Body armor comes from a mix of long-established police suppliers and newer companies that opened the market to civilian buyers. These are makers worth knowing, with the basics on where each is based and what it builds.
Police and duty armor
Armor Express
Founded 2005; headquarters in Central Lake, Michigan. Started by Matt Davis, whose father founded Second Chance Body Armor in 1970. The company has said that about one in five U.S. police officers wears its vests, a company claim rather than an independent figure.
Known for: Soft body armor for law enforcement and federal contracts
Plates and carriers
AR500 Armor
Founded 2012. Founded by Tyler O’Neal, who set out to offer affordable armor to civilians when many sellers would not sell to them. Its first release was a Level III steel plate in 2012.
Known for: Steel-core Level III and III+ plates, spall coating, plate carriers and trauma pads
Spartan Armor Systems
Headquarters in Tucson, Arizona. Builds its body armor at its Tucson facility, which doubled in size in 2022. It also supplies OEM and private-label armor to other brands.
Known for: Ceramic, steel, soft and UHMWPE plates in NIJ Levels IIIA through IV, plus steel shooting targets
Shellback Tactical
Founded 2003; headquarters in West Columbia, South Carolina. Designs and manufactures its products and runs its distribution from the same South Carolina base.
Known for: Plate carriers, plates, vests, ballistic helmets, chest rigs and pouches