ARCTOS INDUSTRIES

HighCom Armor Body Armor & Ballistic Protection: 25 Years of American-Made Defense

Arctos Industries supplies HighCom Armor products: hard armor plates, soft armor inserts, ballistic helmets, plate carriers, ballistic shields, and tactical accessories for military personnel, law enforcement agencies, first responders, and security operators. HighCom Armor designs and manufactures its armor in Columbus, Ohio.

Brand Overview

Founded in 1997, HighCom Armor Solutions, Inc. has spent over two decades designing, developing, testing, manufacturing, and distributing advanced ballistic armor to defenders and warriors around the world. Operating from a 63,500 square foot manufacturing and distribution facility in Columbus, Ohio, the company is built for large-scale and time-sensitive global supply requirements. HighCom Armor holds ISO 9001:2015 and BA 9000 certifications and was the first company in the world to achieve BA 9000 certification in July 2014. With over 1,000,000 pieces of ballistic armor distributed through Department of Defense contracts and a production capacity exceeding 20,000 pieces per month, HighCom Armor delivers at scale without ever compromising on quality.

Arctos Industries provides authorized access to the complete HighCom Armor portfolio along with full technical documentation, agency procurement support, and federal contract facilitation. Whether your agency requires a single vest or a department-wide supply contract, Arctos ensures your team receives certified, mission-ready protection backed by the most credentialed armor manufacturer in the industry.

guardian 3i10m sapi m level iii icw

Why Choose HighCom Armor?

HighCom Armor builds every product around a single unwavering commitment: to equip every defender, warrior, and guardian with the most advanced and reliable ballistic protection available. That commitment is backed by decades of certified manufacturing, continuous technology investment, and a proven record that no HighCom armor product has ever been penetrated in the field.

XTclave™ Lightweight Protection Technology

XTclave™ Lightweight Protection Technology The HighCom XTclave™ represents a technology revolution in ballistic armor manufacturing. Lighter, thinner, stronger, and tougher than conventional hard armor construction, XTclave™ plates deliver superior ballistic performance while significantly reducing the carry weight and profile that operators manage across long operational deployments and extended duty shifts.

Made in Columbus, Ohio

Made in Columbus, Ohio HighCom Armor designs and manufactures its armor in Columbus, Ohio. We confirm each model’s NIJ Compliant Products List status and the manufacturer’s written warranty terms before you order.

ISO 9001:2015 and BA 9000 Certified Manufacturing

ISO 9001:2015 and BA 9000 Certified Manufacturing HighCom Armor holds ISO 9001:2015 and BA 9000/2016 certifications through Perry Johnson Registrars, making them the first armor manufacturer in the world to achieve BA 9000 certification. Their 63,500 square foot Columbus, Ohio facility operates under rigorous quality management standards that govern every stage of design, production, testing, and distribution.

NIJ Compliant Products List Models

NIJ Compliant Products List Models Many HighCom Armor plates and soft armor models are listed on the NIJ Compliant Products List. HighCom states it can also test to Mil-STD-662F V50, NATO STANAG 2920, NATO STANAG 4569 Levels 1 through 3, UL 752, and HOSDB standards. We confirm each model’s listing status before you order.

Government Contract Ready

Cooperative purchasing options. HighCom Armor lists Sourcewell Contract #091924-HCM and GSA Contract #47QSMS25D00C4 on its Federal Contracts page (highcomarmor.com). These contracts are held by HighCom Armor, not by Arctos Industries. Ask us whether your purchase can be made through one of them. We’ll confirm eligibility in writing.

Product Portfolio

Arctos Industries supplies the HighCom Armor lineup of hard armor plates, soft armor, ballistic helmets, plate carriers, shields, and accessories. HighCom Armor manufactures armor in Columbus, Ohio. Many HighCom plates are listed on the NIJ Compliant Products List. We confirm each model's listing status before you order.

Hard Armor Plates

Hard armor plates at NIJ Level III and Level IV, plus HighCom "Level III+" special-threat plates (a manufacturer designation, not an NIJ level). We confirm each model's NIJ Compliant Products List status. The XTclave™ series delivers industry-leading lightweight performance for operators requiring maximum protection with reduced carry weight across extended field deployments.

Ballistic Helmets

Ballistic helmets for law enforcement, military, and first responder use. HighCom states its helmets are tested by an accredited laboratory to NIJ Standard-0106.01 and MIL-STD-662F (fragmentation). Built in Columbus, Ohio, with the same manufacturing standards applied across the full HighCom Armor product line.

BellFire Ballistic Shields

Advanced multi-hit ballistic shields providing Level IIIA or Level III protection. The BellFire lineup is built for law enforcement active shooter response, dynamic entry operations, and high-risk warrant service where reliable multi-impact performance is a non-negotiable operational requirement.

Titan First Responder Shield

A purpose-designed ballistic shield built specifically for first responder and law enforcement active threat scenarios, delivering accessible and dependable protection for first-arriving officers and emergency response teams.

Plate Carriers

The ACAP Gen 2 is a lightweight, durable plate carrier built for superior protection and operator comfort across extended wear periods. The Trooper series carriers provide a full range of tactical carry configurations suited for law enforcement patrol, military operations, and security deployment environments.

Soft Armor

Soft armor inserts for concealable and outer carrier use, from models listed on the NIJ Compliant Products List (NIJ Standard 0101.06), addressing the protection requirements of law enforcement and corrections personnel in high-risk environments.

Gear and Accessories

Pouches, carrier components, and tactical accessories designed for direct integration with the HighCom Armor carrier and plate lineup, supporting mission-specific configuration for every operational environment.

Technical Specifications & Performance Standards

HighCom Armor products are engineered under the strictest quality management and ballistic testing standards in the industry. Every plate, helmet, shield, and soft armor insert is developed, tested, and certified before it reaches the end user.

Ballistic Certifications and NIJ Compliance

NIJ Listing and Testing Many HighCom Armor models are listed on the NIJ Compliant Products List under NIJ Standard 0101.06. HighCom lists additional testing capabilities covering Mil-STD-662F V50, NATO STANAG 2920 FSP, NATO STANAG 4569 Levels 1 through 3, UL 752, and HOSDB protocols. Ask us for the Compliant Products List entry and test documentation for any model you’re considering.

XTclave™ Manufacturing Technology

XTclave™ Manufacturing Technology The XTclave™ process produces hard armor plates that are lighter, thinner, stronger, and tougher than conventional ballistic plate construction. Designed for increased flexibility and mobility, XTclave™ plates allow operators to maintain full range of motion and physical performance without reducing ballistic protection levels across extended operational deployments.

Quality and Production Standards

Quality and Production Standards Certified to ISO 9001:2015 and BA 9000/2016 by Perry Johnson Registrars, HighCom Armor operates at a production capacity exceeding 20,000 pieces of armor per month. The 63,500 square foot Columbus, Ohio facility manages the full product lifecycle from design and development through testing, manufacturing, and global distribution under a single quality management framework..

Warranty and Product Reliability

Warranty Warranty periods vary by model. For example, HighCom lists 10 years on ballistic material for its 4s17m, 3s9m and 3s18 plates, and 5 years for the 4SAS7 and RSTP (covers: 1 year). Check the warranty on each product page or on the NIJ Compliant Products List, or ask us for the written terms before you order.

Applications & Use Cases

HighCom Armor protection systems serve professionals across law enforcement, military, emergency response, and security environments where certified, reliable ballistic protection is an operational requirement rather than an option.

Law Enforcement Patrol and Tactical Units

Law Enforcement Patrol and Tactical Units Hard armor plates, soft armor inserts, plate carriers, and ballistic shields built for daily patrol demands, tactical operations, and active shooter response. Products like the ACAP Gen 2 carrier and BellFire shield are purpose-designed for the operational tempo and threat environments faced by law enforcement professionals at the local, state, and federal level.

Military and Special Operations

Military and Special Operations XTclave™ hard plates and soft armor from NIJ-listed models deliver the weight, protection level, and field reliability required for combat and special operations environments.

First Responder and Fire/EMS

First Responder and Fire/EMS Concealable soft armor and lightweight plate systems designed for first responders operating in environments where the risk of ballistic or edged weapon threat is present. HighCom Armor’s carrier and insert lineup supports protective coverage without restricting the mobility required for emergency medical and rescue operations.

Federal and Government Agencies

Federal and Government Agencies Federal, state and local agencies may be able to buy HighCom Armor through contracts HighCom holds (see HighCom’s Federal Contracts page). Arctos Industries provides quotes, product documentation and on-site fitting support.

Security Operators and Civilians

Security Operators and Civilians Thousands of SKUs covering a full range of colors, sizes, cuts, shapes, and protection levels serve security operators and civilian buyers requiring certified, American-made ballistic protection. HighCom Armor’s verified civilian account program and community registration program provide direct access to professional-grade armor at accessible pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are HighCom Armor models on the NIJ Compliant Products List?

Many HighCom Armor plates and soft armor models are listed on the NIJ Compliant Products List (NIJ Standard 0101.06). Listing is by model, so we confirm the current status of each model you’re considering and provide the documentation on request.

HighCom Armor lists Sourcewell Contract #091924-HCM and GSA Contract #47QSMS25D00C4 on its website. Arctos Industries does not hold a GSA contract. Contact us to check whether your agency’s purchase can use one of HighCom’s contracts.

Arctos Industries works directly with law enforcement agencies, military units, government departments, and security organizations to manage large-volume HighCom Armor procurement, compliance documentation, and delivery coordination for any order size.

Warranty periods vary by model. For example, HighCom lists 10 years on ballistic material for its 4s17m, 3s9m and 3s18 plates, and 5 years for the 4SAS7 and RSTP (covers: 1 year). Check the warranty on each product page or on the NIJ Compliant Products List, or ask us for the written terms before you order.

Yes. HighCom Armor products are designed and manufactured in Columbus, Ohio at a 63,500 square foot production and distribution facility. The facility operates under ISO 9001:2015 and BA 9000/2016 certified quality management standards.

Request A Quote

Fill out the form below to schedule a call with a product specialist or to request a quote.