HESCO L211 Special Threat Plate Set
Video | What’s Included | Special Threat | Sizing | Specs | Pictures | Restrictions
The L211 is HESCO’s newest special threat plate. It shares many similarities to the venerable L210, like the 10×12 size, shooter cut profile, and single curve geometry. Where the L211 differs is in weight and protection. The L211 drops half a pound off each plate compared to the L210s, all while picking up more protection from enhanced performance rounds like the M855A1 and armor-piercing rounds like 7.62×39 API. The L211 is also slightly thicker than the L210, coming in at 0.69″, which is 0.09″ thicker than the L210.
OVERVIEW VIDEO
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- 2x HESCO L211 Special Threat Plates
WHAT’S A SPECIAL THREAT PLATE?
The L211 is neither a Level 3 or Level 4 plate. It’s what’s called a Special Threat Plate. The National Institute of Justice, which rates armor plates, defines a Level 3 plate as one that will stop 7.62×51 M80 ball and a Level 4 plate as one that will stop 30-06 M2 AP (NIJ 0101.06).
But what if you aren’t really concerned about full-powered rifle threats like M80 ball? Most militaries have been moving to intermediate cartridges over the last few decades, as have most civilian shooters and law enforcement agencies. And this is reflected in crime; most criminals and active shooters in recent history have used either handguns or intermediate rifle calibers. Also, some Level 3 plates are not able to stop M855 ball due to its mild-steel armor-penetrating core. They weren’t designed with this threat in mind.
Therefore, some companies sell “Special Threat” plates—plates designed around a special threat not covered by the NIJ standards. The L210 and L211 are examples of this; they drop M80 ball protection but stop several AR-15 and AKM light armor-penetrating rounds.
SIZING
The L211 is only available in 10″ x 12″ (Large). Because of how thin these plates are, they fit tight in medium carriers and a little loose in large carriers. For our AC1, we recommend sticking with a medium carrier for more stability.
The purpose of armor plates is to cover your vital organs. You can use HESCO’s Hard Armor Fitting Guide to determine what size plates you need. (You can get a good idea of your size by measuring nipple to nipple and clavicle to a few inches above your belly button.)
If you have any further questions about protection levels, sizing, plate cuts, single/multi-curve, etc, please refer to our Body Armor For Beginners article for more information.
SPECS
What hits can this plate take from different rounds? The L211 protects against the following:
Lead Core
- 5.56x45mm – M193 – Max Velocity; 3280 ft/s – 6 Shots
- 7.62x39mm – M67 – Max Velocity; 2410 ft/s – 6 Shots
Mild Steel Core
- 5.56x45mm – M855/SS109 – Max Velocity; 3150 ft/s – 6 Shots
- 7.62x39mm – M43 – Max Velocity; 2410 ft/s – 6 Shots
Enhanced Performance
- 5.56x45mm – M855A1 – Max Velocity; 3180 ft/s – 3 Shots
Armor Piercing Core
- 7.62x39mm – API – Max Velocity; 2410 ft/s – 3 Shots
Consult the Threat Matrix on the Technical Specifications sheet (pictured) for specifics.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
| Size | 10″ x 12″ |
| Weight | 4.9 lb (Per Plate) |
| Thickness | 0.69″ |
PICTURES
RESTRICTIONS
Body Armor is regulated by Federal Law.
We are restricted to selling and shipping to ONLY 48 states in the US. Due to the legal requirements in the states of Connecticut and New York, we do not ship body armor there under any circumstances. This also applies to law enforcement in those states.
No body armor can be sold or shipped internationally. Not even to APO / FPO / DPO addresses.
Felons are not generally eligible to own body armor. In many states, it is only violent felons who are not eligible to own body armor. Please check your local laws before ordering if you have any questions.
