The Chase Tactical RSTP (Rifle Special Threat Plate) is a Level III+/RF2 ICW hard armor plate built for law enforcement and special operations personnel who need rifle-rated protection at minimal weight. Constructed with a ceramic strike face and UHMWPE (Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene) backing, this plate measures just 0.55 inches thick and weighs 4.8 lbs. It is independently tested against NIJ Standard 0101.06 Level III+/RF2 threat parameters at an NIJ-approved laboratory and must be worn in conjunction with (ICW) a Level IIIA soft armor backer to achieve its rated protection. Available in a wide range of sizes and cuts, including 10"x12" Shooters Cut, 10"x12" Full Size, 10"x12" Swimmers Cut, SAPI/ESAPI configurations, and supplemental sizes down to 5"x7".

Who this is for

• Law enforcement officers: a thin, plate-carrier-ready option for officers requiring rifle-rated coverage without the weight burden of a full ceramic or steel plate.
• Special operations personnel: designed to the tolerances of LE and SOF users who demand ultra-lightweight hard armor that integrates cleanly into standard tactical carrier setups.
• Tactical team members operating near water: positive buoyancy means this plate floats, an important factor for maritime or water-adjacent missions.

Ballistic performance

The RSTP is a Special Threat Rated Level III+/RF2 plate, independently tested at an NIJ-approved laboratory according to NIJ Standard 0101.06. It is rated to defeat Level III/RF2 high-velocity rifle threats when used in conjunction with a Level IIIA soft armor panel. This is a multi-hit capable ceramic armor plate. The ceramic strike face absorbs and disrupts incoming projectiles while the UHMWPE backing captures fragments and provides structural support to the panel stack.

This plate is an ICW (In Conjunction With) design, meaning ballistic performance is achieved as a system: the RSTP hard plate paired with a Level IIIA soft armor backer. Wearing the plate alone, without a Level IIIA soft armor component, does not provide the rated Level III+/RF2 protection level.

Plate compatibility and cut geometry

The 10"x12" Shooters Cut variant uses a nominal 10"x12" designation; the actual measured dimension is 9.5"x11.5". Plates are sold as individual units, not in pairs. The exterior cover is 1000D Cordura with a textured nylon finish. The full size and cut selection includes:

• 10"x12" Shooters Cut (Multi Curve)
• 10"x12" Full Size
• 10"x12" Swimmers Cut
• 11"x14" SAPI/ESAPI
• 10"x13.25" SAPI/ESAPI
• 9.5"x12.5" SAPI/ESAPI
• 8.75"x11.75" SAPI/ESAPI
• 7.5"x11.5" SAPI/ESAPI
• 8"x10" Shooters Cut
• 8"x10" Full Size
• 6"x8" Full Size
• 6"x6" Full Size
• 5"x8" Full Size
• 5"x7" Full Size

This plate is compatible as a hard armor plate for any standard plate carrier that accepts the selected size and cut. The SAPI/ESAPI variants fit carriers with SAPI-cut plate pockets; the Shooters Cut and Full Size variants fit the broad range of flat- or curved-pocket plate carriers in wide use. Contact us if you need guidance matching a specific cut to your carrier.

Specifications

Fit and carrier compatibility

The RSTP is designed for integration into any standard tactical carrier setup. The 10"x12" Shooters Cut is the most widely compatible option for plate carriers with standard front and rear plate pockets. SAPI/ESAPI variants are sized for carriers with contoured SAPI-cut pockets. Because this is an ICW plate, the carrier must also accommodate a Level IIIA soft armor backer panel behind the hard plate — confirm your carrier supports the combined stack thickness before ordering.

Frequently asked questions

What does Level III+/RF2 ICW mean?

Level III+/RF2 is a Special Threat designation indicating the plate defeats high-velocity rifle threats beyond the legacy NIJ Level III standard. ICW means In Conjunction With: this plate must be worn layered with a Level IIIA soft armor panel to achieve the rated RF2 protection level. Used alone, without the soft armor backer, the plate does not provide its full rated protection.

Is this plate NIJ Listed or independently tested?

This plate is independently tested at an NIJ-approved laboratory according to NIJ Standard 0101.06. It carries a Special Threat Rated Level III+/RF2 designation. For current NIJ Compliant Products List status, check the NIJ CPL at nij.ojp.gov.

What rounds does this plate stop?

The RSTP is rated to defeat Level III/RF2 high-velocity rifle threats when used ICW a Level IIIA soft armor backer. It is a multi-hit capable ceramic plate. Specific round-and-velocity test data beyond the Level III+/RF2 designation is not detailed in the published product specification.

How thick and heavy is this plate?

The RSTP is 0.55 inches thick — an exceptionally thin profile for a ceramic hard armor plate. Weight is 4.8 lbs. Note that the listed weight reflects a single plate; plates are sold individually.

Does this plate float?

Yes. The RSTP has positive buoyancy and floats in water. This characteristic makes it particularly relevant for law enforcement and special operations personnel who operate in or around water.

Can this plate be shipped to my state?

Shipments to Connecticut and New York are restricted to law enforcement and military personnel only. 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. Please confirm your eligibility before ordering.