THREE Levels.
Choose Your Kit
| Feature | The Starter Kit | The Combat Kit | The Assault Kit |
| Plate Carrier | Testudo Gen 3 | Testudo Gen 3 | Testudo Gen 3 |
| Built-In Side Plate Pouches | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Mesh Padding | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Quick-Detach Cummerbund | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Quantity of External (MOLLE) Pouches | None; Only Built-In Pouches | 5 | 7 |
| 5.56 Magazine Capacity | 3-5 | 11-13 | 11-13 |
| .308 Magazine Capacity | 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Included Armor Plates | Heritage | A2 | A4 |
| Stops .308 M80 Ball | @ 2,800 FPS | @ 2,800 FPS | @ 2,800 FPS |
| Stops 5.56 M855 Green Tip | @ 3,000 FPS | @ 3,000 FPS | @ 3,100 FPS |
| Stops 5.56 M193 | @ 2,800 FPS | @ 2,900 FPS | @ 3,250 FPS |
| Stops .308 M80A1 | Only at Low Velocity | Only at Low Velocity | @ 2,800 FPS |
| BUY NOW | BUY NOW | BUY NOW |
Proven in the Field
Don’t take our word for it—hear from those who put our armor to the test.
Tools of liberty for the free man
Made in Arizona. Trusted nationwide.
Since 2012: equipping Free Men with American armor crafted in Phoenix, Arizona.

We design and manufacture every armor plate in Phoenix, Arizona
We’re not a reseller. We’re the builder. Our mission: Equip Free Men with Tools of Liberty to protect God-given rights.
Our gear is used by patriots, law enforcement, and military across the country.
When you buy from Armored Republic, you’re not just buying armor—you’re joining the fight to be ready, responsible, and resilient.
- ✅ The Most Tested Armor Ever
- ✅ American-Made
- ✅ Fast U.S. Shipping from Phoenix, AZ
- ✅ Trusted Since 2012
Learn More About Steel Body Armor
Still Got Questions?
From legality to fit, here’s what you need to know.
Body armor is legal to own in most states for law-abiding citizens.
However, New York and Connecticut are governed by tyrants and have enacted laws to inhibit your ability to purchase armor. Please contact customer service for further details if you are a resident of one of these states and are interested in purchasing armor.
To get an NIJ certification, which we have done many times, one must:
1. Pay extra thousands of dollars for the sticker.
2. Promise never to improve the plate.
3. Consent to government searches of our facility in perpetuity.
All of our armor is tested to meet and exceed NIJ standards, at the exact same independent laboratories that test for NIJ certification.
As we continue to develop new plates, in most cases we have decided to forgo the bureaucratic stamp while still using the same respected independent laboratories.
Weight varies by plate type, and is mostly dependent on desired stopping power.
Each product page includes the specific weight and dimensions.
Most orders ship within 5–7 business days via FedEx from our Phoenix, Arizona facility.
You’ll receive tracking information as soon as your order goes out. Custom or specialty items may take longer.
We accept returns or exchanges within 30 days of purchase, as long as the item is unused and not a custom-built or clearance product.
See our Return Policy for full details.
Proper sizing depends on your body type and the product. Most of our plate carriers are adjustable to fit a wide range of users.
As a general guide:
- Choose a plate that covers your vital organs (not your entire torso)
- Most adults use 10×12” plates
- Watch this video to learn how to size your armor correctly: Watch Sizing Guide Video