The Chase Tactical Soft Trauma Armor Insert is a trauma-reduction pad designed to sit behind ballistic plates and absorb the kinetic energy transferred on impact. At just 0.25" thick, it lowers the transmission force placed on the body from a strike, slash, stab, or ballistic hit without meaningfully adding bulk to an existing plate carrier setup. Available in 15 size and cut configurations — from 5"x7" full-size to 11"x14" SAPI/ESAPI — and independently tested at an NIJ-approved laboratory against NIJ Standard 0101.06 threat parameters, this insert pairs with hard armor plates or soft armor panels across a wide range of carriers. Inserts are sold as individual units. This product is not rated for ballistic threat and is used only for trauma reduction.

Who this is for

• Plate carrier users upgrading comfort and safety: anyone running hard armor who wants to reduce blunt-force trauma on impact without changing their existing carrier setup
• Law enforcement and government personnel: professionals requiring certified, warranty-backed trauma inserts built to NIJ 0101.06 testing standards
• Civilians and first responders in custom fits: buyers who need a non-standard size or cut — from 6"x6" to 11"x14" SAPI/ESAPI — to fill gaps in coverage behind specialty plates

Compatibility with parent armor

The CT-STI insert is sized and cut to drop directly behind hard or soft armor plates in any plate carrier or vest with a standard plate pocket. Fifteen size and cut options cover the most common configurations in service today: 10"x12" Shooters Cut (nominal 9.5"x11.5"), 10"x12" Multi-Curve Shooters Cut, 10"x12" Full Size, 10"x12" Swimmers Cut, 11"x14" SAPI/ESAPI, 10"x13.25" SAPI/ESAPI, 9.5"x12.5" SAPI/ESAPI, 8.75"x11.75" SAPI/ESAPI, 7.5"x11.5" SAPI/ESAPI, 8"x10" Shooters Cut, 8"x10" Full Size, 6"x8" Full Size, 6"x6" Full Size, 5"x8" Full Size, and 5"x7" Full Size. The 0.25" profile adds virtually no depth to a loaded plate pocket.

Function

Trauma inserts reduce the blunt-force energy transmitted to the wearer's torso when a plate absorbs a ballistic or impact threat. The CT-STI uses a 3A300 solution (weight based on 1.19 psf areal density) to absorb energy across the full plate face, decreasing injury risk from strike, slash, stab, or any other trauma event. The exterior is covered in 1000D Cordura textured nylon for durability and moisture resistance. This insert does not add ballistic protection on its own — it functions exclusively as a trauma-reduction component behind a rated armor plate or panel.

NIJ designation

The CT-STI has been independently tested at an NIJ-approved laboratory against NIJ Standard 0101.06 threat parameters. It is not independently rated for ballistic threat and carries no standalone ballistic level designation. Its function is trauma reduction, and its testing confirms performance within the NIJ 0101.06 framework as a behind-armor component.

Specifications

Frequently asked questions

What does this insert work with?

It drops behind any hard armor plate or soft armor panel that fits the selected size and cut. Choose the size matching your plates — Shooters Cut, SAPI/ESAPI, Full Size, or Swimmers Cut — and the 0.25" profile fits inside standard plate pockets without requiring modification to your carrier.

Is this NIJ-rated on its own?

No. The CT-STI is not rated for independent ballistic threat. It has been independently tested at an NIJ-approved laboratory against NIJ Standard 0101.06 parameters as a trauma-reduction component. It does not replace or substitute for a rated ballistic plate or panel.

Does this add weight and coverage?

It adds weight according to the 1.19 psf areal density of the 3A300 solution, which varies by the size you select. It does not extend ballistic coverage beyond the plate it sits behind. Its sole function is absorbing and distributing impact energy to reduce blunt-force injury to the wearer.

Can I use this without a primary armor plate?

No. The CT-STI provides no independent ballistic protection. It must be used in conjunction with a rated ballistic plate or soft armor panel. Using it alone against ballistic threats provides no meaningful protection.

What warranty does this carry?

Chase Tactical backs the ballistic material with a five-year warranty. The exterior cover material and workmanship carry a separate one-year warranty. Due to the nature of this product, all sales are final — warranty and manufacturing defect claims are the exception.

Can this be shipped to my state?

This insert cannot be shipped to Connecticut or New York. No other state restrictions are noted. 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.