EDUCATIONAL

Plate Carrier Armor Levels Explained: NIJ III vs IIIA vs IV for Airsoft

Not all dummy plates are the same. Understand NIJ ratings, material differences, and what to look for when choosing inserts for your plate carrier.

ORTACTICAL Team•2026-07-05

plate carrierarmorNIJmaterialstactical gear

IIIA	Soft armor, handgun rounds	400-600g (foam)	8-12mm

III	Hard armor, rifle rounds	800-1200g (ceramic/PE)	18-25mm

NIJ IIIA for Airsoft

IIIA-rated dummy plates are typically made from EVA foam or closed-cell polyethylene. They are light, flexible, and inexpensive ($10-25). The plates give your carrier shape without adding significant weight. Perfect for Speedsoft or indoor CQB.

Weight: 400-600g per plate

Feel: Firm but slightly flexible

Best for: Lightweight builds, CQB, Speedsoft

NIJ III for Airsoft

Level III dummy plates are heavier and stiffer. They are usually made from dense foam or thin steel/ceramic composite dummies. The extra stiffness makes your carrier sit properly and prevents pouch sag.

Weight: 800-1200g per plate

Feel: Rigid, no flex

Best for: MilSim, woodland, impression kits

NIJ IV for Airsoft

Level IV plates are the heaviest and most rigid. Airsoft IV dummies are usually steel or thick ceramic. Only recommended for serious impression kits.

Weight: 1500-2500g per plate

Feel: Solid, heavy, very realistic

Best for: Impression kits, static roles

Material Comparison

IV	Hard armor, armor-piercing	1500-2500g (ceramic)	20-30mm

Material	Weight (per plate)	Cost	Realism	Comfort

EVA foam	400-500g	$	Low	Excellent

Closed-cell PE	500-700g	$$	Medium	Very good

Dense foam laminate	700-900g	$$	Good	Good

Steel dummy	1000-1500g	$$$	Excellent	Poor

Which Should You Choose?

Speedsoft / CQB: IIIA foam plates — light, comfortable, keeps carrier shape.

General airsoft: III dense foam — balanced weight and realism.

MilSim / woodland: III or IIIA — the extra weight of IV is rarely worth it.

Impression kits: IV steel/ceramic dummies — only if you stand still most of the day.

Ceramic dummy	1200-2000g	$$$$	Excellent	Very poor

Recommended Gear

Shop tv 030 outdoor tactical jpc cpc vest→

← Previous

Airsoft Helmet Guide: Full Cut vs High Cut vs Fast Helmets (2026)

Airsoft Radio Setup: How to Build a Team Communication System

Comments

Topics

tactical gear11gear guide10airsoft10beginner5materials4oem3plate carrier3lightweight3manufacturing2starter kit2helmet1NVG1armor1NIJ1speedsoft1

All Articles

You're Probably Buying Private Label, Not OEM — Here's the Difference in Tactical Gear 500D vs 1000D Cordura: One of These Wears Out Faster (and It's Not the One You Think)Why Do Tactical Gear OEM Orders Take 4–6 Months? Inside a Thai Factory That Ships in 45 Days Chest Rig vs Plate Carrier for Airsoft: Which One Do You Actually Need? (2026 Guide)How to Set Up a Battle Belt for Airsoft: The Ultimate 2026 Guide MOLLE Pouch Organization: Smart Ways to Carry Your Airsoft Gear Airsoft Helmet Guide: Full Cut vs High Cut vs Fast Helmets (2026)Plate Carrier Armor Levels Explained: NIJ III vs IIIA vs IV for Airsoft Airsoft Radio Setup: How to Build a Team Communication System Tactical Gear Care: How to Clean and Maintain Your Airsoft Kit CQB vs Woodland Airsoft: How Your Gear Setup Should Change Speedsoft Lightweight Build: The Ultimate Minimal Airsoft Loadout Airsoft Budget Starter Kit: Essential Gear for New Players (Under $150)

GET IN TOUCH

Need Help Choosing?

Our team can help you find the right gear. Contact us for personalized recommendations.

Plate Carrier Armor Levels Explained: NIJ III vs IIIA vs IV for Airsoft

NIJ IIIA for Airsoft

NIJ III for Airsoft

NIJ IV for Airsoft

Material Comparison

Which Should You Choose?

Recommended Gear

You May Also Like

You're Probably Buying Private Label, Not OEM — Here's the Difference in Tactical Gear

500D vs 1000D Cordura: One of These Wears Out Faster (and It's Not the One You Think)

Why Do Tactical Gear OEM Orders Take 4–6 Months? Inside a Thai Factory That Ships in 45 Days

Comments

Leave a Comment

Topics

All Articles

Need Help Choosing?