The Spartan Armor Systems Trauma Pad Set of Two consists of non-ballistic micro-cellular urethane foam panels designed to sit between your hard armor plates and your body. Each pad decreases backface deformation, dissipates impact energy transmitted through plate armor, and increases wearing comfort and ergonomics. The set includes two panels, available in four size and cut combinations ranging from 8"x10" Shooters Cut to 11"x14" Shooters Cut, with individual panel weights starting at 0.15 lbs.

Who this is for

• Hard armor plate wearers: anyone running a plate carrier with steel, ceramic, or polyethylene plates who wants to reduce transmitted blunt force to the torso
• Extended wear users: officers, security professionals, and competitive shooters who wear armor for long shifts and need improved comfort without adding meaningful weight
• Plate carrier builders: users assembling a full armor system who want a purpose-matched trauma pad from the same brand as their Spartan Armor plates

Compatibility with parent armor

These trauma pads are designed to pair with Spartan Armor Systems hard armor plates and fit inside the plate pockets of standard plate carriers. The set is available in four size-and-cut configurations: 8"x10" Shooters Cut, 10"x12" High Mobility Cut, 10"x12" Shooters Cut, and 11"x14" Shooters Cut. Select the configuration that matches your plate size and cut. If you are unsure which size pairs with your current carrier and plates, contact us before ordering.

Function

Micro-cellular urethane foam is an open-cell foam engineered for energy absorption across a distributed surface area. Where a hard plate stops a projectile, it still transfers kinetic force to the wearer as backface deformation — the inward deflection of the plate surface. These pads reduce that transmitted force by spreading the impact energy over the full pad face rather than concentrating it at the deformation point. The 0.25" (6.35 mm) thickness adds minimal profile to the armor stack while delivering a measurable reduction in blunt force trauma risk. The foam also buffers the rigid plate edge contact that causes fatigue and skin irritation during prolonged wear.

These pads carry a 5-year warranty against manufacturer defects.

Specifications

Frequently asked questions

What does this accessory work with?

These trauma pads are designed to work with hard armor plates installed in a standard plate carrier. They sit between the plate and the body-side surface of the carrier. They are not ballistic-rated and do not replace a hard or soft armor plate — they supplement an existing armor stack to reduce blunt force trauma and improve comfort.

Does this fit my plate carrier?

It depends on the carrier's plate pocket dimensions and the cut of your plates. The set is available in 8"x10" Shooters Cut, 10"x12" High Mobility Cut, 10"x12" Shooters Cut, and 11"x14" Shooters Cut. Select the option that matches your plate size and cut. Most standard plate carriers with 10"x12" or 11"x14" plate pockets accept these pads without modification. Contact us if you need fit confirmation for a specific carrier.

Is this NIJ-rated on its own?

No. These pads are non-ballistic trauma reduction accessories. They carry no NIJ threat rating. NIJ certification applies to the ballistic plates they are paired with, not to the pads themselves. Their function is energy dissipation and comfort, not ballistic protection.

How much weight does this add to my armor setup?

Very little. Individual panel weights range from 0.15 lbs for the 8"x10" Shooters Cut to 0.30 lbs for the 11"x14" Shooters Cut. A two-panel front-and-back setup adds between 0.30 lbs and 0.60 lbs total to your armor loadout, depending on the size selected.

Can I use this without a primary armor plate?

No. These pads are not designed or rated for standalone use. They provide no ballistic protection on their own and are only meaningful when positioned behind a hard armor plate in a carrier. Using them without a plate does not provide meaningful protection against any threat.

Can this be shipped to my state?

These are non-ballistic accessories and are not subject to state body armor shipping restrictions that apply to ballistic plates and carriers. Under 18 U.S.C. § 931, anyone with a federal felony conviction for a crime of violence is prohibited from purchasing or possessing body armor — confirm your eligibility before ordering.