The Caliber Armor CaliberX Level IIIA/HG2 Soft Body Armor Panels are concealable ballistic inserts purpose-built for the Condor EXO Carrier. Manufactured in Louisville, Kentucky, these panels combine a hybrid UHMWPE and para-aramid construction, tested and verified to meet or exceed the ballistic resistance requirements of NIJ STD-0101.06 Level IIIA and NIJ STD-0101.07 HG2. Each order includes two panels — one front, one rear — finished with a water-resistant cover and sewn together for longevity. Areal density meets the 1 lb per sq ft gold standard for soft armor systems.

Who this is for

• Condor EXO Carrier owners looking for a drop-in ballistic upgrade that fits the carrier's panel pockets without modification
• Professionals and civilians who need reliable Level IIIA/HG2 handgun protection with a comfort-focused, lower-bulk profile
• Weight-conscious wearers who carry additional gear and need soft armor that meets 1 lb per sq ft areal density without sacrificing ballistic performance

Threat coverage

The CaliberX panels are tested and verified against NIJ STD-0101.06 Level IIIA and NIJ STD-0101.07 HG2 threat parameters. That covers high-performance handgun rounds including .44 Magnum, .357 SIG, and 9mm, among others addressed by the IIIA/HG2 threat matrix. The multi-layer hybrid construction absorbs and disperses bullet energy along the fiber molecules, reducing back-face deformation and the blunt trauma transferred to the wearer.

These panels do not protect against rifle threats. Level IIIA/HG2 soft armor is rated for handgun calibers only. Anyone requiring rifle-rated protection should evaluate a hard armor plate solution instead.

Concealability and comfort

CaliberX panels carry 10% less weight than comparable commercially available soft armor systems. The hybrid UHMWPE and para-aramid layup maximizes material efficiency, reducing bulk while maintaining consistent, uniform ballistic performance across the panel face. The panels can withstand multiple hits from handguns as powerful as the .44 Magnum without panel failure.

The water-resistant outer cover protects the ballistic material from moisture ingress during daily wear. The sewn-panel construction keeps layers aligned and maintains performance geometry over the service life of the insert. The design improves flexibility compared to single-material aramid systems, which translates directly to faster response time and more natural movement under load.

Trauma reduction

CaliberX soft armor achieves 15% less back-face deformation than other commercially available soft armor systems. Back-face deformation is the inward displacement of the armor panel upon bullet impact — the force that causes blunt trauma even when penetration is defeated. The inner layers of the CaliberX construction disperse residual energy, reducing the transferred force that reaches the wearer's body.

Care and maintenance

A full Care, Use, and Fitting Guide is available from Caliber Armor. For specific washing instructions, replacement intervals, and storage guidance, refer to the technical specification sheet included with the panels or contact us for a copy.

Specifications

Fit and carrier compatibility

These panels are designed exclusively for the Condor EXO Carrier and will not fit other carrier models. If you need CaliberX soft armor panels sized for a different carrier, Caliber Armor accepts special orders for other manufacturers' soft armor carriers — contact us for details. The Condor EXO Carrier can be purchased together with these panels as the Overt IIIA Package.

Frequently asked questions

What is NIJ Level IIIA/HG2 and what does it stop?

Level IIIA (NIJ STD-0101.06) and HG2 (NIJ STD-0101.07) are functionally equivalent handgun-threat designations. Both cover high-energy handgun rounds including .357 SIG FMJ flat nose and .44 Magnum SJHP, along with lower-caliber pistol rounds. The CaliberX panels are tested and verified against both standards, stopping rounds including .44 Magnum, .357 SIG, and 9mm.

Will these panels stop rifle rounds?

No. Level IIIA/HG2 soft armor is rated for handgun calibers only. Rifle rounds — including 5.56x45 and 7.62x39 — exceed the energy threshold that soft panels can defeat. Rifle protection requires hard armor plates rated Level III, Level III+, or Level IV.

How does HG2 compare to the legacy Level IIIA designation?

HG2 is the updated threat-level designation introduced in NIJ STD-0101.07. It covers the same core handgun threats as the legacy Level IIIA designation under 0101.06, with some refinements to test protocols and velocity conditions. The CaliberX panels are tested and verified against both standards, so they satisfy either designation.

Will these panels fit my existing plate carrier or vest?

No — these panels are cut and sized specifically for the Condor EXO Carrier and will not fit other carrier models. If you have a different carrier, special-order panels sized to your specific carrier are available. Contact us with your carrier make and model to get started.

Can I wash these panels?

It depends on the specific panel construction. Soft armor panels generally cannot be machine washed without risking delamination or ballistic degradation. Refer to the Care, Use, and Fitting Guide included with your panels for the manufacturer's specific washing and maintenance instructions, or contact us for guidance.

Can these panels be shipped to my state?

These panels cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut due to state body armor restrictions. They are also subject to US export regulations under EAR and ITAR — export outside the United States without proper authorization is prohibited. Under 18 U.S.C. § 931, anyone with a federal felony conviction for a crime of violence is prohibited from purchasing or possessing body armor.