The VISM Level IV Ceramic/PE Composite Plate (SKU: B4C1012) is a 10"×12" ceramic and polyethylene composite plate independently tested to meet or exceed Level IV ballistic standards. Weighing approximately 5.5 lbs (2,495 g), it provides the highest standard NIJ protection level — including defeat of .30 caliber armor-piercing (AP) rounds — in a composite format that is lighter than solid ceramic Level IV plates.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | VISM by NcStar |
| SKU | B4C1012 |
| Protection Level | Level IV (independently tested to exceed NIJ Level IV standard) |
| Construction | Ceramic strike face + Polyethylene (PE) composite backer |
| Dimensions | 10"×12" |
| Weight | ~5.5 lbs (2,495 g) |
| Level IV Threat | .30 caliber M2 Armor Piercing (AP) at 2,880 fps |
| Also Stops | All Level III, III+ SRT, and lower threats |
Product Overview
Level IV represents the highest protection level defined by NIJ Standard 0101.06. A plate that achieves Level IV is tested and rated to stop the .30 caliber M2 Armor Piercing round — a 166-grain steel-core projectile fired at 2,880 fps. This is a significantly more challenging ballistic threat than Level III+ SRT targets, and defeating it requires ceramic armor materials capable of shattering extremely hard steel cores before they can penetrate the plate.
The VISM Level IV Ceramic/PE Composite Plate achieves this through a ceramic/polyethylene composite construction. The ceramic strike face is selected for maximum hardness — capable of defeating the M2 AP steel core — while the polyethylene backer arrests residual fragment velocity and prevents backface deformation from becoming a lethal blunt trauma event. The ceramic/PE composite design results in a plate that is lighter than equivalent solid monolithic ceramic designs while still meeting the full Level IV performance threshold.
A Level IV plate also provides all protections offered by lower NIJ classifications — it stops all Level III, III+ SRT, IIIA, II, and IIA threats as well. Operators, agencies, or civilians who want to ensure maximum ballistic protection regardless of the specific threat encountered will find Level IV plates the most comprehensive single-plate solution available in the NIJ framework.
At ~5.5 lbs for a 10"×12" plate, the VISM Level IV is heavier than lightweight UHMWPE Level III plates (~3.0 lbs) but competitive with other ceramic composite Level IV plates on the market. The weight trade-off for Level IV protection is well-established and accepted by military and law enforcement personnel in high-threat environments. A ceramic composite Level IV plate is the gold standard for operators facing adversaries equipped with armor-piercing ammunition or documented AP-capable platforms.
NIJ Protection Level Hierarchy
| NIJ Level | Primary Test Round | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| IIIA | .44 Magnum, .357 SIG | Soft armor vests, handgun environments |
| III | 7.62×51mm NATO M80 FMJ | Rifle environments, patrol |
| III+ (SRT) | M855 Green Tip, 7.62×39 MSC | Active shooter, higher rifle threats |
| IV | .30 cal M2 AP at 2,880 fps | Maximum protection, AP threat environments |
For formally NIJ-certified Level III options, see the VISM NIJ Certified Level III Ballistic Plate (BNIJPC1012) in the Armor Plates & Panels collection. Complete your protection system at Premium Body Armor Vests & Protection.
All products sourced from the actual brand manufacturer or authorized master distributors. CoTCCC recommendation status verified where applicable. Ships from MED-TAC International, Pembroke Pines, FL — clinician-founded, veteran-led, SDVOSB-certified.
Specifications coming soon. Contact us for detailed product information.
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