• A person in a tactical vest poses confidently, with a dark background enhancing the focus on their outfit.
  • Tactical vest with features highlighted: built-in cable guides, integrated drag handle, rapid access pull tabs, and hidden zipper compartments.
  • A police officer in a tactical vest stands confidently in a outdoor setting, holding a ballistic armor panel labeled "Relentless" while looking directly at the camera.
  • A hand is inserting a dark-colored plate into a tactical vest with a top-loading design.
  • operator with slim tac vest on
  • A police tactical vest with various equipment, including a radio, camera, and holster, is positioned against a vehicle's tire on a paved surface.
  • Tactical body armor in olive green with padded shoulder straps and a front panel featuring attachment points.
  • The side of the Slim Tac Special Operations Lightweight Ballistic Vest in black.
  • The Slim Tac Special Ops Vest is a lightweight ballistic vest built for unrestricted movement.
  • Close-up of a gray tactical vest section with Velcro straps on a black background. The textured fabric conveys a sense of durability and functionality.
  • Close-up view of a durable, black tactical vest strap featuring reinforced stitching and adjustable hook-and-loop fasteners.
  • A smartphone with a textured gray case partially peeks out from a zippered pocket of a gray fabric bag
  • Get reliable, comfortable protection with the Slim Tac Special Operations Vest in black.
  • Level IIIA HG2 Concealable black soft armor panel
  • Black tactical vest with labeled panel. Text reads: "RELIENTLES, NEVER BACK DOWN, LEVEL IIIA HG2 CONCEALABLE, SOFT ARMOR PANEL" alongside several symbols.
  • Infographic illustrating NIJ 0101.07 ballistic protection levels with orange bullets. Levels range from HG1 to RF3, indicating ammunition types like 9mm, .44 Mag., and 7.62mm. Background alternates between gray and white sections, highlighting new categories of armor standards.
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LIMITED TIME IN-STOCK PRICING | While Supplies Last

RTS Tactical Slim Tac Special Operations Body Armor Vest

RTS Tactical Slim Tac Special Operations Body Armor Vest

NIJ 0101.07 HG2 (Level IIIA)
$599.99 USD
$599.99 $849.99 USD
COLOR :

NO

YES

COLOR

Black Ranger Green

SIZE

NO

YES

SIZE

S M L XL XXL

SOFT ARMOR OPTIONS

NO

YES

SOFT ARMOR OPTIONS

Commander™ HG2 | Premium Soft Armor Relentless™ HG2 | 21% Lighter. Thinner. & More Flexible.

  • Deployed by U.S. agencies nationwide.

    Deployed by U.S. agencies nationwide.

  • 14-Day Fit Guarantee
  • U.S Department of Justice NIJ Listed Model

    NIJ Certified Armor
  • Proudly Made in the USA

    Armor Made in the USA
  • ISO Certified Company

    ISO 9001, BA 9000 Certified Company

- BULK ORDER / REQUEST A QUOTE -

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PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

The Slim Tac Vest epitomizes tactical efficiency, merging essential ballistic capabilities with a design that prioritizes agility and adaptability.

The RTS Tactical Slim Tac Special Operations Bulletproof Vest Level IIIA (HG2) Body Armor is a low-profile protective system designed for law enforcement, security professionals, and responsible citizens who need advanced handgun protection with scalable capability.

Its sleek, low-profile silhouette allows for comfortable wear in a variety of environments, while MOLLE webbing enables customization with additional pouches and accessories.

Engineered for unrestricted movement, the Slim Tac's body-hugging fit and lightweight construction move with you, ensuring you remain agile and responsive in any situation. This tactical vest accommodates both front and back ballistic rifle plates (sold separately), providing scalable protection for elevated threat scenarios. An integrated drag handle ensures rapid extraction or relocation in emergency scenarios, prioritizing safety in the field.

A unique modular MOLLE front panel can be removed to reveal two discreet zippered pockets, ideal for storing small essentials such as a cell phone, notepad, or mission-critical gear.

Designed for dynamic environments where mobility and access matter, the Slim Tac supports fast deployment without unnecessary bulk.

Whether you're patrolling urban landscapes or navigating rugged terrain, the Slim Tac Vest is your trusted companion, built to support movement, access, and readiness under pressure.

WEIGHT

Commander Level IIIA (HG2)

  • Weight: 1.24lbs PSF
  • Thickness: .35”

Relentless Level IIIA (HG2)

  • Weight: .98lbs PSF
  • Thickness: .27”

WARRANTY & FIT GUARANTEE

  • 5 Year manufacturer’s shelf-life warranty on all ballistic panels.
  • 2 Year warranty on all carriers.

In addition, RTS Tactical will replace the armor at no cost if your armor is wounded in the line of duty.

FIT GUARANTEE – RTS Tactical guarantees the proper fit of your RTS Vest.
If you feel your vest does not fit correctly, we offer a one-time free exchange. Exchanges must be within 14 days of delivery and in original condition.

LEVEL OF PROTECTION

NIJ Certified (HG2) Protection

Tested to meet the latest NIJ 07 requirements, HG2 replaces the old Level IIIA and delivers advanced handgun protection against today’s most common duty threats.

Stops NIJ-Tested Rounds:
9mm Luger FMJ RN, 124 gr @ 1470 ft/s
.44 Magnum JHP, 240 gr @ 1430 ft/s

Coverage Against Common Threats:

Our HG2 armor is designed to defeat an additional spectrum of high-velocity handgun rounds, including:
9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP
.357 SIG, .357 Magnum

It also provides strong resistance to most shotgun slugs and buckshot, offering dependable protection for Law Enforcement Agencies, government agencies, and responsible armed citizens.

SIZE GUIDE

The RTS Tactical RICO Special Operations Vest sizing chart.

SPEC SHEET

  • An orange vest icon showing a product is fully customizable.

    SLEEK & MODERN DESIGN

    The Slim Tac boasts a streamlined, contemporary design that prioritizes both aesthetics and functionality. It's built to look sharp while remaining practical for a variety of missions.

  • Body-Hugging Fit

    BODY-HUGGING FIT

    This vest is engineered to fit snugly to your body, allowing for maximum freedom of movement and agility. It won't hinder your mobility, ensuring you can perform at your best in any situation.

  • RTS Tactical offers shields that are made to accommodate the use of LED lights.

    REINFORCED DRAG HANDLE

    The integrated drag handle is a crucial safety feature. It enables rapid extraction or relocation in emergency scenarios, providing an extra layer of security in the field.

  • Molle Attachment Points

    MOLLE PLATFORM

    The vest features strategically placed MOLLE webbing, allowing for seamless customization and integration with other tactical gear and accessories. You can tailor the Slim Tac to suit your specific mission requirements.

Protection, refined

Understand The Different Armor Options

Compare the fit for your mission.

Commander Soft Armor

Premium soft armor

Base Package
Weight1.24lbs PSF
Thickness0.35”
FlexibilityPremium comfort
Protection levelNIJ 0101.06 Level IIIA (HG2)
operator with slim tac vest on

WHY WE MADE IT

Every mission demands readiness. We built the Slim Tac Vest to be the most advanced protection on the market, without giving up an inch of mobility.

The body-hugging fit disappears under your gear, so nothing slows you down and nothing gets in your way. The integrated drag handle and MOLLE attachment points turn it into a full system, ready for anything from a routine patrol to the moment everything changes.

This is the vest built for the people who protect everyone else, and it's why the Slim Tac is becoming the preferred choice of law enforcement. We build with purpose and test against defined standards. Protecting those who protect us.

BUILT FOR THE MISSION

Explore the systems engineered into every layer.

Concealed utility pockets

Low-profile storage keeps essential equipment secure and accessible.

Cable management

Dedicated routing points keep comms and hydration lines controlled in the field.

Reinforced drag handle

A reinforced extraction point supports controlled movement when seconds matter.

MOLLE platform

Modular webbing provides a stable platform for mission-specific load carriage.

Rifle plate pocket

A dedicated compartment is shaped to retain a compatible rifle plate securely.

Adjustable fit

Adjustable closures and shoulder positioning help create a secure, low-profile fit.

FAQ

What level of protection does the Slim Tac Vest offer?

The Slim Tac provides NIJ 0101.07 HG2 protection, replacing the previous Level IIIA classification. It is designed to stop common high-velocity handgun rounds and resist shotgun threats. Its plate carrier compatibility allows for the addition of rifle-rated plates.

How does the Slim Tac balance maneuverability and coverage

The Slim Tac uses a lightweight, body-hugging design that supports movement while maintaining coverage across vital areas. Armor placement is optimized to reduce restriction without sacrificing protection.

Can I customize the Slim Tac with additional gear?

Yes. The MOLLE platform allows you to attach pouches, holsters, and accessories, enabling a mission-specific configuration.

What is the purpose of the drag handle?

The drag handle enables rapid extraction or repositioning in emergency scenarios, supporting safe movement out of high-risk environments.

Is the Slim Tac suitable for various missions and environments?

Yes. Its modular design supports use across urban operations, training environments, and adaptable tactical setups.

What sets the Slim Tac apart from other tactical vests?

The Slim Tac is designed as a low-profile system that supports both minimal and expanded configurations. Its removable MOLLE panel, concealed storage, and scalable protection system allow it to adapt without adding unnecessary bulk.

How does HG2 compare to previous Level IIIA armor?

HG2 is part of the NIJ 0101.07 standard and replaces the previous Level IIIA classification. It reflects updated testing protocols and performance requirements against modern handgun threats.

What type of rifle plates are compatible with this vest?

The vest is designed to accept standard front and back rifle plates, allowing users to upgrade protection beyond handgun threats. Plate size and cut should match the carrier dimensions for proper fit and coverage.

Is this vest designed for concealed or overt use?

The Slim Tac is built as a low-profile system that functions in an overt configuration. Its design reduces bulk, while the MOLLE platform supports fully equipped external setups when needed.

Where can I learn more about selecting gear for active shooter response scenarios?

Choosing the right equipment depends on threat level, mobility needs, and how protection systems are configured. For a deeper breakdown of how to evaluate gear, plate carriers, and protection setups, review our Active Shooter Response Gear Buying Guide, which outlines key considerations for building an effective loadout.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

COMPLETE YOUR LOADOUT

Customer Reviews

Overall rating: 5.0 / 5 from 59 reviews.

Customer photo review of RTS Tactical RICO V1 Special Operations Vest with NIJ 06 Level IIIA Soft Armor

I absolutely love this armor, our entire team loves it and cannot wait to purchase theirs, even our social media followers are happy with us, our goal is to be able to have one for every officer at Guardian Angel! Thanks for making such a wonderful comfortable protective gear.

Barnabas G. 5/5 Verified

RTS Tactical RICO V1 Special Operations Vest with NIJ 06 Level IIIA Soft Armor

Customer photo review of RTS Tactical RICO V1 Special Operations Vest with NIJ 06 Level IIIA Soft Armor

The good, exactly what I needed, level iiia outer vest with molle so I could get gear off my belt for comfort. High quality material and construction. The bad, QD buckles are a bit clumsy to lock but you get used to them. Shoulder straps need more adjustability, would like to make them a little tighter. Shoulder pads were way too bulky and needed ditching for my use. The ugly, nowhere did it say when I ordered it there would be a 30+ day lead time. Overall I am happy with my purchase and believe I.got good value and my needs were met.

David B. 4/5 Verified

RTS Tactical RICO V1 Special Operations Vest with NIJ 06 Level IIIA Soft Armor

Customer photo review of RTS Tactical Slim Tac Special Operations Body Armor Vest - NIJ 07 HG2 (Level IIIA)

I bought this vest in response to a spinal injury that made duty belts almost impossible to survive in for a full shift. I typically work 12-16hr days and needed to get back to full function. Well, this vest was the key. I took everything except my sidearm holster and tac gloves off of my belt and placed it all on this vest. It's solid, doesn't sag, doesn't warp, doesn't hang to one side or the other, and looks really good! All of the guys in my agency love the way it looks and functions. Everyone praises how sharp it looks. I'll admit there are lower cost options out there, but the quality of this vest is unmatched. The only thing I feel was missing, was a more modular siding. MOLLE instead of just smooth fabric would be nice to mount IFAKs or TQs, but there's enough space to mount that elsewhere. There's so many ways you can modify this kit to be mission specific.

Cesar C. 5/5

RTS Tactical Slim Tac Special Operations Body Armor Vest - NIJ 07 HG2 (Level IIIA)

Customer photo review of RTS Tactical Slim Tac Special Operations Body Armor Vest - NIJ 07 HG2 (Level IIIA)

I’ve been an RTS customer for years, and the Slim Tac fits right in with the quality I’ve come to expect. I wear it on night shifts and it’s been easy to work in from the start. It sits close to the body, doesn’t feel bulky, and stays comfortable while moving around the vehicle, handling radios, and being on scene for hours. Cables stay out of the way, gear stays put, and nothing feels like it’s pulling or shifting. Overall, I’ve been very happy with my experience.

Noam 5/5

RTS Tactical Slim Tac Special Operations Body Armor Vest - NIJ 07 HG2 (Level IIIA)

Customer photo review of RTS Tactical RICO Special Operations Vest with Commander Level IIIA (HG2) Soft Armor

Been wearing the vest over 2 months, 4 days a week and no complaints so far. Nice fit, comfortable contour around the body. I like the cumber bun that fixes the rear panel to your body and allows the front to be pulled away/ move slightly, allowing greater flexibility and movement when having to stoop or bend. High quality materials and very durable. Definitely a vest you can rely on to keep up with the hectic dangers on the streets we face today. Highly recommend.

Kevin J. 5/5 Verified

RTS Tactical RICO Special Operations Vest with Commander Level IIIA (HG2) Soft Armor

Customer photo review of RTS Tactical RICO Special Operations Vest with Commander Level IIIA (HG2) Soft Armor

As a Deputy Sheriff Since 1990 with 15 years of swat experience. I ordered a shield and Rico Vest carrier. First was the wrong size. Bill Force gave excellent customer service and got the right size right back to me. The quality is good and customer service is excellent. I would recommend RTS Tactical and would not hesitate to shop here again in the future.

E Scott S. 5/5

RTS Tactical RICO Special Operations Vest with Commander Level IIIA (HG2) Soft Armor

Customer photo review of RTS Tactical RICO Special Operations Vest with Commander Level IIIA (HG2) Soft Armor

The shoulder pads need to be somehow mounted. They cause the actual shoulder strap to loosen while wearing. The strap itself needs to be reconfigured to be smaller, and better retention after tightening. The quick disconnect is good, but there needs to be more areas of adjustment for the shoulder straps. The armor doesn’t fill out the entire upper chest. It leaves about 1 1/2 inches of excess material where there should be armor. The side pocket where you’re able to put in ballistic plates is good but with the soft armor being standard underneath there needs to be a pocket or strap inside that can hold a trauma plate. I was able to configure something on the inside. The radio pocket is decent, but without it being a true cummerbund it sits uneven and then sits uneven on the chest while wearing. The adjustment in the back should be more accessible for adjustment and might want to be changed to Velcro. The cord doesn’t allow for even distribution of the side panels

Joshua P. 3/5 Verified

RTS Tactical RICO Special Operations Vest with Commander Level IIIA (HG2) Soft Armor

One thing I really appreciate about this vest is how customizable it is. The MOLLE webbing makes it simple to attach different pouches and gear, so you can arrange everything in a way that works best for you. Whether you’re using it for training, duty, or general preparedness, it’s easy to adjust the setup to match your specific needs.

Andrew T. 5/5

RTS Tactical RICO Special Operations Vest with Commander Level IIIA (HG2) Soft Armor

I recently bought this vest and I’m really happy with it, especially the dual concealed utility pockets. The hidden zipper pockets are very useful. I can store my stuff in it. Everything stays secure and out of the way, which I really like. It keeps a clean look and doesn’t get in the way while wearing it. Overall, it’s a well-designed vest that does exactly what I need.

Jason V. 5/5

RTS Tactical Slim Tac Special Operations Body Armor Vest - NIJ 07 HG2 (Level IIIA)

HERE TO PROTECT THE PROTECTORS

We’ve worked with over 1,000 satisfied law enforcement departments, and growing.
The official Piedmont Police Department patch, representing a law enforcement agency that utilizes RTS Tactical armor and equipment.

Thomson Police Department

“The shield... will hopefully give officers the edge when dealing with violent offenders/encounters.”
A group of seven law enforcement officers stands in front of a marked police SUV in a wooded area.

Nash County Sheriff's Office

“These shields will allow for a more efficient response and, in turn, keep students safer.” “I don’t see myself going into a hallway if a shooter is in the building without one of these.”
 - Nash County School Resource Officer
Five police officers in RTS tactical gear are standing in a narrow alley between two brick buildings.

Rector Police Department

"We love our vests, and I can truly see a difference in the way my officers work with the confidence they have in their gear." - Chief Kelly
Four armed law enforcement officers in tactical gear are positioned near a wooden building, with one officer aiming a firearm while another holds a shield.

Marin County Sheriff's Office

"Our Special Response Team (SRT) purchased RTS LEGION Shields recently, and they are above and beyond what we expected. They are lightweight, with great ergonomics and features. Having the ability to see through the ballistic glass, coupled with the LED light and cut-outs for proper presentation with a pistol, means we don’t lose a gun, just to add a shield.
We are looking forward to using these more and keeping them available in all our tactical vehicles."

FEATURED BY

Association of the United States Army National Tactical Officers Association Body Armor News NTOA Member Tested and Recommended FireFighter Nation Officer GSA Multiple Award Schedule Soldier Systems Association of the United States Army National Tactical Officers Association Body Armor News NTOA Member Tested and Recommended FireFighter Nation Officer GSA Multiple Award Schedule Soldier Systems Association of the United States Army National Tactical Officers Association Body Armor News NTOA Member Tested and Recommended FireFighter Nation Officer GSA Multiple Award Schedule Soldier Systems Association of the United States Army National Tactical Officers Association Body Armor News NTOA Member Tested and Recommended FireFighter Nation Officer GSA Multiple Award Schedule Soldier Systems Association of the United States Army National Tactical Officers Association Body Armor News NTOA Member Tested and Recommended FireFighter Nation Officer GSA Multiple Award Schedule Soldier Systems Association of the United States Army National Tactical Officers Association Body Armor News NTOA Member Tested and Recommended FireFighter Nation Officer GSA Multiple Award Schedule Soldier Systems Association of the United States Army National Tactical Officers Association Body Armor News NTOA Member Tested and Recommended FireFighter Nation Officer GSA Multiple Award Schedule Soldier Systems Association of the United States Army National Tactical Officers Association Body Armor News NTOA Member Tested and Recommended FireFighter Nation Officer GSA Multiple Award Schedule Soldier Systems Association of the United States Army National Tactical Officers Association Body Armor News NTOA Member Tested and Recommended FireFighter Nation Officer GSA Multiple Award Schedule Soldier Systems
A soldier in tactical gear sits at a desk, holding a pink rotary phone. The desk has a rifle, papers, and an old computer.
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A soldier in full gear sits at a wooden desk, using a pink rotary phone. A rifle and computer are present on the desk.

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