Adept Armor Emperor Level IV / RF3 Plate: Release Date, Price & Specs
The Adept Armor Emperor Level IV / RF3 Plate release date, MSRP price, specs and shipping status. A new armor from Adept Armor for 2026.
When can I buy it?
Now. It is shipping. Maker site lists it as available (maker: "Currently available.", Add to cart, $1,480), checked Oct 17, 2026. Stock varies by retailer and region.
- Is It Shipping?
- Shipping Maker site lists it as available (maker: "Currently available.", Add to cart, $1,480), checked Oct 17, 2026
- MSRP
- $1,480
- Announced
- Sep 17, 2026
- Category
- Armor
MSRP is the manufacturer's price from the cited source; street prices vary.
Image: Adept Armor (https://www.ade.pt/product/emperor/)
Adept Armor's Emperor is a titanium-modified boron-carbide Level IV / RF3-class plate that weighs about 4.55 lb in 10x12. Adept calls it the lightest 10x12 Level IV plate on the market.
Why it matters
A front-and-back pair runs roughly 9.1 lb, which is RF3-class protection at a weight usually associated with lighter-threat armor.
Full specs
| Protection | Level IV / RF3-class (independently tested |
|---|---|
| Ceramic | titanium-modified boron carbide |
| Sizes | S 9.0x11.2 in 4.05 lb, M 10x12 in 4.55 lb, L/XL 10.5x13.25 in 5.8 lb |
| Thickness | 1.01 in |
| Test | ETL report ETL-TR-ADA-26-069-0101, .30-06 M2 AP at 2,914 ft/s, 22.83 mm BFD |
| Price | $1,480 per plate |
| Material | IvoryGuard |
| Shape | SAPI-style multi-curve |
| Pair weight | 9.10 lb (medium) |
Specs from: Adept Armor product page. Checked Oct 17, 2026. Where sources disagree we use the maker's figure. Specs the maker has not published are left out.
Status history
Adept says Emperor "is not presently listed as an NIJ Compliance Testing Program model"; the RF3 claim rests on independent ETL testing. Maker page said "Currently available." on 2026-10-17.
Who it's for: Prepared citizens and professionals who want protection, where state law allows.
Compare with
Similar new releases at a similar price, from our database:
| Product | Status | MSRP | Announced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adept Armor Emperor Level IV / RF3 Plate (this page) | Shipping | $1,480 | Sep 17, 2026 |
| Adept Armor Archon Mark 2 Level IV Plate | Listed, no stock | $588 | Sep 17, 2026 |
| Agilite K-Zero SF Plate Carrier | Shipping | $339 | Jan 20, 2026 |
| HRT Tactical Gear XVC Plate Carrier | Shipping | $224.95 | Apr 7, 2026 |
FAQ
- When was the Adept Armor Emperor Level IV / RF3 Plate released?
- Adept Armor announced it Sep 17, 2026. Its status is Shipping as of our check on Oct 17, 2026.
- How much does the Adept Armor Emperor Level IV / RF3 Plate cost?
- The manufacturer MSRP is $1,480, per our cited source. Street prices may be lower.
- When does the Adept Armor Emperor Level IV / RF3 Plate ship?
- It is shipping now, per our latest check. Stock varies by retailer.
- Where can I buy the Adept Armor Emperor Level IV / RF3 Plate?
- We last saw it at Adept Armor store. Check the maker page for authorized dealers.
Alternatives
- More new Adept Armor releases for 2026
- All new plate carriers & body armor: release dates and prices
- NIJ 0101.07 explained: HG1, HG2, RF1, RF2, RF3
- What's shipping now: every release tracked
Last verified: . Status and prices come from cited sources. How we verify.
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