AR500 Armor Review: Is It Worth Your Investment?

Updated on February 8, 2025

Selecting the right body armor isn’t just a matter of protection—it’s a critical decision that could mean the difference between life and death. Whether you’re a military professional, law enforcement officer, survivalist, security personnel, or a responsible citizen preparing for worst-case scenarios, reliable, durable, high-performance armor is paramount.

One name that often comes up in discussions about ballistic protection is the AR500 Armor. But is it as good as its reputation suggests? In this AR500 Armor review, we’ll break down its features, benefits, drawbacks, and overall performance to help you make an informed decision.

Why Choose AR500 Armor?

It is widely recognized for its hardened steel plates, providing affordable and long-lasting ballistic protection. Unlike soft body armor, AR500 plates are designed to withstand multiple impacts without significant degradation.

It’s a popular choice among:

• Military and Law Enforcement – for duty-related protection.
• Preppers and Survivalists – for home defense and emergency preparedness.
• Gun Enthusiasts and Outdoor Professionals – for recreational shooting and safety.
• Security Personnel – for enhanced security in high-risk situations.

Key Features

1. Durability and Strength: One of the standout features of the AR500 Armor is its toughness. Made from abrasion-resistant steel, these plates are capable of stopping multiple rounds from handguns, rifles, and shotguns. Compared to soft armor, AR500 steel is virtually indestructible under normal conditions.

2. Multi-Hit Capability: Unlike ceramic plates, which can fracture after a single impact, AR500 plates can take multiple hits in the same area without structural failure. This makes them a reliable choice in prolonged firefights.

3. Cost-Effective Protection: While ceramic and composite plates can cost several hundred dollars per plate, AR500 Armor offers a budget-friendly alternative. Many users appreciate getting Level III or III+ protection without breaking the bank.

4. Coating Options for Fragmentation Mitigation: One of the biggest concerns with steel armor is the risk of bullet fragmentation. It offers coated plates that help mitigate spall (fragmentation) and reduce the risk of injury from ricocheting fragments.

5. Customization and Compatibility: It provides various cut options, including Shooter’s Cut and Swimmer’s Cut, allowing for increased mobility. Additionally, their plates are compatible with most plate carriers, making them a versatile option.

Related: What is an ARP Gun?

AR500 Armor Potential Drawbacks

One of the biggest challenges with AR500 steel plates is their weight. Compared to ceramic or polyethylene plates, it is significantly heavier, which can lead to fatigue, especially during prolonged use.

While it offers coatings to reduce spalling, it doesn’t completely eliminate the risk. Some users prefer ceramic or UHMWPE plates to avoid this issue altogether.

Although AR500 Armor stops a wide range of threats, high-velocity rounds, such as M855 and M193 5.56 rounds, can sometimes penetrate or cause excessive backface deformation, leading to injury.

How Does This Compare?

AR500 vs. Ceramic Armor

Feature	AR500 Steel Armor	Ceramic Armor
Durability	Very durable	Brittle, can crack
Weight	Heavy	Lighter
Multi-Hit Capability	High	Moderate
Price	More affordable	More expensive
Spalling Risk	Moderate	Low

AR500 vs. UHMWPE (Polyethylene) Armor

Feature	AR500 Steel Armor	Polyethylene Armor
Durability	Very durable	Can degrade over time
Weight	Heavy	Very light
Multi-Hit Capability	High	Moderate
Price	Affordable	Expensive
Fragmentation Risk	Moderate	None

AR500 Armor Testimonials

Positive Reviews

🔹 “Great quality and value. The build quality is fantastic, and I feel confident wearing it on duty.” – Officer J. Martinez

🔹 “I’m a prepper, and this is my go-to armor for emergency situations. The durability is unmatched!” – James R., Survivalist

🔹 “I take my personal security seriously, and AR500 has never let me down.” – Mark D., Private Security

Critical Reviews

🔸 “The weight is definitely noticeable after wearing it for extended periods.” – Mike S., Law Enforcement

🔸 “Even with the spall coating, there’s still some fragmentation. Wish it was completely spall-proof.” – Chris L., Military Veteran

Is AR500 Armor Right for You?

Best for:

✅ Budget-conscious buyers looking for reliable protection.

✅ Military, law enforcement, and security personnel.

✅ Preppers and survivalists who need long-lasting gear.

Not ideal for:

❌ Those who need lightweight armor for extended mobility.

❌ Individuals concerned about spalling or fragmentation.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy AR500 Armor?

AR500 Armor remains one of the best steel armor options available. While it has some downsides, such as weight and spalling, its cost-effectiveness, durability, and multi-hit capability make it a solid choice for military, law enforcement, preppers, and security professionals.

Would we recommend it? Yes, if you’re looking for rugged, reliable armor at an affordable price. However, if you need something lightweight and spall-free, you might want to explore ceramic or polyethylene alternatives.

Where to Buy: Check out AR500 Armor’s official website or visit trusted retailers to find the best deals.

What’s Your Take?

Have you used this? Drop a comment below and share your experience!

FAQs

How long does AR500 Armor last?

AR500 armor has a steel core that can last indefinitely if the protective coating remains intact. Typically, the coating is designed to last around 20 years.

What is AR500 body armor rated for?

AR500 body armor is rated NIJ Level III, capable of stopping 7.62×51mm NATO rounds and similar threats.

What is better than AR500?

SR500+ is superior to AR500, offering greater hardness, reduced pitting, and better impact resistance with less risk of cracking.

What can AR500 withstand?

AR500 steel is designed to endure repeated high-velocity impacts, making it highly resistant to fragmentation and breakage.