Gladiator

What Gladiator does

Gladiator Solutions Inc. (DBA Gladiator Solutions) is a US-based original equipment manufacturer of personal protective ballistic systems, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Danville, USA. The company designs and manufactures NIJ-certified hard armor plates (Level IIIA through Level III++), soft armor vests and inserts (Level IIIA multi-threat), ballistic helmets (high/mid/full cut systems), and tactical plate carriers, with all products sold as one-time hardware purchases. Core materials are High-Performance Polyethylene (HPPE), Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE), hybrid UHMWPE/Ceramic composites, and Aramid fibers (Kevlar/Twaron), integrated with proprietary Round Dispersion Technology (RDT) — a registered trademark that absorbs projectile kinetic energy by spreading impact forces across a wider surface area, differentiating the company's plates from steel (deflects/spalls) and ceramic (fractures) alternatives. The product portfolio is completed by active-shooter bundle kits (The Tactical Operator, The Protector, The First Responder) and by service lines for vehicle ballistic fortification (T4–T8 protection levels) and building/structural fortification (UL 752 up to Level 8).

The company operates a dual go-to-market: a direct-to-consumer e-commerce channel via its Shopify storefront (gladiatorsolutions.com) serving individual buyers across both law enforcement and civilians with no sales restrictions beyond Connecticut's face-to-face requirement, and a custom-solutions contact channel for government and enterprise buyers requiring tailored protective systems. Standard delivery lead times are 4–6 weeks for made-to-order ballistic items, with same-day shipping on in-stock orders placed before 5pm. Pricing spans $129.95 for entry-level IIIA inserts to bundled kits at $1,084.95–$1,184.95, with 10% bundle savings. The customer base spans Federal/State/Local Law Enforcement, National Armed Forces, First Responders, Independent Security Contractors, civilians, and commercial/government property buyers; vehicle fortification services reach the US, Canada, Latin America, West Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

The company is privately held with no disclosed funding rounds, no disclosed revenue, no institutional investors, and no M&A activity. Certifications include NIJ 0101.06, UL 752, STANAG 4569, US Military Specification, European Ballistics Standards, and ITAR. Leadership comprises Matt Materazo (President, Founder, and CEO) and Allen Neff (Founder), with the organization staffed largely by retired law enforcement and military personnel.

Name

Gladiator

Legal name

Gladiator Solutions Inc.

Website

https://gladiatorsolutions.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Gladiator Solutions Inc. is a US-based OEM manufacturer of NIJ-certified ballistic body armor — hard armor plates, soft armor vests and inserts, helmets, and plate carriers — plus vehicle and building fortification services, selling direct-to-consumer and through custom solutions to law enforcement, military, first responders, security contractors, and civilians.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Ballistic Body Armor & Tactical Protective Equipment

akta.pro primary industry

Protective & Work Accessories Manufacturing (Safety Gloves/Hi-Vis Accessories) (IMAOAFAH)

Keywords

• Ballistic body armor
• Tactical protective equipment
• Ballistic hard armor plates
• Soft armor vests
• Ballistic helmets

Headquarters

HQ city

Danville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Ballistic Armor Products: Gladiator Solutions generates revenue through direct one-time sales of ballistic body armor products including hard armor plates, soft armor vests and inserts, ballistic helmets, and plate carriers. All products are sold as one-time purchases with no recurring subscription component. Products are made to order with 4-6 week delivery lead time.
2. Custom Products: Custom protective solutions tailored to individual client needs, working closely with clients to deliver viable and cost-effective solutions. Contact-based sales through a custom products inquiry form on their website.
3. Vehicle and Building Fortification: Ballistic resistant vehicle fortification and building/structural fortification services for law enforcement, fire and rescue, and private sector vehicles, as well as commercial and government buildings.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Gladiator Solutions is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of personal protective systems, designing, manufacturing, and selling NIJ-certified ballistic body armor and tactical outfitting including hard armor plates (Level IIIA through Level III++), soft armor vests and inserts (Level IIIA multi-threat), ballistic helmets, plate carriers, and bundle kits. The company also provides custom ballistic vehicle fortification and building/structural fortification services for law enforcement, military, first responders, security contractors, and civilian buyers, sold through a Shopify-based direct e-commerce storefront and a custom-products contact form for enterprise clients.

Product overview

Gladiator Solutions is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of personal protective systems offering a comprehensive portfolio of ballistic body armor and tactical outfitting products. The product line centers on hard armor plates (including MAXIMUS Level III++, Level III+, Level III, and Level IIIA variants), soft armor vests and inserts (NIJ Level IIIA multi-threat protection), ballistic helmets (High Cut, Full Cut, Mid Cut systems), and plate carriers (Tactical, Assault Multi-Threat, and First Responder configurations). Products utilize High Performance Polyethylene (HPPE), UHMWPE, Ceramic, and Aramid (Kevlar/Twaron) materials with proprietary Round Dispersion Technology (RDT). The company also provides custom fortification services for vehicles and buildings/structures. Configurable bundle kits like The Tactical Operator and The Protector combine helmets, carriers, and plates for complete protection systems. All products are tested to NIJ standards, US Military Specification, and European Ballistics Standards.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• MAXIMUS GS-4SC-SC Level III++ Stand Alone Ballistic Hard Armor Plate

Quantifiable outcome

• 10-year warranty on ballistic plates vs industry standard 5-year warranty
• +4 more outcomes

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Point Blank Enterprises: One of the largest US manufacturers of ballistic body armor, plate carriers, and protective systems for law enforcement and military. Directly comparable product portfolio (NIJ-certified plates, vests, helmets) and customer base, but at significantly greater scale and with established federal contract vehicles.
• Safariland Group: Major US protective equipment manufacturer producing body armor, plate carriers, helmets, and tactical gear for law enforcement and military. Directly comparable across hard/soft armor categories, with a broader portfolio spanning holsters, restraints, and communications.
• Revision Military: Manufacturer of ballistic helmets, armor systems, and protective eyewear for military and law enforcement. Directly comparable in the helmet and hard armor categories where Gladiator competes with its GS-A6 series helmets.
• Armor Express: US-based manufacturer of concealable and tactical body armor, hard armor plates, and plate carriers serving LE, federal, and military customers. Closely comparable product mix and target market to Gladiator.
• Angel Armor: Manufacturer of concealable body armor, hard armor plates, and backpack armor inserts sold through a DTC e-commerce channel similar to Gladiator. Closely comparable in product range and direct-to-consumer go-to-market motion.
• US Armor Corporation: Long-standing US manufacturer of concealable soft body armor and tactical vests for federal, state, and local law enforcement. Directly comparable in soft armor and NIJ-certified product categories.
• Survival Armor: US manufacturer of soft body armor, hard armor plates, and ballistic inserts for law enforcement and federal agencies. Directly comparable offering in NIJ-certified concealable vests and rifle plates, with overlapping agency customers.

Broad incumbents

• Propper International: US-based manufacturer of military and tactical apparel, plate carriers, and gear sold to federal, LE, and consumer channels. Overlaps with Gladiator in plate carriers and tactical outfitting, though Propper's core strength is uniforms and load-bearing equipment.
• Avon Protection: Global manufacturer of respiratory, ballistic, and CBRN protective equipment for military, law enforcement, and first responders. Overlaps with Gladiator in the helmet and head-protection categories, with a much broader protective-equipment portfolio.
• 5.11 Tactical: Large, publicly recognized tactical apparel and gear brand serving law enforcement, military, and consumer markets. Broader portfolio than Gladiator, but overlaps in plate carriers, tactical vests, and LE/military customer base.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/GladiatorSolutions
• Instagraminstagram.com/gladiatorsolutions
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/gladiator-solutions-inc.

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Gladiator