How to Measure for the Correct Size of Body Armor Plate - Spartan Armor Systems Body Armor 101

In this Body Armor 101 segment we demonstrate the process for measuring your body to determine the correct size of body armor plate. While 10"x12" plates are the most common, you may need a different size depending on your measurements. We recommend using a soft measuring tape to to get the most accurate measurement. After determining your measurements head to our website to select the body armor plates that are right for you.

[@mr_ThreeEight_1776]

11x14, screw comfortability when you can become a bipedal tank

[@WickedCrispy]

and 10x12s on the sides.

[@mr_ThreeEight_1776]

@@WickedCrispy they don't make side panels that big

[@nobodynoone2500]

@@mr_ThreeEight_1776 Not with that kinda attitude.

[@mr_ThreeEight_1776]

@@nobodynoone2500 what

[@jacobvalencia2268]

My measurements are 11x16 should I get 11x14

[@yourboi119]

I bought a plate carrier at a surplus store and didn't think to measure it and t turned out to be around 12 by 14 and I'm 5-8 so it was a hassle to get used to it but after I worked with it for awhile it got a lot easier

[@mcantu197]

SAPI Large is a good middle ground for those that don't want the size/weight of the XL 11x14

[@jameslooker4791]

This video almost helped. I am 6' 3" but relatively thin. I think I could run an 11x14 in the back, but not the front. Being able to comfortably drive a small car with the plate carrier would be a priority. I'm considering an 11x14 base coat steel plate for the back and a 10x12 PE hybrid plate for the front.

[@SpartanArmorSystems]

You would need to go with a carrier such as our Achilles which is specifically designed to accept both 11x14 and 10x12 plates using different chambers that are sized appropriately. The kit (magazine pouches, tools etc) you put on the front of the carrier would help balance the load.

[@jameslooker4791]

@@SpartanArmorSystems Thank you for the help. Diving into body armor is more than just what's your budget. By the belly button to collar bone measurement, I am just barely big enough for an 11x14 plate in the front. I might go with double 11x14s with a modified cut. In a crisis, I prioritize mobility over protection. Fragmentation just doesn't concern me as much in the back as the front, and a pound of spall liner plus a 1/4" of space isn't nothing. The large SAPI cut might be the best compromise.

[@Samos900]

Bro same

[@Ineeadifferentusernamelol]

Just picked up a plate carrier today. I’m excited to get armor. I just need to drop the dough on the plates.

[@SpartanArmorSystems]

Appreciate the business. Let us know if you have any other questions.

[@ernestr1327]

Little tip I was 6’2” 330 I had the 11x14 plates I lost weight and dropped down to 235 and the plates felt to big I jumped in to my keep and almost chopped my head off then I needed the smaller 10x12 but I didn’t have the money so think had about the fit I are and the fit I want to be or will be in the future

[@ernestr1327]

Jeep^

[@stevenmeansphotography3861]

Hey bro I am like 5’9 265 should I get the 10x14

[@ernestr1327]

@@stevenmeansphotography3861 sold them like 5 years ago

[@JxggMan]

Hey I’m 6’2 210 9” nipple to nipple and 16.5” to my belly button what size plates should I get and carrier size?

[@H_Hold]

11x14 because coverage

[@chuckh4077]

I ordered the spartan 10x12 plates without researching first. I'm 6'2 256 pounds. I get it in the mail soon. Hope it fits well. Probably should have purchased the 11x14 plates.

[@dylanchaves5974]

Any news? I’m 6’2 and curious about the same thing.

[@chuckh4077]

​@dylanchaves5974 just got my 10x 12 plates in the mail. it fits okay but feels small for my size. Wish I would have ordered the bigger plates.

[@guccithickums]

I’m 6’2” but I am still growing so I think I’ll go with 11”x14” plates cause I don’t want to grow out of something I spent this much money on even though at the moment the best fit would be 10”x12”

[@chuckh4077]

Me, i'm 6'2 256 pounds. I purchased the 10x12 plates. I should have purchased the 11x14 plates. but i plan to lose weight so the smaller plate will fit me better eventually.

[@mac8080]

I'm 6'2" and nip to nip I'm 10.5". Sternum to belly button is 16.25" total. Would I also be in that zone where I would need to choose mobility over better protection?

[@SpartanArmorSystems]

Based on your measurements, I would recommend an 11x14 plate, which is only available in Shooters Cut. If you wanted the mobiltiy that the swimmers cuts offer you would need to go with a 10x12 plate.

[@stevenmeansphotography3861]

Hi I am 5’9 265 bit of a stomach can I use the 10x14

[@shockwave6213]

​@@stevenmeansphotography3861 I would recommend you cut out a good 3 or 4 layers of cardboard box in the shape of the plate you're looking at and see if that seems to be a good size for you

[@jbarres80]

Hello I’m 6’1 285 I measured I’m about 10.5-11 and 17” top to belly button I’m confused on size I take to some amd they say 10x12 is good and others tell me 11x14 I’ll be in and out of cars and want to be able to move another idea is it ok to go say shooter cut for front and spai for back ?

[@SpartanArmorSystems]

Hello, please email [e-mail] as we need some more claification.

[@dailydosemotivation4955]

I’m 5’6 about 125-130lbs. Should I go with standard 10x12 or the 8x10?

[@SpartanArmorSystems]

@dailydosemotivation4955 yes I would recommend the 10 X 12.

[@Tacteyecool]

I’m 12 and a half inches wide from nipple to nipple and 14 inches almost long height wise. If you minus the 2 to 3 inches that would be 11 to 12 inches high so should I get the 10 x 12 which is too narrow or 11 x 14 which is a little long?

[@SpartanArmorSystems]

It's typically best to error on the side of the 10x12 plate size. How tall are you?

[@PuroNegro]

@@SpartanArmorSystemsI’m 5’11 & my boss gave me plates but I feel a bit restricted when I bend down which I can barely do or is that normal? The plate basically covers my belly button but it is at that point as well so idk if they’re the right ones for me or a tad bit smaller wouldn’t to go for …

[@2Ajosh]

I’m 5’11 190 -200lbs I’m going for most protection but same time can move. Should I go with 10x12?

[@SpartanArmorSystems]

The 10x12 plates should work for you. However, if your shirt size is between a 2xl and a 4xl you may want to try the 11x14 plates.

[@SGardner11]

I'm 5'10, nipple to nipple is 12 inches and collarbone to bellybutton is 14 inches. I am on the heavier side. Which plate would you suggest then?

[@SpartanArmorSystems]

10x12 plates 👍

[@jw5297]

I'm 6' and have a long torso. I roll with 11x14

[@SpartanArmorSystems]

That's great that your body type allows for extra coverage 👍

[@kenofken9458]

I'm 6'2'' and while it seems like technically 8x10 is adequate, I'm kind of leaning toward an 11x14 rig. While it's true the heart and lungs are first priority for protection, all that stuff in there is kinda important! It's the kind of gear that I think for almost all of us even now, is a never-in-a-lifetime use scenario. That being the case, I'd opt for more coverage. I was always under the assumption that 11x14s are really only needed for guys pushing above 6'5'', but I think a lot of us fall into a grey zone where either can work depending on what trade-offs you make, and there always are trade-offs in armor. I'm probably too short to remain seated and riding for a long time with the bigger plates, but that's to be determined. There's no way I'll run steel in 11x14. I regret the normal size steel III+ I had. Stupidly heavy for the protection. I'll only use them for training, or give them to someone I like. Or better yet someone I don't like!🤣 I'm thinking multi-curve poly, which even at the big size come in under 5 pounds each. Yeah I know that won't keep everything out, but life (and loss thereof) is a trade-off.

[@jw5297]

@@kenofken9458 I understand the steel vs poly or ceramic for weight, but hit factor, I personally trust steel more. But anything can fail.

[@kenofken9458]

@@jw5297 My vertebrae would fail long before any steel plate would have a chance to prove itself.

[@cheesepuff7814]

I'm 11 inches nipple to nipple but from my sternum to the bottom of my rib cage it's about 13 inches. Im 6 foot 2 or 3. What size plate do I need?

[@SpartanArmorSystems]

10"x12" is the best choice for most people. We see a lot of 11"x14" plates get exchanged.

[@cheesepuff7814]

@@SpartanArmorSystems thank you for your input and your time.

[@christianvillodasgarcia530]

I'm 6 ft but I weigh 280 should I get the 10 x 12 or the 11 x 14

[@SpartanArmorSystems]

You'd probably be happiest with the 10x12 plates as the extra 2" of height may limit your mobility if you were to go with the 11x14.

[@christianvillodasgarcia530]

@@SpartanArmorSystems thank u I appreciate it

[@chuckh4077]

@@SpartanArmorSystems Wow, glad i got the 10x12 plates. I'm 6'2 256 pounds. I was afraid i got plates that were too small for me. Well, i plan to lose weight so the 10x12 plates will be more comfortable after 25 pounds are gone.

[@chrischambless]

I’m 9” nipple to nipple and 18” from sternum notch to navel. I’m 6’1”, a tall guy with short legs, or long torso, whatever you want to call it. I presume 11x14 is my best option?

[@SpartanArmorSystems]

10x12 plates should work for you. What is your waist and chest measurments (all the way around the body)?

[@darrelnickels17]

You only sale your level 4 in one size

[@SpartanArmorSystems]

Our Hercules is 10x12 and our Ares plates are 9.5x12.5

[@deejayy8303]

Soooooo Sm, Md, or Large?

[@SpartanArmorSystems]

@deejayy8308 90% of People will go with the 10" X 12" Plates

[@deejayy8303]

@@SpartanArmorSystems 🫡

[@thealize808]

I'm 5'11" and I use 10×12 hesco. And there is about 4.5 inches above my belly button

[@thealize808]

@Emmanuel Goldstein Sorry for the late reply. I run medium plates. And a medium carrier.

[@thealize808]

@Emmanuel Goldstein medium 10x12 Veritas carrier. People are like wow nice baby carrier lol.

[@vegas2kse]

Hello, considering the "Spartan AR550 Body Armor and Tactical Response Kit". however measurements come to 10" across, 15" from sternum to navel. would the plate it comes with be sufficient? if not, is it possible to upgrade that kit? thanks!

[@SpartanArmorSystems]

What are your waist and chest measurments (all the way around not nipple to nipple) and what size shirt do you wear? If you wear a small to extra large the standard plates should be fine