T.REX HESCO T212 Special Threat Plate Set
Video | What’s Included | Special Threat | Sizing | Specs | Pictures | Restrictions
Ever since the L210 was discontinued in late 2023 we’ve felt that there was a gap in the market for a budget-friendly, ceramic, special threat plate. So we approached HESCO about filling that gap that the L210 left, while improving upon the design and performance of the plate. Enter the T.REX-exclusive T212. It is a 10×12, shooter cut, single curve, special threat plate that picks up where the L210 left off.
So, what’s new? The T212 drops one round of M43 (7.62×39) protection and one round of 7.62×39 API protection, but picks up 3 rounds of the more ubiquitous M855A1 Enhanced Performance round. The T212 also manages to shed some thickness and weight over the L210, coming in at 4.7 lbs. each and .54 inches thick. Compared to the L210, this leaves the T212 set 1.6 lbs. lighter and .12 inches thinner, all while maintaining a similar price point to the L210 in it’s heyday.
OVERVIEW VIDEO
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- 2x HESCO T212 Special Threat Plates
WHAT’S A SPECIAL THREAT PLATE?
The T212 is neither a Level 3 or Level 4 plate. It’s what’s called a Special Threat Plate. The National Institute of Justice, which rates armor plates, defines a Level 3 plate as one that will stop 7.62×51 M80 ball and a Level 4 plate as one that will stop 30-06 M2 AP (NIJ 0101.06).
But what if you aren’t really concerned about full-powered rifle threats like M80 ball? Most militaries have been moving to intermediate cartridges over the last few decades, as have most civilian shooters and law enforcement agencies. And this is reflected in crime; most criminals and active shooters in recent history have used either handguns or intermediate rifle calibers. Also, some Level 3 plates are not able to stop M855 ball due to its mild-steel armor-penetrating core. They weren’t designed with this threat in mind.
Therefore, some companies sell “Special Threat” plates—plates designed around a special threat not covered by the NIJ standards. The T212 and L211 are examples of this; they drop M80 ball protection but stop several AR-15 and AKM light armor-penetrating rounds.
SIZING
The T212 is only available in 10″ x 12″ (Large). Because of how thin these plates are, they fit tight in medium carriers and a little loose in large carriers. For our Plate Carriers, we recommend sticking with a medium for more stability.
The purpose of armor plates is to cover your vital organs. You can use HESCO’s Hard Armor Fitting Guide to determine what size plates you need. (You can get a good idea of your size by measuring nipple to nipple and clavicle to a few inches above your belly button.)
If you have any further questions about protection levels, sizing, plate cuts, single/multi-curve, etc, please refer to our Body Armor For Beginners article for more information.
SPECS
What hits can this plate take from different rounds? The T212 protects against the following:
Lead Core
- 5.56x45mm – M193 – Max Velocity; 3280 ft/s – 3 Shots
- 7.62x39mm – M67 – Max Velocity; 2410 ft/s – 3 Shots
Mild Steel Core
- 5.56x45mm – M855/SS109 – Max Velocity; 3150 ft/s – 3 Shots
- 7.62x39mm – M43 – Max Velocity; 2410 ft/s – 2 Shots
Enhanced Performance
- 5.56x45mm – M855A1 – Max Velocity; 3180 ft/s – 3 Shots
Consult the Threat Matrix on the Technical Specifications sheet (pictured) for specifics.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
| Size | 10″ x 12″ |
| Weight | 4.7 lb (Per Plate) |
| Thickness | 0.54″ |
PICTURES
RESTRICTIONS
Body Armor is regulated by Federal Law.
We are restricted to selling and shipping to ONLY 48 states in the US. Due to the legal requirements in the states of Connecticut and New York, we do not ship body armor there under any circumstances. This also applies to law enforcement in those states.
No body armor can be sold or shipped internationally. Not even to APO / FPO / DPO addresses.
Felons are not generally eligible to own body armor. In many states, it is only violent felons who are not eligible to own body armor. Please check your local laws before ordering if you have any questions.
