Splinter protection Ares (Set)

Splinter Protection Ares for the Torso – Slim, Flexible, Ready for Action

The Ares Splinter Protection Set is designed for users who need lightweight, freedom-of-movement fragmentation protection in a plate carrier or protective vest setup. The focus is on shrapnel and secondary fragments, as they may occur in dynamic operational situations. The insert is thin, lightweight, and flexible, ensuring a comfortable fit without unnecessarily restricting mobility on duty.

Protection Performance and Classification

The splinter protection performance is designed in accordance with STANAG 2920. STANAG 2920 is a NATO test standard for splinter protection. Testing is conducted using a fragment simulation projectile (FSP), in this case with a mass of 1.1 grams. The V50 value serves as the key performance indicator: V50 describes the velocity at which, statistically speaking, half of the impacts penetrate and half are stopped during testing. The Ares Set achieves a V50 of at least 446 m/s.

Twaron is used as the protective material. Twaron is an aramid—a high-strength fiber used in ballistic applications because it can absorb energy and distribute it throughout the composite material. In practice, this provides reliable protection against fragments while allowing the insert to remain flexible. The design is engineered to a thickness of 3 mm and has a weight per unit area of 1.8 kg per square meter. It comes with a 5-year warranty and is manufactured in Germany.

Important to note: Ballistic protection reduces risks but does not completely prevent injuries. Even if a fragment is stopped, residual energy can still impact the body as trauma and cause injuries. 

Protected Body Areas

The Ares Splinter Protection Set is intended for the torso area and helps protect vital regions in the chest and back. At the front, it can specifically cover the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels; at the back, it additionally protects the spine and adjacent structures. The specific coverage depends on the cut of the carrier vest and how the inserts fit within the respective system.

For proper use, please note: Wear the inserts exclusively in a suitable vest or carrier shell. Use without a shell is not considered proper. When used in third-party shells, the secure fit may be compromised, for example, due to differing pocket dimensions or an altered installation angle.

Target Groups and Areas of Application

• Armed forces and military-related applications in training and operational contexts
• Police and special operations units, depending on the situational assessment and mission
• Law enforcement and government agencies in high-risk situations
• Personal protection and security with a focus on fragmentation risks
• Instructors and users who prioritize a lightweight, flexible protective setup

Proper Use

Always wear ballistic protection with the strike face—the side designed to absorb impact—facing outward. The strike face faces the outer shell, away from the body. If the strike face is marked, follow the “Strike Face” label.

If there is no marking, the following applies: The “Strike Face” is the side without any printed technical data or manufacturer information. The side with technical data is always the back and must be worn against the body. When inserting the insert, ensure that it sits completely inside the pocket and is not folded or twisted.

Care Instructions

If the insert becomes dirty, clean it with a damp cloth. The heat-sealed TPU film prevents UV radiation and moisture from penetrating the aramid package. Do not use chemical cleaning agents, as these can damage the TPU film and impair the performance of the aramid.

Compatibility and Fit

The Ares Splinter Protection Set is designed for use in a compatible carrier system, particularly as part of a plate carrier setup. If you need certified soft ballistics protection against threats from handguns and submachine guns instead of splinter protection, consider the Soft Ballistic Ares VPAM 3 Plus (Set) as an alternative.

Scope of delivery

• 1x Splinter Protection front panel insert for the Ares plate carrier
• 1x Splinter Protection back panel insert for the Ares plate carrier

Note: This product was specifically designed for use by military or law enforcement personnel.