Step into a higher class of steel armor with the STAR Multi-Curve Level III+ Loadout. This complete bundle pairs two (2) Buffalo Armory STAR Multi-Curve Level III+ plates, two (2) spall liners, and one (1) Fortis Alpha Carrier (available in Black, Coyote Brown, or Ranger Green) into a ready-to-run setup.
Built around NIJ certified Level III performance and special threat coverage in a true multi-curve profile, this loadout gives you rifle-rated protection, enhanced spall mitigation, and a durable carrier that is ready for demanding missions or everyday preparedness.
What’s Included
(2) Buffalo Armory STAR Multi-Curve Level III+ Steel Plates
- NIJ certified steel plate with Level III+ special threat performance
- True multi-curve profile for ergonomic fit and improved comfort
- Made from specialized armor-grade steel with a Brinell Hardness Number (BHN) of 650 ±5
- Designed to effectively stop rifle rounds such as 7.62mm NATO and 5.56mm M855/SS109
- Standard polyurea coating for environmental durability and minor spall mitigation
- 10" x 12" SAPI-style plate size
- Lightweight steel design: 7 lbs each, slim 5mm (~0.19") profile
- Backed by a 10-year manufacturer warranty
(2) Spall Liners
- Special para-aramid fiber blend designed to capture bullet fragments (spall) upon impact
- Used in front of steel plates for an additional layer of spall mitigation
- 10" x 12" size (one liner per plate)
- Dual-purpose construction that can also serve as a trauma pad
(1) Fortis Alpha Carrier
- Lightweight, adjustable design for maximum comfort
- Made with 500D Nylon plus 1000 Denier laser-cut MOLLE for next-level durability
- Features American-made Cordura®, bonded nylon thread, and discreet admin pocket
- 1" Quick Attach Surface Mount (QASM) buckles (removable)
- Built-in 1" nylon drag handle
- One size fits most thanks to highly adjustable shoulder and waist straps
- Available in Black, Coyote Brown, or Ranger Green
Key Benefits
All-in-One Level III+ Loadout
Skip the guesswork with a curated bundle that pairs NIJ certified Buffalo Armory STAR Multi-Curve plates, spall liners, and the Fortis Alpha Carrier into a complete Level III+ loadout. Everything is sized and matched to work together as a single system.
Enhanced Spall Mitigation with Included Liners
Each plate in this bundle is paired with a dedicated spall liner. The combination of Buffalo Armory’s hard polyurea coating and the para-aramid spall liners provides an upgraded layer of fragment capture, which is especially important when running steel plates against rifle threats.
Superior Comfort and Fit
- The STAR Multi-Curve plates use a true multi-curve, SAPI-style profile that hugs the torso and reduces hot spots.
- The Fortis Alpha Carrier offers highly adjustable straps, laser-cut MOLLE, and a cushioned fit that supports extended wear.
- Together, the plates and carrier are built to balance protection with mobility and range of motion.
Quality, Durability, and Proven Testing
- Buffalo Armory is led by a retired U.S. Army Major General and is a leading U.S. steel armor manufacturer with patented induction heat-treatment processes.
- STAR Multi-Curve plates are NIJ certified, built from armor-grade steel specifically formulated for ballistic protection.
- The Fortis Alpha Carrier is crafted with 500D Nylon, bonded nylon thread, and American-made Cordura® to stand up to demanding conditions.
Versatile for Multiple Roles
This loadout is ideal for law enforcement, security, prepared civilians, and anyone who needs a rifle-rated steel plate solution that still prioritizes comfort. The Alpha Carrier’s laser-cut MOLLE supports a wide range of placards, pouches, and accessories, allowing you to configure the rig for patrol work, training, or home-defense staging.
Technical Highlights
- Plate Material: Specialized armor-grade steel, BHN 650 ±5
- Plate Design: SAPI-style, true multi-curve profile
- Protection Level: NIJ Level III standard with Level III+ special threat performance
- Plate Weight: 7 lbs each
- Plate Thickness: Approximately 5mm (~0.19")
- Coating: Durable polyurea for environmental protection and minor spall mitigation
- Plate Size: 10" x 12" SAPI-style dimensions
- Carrier Material: 500D Nylon with 1000 Denier laser-cut MOLLE
- Carrier Color Options: Black, Coyote Brown, Ranger Green
- Spall Liners: 10" x 12" para-aramid fiber liners (two included, one per plate)
- Plate Warranty: 10-year manufacturer warranty
Rating & Testing
The Buffalo Armory STAR Multi-Curve plate is built around NIJ Level III testing standards and validated against common rifle threats. To learn more about the NIJ body armor standards, read our Understanding Body Armor Ratings article.
Special Threat Protection:
7.62mm x 51mm M80 NATO (.308) at 2,780 ft/s
5.56mm x 45mm M855/SS109 (Green Tip) at 3,000 ft/s
5.56mm x 45mm M193 up to 3,000 ft/s
7.62mm x 39mm 123 gr steel core at 2,400 ft/s
All lesser shotgun and handgun rounds
This armor plate is purpose-built for professionals who require high-level protection against specific rifle rounds and other ballistic threats.
NIJ Level III STANDARD TEST ROUNDS
| Round | Velocity (ft/s) |
|---|---|
| 7.62×51mm M80 FMJ | ~2,780 ft/s |
| 7.62×39mm MSC (Type 56 Steel Jacketed Core) | ~2,400 ft/s |
| 5.56×45mm M193 FMJ | ~3,250 ft/s |
In addition to stopping penetration, the armor must limit backface deformation to 44mm to help reduce blunt force trauma.
To learn more about the NIJ body armor standards, read our Understanding Body Armor Ratings article.
OFFICIAL TEST REPORT
Want to see the full test report. Download the test document below:
*Note: In the penetration column, "P" stands for partial penetration, meaning the bullet was captured by the armor and did not fully pass through. This is a successful result. A failure would be marked as "C" or "CP" for complete penetration, indicating the bullet fully passed through the armor.
View Full Test Report (PDF)Enhanced Protection with Included Spall Liners
This loadout includes our advanced spall liners, designed to contain projectile fragments upon impact when used in front of the Buffalo Armory STAR Multi-Curve steel plates. Paired with the plate’s polyurea coating, the liners add an extra layer of protection in high-risk environments where fragment control is critical.
How to Set It Up
- Plate and Spall Liner Placement: Place a spall liner in front of each steel plate inside the Fortis Alpha Carrier’s plate pockets.
- Adjust the Carrier: Use the shoulder and waist straps to set a snug, comfortable fit that keeps the plate centered over your vital zone.
- Organize Your Loadout: Use the laser-cut MOLLE to attach pouches, placards, and accessories so your mission-critical gear is exactly where you expect it.
Why Choose the STAR Multi-Curve Level III+ Loadout
In uncertain times, your plate carrier setup should work as a system. The STAR Multi-Curve Level III+ Loadout combines Buffalo Armory’s advanced multi-curve steel plates, included spall liners, and the Fortis Alpha Carrier into a single, cohesive package. You get rifle-rated, NIJ certified protection, multi-curve comfort, and a proven carrier platform in one streamlined solution.
Shipping
- Quick fulfillment. All in-stock orders leave our facility within 1–3 business days
- No international shipping at this time
- Body armor is legal to own in all 50 states (but we cannot ship to the state of Connecticut or New York)
- Easy returns and exchange policy
FAQ
Is body armor legal?
Body armor is legal to own in all 50 states, but we cannot ship this product to customers in Connecticut or New York.
What if I'm between sizes or on the border for the next size up?
The Fortis Alpha Carrier is one size fits most and is highly adjustable at the shoulders and waist, so most users can dial in a secure, comfortable fit without changing carrier sizes.
How are STAR Multi-Curve plates different from standard AR steel plates?
Buffalo Armory STAR Multi-Curve plates are made from specialized armor-grade steel with a BHN of 650 ±5 and a true multi-curve profile. Standard AR steel plates often use abrasion-resistant steel in the 500–550 BHN range and are typically flat or single-curve, which can add weight and reduce comfort compared to the STAR plate’s lighter, curved design.
Are the Buffalo Armory STAR Multi-Curve plates NIJ certified?
Yes. The STAR Multi-Curve steel plates are NIJ certified and tested to NIJ Level III standards, as well as additional special threat rifle rounds like 5.56mm M855 and M193. You can review the full results in the official test report linked above.
Does the Fortis Alpha Carrier have side protection?
The Fortis Alpha Carrier by itself does not provide any ballistic protection. In this bundle, rifle-rated protection is provided by the two Buffalo Armory STAR Multi-Curve Level III+ plates inserted into the front and back plate pockets. Additional side plates or soft armor panels would be separate add-ons if you choose to expand your coverage.
Where do I put the rifle-rated plates?
There is a plate pocket at the bottom of the front and back of the carrier. Insert each STAR Multi-Curve plate behind its matching spall liner, then secure the flap so the plate rides high on the chest and back over your vital organs.
Can I wash my vest?
The outer carrier is machine washable. Remove the steel plates and spall liners first. Then wash the carrier on a gentle cycle and lay it flat to dry. Do not machine wash or dry the plates or liners.
Law Enforcement / First Responder / Military discount available
Please see TERMS & CONDITIONS for additional details regarding lead time, shipping, warranty, and return policy.
