At SHOT Show 2025, Body Armor News caught up with Mike Slate, founder and CEO of Slate Solutions, to discuss the company’s remarkable growth and innovation in the body armor industry.
Founded in Florida, Slate Solutions has evolved over the past decade into a premier manufacturer of concealable, tactical, and hard armor. With 25 years of experience in product development, Slate launched the company with a small team, steadily expanding its workforce by 90% as the business grew. Initially operating under an OEM model, the company secured key contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense, supplying armor to the Navy and Army.
Three years ago, Slate Solutions introduced its own branded line of body armor, leveraging its reputation for excellence in materials, design, and technology. Now approaching its 10th anniversary, the company continues to push the boundaries of protection, comfort, and performance while serving OEM, DoD, and first responders.
Rapid Growth Backed by Expertise
In just three years, Slate Solutions has firmly established itself in the law enforcement market by leveraging its deep industry expertise to produce high-quality, innovative armor solutions. The company’s product lineup spans 14 categories, including tactical and concealable vests, hard armor plates, helmets, and shields, all designed to meet the evolving needs of law enforcement agencies.
“Our innovation has allowed us to provide some of the lightest-weight plates in the industry, providing officers comfortable rifle protection for their entire shift”
says CEO Mike Slate.
Showcasing Innovation at SHOT Show 2025
At SHOT Show 2025 in Las Vegas, Slate Solutions officially launched its latest innovation, the G-Fold shield, a lightweight, foldable Level IIIA handgun-threat shield designed for rapid deployment.
“Last year, a state agency approached us with a need for an easily deployable shield with a viewport. Their initial design led to the development of the G-Fold IIIA shield,” says Slate.
Crafted from high-performing composite materials, the G-Fold is a one-piece ballistic shield featuring a reinforced ballistic viewport and durable construction. Lightweight and foldable, it can be easily stored in a carry bag for convenient transport.
Engineered for easy storage and rigorously tested to endure 15,000 folding cycles without compromising integrity, the G-Fold ensures reliable handgun protection while allowing officers to maintain visibility of potential threats. Its compact, foldable design enables quick deployment in confined spaces, making it an ideal defensive tool for various law enforcement scenarios.
Slate added, “Our goal was to ensure officers could deploy it seamlessly from their vehicles while maintaining visibility and protection. Demographically across the country, you have agencies that have different tactics. Take shields, for example. You have agencies that train in different places; different disciplines that they’re using to train with the shields. Their SOPs, which are their standard operating procedures, and their agencies can dictate that they can only do something a certain way, which moves the development of the product to be conducive to the region.”
The shield’s development highlights Slate Solutions’ commitment to customer-driven innovation, continuously refining its products to meet the evolving needs of law enforcement agencies across the country.
Pioneering Lightweight Protection
Balancing protection, weight, and affordability is a challenge for all body armor manufacturers, but Slate Solutions has developed an effective solution. The IC4000 Level III ICW (in conjunction with) plate has gained attention for its ultra-thin, lightweight design, making it one of the lightest NIJ-certified plates available.
Slate added, “As an ICW plate, it’s worn with soft armor and is tested to stop .308 and .556 rounds. It’s incredibly thin and lightweight, ensuring officers have all-day rifle protection without feeling weighed down.”
Available in multiple sizes, the IC4000 in a 10×12 shooters cut weighs 1.65 lbs. (0.69kg) with thinness of 0.40” (10mm). With increasing threats driving law enforcement agencies to seek rifle-rated protection for patrol officers, many have struggled with the heavy weight of traditional plates, which can lead to discomfort and long-term health concerns. Slate Solutions addresses this issue with the IC3000 and IC4000 plates, which provide high-level protection while remaining thin and light.
In addition to the IC4000, Slate Solutions has introduced several new soft armor products featuring advanced materials such as DuPont’s Kevlar® EXO™ technology and Avient’s 3rd Generation Dyneema®. Recognizing the need for better-fitting protection, the company has also developed and certified structured female body armor, ensuring enhanced comfort and protection for female officers.
Looking Ahead: Redefining Performance and Protection in Body Armor
What consistently sets Slate Solutions apart is its dedication to providing specialized body armor solutions tailored to the unique needs of law enforcement, military, and first responders.
As the company prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary, it reflects on a decade of innovation, steady growth, and a strong reputation in the industry. The last three years under its own brand have been particularly transformative, cementing its status as a leader in cutting-edge armor technology.
Looking ahead, Slate Solutions has ambitious plans to expand within the U.S. market, introducing greater hard armor offerings along with structured female body armor with integrated advanced materials.
With the industry evolving rapidly, Slate Solutions is well-positioned to meet NIJ 0101.07 testing requirements while continuing to develop custom solutions that address the specific needs of its customers.
With a solid foundation, a commitment to continuous progress, and a customer-first approach, Slate Solutions is poised to navigate the future while maintaining its impact in the body armor industry.
For more information, visit www.SlateSolutions.com or email [email protected].
