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All plates are sold in Pairs (2)
*In Stock*


Click (HERE) for 3S9M SAPI Sizes (Medium in Stock).

DESCRIPTION:
The Highcom Guardian 3S9M is a lightweight, high performing NIJ .06 Certified and DEA Special Threat Compliant Level 3++ Armor Plate that boasts near Level 4 ballistic performance at just 5.3lbs per plate.


The Highcom 3S9M is rated for up to 7.62x54R B32 API (Armor Piercing Incindiary at 2,800 feet per second as well as 7.62x51mm (.308) M61 hardened steel core armor piercing rounds at 2,750 feet per second. 
The Highcom 3S9M is also capable of stopping multiple hits of 7.62x51mm M80A1, 7.62x54R LPS, .30-06 FMJ/ JSP, 5.56 M855A1 and 7.62x39 API. 

 

Please note Level 3++ is not a standardized rating. We do not have any other 3++ plate that offers this level of protection. 

The performance of the Highcom 3S9M is similar to that of a standalone Level 4 plate.
This makes these plates an excellent option for individuals who are looking to prioritize weight savings, without sacrificing armor piercing protection but may not have the budget to afford high end Lightweight Level 4s. 
These plates are also capable of stopping M2 AP at reduced velocities or at distance.

 

The Highcom 3S9 is constructed of Monolithic Ceramic and heat pressed Polyethelene and is standalone against all of its rated threats (does not require a backer).
These plates are 10x12" nominal and 5.3lbs per plate.
The Multi Curve profile greatly increases comfort and reduces felt weight by spreading the weight of the plate out more evenly across your upper body.

 

These also come in standard Extra Small through Extra Large SAPI sizes if you require a smaller or larger plate (HERE).

 

Optional Side Plates:
You can also choose to add matching spec Highcom 3S9 Level 3++ Side Plates, which come in 6x6" and 6x8" starting at 1.8lbs per plate and $554.99 per set.
Click HERE to view 3S9 Side Plates.

 

About Highcom:

Highcom is one of the largest domestic manufacturers and one of only a handful of US armor companies who fully manufacture their plates in house and heat press their own backers. 

They are also one of the only companies with their own In House Ballistic Testing Laboratory (See Here), which allows them to perform ballistic tests on every single batch of armor before being shipped to end users. 

Highcom was established in 1997 and has been making armor for over 25 years, they were one of the first US manufacturers to sell ceramic level 4s to civilians.

Highcom currently has 17 hard and soft armor models active on the NIJ Certified Products List. 

Highcom is a lesser known company due to the fact they are primarily a government/ military supplier. 

 

Specs:
-NIJ .06 Certified, Level "3++"
-DEA Special Threat Compliant
-1.1" thick
-5.3lbs per plate
-Water Resistant 1000D Cordura wrapping

-Monolithic Ceramic and Polyethelene Construction
-10 Year Warranty on Ballistic Materials

 

Difference between Highcom 3S9M and Hoplite 19513:

A common question we get asked is, what is the difference between the 3S9M and the 19513?

Simply put, the 3S9M is rated for armor piercing rounds while the 19513 is not. 

Contrary to popular belief M855A1 is not an AP round, it is a round meant to penetrate barriers, a barrier blind round.

While it does have better performance against armor, it has a steel tip with a copper core, not the full hardened steel penetrator and core needed to classify a round as AP.

The 3S9M is the only 3++ plate on the market that stops true armor piercing rounds out of large bore rifles such as 7.62x54R or 7.62x51mm. 

Specific rounds each plate is rated to defeat is outlined in the "rounds defeated" chart on the right side (desktop) or towards the bottom of the page (mobile).

 

Apex LIFETIME Replacement Guarantee:
Apex Armor Solutions stands behind the reliability and quality of the products we sell.
In the unfortunate event that you are shot while wearing products purchased from us, we will replace it at no cost anytime, as long as a police report is provided.
This includes all of our Body Armor, Plate Carriers, Pouches/ Accessories and Apparel.
We will also replace gear that is severely damaged during a natural disaster such as hurricane, tornado or flooding, as long as evidence is provided.

Two Highcom 3S9M 10x12 Shooters Cut Multi Curve Level 3++ Plates (7.62x54R AP)

Rating is 5.0 out of five stars based on 7 reviews
SKU: 3S9M-MC-SC-1012
$1,180.00 Regular Price
$1,049.99Sale Price
  • Weapon Round Velocity (ft/s)
    Rifle: FN FAL 7.62x51mm
    M61 AP 
    2750
    Rifle: SVD
    MG: PKM
    7.62x54R
    B32 API
    2800
    Rifle: M1 .30-06
    FMJ, JSP
    2880
    Rifle: FN FAL 7.62x51mm
    M80, M80A1
    2750
    Rifle: M16
    AR-15
    5.56x45mm
    M855A1
    3100
    Rifle: M16
    AR-15
    5.56x45mm
    M193, M855
    3250
    Rifle: AK-47
    SKS
    7.62x39mm
    API-BZ
    2380
    Rifle: AK-47
    SKS
    7.62x39mm
    MSC, FMJ
    2380
    Shotgun: 
    Rem 870
    12GA
    1oz Slug
    1145

     

  • PLEASE NOTE THAT BY PLACING AN ORDER YOU AGREE TO COMPLY WITH ALL LOCAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL LAWS REGARDING BODY ARMOR.

    -By purchasing this product, you agree to all lead time estimates (if applicable). Lead times are best estimates provided by the manufacturer and may be subject to change due to the current crisis in Europe. Please do not order if you are unwilling to wait. Cancellations on Pre Order and Made to Order products incur a 20% fee. 

    -All orders must ship to the billing address.
    If your order must be shipped to a different address, we will email you for a simple verification. 
    This is an industry standard fraud prevention method to protect both us and credit card users from fraud and unauthorized use.

    United States law restricts possession of body armor for convicted felons. Many U.S. states also have penalties for possession or use of body armor by felons.
    Apex Armor Solutions LLC., is also unable to ship any body armor plates, Shields, etc. to the state of Connecticut.
    By purchasing body armor from Apex Armor Solutions LLC, you are certifying that you have not been convicted of any crime that would restrict you from being able to purchase or possess body armor under any Federal or State laws.
    Furthermore, you are acknowledging that you do not intend to use the body armor for any criminal purpose.
    Apex Armor Solutions LLC., does reserve the right to refuse to sell body armor to any person.

    ***DUE TO THE LIFE-SAVING NATURE OF ARMOR PRODUCTS, ALL SALES ARE FINAL***

Reviews

Rated 5 out of 5 stars.
Based on 7 reviews
7 reviews

  • Tyler YoungDec 19, 2023
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

    These performed really well on Youtube and I was surprised to see it stopping .450 Marlin after getting hit with other big AP rounds. Was going to go for the RMA 1192s, but decided not to after RMA's recent fiasco with the NIJ suspending their certs. 3S9M seemed to do just as well and cost a lot less. Glad I made this choice.

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  • AnonymousMar 28
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

    Our department issued these plates and when the warranty expired, it was time for us to replace them. We decided to take a few of ours and shoot them up after we got new plates from Apex. It was pretty amazing to see what these plates could do. We shot 3 plates and they were all stopping 12-15 shots consistently

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  • Nathan WongAug 13, 2023
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

    These plates are a great value for what threats they stop and weigh. Essentially like lightweight level 4s but without the ridiculous price. Really happy with these and my Highcom helmet.

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  • Colby MoyerMar 28
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

    Was looking at some new lightweight 3+ plates and apex recommended the 3S9M, LTC 23707 and the RSTPs. I ended up choosing these since I felt they gave the most amount of protection for the most reasonable weight. Don't regret the choice at all, they are as light as they say they are and they feel really well made.

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  • Kenny ClaytonAug 14, 2023
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

    Got these plates after seeing them stop .450 Marlin and 8mm Mauser on Youtube. Really impressive for a 3+ plate, especially for how much it weighs.

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