The Shellback Tactical Banshee Elite 2.0 Level IV Body Armor Kit pairs the Banshee Elite 2.0 plate carrier with two NIJ 0101.06 Listed Model 4S17 alumina ceramic composite plates, each weighing 7.2 lbs at 0.95" thick, in a 10x12 single-curve Shooters Cut. The 4S17 plates defeat .30 Cal M2 AP at 2,880 fps and are special-threat rated to stop M855A1 at 3,100 fps — full edge-to-edge, stand-alone protection with multi-hit capability. The carrier runs 500-denier nylon with an integrated cummerbund, built-in M4 mag pouches, and a 3D spacer mesh back panel. Available in 10x12 Shooters Cut, Single Curve.

Who this is for

• Law enforcement and active-shooter responders who need NIJ-Listed Level IV coverage they can don quickly and customize with mission-specific pouches.
• Armed professionals and security personnel who require armor-piercing protection in a carrier that accommodates radios, magazines, and soft armor side inserts in one platform.
• Civilians building a home-defense or emergency-response kit who want a complete, ready-to-wear system without sourcing plates and carrier separately.

Ballistic performance

The Model 4S17 is NIJ Listed under NIJ 0101.06 Level IV, the highest standard designation for hard armor plates. Level IV requires defeat of .30 Cal M2 AP (armor-piercing) at 2,880 fps — the most demanding NIJ rifle threat round. The 4S17 meets that bar and exceeds it: the plate carries a DEA Hard Armor Protocol compliance rating and is special-threat rated for M855A1 enhanced performance ammunition at 3,100 fps.

Construction is alumina ceramic bonded to a composite backing, sealed in 1,000-denier Cordura nylon that protects against liquids, chemicals, and field elements. The plate provides full edge-to-edge protection as a stand-alone system — no soft armor backer required — and is multi-hit rated across the protective face.

Independent ballistic test data

Plate compatibility and cut geometry

The 4S17 measures 9.5" x 11.5" actual (nominal 10x12), in a single-curve Shooters Cut. Shooters Cut trims the upper corners to clear a rifle stock during shoulder presentation without sacrificing the central coverage zone. The single curve matches the natural chest contour and seats flush against the carrier's plate bag without pressure points.

The Banshee Elite 2.0 carrier accepts 10x12 plates loaded from the bottom of each plate pocket. The cummerbund accepts 13.75" x 5.5" soft armor inserts for lateral coverage. Integrated nylon vertical strips accommodate QASM buckles for rapid accessory attachment.

Banshee Elite 2.0 carrier features

The carrier shell runs 500-denier nylon throughout, with heavy-duty bar tacking at every major stress point. The front and rear plate pockets load from the bottom. PALS webbing covers the front, back, and shoulders, giving you a dense grid for magazine pouches, medical kits, and utility accessories. The cummerbund carries six integrated bungee-retention pockets for magazines or radios, plus interior and exterior PALS rows for side plate pocket attachment.

A zippered admin pouch sits on the chest. The rear hydration pocket accepts most standard bladders, and Hypalon shoulder straps route radio wires and hydration tubes. The drag handle lays flat with hook-and-loop retention and deploys instantly. Quick-release shoulder buckles allow rapid removal. Two loop panels — front and rear — accept ID placards. The carrier adjusts at both the cummerbund and shoulder straps to fit a wide range of body types. The Banshee Elite 2.0 is GSA and TAA compliant and carries a lifetime warranty against manufacturing and material defects.

Specifications

Fit and carrier compatibility

The Banshee Elite 2.0 adjusts at both the shoulder straps and cummerbund to accommodate a wide range of torso sizes. The cummerbund accepts 13.75" x 5.5" soft armor side inserts. If you are between sizes or need help confirming fit before ordering, contact us.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Model 4S17 NIJ Certified?

Yes. The Model 4S17 is NIJ Listed under NIJ 0101.06 Level IV and appears on the NIJ Compliant Products List. Level IV is the highest NIJ hard armor designation and requires defeat of .30 Cal M2 AP at 2,880 fps.

What rounds does the 4S17 stop?

The 4S17 stops .30 Cal M2 AP (NIJ 0101.06 test round), a full DEA 2017 Hard Armor Protocol round set including 5.56x45 M855, 7.62x39 MSC, 7.62 FMJ M80, and .308 Win PSPB, plus special-threat rounds including M855A1, M193, 7.62x39 BZ API, 7.62x51 M61 AP, and 7.62x54R LPS. The full velocity table is published above.

What is the difference between Level III, Level III+, and Level IV?

NIJ Level III covers six specific rifle threats up to 7.62x51 FMJ M80 at 2,780 fps. Level III+ is a vendor-defined special-threat designation — not an NIJ standard — that typically adds M855 and sometimes M193 coverage. Level IV is the highest NIJ designation, requiring defeat of .30 Cal M2 armor-piercing at 2,880 fps. The 4S17 is NIJ Listed Level IV.

Does this plate need a soft armor backer?

No. The 4S17 is rated stand-alone — it provides full edge-to-edge protection without a soft armor backer behind it. The Banshee Elite 2.0 cummerbund does accept optional 13.75" x 5.5" soft armor side inserts for lateral coverage.

What is the difference between Shooters Cut and SAPI Cut?

Shooters Cut trims the upper plate corners at a steeper angle to give a rifle stock a clear path to the shoulder pocket. SAPI Cut uses a shallower, more squared-off upper profile derived from military SAPI sizing. The 4S17 ships in Shooters Cut. Both cuts fit standard 10x12 plate pockets.

Can this kit be shipped to my state?

This kit cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut due to those states' civilian body armor restrictions. It is subject to U.S. export regulations and is ITAR controlled — export without State Department approval is prohibited. Under 18 U.S.C. § 931, anyone convicted of a violent felony is prohibited from purchasing or possessing body armor.