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$2,528.00 – $2,850.00
HESCO 4800 – 800 Series | NIJ Level IV Standalone Plate
The 4800 is HESCO’s flagship Level IV plate, the most advanced armor they make, built for professionals who demand the absolute lightest Level IV protection available. At 4.9 lb in the 10×12 shooter cut, it is 2.8 lb lighter than the 4403 per plate. Over a full day of operations, that weight savings is felt.
- Weight: 4.9 lb (10×12 Shooter Cut), the lightest plate in the HESCO Level IV lineup
- Protection: NIJ Level IV, NIJ .06 Compliant, standalone, no additional backer required
- Construction: Ceramic/UHMWPE with CORDURA nylon wrap
- Best for: Professionals prioritizing maximum mobility and minimum weight, where every ounce matters
- Series position: 4403 (proven/cost-effective) to 4601 (balanced) to 4800 (lightest/premium)
- Available in Shooter Cut and SAPI sizes
- Ships in 1-3 days
Why the 4800?
Every ounce of armor you carry is an ounce that affects your speed, endurance, and effectiveness over time. For professionals running high-tempo missions, extended patrol, or any scenario where mobility is a tactical variable, the weight of your protection is a performance consideration.
The 4800 is HESCO’s answer to that question. Built on advanced Ceramic/UHMWPE construction, the 4800 achieves something remarkable: Level IV standalone protection at 4.9 lb per plate. That’s 2.8 lb lighter than the 4403 per plate, and 1.5 lb lighter than the 4601 without compromising a single threat rating.
The price reflects what it costs to build the best. If you’re evaluating whether the 4800 is worth it, the answer comes down to one question: what is the operational cost of carrying an extra 5+ lb over the course of a deployment, a shift, or a career?
The HESCO Level IV Series — Choosing the Right Plate
All three plates below are NIJ Level IV standalone. The difference is weight and cost.
| 4403 | 4601 | 4800 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Series | 400 | 600 | 800 |
| Construction | Ceramic/UHMWPE | Ceramic/UHMWPE | Ceramic/UHMWPE |
| Curve | Multi-curve | Multi-curve | Multi-curve |
| Weight (10×12) | 7.7 lb | 6.4 lb | 4.9 lb |
| Thickness | 0.83″ | 1.18″ | 1.04″ |
| NIJ Rating | Level IV, .06 Certified | Level IV, .06 Certified | Level IV, .06 Compliant |
| Best For | Cost-conscious professionals needing proven Level IV protection | Professionals balancing weight savings and cost | Professionals where every ounce counts |
| View 4403 | View 4601 | You are here |
Construction and Features
The 4800 uses advanced Ceramic/UHMWPE construction finished with a CORDURA nylon wrap, highly durable, water-resistant, and built for the demands of extended field use. At 1.04″ thick and 4.9 lb in the 10×12 shooter cut, it is the thinnest and lightest plate in the HESCO Level IV lineup. Multi-curve design provides ergonomic fit for longer wear periods without sacrificing coverage.
- Ceramic/UHMWPE construction
- Multi-curve comfort design for extended wear
- CORDURA nylon wrap, water-resistant and abrasion-resistant
- Polyurethane coated finish
- Precision quality control
- NIJ Level IV, .06 Compliant, standalone, no additional backer required
- Compatible with 4101 and 4101LV Level IV Side Plates for full torso coverage
Ballistic Performance
All shots tested at maximum velocity. Shot counts reflect NIJ Standard-0101.06 test protocol requirements, they 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 | |||
| 3 | 5.56×45 | M193 | 3,280 ft/s |
| 3 | 7.62×39 | M67 | 2,410 ft/s |
| 3 | 7.62×51 | M80 | 2,810 ft/s |
| 3 | 7.62×63 | JSP | 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 |
| 3 | 7.62x54R | LPS | 2,832 ft/s |
| Enhanced Performance | |||
| 3 | 5.56×45 | M855A1 | 3,180 ft/s |
| 1 | 7.62×51 | M80A1 | 3,050 ft/s |
| Armor Piercing Core | |||
| 3 | 7.62×39 | API | 2,410 ft/s |
| 1 | 7.62x54R | B-32 API | 2,850 ft/s |
| 1 | 7.62×51 | M61 | 2,830 ft/s |
| 1 | 7.62×63 | AP M2 | 2,910 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 | 2,810 ft/s |
| 3 | 7.62×63 | JSP | 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 |
| 1 | 7.62x54R | LPS | 2,832 ft/s |
| Enhanced Performance | |||
| 3 | 5.56×45 | M855A1 | 3,180 ft/s |
| 1 | 7.62×51 | M80A1 | 3,050 ft/s |
| Armor Piercing Core | |||
| 3 | 7.62×39 | API | 2,410 ft/s |
| 1 | 7.62x54R | B-32 API | 2,850 ft/s |
| 1 | 7.62×51 | M61 | 2,830 ft/s |
| 1 | 7.62×63 | AP M2 | 2,910 ft/s |
Tested and verified to meet or exceed ballistic resistance as specified under NIJ Standard-0101.06. Download the official HESCO 4800 Tech Sheet.
Sizing
| Cut | Dimensions | Weight | Part Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10×12 Shooter Cut | 10.00 x 12.00 in | 4.9 lb | 4800-SH-MC-L |
| XL SAPI | 11.00 x 14.00 in | 6.7 lb | 4800-SA-MC-XL |
| Large SAPI | 10.25 x 13.25 in | 5.8 lb | 4800-SA-MC-L |
| Medium SAPI | 9.50 x 12.50 in | 5.1 lb | 4800-SA-MC-M |
| Small SAPI | 8.75 x 11.75 in | 4.3 lb | 4800-SA-MC-S |
Thickness: 1.04″ | Not sure what size you need? HESCO Armor Fit Guide
Complete Your Protection Zone
The 4800 pairs directly with HESCO Level IV 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 |
| 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 |
| Armor Plate Level |