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$942.00 – $1,180.00
HESCO 3612 – 600 Series | NIJ Level III+ Standalone Plate
The 3612 is HESCO’s newer 600 Series plate, built on updated advanced composite materials to match the proven 3810 on threat coverage at a lower price. NIJ .06 Certified Level III+ standalone protection at 3.8 lb in the 10×12 shooter cut, covering the full core and extended threat set including M855/SS109 green tip, M80 (.308 NATO), and 7.62×63 30.06 JSP. Most professionals don’t know this plate exists. SierraTac carries it.
- Weight: 3.8 lb (10×12 Shooter Cut), 1.00″ thick
- Curve: Multi-curve, ergonomic fit for extended wear
- Construction: 600 Series advanced composite with CORDURA nylon wrap
- Protection: NIJ Level III+, NIJ .06 Certified, standalone, no additional backer required
- Threat coverage: 5.56 M193 and M855/SS109, AK-47 M67 and M43, 7.62×51 M80 (.308 NATO), 7.62×63 30.06 JSP
- Best for: Tactical Teams and SWAT Units wanting the 3810’s certified coverage at a lower price in a current-generation plate
- Level III+ lineup: 3612 (newer/value) to 3810 (proven legacy) to 3811 (lightest/800 Series) to 3411 (full threat)
- Available in Shooter Cut and SAPI sizes
- Ships in 1-3 days
Why the 3612?
The information below is organized to support both individual selection and team procurement decisions. Coverage, weight, and construction trade offs are explained in operational terms to help professionals make the right call for their mission and their team.
Most professionals who research HESCO lightweight tactical plates land on the 3810. It is the most successful plate HESCO makes for tactical teams and a proven legacy option with a long field track record. The 3612 is newer and less well known, and that is worth addressing directly, because it now matches the 3810 on threat coverage at a lower price.
The 3612 is HESCO’s newer 600 Series plate, built on updated advanced composite materials engineered to compete directly with the 3810. It is NIJ .06 Certified Level III+ standalone protection, and at 3.8 lb in the 10×12 shooter cut it is actually slightly lighter than the 3810 at 3.9 lb. It covers the full core and extended threat set Tactical Teams and SWAT Units prioritize: 5.56 M193, M855/SS109 green tip, AK-47 M67 and M43, 7.62×51 M80 (.308 NATO), and 7.62×63 30.06 JSP. That is the same headline threat coverage as the 3810, at a meaningfully lower price. SierraTac carries it.
So the decision between them is no longer about coverage. The 3612 and the 3810 defeat the same threats. The 3612 is the newer plate, updated materials at a lower cost. The 3810 is the proven legacy plate, the one tactical teams have trusted and standardized on for years, with the longest field track record in the lineup. For a unit that values a documented deployment history and an established procurement standard, the 3810 earns its place. For a unit that wants the same certified coverage at a lower price in a current-generation plate, the 3612 is built for exactly that.
HESCO Level III+ Plates for Tactical Teams and SWAT Units
The plates below represent two approaches to Level III+ standalone protection. The 3612, 3810, and 3811 prioritize lightweight 600/800 Series construction for high-mobility operations. The 3411 trades weight for the broadest threat coverage in the lineup at a lower price point.
| 3612 | 3810 | 3811 | 3411 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Series DNA | 600 Series | 800 Series | 800 Series | 400 Series |
| Construction | Advanced composite | Advanced composite | Advanced composite | Advanced composite |
| Curve | Multi-curve | Multi-curve | Multi-curve | Multi-curve |
| Weight (10×12) | 3.8 lb | 3.9 lb | 3.4 lb | 5.5 lb |
| Thickness | 1.00″ | 0.98″ | 1.11″ | 1.09″ |
| NIJ Rating | III+, .06 Certified | III+, .06 Certified | III+, .06 Certified | III+, .06 Certified |
| Key Coverage | Certified M80 (.308) and 30.06 JSP | Certified M80 (.308) and 30.06 JSP | Certified M80 (.308) and 30.06 JSP, lighter | Broadest coverage: adds M855A1, API, LPS |
| Approach | Newer materials, full certified coverage, lower cost | Proven legacy plate, full certified coverage | Lightest 800 Series, extended threats, premium | Heaviest, broadest coverage, lower cost |
| Best For | Same certified coverage as the 3810 at a lower price | Proven legacy standard, most successful HESCO plate for tactical teams | Same coverage as 3810, lightest 800 Series, premium price | Maximum threat coverage, budget-conscious units |
| You are here | View 3810 | View 3811 | View 3411 |
Construction and Features
The 3612 is built on HESCO’s 600 Series advanced composite platform, finished with a CORDURA nylon wrap that is water-resistant and built for the daily wear of extended field use. Multi-curve design provides ergonomic fit for longer wear periods without sacrificing coverage.
- 600 Series advanced composite construction
- Multi-curve comfort design for extended wear
- CORDURA nylon wrap, water-resistant and abrasion-resistant
- Polyurethane coated finish
- Precision quality control
- NIJ Level III+, .06 Certified, standalone, no additional backer required
- Compatible with HESCO 3110 Level III+ Side Plates for full torso coverage
Ballistic Performance
All shots tested at maximum velocity. Shot counts reflect NIJ Standard-0101.06 test protocol requirements and represent the standardized certification test, not a limit on the plate’s capability.
10×12 Shooter Cut | XL / Large / Medium SAPI
| Shots | Caliber | Round | Velocity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead Core | |||
| 6 | 5.56×45 | M193 | 3,280 ft/s |
| 6 | 7.62×39 | M67 | 2,410 ft/s |
| 6 | 7.62×51 | M80 (.308 NATO) | 2,810 ft/s |
| 2 | 7.62×63 | JSP (30.06) | 2,794 ft/s |
| Mild Steel Core | |||
| 6 | 5.56×45 | M855/SS109 | 3,150 ft/s |
| 6 | 7.62×39 | M43 | 2,410 ft/s |
Small SAPI
| Shots | Caliber | Round | Velocity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead Core | |||
| 3 | 5.56×45 | M193 | 3,280 ft/s |
| 3 | 7.62×39 | M67 | 2,410 ft/s |
| 3 | 7.62×51 | M80 (.308 NATO) | 2,810 ft/s |
| 1 | 7.62×63 | JSP (30.06) | 2,794 ft/s |
| Mild Steel Core | |||
| 3 | 5.56×45 | M855/SS109 | 3,150 ft/s |
| 3 | 7.62×39 | M43 | 2,410 ft/s |
Tested and verified to meet or exceed ballistic resistance as specified under NIJ Standard-0101.06 plus Special Threats validated. Download the official HESCO 3612 Tech Sheet.
Sizing
| Cut | Dimensions | Weight | Part Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10×12 Shooter Cut | 10.00 x 12.00 in | 3.8 lb | 3612-SH-MC-L |
| XL SAPI | 11.00 x 14.00 in | 5.3 lb | 3612-SA-MC-XL |
| Large SAPI | 10.25 x 13.25 in | 4.6 lb | 3612-SA-MC-L |
| Medium SAPI | 9.50 x 12.50 in | 4.0 lb | 3612-SA-MC-M |
| Small SAPI | 8.75 x 11.75 in | 3.4 lb | 3612-SA-MC-S |
Thickness: 1.00″ | Not sure what size you need? HESCO Armor Fit Guide
Complete Your Protection Zone
The 3612 pairs with HESCO Level III+ side plates for full torso coverage:
About HESCO
HESCO has been manufacturing body armor for military and law enforcement for over 20 years. Every plate is produced at their facility in Aberdeen, Washington and tested to exceed NIJ standards across ballistic, blast, fragmentation, drop impact, vibration, UV, temperature, and chemical resistance.
Administrative
Federal export regulations apply. Sold only to verified purchasers. All armor orders require identity verification and a signed end user affidavit. Read our Armor Orders page before placing your order.
| Weight | N/A |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | N/A |
| Armor Plate Level | |
| Plate Size | 10×12 Shooter Cut, Large SAPI Cut – 10.75×13.25, Medium SAPI Cut – 9.5×12.5, Small SAPI Cut – 8.75×11.75, XL SAPI Cut – 11×14 |