PGD Protection Plate U-Line NIJ Level IV Size: 25 x 30 cm

Currently sold out. But will be back.

No government certification required.

The hard ballistic plates of the U-line are among the best plates from Protection Group Danmark (PGD) and offer protection class NIJ Level IV at a lighter weight than, for example, the Berserker line. The plate is made from a single piece of SiC, silicon carbide, which is the lightest and simultaneously strongest material that PGD offers.

To enhance impact protection, the plate is covered with a thin foam layer. Unlike many other protective plates, PGD's protective effect extends to the edge of the plate; the thin foam covering adds hardly any bulk, ensuring safety at the highest level.

The entire plate is also enveloped in a completely new "heat-sealed" waterproof cover that repels water, oil, and other liquids without compromising the ballistic properties.

The PGD protective plates of the U-line do not require an additional soft ballistic vest to unleash their protective effect, allowing them to be directly inserted into a plate carrier vest. The ESAPI cut design allows for free movement of the arms, and due to the 3D "multicurved" shape, the plate fits particularly well to the body, as it has been specifically shaped for the chest and abdomen. The ESAPI design also ensures that the protective effect remains consistently high under extreme conditions (very hot or very cold). On the back, PGD's own Anti Back Face Signature Line is integrated, providing additional impact protection and reducing the shock effect of the projectile.

Conclusion: The high-performance protective plates of the PGD U-line offer maximum protection against most common rifle calibers with minimal weight and optimal comfort thanks to the ESAPI design and multicurved shape. The plates are "stand alone" and can be directly inserted into the plate carrier.

The American protection class NIJ Level IV is often compared to the German SK4 - ballistically, the main difference is that Level IV is tested against single shots of a stronger armor-piercing ammunition, .30-06 AP, and multiple shots (6 hits) of weaker .308 VM, while the SK4 is tested against multiple shots (3 hits) of weaker .308 AP.

The most important features at a glance:

- Protective effect NIJ Level 4: .30-06 Spring. AP, .308 Win., 7.62x39, .223 Rem.
- "Stand alone" – Requires no additional soft armor
- Material: monolithic SIC ceramic
- Cover: water-repellent Cordura (water and oil resistant)
- Size: 25 x 30 cm
- Thickness: 26 mm
- Weight: 25 x 30 cm (2.9 kg), 15 x 15 cm (1 kg), 15 x 20 cm (1.1 kg)
- ESAPI, Multicurved, 3D shape, horizontally and vertically curved
- Made in Europe

Material science – Hard ballistic plates / hard armor

The most important criterion when selecting a ballistic protective plate is the so-called protection class: The USA has developed a corresponding standard that all countries and manufacturers significantly refer to: NIJ Standard-0101.06 (external link)

Here is a list of the most important type classes as well as the corresponding protective effect / caliber strength:

- Type IIA - 9x19, .40 S&W, .45ACP – all FMJ
- Type II - 9mm +P FMJ, .357 Magnum SJSP
- Type IIIA - .357 SIG FMJFN, .44 Magnum SJHP

- Type III - 7.62x51 NATO M80 ball FMJ
- Type IV - .30-06 Spring. M2 AP

Plates marked with "ICW" (short for in conjunction with) require soft ballistic (soft armor) as a base to unleash their full protective effect. Such plates are usually lighter and thinner than "stand alone" plates, which achieve their full protective effect without soft ballistic.

The hard ballistic plates ("hard armor") are available in 3 materials:

- PE, polyethylene: very light, inexpensive, protection class up to Type III possible (PDG-LW)
- Al²O³, aluminum oxide ceramic: inexpensive, protection class up to Type IV possible (PDG-Berserker)
- SiC,
Silicon carbide – lightweight, protection class up to Type IV possible (PDG U-Line)

PGD protective plates are available in two different shapes:

Both variants are characterized by angled cuts at the corners, which do not restrict arm movement.
“single curved”: simple, horizontal curvature
“multi curved”: double, horizontal and vertical curvature
side plates are always “single curved”

Some users prefer the Multicurved front for the front section - the choice ultimately remains with the user. The front/back plates with a size of 25 x 30 cm (10“ x 12“) are suitable for use in most plate carrier systems and vests.

Certification

The Protection Group Danmark, as the name suggests, is based in Denmark and has been dedicated since 2013 to the production of safety equipment for security and police forces, military, or disaster relief. The manufactory produces bulletproof and stab-resistant vests, ballistic helmets, protective vests, and hard armor plates, as well as other ballistic equipment. The highest quality and compliance with the corresponding protection classes are the top priority to best protect those who must put themselves in dangerous situations. These high standards are guaranteed by both internal quality assurance and international laboratories (Chesapeake, USA or Aitex, Spain). Anyone looking for high-quality protective equipment in Europe cannot overlook the Protection Group Denmark.

No official proof required.