Level IIIA designation. For current NIJ Compliant Products List status, check the NIJ CPL at nij.ojp.gov directly — CPL listings are updated by the NIJ on a rolling basis and reflect the most current verification data.

Will these side panels stop rifle rounds?

No. HG2 / Level IIIA is a handgun-rated designation. These panels stop pistol-caliber threats up to .44 Magnum and .357 SIG. They do not provide protection against rifle-caliber projectiles. For rifle-rated side coverage, pair your carrier with a hard armor side plate rated Level III or higher.

How thin are these panels — will they print through a jacket?

Each panel is 0.35" (8.89 mm) thick. At that profile, the panels seat flush inside a standard side pocket and do not create significant visible bulk. The aramid fiber construction also allows a degree of flex, which further reduces visible rigidity under outerwear.

Can I wash these panels?

No — do not machine wash or tumble dry soft aramid panels. Remove them from the carrier before any wash cycle. Spot clean the panel surface only, and store in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight.

Can these be shipped to my state?

These panels cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut due to state body armor restrictions. All orders are subject to US export regulations. Under 18 U.S.C. § 931, anyone with a federal felony conviction for a crime of violence is prohibited from purchasing or possessing body armor.