Selecting the right plate size is essential for mobility and your ultimate protection. When choosing a plate, remember that you are not buying based on the size of the t-shirt you wear. You are buying based on the size of your torso. Armor plates must cover your critical organs: heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. You will need to choose plates large enough to cover this area.

• Small: Small plates are ideal for most women and men of smaller stature. They are roughly 8” x 10” in size. Only our SF Plate Carrier fits this size plate. 
• Medium/Standard: Medium, sometimes called standard plates, are the most common and fit average-sized men and some women. They are around 10” x 12” in size.  Most Shellback Tactical carriers fit this size plate. 
• Large plates: These are for men with above-average height and stature, coming in at 10” x 13.” The SF Plate Carrier is Shellback's option for this size plate. 
• XL: These are the largest plates we offer — for the largest individuals out there. They are 11” x 14.” Check out the SF Plate Carrier if this is your plate size. 

To determine your ideal plate width, measure across your chest from nipple to nipple. Be sure to keep the tape level across your chest. Next, take a measurement from your sternum notch (the top of your sternum) to your belly button. Subtract 2-3 inches to find the ideal height for your plate.

The plate should fit comfortably from the standing or sitting position. Be mindful of your service belt and other equipment when measuring your ideal plate size. A properly equipped torso plate should not interfere with the movement of your arms and shoulders. A plate that is too large may impede mobility and result in difficulty aiming or operating a firearm.

When choosing a plate carrier, remember that plate carriers are made to fit snug around the body. Properly fitted body armor is a balance between coverage and protection. 

Since 1972, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Standard has been recognized as the only nationally accepted specification for life saving equipment. The NIJ regulates all body armor worn by law enforcement, correction officers and military operators. 

The NIJ-06 breaks down five levels of ballistic performance for body armor. The first three levels- IIA, II and IIIA are used for handgun threats mostly to accredit soft armor. The two remaining levels, III and IV, are designed to protect against rifle threats. 

Shellback Tactical sells body armor under the following threat ratings:

1. Level IIIA: Includes soft armor and ballistic helmets, suitable for high-velocity 9mm and .44 Magnum ammunition.
2. Level III: Resists rifle rounds, specifically 7.62mm FMJ lead core rifle ammunition.
3. Level IV: The highest NIJ body armor level, designed to withstand armor-piercing rifle rounds.

The exterior of your body armor should be cleaned with a damp cloth or soft bristle brush to wipe away dirt orlight stains. It should never be soaked in water or treated with any type of chemical solution.

If your ballistic panels become wet, allow them to air dry away from heat sources or direct sunlight. Never use chemicals or cleaners on ballistic armor. 

Lets address what not do first. These are very common mistakes and can damage your plate carrier.

• Never wash your plate carrier in a washing machine
• Never put your plate carrier in a dryer
• Never use bleach, harsh chemicals or household cleaning products on your plate carrier
• Never use a wire brush to scrub your plate carrier
• Never use a flame thrower burn off debris

1. Remove your armor plates and soft armor inserts
2. Remove all tactical accessories - mags, sprays, weapons, batons, handcuffs etc.
3. Use a soft bristled brush to scrub and remove dirt, dried mud or debris
4. Soak your plate carrier in a mixture of mild laundry detergent and warm water. Agitate the water by hand and scrub tough stains with a soft bristled brush
5. Rinse the plate carrier with warm water to remove detergent and debris
6. Hang plate carrier in a shady well ventilated area to air dry 

Another important part of maintaining your plate carrier and/or body armor is to properly store it. Do not throw it in the trunk of your car, bottom of your closet or in a pile of sweaty unforms. Avoid storing your kit in areas that are excessively hot, cold, humid or accessible to strangers. 

Hanging your plate carrier with our Heavy Hanger provides ventilation that will keep your plate carrier dry and eliminate stinky odors. You can use our heavy hanger in a closet, patrol care or locker room. The heavy hanger is designed to hold up to 140 pounds which is more than enough for full loadouts.

We offer a wide variety of payment options for your convenience. At checkout, all options available to you will be shown, and may include, but is not limited to VISA, Mastercard, PayPal, Venmo, Google Pay, Sezzle and Apple Pay.

If you are purchasing on behalf of a company or state/local/federal government, and would like to pay with a purchase order, please reach out to our sales team at 888.493.1855 or sales@shellbacktactical.com. 

Shellback Tactical ships to U.S. service members at overseas APO, DPO, and FPO locations throughout the world. However, please note that Body Armor products are restricted by ITAR regulations and cannot be shipped to these addresses. 

Products may only be shipped to APO, FPO, or DPO addresses using the U.S. Postal Service. These shipments can take up to 8 weeks or more for delivery to the final destination. The final leg of the shipment is via military transport and USPS, and we have no control over the shipment transit times.

To ship a product to an APO, FPO, or DPO location, at checkout:

• Choose United States as the shipping country;
• Choose armed forces (Europe, Pacific, Americas, Africa or Middle East) for your state;
• Enter your Unit information in the two Address fields; and
• Make sure to include your rank and first and last name in the name fields.

You may submit a request to edit or cancel your order at any time before the item has been released for fulfillment by contacting us via email at customers@shellbacktactical.com or by phone at 888.493.1855.

• You are a legal adult of 18 years or older;
• You are a United States citizen, or permanent resident (i.e., greencard holder);
• You are legally allowed to purchase and possess the specified item in your state;
• You are not a convicted felon;
• You are not purchasing the item on behalf of someone else in order to avoid complying with or to violate federal, state, or local law;
• You do not intend to and will not export the item outside of the United States; and
• You have no intent to use the item in a way that would violate federal, state, or local laws, ordinances, or regulations.

Under New York law, we CANNOT sell or deliver Body Armor to New York unless the purchase is made by a federal, state, or local government agency for the purpose of furnishing such body armor to employees engaged in law enforcement, military, and other “eligible professions” (as defined under New York law and associated regulations).

Under Connecticut law, we CANNOT sell or deliver Body Armor to Connecticut unless the sale and delivery are made to a member of law enforcement or military, or to other eligible individuals (as specified under Connecticut law).

If you are located in New York or Connecticut and wish to purchase Body Armor from our Website, you must contact our customer service at 888.493.1855 or customers@shellbacktactical.com.

We will not ship your order to any address outside of the US. 

The sale, transfer, transportation, or shipment outside of the U.S. of any product prohibited or restricted for export without complying with U.S. export control laws and regulations, including proper export licensing, documentation or authorization, is strictly prohibited and may result in civil penalties and/or constitute a federal crime.

By purchasing a product from Shellback Tactical, you agree to comply with US export control laws and regulations (and applicable import laws and regulations, including applicable duties, taxes, and fees) and to indemnify and hold harmless Shellback Tactical from any and all liability, including penalties that result from your violations of those laws and regulations.

For many items, yes. We stand behind our products 100% and want you to be satisfied with your purchase. If you are unhappy with your item, or if you receive the incorrect item, you can request a return or exchange up to thirty (30) days after your order is delivered. The item must be in new, unworn, or unopened condition and free of any signs of wear or tear.

Please note that we do NOT offer refunds or exchanges for Body Armor, customized items, closeout items, special order items, or medical supplies due to the nature of such products. All sales for these products will be FINAL.