NIJ Level IIIA Cummerbund Inserts (Soft Armor Panel Pairs)
NIJ Level IIIA Cummerbund Inserts are soft armor panels designed to provide handgun-rated ballistic protection to the sides of the torso when worn inside plate carrier or vest cummerbunds. These inserts are commonly used to increase lateral coverage against pistol threats and fragmentation without adding the weight or bulk of hard armor plates.
Side protection is often overlooked, yet lateral exposure is a known vulnerability during dynamic movement, vehicle operations, and close-contact scenarios. When a carrier is designed to accept cummerbund armor, properly sized soft armor inserts can meaningfully improve overall coverage while maintaining mobility and comfort for extended wear.
All cummerbund inserts offered on this page are NIJ Certified Level IIIA and are sold as matched panel pairs.
NIJ Level IIIA Ballistic Rating
These cummerbund inserts are certified to NIJ Level IIIA, meaning they are tested under standardized conditions to defeat common handgun threats as defined by the National Institute of Justice.
NIJ Level IIIA is designed for handgun threats only.
It is not intended to stop rifle rounds.
Panel Size and Fitment
Pricing listed applies to 5.5 in × 9 in panel pairs.
Other sizes may be available based on carrier design and user requirements.
Common Fitment Examples
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Large cummerbunds: 5.5 in × 11 in
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Medium cummerbunds: 5.5 in × 9 in
Proper sizing should be based on the cummerbund pocket dimensions of the carrier or vest being used. Panels should fit securely without folding, bunching, or excessive compression.
Ballistic Test Threats (NIJ Level IIIA)
NIJ Level IIIA testing includes handgun threats such as:
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.44 Magnum SJHP
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.357 SIG FMJ
Performance is verified under controlled test conditions and should be evaluated alongside coverage area, fit, and wear configuration.
What These Inserts Are — and Are Not
These panels are intended to:
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add handgun-rated side protection
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increase coverage in the cummerbund area
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reduce exposure during lateral movement
They are not:
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rifle-rated armor
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substitutes for hard armor plates
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guaranteed edge-to-edge protection
Coverage and effectiveness depend on proper sizing, placement, and carrier integration.
Frequently Asked Questions – NIJ Level IIIA Cummerbund Inserts
Q: What are NIJ Level IIIA cummerbund inserts?
A: NIJ Level IIIA cummerbund inserts are soft armor panels designed to fit into plate carrier or vest cummerbunds to provide handgun-rated ballistic protection to the sides of the torso.
Q: Are cummerbund inserts rifle rated?
A: No. Cummerbund inserts are typically NIJ Level IIIA soft armor and are intended for handgun threats. Rifle threats require hard armor plates rated to NIJ Level III, Special Threat, or NIJ Level IV.
Q: Why use soft armor in the cummerbund instead of hard plates?
A: Soft armor inserts add lateral protection with less weight and bulk than hard plates, improving comfort and mobility for extended wear while still addressing common handgun threats.
Q: Do cummerbund inserts provide full side coverage?
A: Coverage depends on panel size, cummerbund design, and how the armor is worn. NIJ testing evaluates ballistic performance at defined locations and does not guarantee uniform protection across all areas.
Q: Are these inserts sold individually or as a set?
A: These cummerbund inserts are sold as matched panel pairs, with one panel for each side.
