NIJ 06 Certified Level IV Swimmer / SAPI Plate Combo (26605) — Triple-Curve Rifle-Rated Protection

Includes one SAPI plate + one Swimmer plate • Sold in pairs

The 26605 Swimmer / SAPI Plate Combo is our top recommendation for operators and professionals who demand the best balance of coverage, mobility, and rifle-rated protection. Certified to NIJ 0101.06 Level IV, this triple-curve, stand-alone hard armor plate combo defeats armor-piercing rifle threats while remaining ergonomically shaped for extended wear and superior body conformity.

Built with a high-density reinforced alumina (Al₂O₃) ceramic core and backed by a lightweight layered polymer composite, the 26605 absorbs projectiles inside the plate to eliminate dangerous spall common with steel plates. Finished in rugged black Cordura nylon and fitted with a foam strike-face pad to protect against severe drops, these plates undergo strict quality control — including X-ray inspection and an internal 10-drop test (NIJ requires 2 drops) — before environmental and ballistic certification.

Why choose the 26605 Swimmer / SAPI Combo?

• NIJ 0101.06 Level IV certified — stand-alone armor that stops AP rifle threats.

• Triple-curve / multicurve design — superior fit, reduced fatigue, and better weight distribution.

• Multi-hit capable — engineered for repeated impacts in real-world scenarios.

• Alumina ceramic core + polymer backing — high ballistic performance with reduced fragmentation.

• Zero-spall design — projectiles are absorbed by the composite; safer than steel plates.

• Foam strike-face pad & Cordura finish — impact protection and durable environmental resistance.

• Made in the USA by LTC (Leading Technology Composites) — industry-leading manufacturer and quality assurance.

• Inspected & drop-tested beyond NIJ minimums — X-ray inspection and 10-drop internal validation.

Key Features

• Triple-curve, stand-alone Level IV hard armor

• High-density Al₂O₃ ceramic strike face with layered polymer composite backer

• Black Cordura nylon outer finish for abrasion/moisture resistance

• Foam pad on strike face to protect plate during severe drops

• Multi-hit, edge-to-edge ballistic performance

• No spall — polymer backer absorbs fragments

• X-ray inspected and 10-drop internal test for exceptional QA

• Made in USA by LTC — proven, high-quality manufacturing

Fit & Compatibility

• Designed to fit all standard medium sized carriers.

• Swimmer front plate provides extended range of motion; SAPI back plate maximizes rear coverage — ideal combo for maximum coverage and mobility.

• Note: Match plate size to carrier size for best fit.

Sizes & Nominal Weights

• Small: SAPI 8.75" × 11.75" (6.5 lbs) / Swimmer 8" × 10" (4.8 lbs)

• Medium: SAPI 9.25" × 12.25" (7.5 lbs) / Swimmer 10" × 12" (7.0 lbs)

• Large: SAPI 10" × 13" (8.5 lbs) / Swimmer 10" × 12" (7.0 lbs)

• XL: SAPI 11" × 14" (9.75 lbs) / Swimmer 10" × 12" (7.0 lbs)

• Thickness: 1" • Level: IV

Important: All figures are nominal — small manufacturing tolerances may apply.

Lead Time & Shipping

• Some popular sizes/items may incur a 4–6 week lead time due to demand and production scheduling.

• Produced and shipped from the USA by LTC

Rounds Defeated 

Which plate size is right for me?

Comfort and mobility are the most important factors when choosing plate size — if the plate doesn’t feel right, you won’t wear it and it can’t protect you. That said, here are simple, practical guidelines to help you choose.

Quick facts

• The classic industry standard used to be 10"×12".

• Today plates come in Small → X-Large.

• Medium (9.5" × 12.5") is engineered to fit roughly 95% of people — it’s the most commonly recommended starting point.

How to choose (easy 3-step method)

1. Use height as your first guide.

   • Small → smaller/shorter builds

   • Medium → average height/build (most people)

   • Large / X-Large → taller or broader builds
     These are general guidelines — body shape and personal comfort matter more than any number.

2. Think about how you carry and move.

   • If you need maximum mobility (tactical, range work, training), a slightly smaller front plate (Swimmer cut) may be preferable.

   • If you prioritize maximum rear coverage, choose the SAPI/back size that matches your carrier.

3. Try it on in a carrier before you commit.

   • Put the plate in the plate carrier you’ll use. The top of the plate should sit high enough to protect the chest without interfering with shoulders or neck movement. The bottom should not ride so low that it blocks bending or breathing.

   • If you’re between sizes, most people choose the larger size for better coverage — but comfort is the deciding factor.

Need help or a swap?
If you order plates and they don’t fit the way you expected, call us for fast guidance and an easy exchange. We’ll help you match plate size to your carrier and mission profile.

If you want, tell us your height and carrier model and we’ll recommend a starting size — or call/email for immediate help.

.