RTS Tactical Level IIIA/HG2 Body Armor Compression Shirt

 Guest post by Frank, current LEO and SWAT

Recently, I was sent the RTS Tactical Level IIIA/HG2 body armor compression shirt (hereafter “RTS tactical armor shirt” or “shirt”) for testing and evaluation. Having seen similar products on the market before, I was at first a bit skeptical, both in terms of its functional performance and its comfort level. As you’ll read below, these hesitations were quickly laid to rest. The RTS tactical armor shirt fills a unique role and is worth your consideration.

Let’s start with an overview: The shirt is compression-style, made from what RTS Tactical calls SpeedCoreX fabric. The material, like most compression shirts, is both moisture-wicking and odor resistant. Integrated into the shirt are four reinforced pockets, designed to hold RTS Tactical’s brand of ballistic panels. Panels are sized to the shirt, meaning that a size Medium shirt has smaller panels than a size Large shirt. This ensures proper coverage for the wearer and a more customized fit, rather than a one-size-fits all approach to the panel that would prove too large for some and too small for others. The shirt that I was sent came with two panels, a front and back. There is an option to purchase side panels as well, increasing the amount of coverage the shirt will provide to that of more traditional soft armor.

The ballistic panels themselves are manufactured by RTS tactical here in the US. Though they have the familiar SAPI cut and slide into what essentially look like plate pockets on the shirt, they are soft armor, not hard plates. This is purposeful, to maintain the low profile and concealability of the shirt. The armor panels meet NIJ standards, and the set I was sent are rated Level IIIA (now known as HG2). This offers protection against 9mm FMJ, .357 magnum, and .44 magnum. In testing, I did not see a way to insert and secure a trauma pad, although depending on the size of the pad it’s possible that one may be inserted and fit the pocket well enough to not shift during movement. Being sized to the shirt, they fit precisely into the panel pockets with no room for movement, and they provided the perfect amount of coverage.

The shirt itself is very well constructed. Looking it over, I saw no loose threads or seams, and the stitching appeared well done all over. The fabric is very light and stretchy, and a “desert sand” color that will match well with some skin tones. In general, I must admit I am not a fan of compression shirts. The “second-skin” feel has just never been comfortable to me, and I’ve always preferred the looser fit moisture wicking shirts. However, much to my initial surprise, I found the RTS Tactical shirt to be extremely comfortable. So comfortable in fact, that at times I forgot I was wearing it, and that’s not just hyperbole! The neckline is purposely cut low, to keep the shirt out of sight when worn under clothing. Obviously, inherent in a design such as this is the inability to adjust the sizing of the shirt, and therefore the height of the panels. While likely only an issue for a small portion of the population, it bears mentioning that unlike traditional soft armor, you cannot make any adjustments to the shirt to allow for the panels to ride higher or lower.

It is quite awkward to don the shirt with the panels in. You could put the shirt on without the panels, and then insert them once on, however you’ll need someone to insert the back panel for you. Removing the shirt was even more awkward. The first time I tried taking it off, I needed my wife’s help! However, by the second time, I was able to take it off on my own. With practice this will surely get easier.

The shirt did its job admirably. The panels were held securely and never sagged or bulged out. The shirt remained cool and comfortable all day, and the shirt tail stayed in place and never needed to be re-tucked. This despite repeatedly sitting and standing throughout the day and walking a couple of miles. The shirt allows breeze in, which aids in the cooling effect. The shirt is not restrictive in any way, allowing full range of motion. The SAPI cut panels allow freedom of movement and proper body mechanics for aiming a weapon.

Now, let’s discuss the role that something like this shirt fits in. In my mind it fills a very niche, but important role. The first would be for those who are wearing suits or a shirt and tie. If in a law enforcement or executive protection-type role, this shirt affords you Level IIIa protection without the need to don an external vest, and without resorting to a bulkier, more cumbersome traditional “concealable” vest. For the protectee, this shirt offers protection that is comfortable and unobtrusive, and that will disappear completely when work with a suit and therefore go completely unnoticed. With the recent high-profile murder of a healthcare CEO, threats to CEOs at an all time high, and more CEOs looking to increase their personal safety and security, this shirt offers a solution that can be worn with their business attire without anyone noticing.

For plain clothes officers or others working in street clothes, this shirt offers protection that mimics a traditional concealable  vest but that can be worn underneath a typical cover garment, like a button down shirt or hoodie. The extremely thin profile means the armor disappears under even a baggy t-shirt. This would also apply to your everyday citizen: with crime on the rise in cities across the nation, many folks are looking for ways to enhance their personal safety.  Some have resorted to wearing plate carriers under hoodies or similar clothing when they venture out. This shirt provides another option, one far more concealable, comfortable, and practical than a plate carrier. Additionally, this can be worn in the summer months under a variety of clothing, whereas the plate carrier relies on heavy clothing to conceal it.

Another specialized role this fills is one for the prepared citizen. Truck guns, go bags, and get home kits have become quite popular, as have armored backpacks. This is where this shirt comes in. The design of this shirt is such that it folds quite easily, and can be slipped into the panel pocket of a purpose-built armored backpack, or the laptop compartment of a normal bookbag. This allows the backpack to function as any armored backpack. However, if one found themselves in a situation calling for use of their “get home bag,” once in a safe area you could simply pull the shirt out of the backpack’s armor pocket, slide it on under your normal clothes, and have lightweight, breathable, concealed protection for the trek home.

The RTS Tactical shirt represents a unique category of personal body armor, and it fills this role very well. For those looking for an extremely lightweight, comfortable, concealable armor system to fit a specific need, you can’t go wrong with this product. For those needing a bit less protection, RTS Tactical also offers the same shirt with Level II (HG1) protection. Retail price on the Level IIIa shirt is $399.99, while the Level II is priced at $319.99.

I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer via Spotter Up so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based off my personal experience with the product.

*The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.