ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 DFNDR Level IV Armor Package (Includes 2 x DFNDR Armor Rifle Rated Hard Plates)
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ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 is 100% manufactured in-house at our Knoxville, TN HQ from US materials
[ OVERVIEW ]
ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 Offensive Plate Carrier
Our ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 DFNDR Level IV Armor Package combines our ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 Ultralight Minimalist Plate Carrier with a pair of Level IV hard armor plates from DFNDR Armor for guaranteed compatibility in a simple, convenient and turnkey personal protection package good for both professional duty use and personal home defense use, or anything in between.PLEASE NOTE: All ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 Armor Packages are S/M sized and are paired with Medium ESAPI DFNDR plates.
"WHICH VARIANT SHOULD I BUY?": This will depend on your use case.
Side Strap - Buy this if you want the slimmest, lightest, faster variant or if you want to use a different cummerbund.
AXL Equinox Cummerbund - Buy this if you want a turn-key, out of the box load-bearing cummerbund with adjustability and quick-release capability.
If you have any further questions about ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3, check out our FAQ here.
ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 is intended for advanced, trained, professional end-users. It is not intended for beginners or hobbyists. Please note that ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 does not have an FR rating.
Plate Carrier Cooling/Heating/Hydration: add IMS Pro Combo above
Here is the scientific and engineering truth behind exposed armor plates
IMPORTANT: click here for terms, conditions, and restrictions on body armor purchases.
For safety reasons, all armor sales are final. No returns or exchanges. No exceptions.
DFNDR Armor Plates
Pairing armor with the correct plate carrier can be complicated and confusing. We created this ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 Armor Package to make things easy. Each package includes two of the exact same DFNDR Armor Level III+ C or Level IV rifle rated stand-alone body armor plates that we all run in our personal ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 plate carriers here at the shop. Here are the specs from DFNDR Armor:DFNDR Armor Level IV rifle rated hard armor plates are independently tested to NIJ protocol 0101.06. Designed with a multi-curve profile to provide an ergonomic and comfortable fitting armor system that is intended to wear against your body all day (and conforms perfectly with ICEPLATE® Curve). Lightweight to reduce fatigue, DFNDR Armor® Rifle Rated Body Armor is equipped with a state of the art Trauma Mitigation Base to minimize the energy of an impact dramatically.
The DFNDR Armor® Rifle Rated Level IV system defeats a single shot of 7.62×63 APM2 at muzzle velocity and multiple shots of light Armor Piercing ammunition such as the 7.62x39 API, the 5.56x45 M855 A1 and the 7.62x54R LPS threats. This system is NIJ Certified and also rated to defeat the 5.56x45 M855 (SS109) Green Tip, Mild Steel Core Chinese and PS Ball Russian 7.62x39 AK-47 threats and standard steel jacketed/lead core .308 and copper jacketed/lead core 7.62, .223 and 5.56 threats. DFNDR Armor® Level IV rifle rated hard armor plates are designed with a multi-curve profile to provide an ergonomic and comfortable fitting armor system that is intended to wear against your body all day.
All threats specified are tested at muzzle velocity and are listed in the ‘threat profile’ table in the image gallery which describes the rated ammunition this armor system will defeat.
DFNDR Armor® is engineered with the highest grade of ballistic materials; Fiber-Lite Laminate, an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) bound with a resin matrix to make it a hard stand-alone armor system and equipped with Spall-Tek to further reduce spall and deflection of projectile fragments. These Level IV hard armor plates fit perfectly inside ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3.
- Proudly Made in the USA
- Multi-Hit Protection
- 1.1 Inches Thick
- Stand-Alone System
- Weight:
- Level III+ C 3.1 pounds per armor plate
- Level IV 5.8 pounds per armor plate
-
RF1 Elite 2.09 pounds per armor plate
- Dimensions: 9.5" x 12.5" x 1.1"
Side SAPI Armor Plates
The AXL Equinox Cummerbund option is compatible with SAPI side armor plates. We recommend using the DFNDR QRC 6x6 Side Plate Pouch Set.
Sizing, Armor Plate Compatibility
ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 is optimized to work with ICEPLATE Curve® for conformal fit with a Medium ESAPI plate profile. Armor plates with the following dimensions will fit:- 9.5" x 12.5" up to 1.1" for Medium ESAPI armor plate profiles.
- 10" x 12" up to 0.75" thick for Medium SAPI plate profiles.
Kit
To purchase a complete ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 Armor Package, click here. To learn more about the difference between Level III+ C, Level IV and RF1 Elite hard armor plates, click here to go to our IceAge Insights article with full video. For best results, we strongly recommend running the DFNDR Armor Medium Level III+ C Stand-Alone Rifle Rated Hard Plates or the DFNDR Armor Medium Level IV Stand-Alone Rifle Rated Hard Plates with ICEPLATE EXO® and ICEPLATE® Curve with an ICEPLATE® MOLLE Sleeve Pro, as ICEPLATE EXO® is specifically designed to fit Medium ESAPI armor plate profiles.
SwiftClip or G-Hook Compatible
Laser-cut slits measuring approximately 7.5" on center for compatibility with SwiftClip or G-Hook equipped placards.
Laser-cut slits measuring approximately 7.5" on center for compatibility with SwiftClip or G-Hook equipped placards.
[ SPECIFICATIONS ]
| Weight: | 15.2 ounces (plate bags, Shoulder Shrouds, Side Strap) to 23.2 oz (AXL Equinox Cummerbund) |
| Size: | Medium |
| Attachment Mechanisms: | MOLLE, Velcro, SwiftClip, G-Hook |
| Armor Plate Compatibility: |
Medium ESAPI (9.5” x 12.5” x 1.1”) Medium SAPI (10" x 12" x 0.75") |
| Materials: | ICEPLATE EXO ® laminate, Velcro®, Nylon 12, Shock Cord, 500D Nylon outer (IRR compliant) |
[ WHAT'S INCLUDED]
SIDE STRAP
2 x Tri-Fold Shoulder Shrouds
AXL EQUINOX CUMMERBUND
2 x Tri-Fold Shoulder Shrouds
2 x AXL Equinox Retainers
2 x AXL Wedges
1 x 25" length of 3/8" Shock Cord
2 x Extra Cummerbund Pull Strings
[ VIDEOS ]
[ TURBOCHARGERS ]
ICEPLATE® Curve
THIN BUT CURVY
- Cooling - Fill and freeze ICEPLATE® Curve for up to 70 watts of conductive cooling per ICEPLATE® Curve - an unrivaled performance edge.
- Heating - Fill ICEPLATE® Curve with hot water for up to 52 watts of conductive heating power per ICEPLATE® Curve and an incredible competitive advantage in even the harshest climates.
- Hydration - Each ICEPLATE® Curve holds 50 fl oz (1.5 L) of water.
- One-Way Valve - The one-way valve allows air into ICEPLATE® Curve (drinkable option only), improving flow rate by more than 100% for an effortless drinking experience.
- Integration - Each plate bag is designed to accept ICEPLATE Curves or Medium ESAPI profile armor plates. When using armor plates with ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3, add IMS Pro Combo for internal or external mounting of ICEPLATE® Curve.
ICEVENTS®
LESS IS MORE
- Convection - Stand-off, omnidirectional ventilation facilitates Convection (evaporative cooling).
- Hydrolysis Resistance - Will not absorb/retain water, sweat.
- Anti-microbial - Totally permanent, ICEVENTS® are antimicrobial at the molecular level, meaning the characteristic cannot be washed away.
-
Integration - ICEVENTS® Aero Ventilated Shoulder Pads evenly distribute load across your shoulders, reducing unnecessary strain. ICEVENTS® Classic Ventilation Pontoons (one pair included) provide stand-off ventilation between your body and your plate bag. Use one pair per plate bag as desired.
Above: ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 shown with internally mounted IMS Pro Combo for plate carrier cooling/heating/hydration.
[ FEATURES ]
Optimizing Your ICEPLATE EXO® DFNDR Level IV Armor Package Setup
Elevate your ICEPLATE EXO® DFNDR Level IV Armor Package plate carrier setup with our tailored offerings, ensuring your plate carrier is equipped for peak performance.
The IMS Pro Combo
The IMS Pro Combo is a game-changer, seamlessly integrating with your plate carrier to provide unmatched cooling, heating, and hydration capabilities using our groundbreaking ICEPLATE® Curve. This innovative plate carrier hydration pack is designed to maximize the functionality of your rifle plate carrier.
Optimizing Your ICEPLATE EXO® DFNDR Level IV Armor Package Setup
You can also equip your armor package with Blue Force Gear Pouches, offering superior utility and quick access to magazines, enhancing your readiness and operational efficiency. These mag pouches are designed to complement the high demands of active shooter scenarios and intense training sessions, ensuring you have everything you need right at your fingertips.
ICEVENTS® Inner Belt
For those long days in the field or during intense training, the ICEVENTS® Inner Belt introduces an additional layer of ventilation to your plate carrier setup. This feature is crucial for maintaining comfort and reducing the risk of overheating, especially when wearing heavy body armor plates like the DFNDR rifle plates that come with our Level IV armor package. The ICEVENTS® Inner Belt is a testament to our commitment to not just ballistic protection, but also maximum comfort for the wearer, ensuring that your focus can remain on the mission at hand.
The Qore Performance Advantage
At Qore Performance, we are unwavering in our mission to redefine the standards of personal protection and performance. Our dedication to innovation is evident in every product we create, and the ICEPLATE EXO® DFNDR Level IV Armor Package is no exception. Designed for the elite, our body armor solutions are a testament to our commitment to Building A Superhuman Future®, where every individual equipped with our gear is prepared to face challenges head-on and be the greatest version of themselves.
Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. That is why we did not compromise in offering DFNDR plates that meet the highest NIJ Standards for Level IV protection against rifle rounds. This ensures our products provide maximum protection against ballistic threats without compromising on mobility or comfort – perfect for use by law enforcement officers and military personnel.
Proudly made in the USA, our products embody the spirit of innovation and excellence. When you choose Qore Performance, you're aligning with a brand that prioritizes your protection, comfort, and performance above all else.
[ RESOURCES ]
IceAge Insights
- How do I wear ICEPLATE®?
- Can Armor Plates Be Exposed to The Elements?
- What armor plates should I buy: Level III+ C, Level IV or RF1?
- What size plate carrier do I wear?
- What gear pouches/accessories go with ICEPLATE EXO®?
- The Science Behind Body Armor Cooling
- Weight Vest Training with Cooling (i.e. The Tactical Games, Crossfit Games)
For bulk Corporate/Unit/Agency orders of 100+ units or to request a quote, please click here.
FAQs
Setting up your plate carrier largely depends on personal preference and operational requirements. The setup can vary based on the type of mission, the gear required, and personal comfort. For guidance on optimizing your setup for specific scenarios, such as minimalistic or home defense configurations, visit our comprehensive guides on plate carrier setup, minimalist plate carrier setup, and home defense plate carrier setup.
NIJ Level III+ plates are classified as hard armor. They are specifically engineered to stop rifle rounds, which are significantly more powerful than handgun rounds typically addressed by soft armor. Level III hard armor plates provide essential protection to vital organs by deflecting high-velocity ballistic threats that soft armor cannot.
DFNDR Armor Level III+ C plates are constructed from Fiber-Lite Laminate combined with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), bound by a resin matrix. This composition results in a hard, stand-alone armor system that includes Spall-Tek to mitigate spall and deflection of projectile fragments. These materials ensure that the armor not only offers superior ballistic protection but also remains lightweight and durable.
To maintain the integrity and performance of your armor plates and plate carrier, store them in a dry, cool environment out of direct sunlight. Regularly inspect for any signs of damage or wear. Clean the carrier as per manufacturer instructions, avoiding harsh chemicals that could degrade the materials. For the plates, a damp cloth can be used for cleaning. Always follow the specific care guidelines provided with ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 to ensure maximum longevity and protection.
In the United States, it is legal for all law-abiding civilians to purchase and own body armor. You have the right to protect yourself and your family. Keep in mind, certain states, like California and Illinois, have proposed legislation to restrict civilian ownership, though these measures have not been enacted. Body armor owners need to stay informed about local state laws to ensure compliance. Always check the latest legal requirements in your jurisdiction before purchasing body armor.
ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 brings significant enhancements for improved wearability and functionality.
The shoulder straps are now crafted with a single layer of EXO Laminate, reducing stiffness and incorporating quick-release features. The front plate bag has been redesigned with less material and more strategic Velcro® placements for better fit and usability, fully compatible with EUD/ATAC systems. The rear plate bag has expanded compatibility with MOLLE accessories, and the plate closure flap features a new lock-up system that conforms better to plate curvature. Finally, the quick-release cummerbund now includes AXL Equinox technology for increased structural rigidity and ease of use.
For more information on the upgrades, scroll up to learn more!
Absolutely! ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 is perfect for prepared civilians looking for exceptional personal protection with the best plate carrier on the market.
ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 weighs 15.2 ounces dry. When you add the AXL Equinox Cummerbund, it increases to just 23.2 ounces, maintaining a lower weight profile compared to other popular plate carriers.
The majority of users will find the Medium size optimal. Your front plate should align with your Sternal Angle and be centered along your mid-clavicular line. Position the top of your back plate roughly an inch or two vertebrae below your Vertebra prominens and the bottom one to three inches above your navel.
This varies slightly based on individual height and torso length. For more detailed guidance, check out this article.
Yes, ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 features both front and rear plate bags suitable for plates or ICEPLATE®s. You can attach up to three IMS Pro Combos on ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3: one on the body-facing side of the front plate bag, one on the body-facing side of the rear plate bag, and one on the world-facing side of the rear plate bag. For extreme conditions, it’s possible to equip the front plate bag with IMS Pro as well.
For additional configurations, check out this article.
Over 80% of our customers use a Medium size, which offers the best fit due to the curvature of the ESAPI plates, enhancing body contour compatibility.
Level III plates typically offer ample protection for civilians, law enforcement, and some military personnel against most threats. However, Level IV plates provide an extra layer of protection where necessary.
For a detailed breakdown of plate levels, check out this article.
The choice between a plate carrier and a chest rig depends on specific needs, conditions, required gear, and personal preferences.
For a comprehensive comparison, check out this article.
Yes, most armor plates are designed to endure exposure to the elements.
For more information, check out this article.
Part of the beauty of ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3’s design is that it will keep you cooler than traditional plate carriers.
For maximum cooling, using an ICEPLATE® Curve in both front and rear plate bags is recommended, which can actually make you cooler than wearing no plate carrier at all!
Yes! ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 is compatible with Shooter/Swimmer Cut plates.
Absolutely! ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 accommodates 10x12 SAPI plates, although adding extra Velcro to the bottom plate retention flap may be necessary for plates thicker than 0.35 inches.
ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 is exceptionally suited for maritime operations due to its lightweight, quick-release, and water-shedding capabilities.
With our ICEPLATE EXO®-CRH Adapter Kit, you can fully transform your ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 into an ICEPLATE EXO®-CRH setup!
All IMS variants work well with ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3, but the IMS Pro is specifically optimized for use with ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3, offering maximum performance.
We actually recommend it! You can equip IMS Pro on both the front and rear configurations of ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 for ultimate versatility of your plate carrier setup.
For recommendations on accessory combinations and setup strategies with ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3, check out this article.
Certainly! ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 can be effectively paired with just ICEPLATE® for these fitness applications.
For additional setup ideas, check out this article on fitness uses of ICEPLATE EXO®!
You may also like
R
Instagram Handle: rich__austin
Best plate carrier I’ve used. Does what they say it will do and is extremely comfortable. Impressed me so much I bought a second one.
M
Love the weight and feel of he carrier, however, the only way I know to adjust the with of the cummerbund is by removing the cord in the back and both cummerbund pieces then adjusting it that way which is very time consuming. I wish you can adjust it on the fly depending on how many layers you're wearing. Overall, great product. Assembling was a bit tedious, I didn't receive any instructions or labeling on each piece and there were a number of pieces in the kit that I did not need to use so it was hard to distinguish which was which. The video was helpful but I had to call the office a number of times. This company does have the best customer service I have ever delt with by far, and for this I will continue to do business with them.
Hi there, thank you for leaving a review for our ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 Ultralight Minimalist Plate Carrier. We are glad to hear that you love the weight and feel of the carrier. Regarding the cummerbund, AXL designed the Equinox to be adjustable using the Velcro® tabs for easy on-the-fly adjustments depending on the layers you are wearing. We are glad to hear that our customer service team was able to assist you and we will continue to provide the best service possible. Thank you for choosing our product and for your support.
#StayFrosty
Qore Performance Customer Support Team
S
Not a long term review, but I am really liking the weight and fit of this carrier. The quality of material, attention to details, modularity is very welcome. I am looking forward to seeing how well the wet weight capabilities reduce fatigue. Time will tell how well it holds up. My only real concern is how the axl cummerbund attaches to the rear panel. May look into alternative ways to attach it to ease that concern. The rubbery pontoons that can be attached to the interior of the plate bags really lock you in and aid in load bearing with the surface of your back and chest instead of just through the shoulder straps.
R
Instagram Handle: @rickmachamer
You can run armor pates, ice plates, or both. I use it for the range, CrossFit, and on the job. Freeze the ice plates and, as they melt, you can drink them allowing you to stay hydrated without the need for a bladder taking up room in your assault pack. Easily the best tactical gear purchase I have ever made.
A
comfortable adjustable fit they even sent me extra parts without charging. (ty!)
J
ICEPLATE EXO® Ultralight Minimalist Plate Carrier
K
Instagram Handle: K_anglin
My experience with the iceplate exo ultralight minimalist plate carrier so far I would say is an 8/10, functionality is great the carrier lives up to its name and truly is a minimalist plate carrier, temperature control, thus far has been great I look forward it the summer months and picking up an iceplate curve and testing that out as I normally run quite hot and having something to keep me cool while training is going to be a game changer. Really what came down to the 8/10 would be from putting the system together and when installing the fizzle sticks one broke on install so I just ended up just securing the elastic to the MOLLE which works fine just isn’t as pretty. Other than that one little hick up I have been very happy the rest of the set up was straight forward and easy. Great product Qore Performance.
Hi Keith,
We are sorry to hear that you broke your SizzleSticks during assembly. Of note, SizzleSticks are strength optimized as part of the “system” that is them being installed inside of ICEPLATE EXO® plate bags. That said, if your SizzleSticks broke due to a manufacturing defect (generally less than 0.1% of product sold for full transparency, but it occasionally does happen), we’ll be happy to replace them for you under our Forever Warranty to make sure you get the most out of your ICEPLATE EXO® experience. However, if they broke for a reason not related to a manufacturing defect, we sell replacement sets on our website for your convenience here:
https://www.qoreperformance.com/collections/iceplate-exo
We hope this helps, but please let us know if you have any additional questions. #StayFrosty
O
Instagram Handle: Oscarnovale
Great but I think that in the upper part of the front panel it would take more soft system instead of velcro to be able to put the mount atak as in this system it is very low and almost impossible to use as in contact with loaders and then having a quick opening system for cummerbund Rather than the usual velcro that not the maximum at night as it is quite noisy.
Hi Oscar,
Thank you for taking the time to leave an honest account of your ICEPLATE EXO® experience. As noted on the product page above, we discontinued the quick-release system from the Gen 1 ICEPLATE EXO® at the request of our military customers who preferred to have the MOLLE real estate for comms. That said, ICEPLATE EXO® is compatible with the Crye Precision AirLite Cummerbund if you want a quick-release mechanism. Details can be found here:
https://www.qoreperformance.com/blogs/military-insights/what-pouches-and-gear-work-best-with-iceplate-exo-ice
As for EUD integration, we optimized ICEPLATE EXO® for maximum athletic performance and the most ergonomic EUD/ATAK integration which can be found here:
https://youtube.com/shorts/vKhJ1PJnp1I?feature=share
We hope this helps, but please let us know if you have any additional questions. #StayFrosty
H
Customer service was super helpful in responding to my request for assistance based on my needs. Shipping can be prohibitively costly to non-contiguous states, so I needed to get it right the first time. I got the system for my son who works in Army aviation in a hot environment. The gear is state of the art! Expect to pay for quality, innovation, and functional comfort, but I wanted the best for my son, and we got it. His issued gear is like Flintstonesian flak jacket junk compared to Qore’s minimalist engineered gear. He wears it at work mostly as a weighted vest for conditioning and also to habituate a level of everyday comfort should he ever be deployed. He also does runs and hikes with the system, trying various configurations with the IMS Pro hydration plates. They work and stay cold all day! He feels the Exo Plate carrier is a tad smallish as it only comes in one size. Maybe some sizing options will be considered in the future. Comprehensively meets all of my expectations. Only for those who want the best.
(The Ice Plates hydration cooling system will serve its purpose if he gets deployed to Maui. Looks to be hot and dusty in Lahaina…)
E
How many times how we ever pondered on the thought of the great architecture, sky rise buildings, logistics and efficiency. All these objects can only be executed with solid foundations. The IcePlate Exo is just that and more, I've had the chance to test this system for more than year already. Not only do I used daily at work but also put it to stress on my off-roading adventures. The IcePlate Exo has stood my test of time and every week without a doubt either through sand, mud, snow, and rain does it keep performing. As a stand-alone unit the IcePlate Exo is extremely light weight and helps optimize the weight for other essentials. Paired with the IcePlates this plate carrier does what it is supposed to and that is to carry water efficiently. As an avid off-roader being able to optimize cargo is essential and having water on myself at all times helps clear space in compact areas. This system allows optimal cooling energy for at least 4 hours of summer Texas heat. That mean less stress on the body and more hours trailing down the desert. The team at QorePerformance have done it right by built a foundation of performance, one to which you can only built from.
