• DT-Cadet 8mm AR500 Armour Upgrade Kit (Bolt-On)
  • DT-Cadet 8mm AR500 Armour Upgrade Kit (Bolt-On)
  • DT-Cadet 8mm AR500 Armour Upgrade Kit (Bolt-On)
  • DT-Cadet 8mm AR500 Armour Upgrade Kit (Bolt-On)
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DT-Cadet 8mm AR500 Armour Upgrade Kit (Bolt-On)

$594.00
Shipping calculated at checkout.

DT-Cadet 8mm AR500 Armour Upgrade Kit – Full Bolt-On Upgrade for Handguns, Light Rifles & Shotguns

Upgrade Your DT-Cadet for Heavy-Duty Reactive Shooting

The DT-Cadet 8mm AR500 Armour Upgrade Kit transforms your DT-Cadet Duelling Tree (standard unarmoured or bolt-on AR450 versions only) into a higher-rated reactive system, capable of handling handguns, light rifles, and shotguns with increased durability and extended lifespan. This complete upgrade package improves performance and brings your DT-Cadet’s capabilities closer to the DT-Alpha, without needing to replace your entire tree.

If your DT-Cadet is unarmoured, drilling is required to mount the bolt-on plates. If your DT-Cadet already has aftermarket bolt-on 6mm AR450 armour, no drilling is necessary—simply unbolt the AR450 plates and install the included 8mm AR500 plates and stiffening plates.

📌 Compatible with DT-Cadet (Standard Unarmoured or Bolt-On AR450 Armour Versions Only)
📌 ❌ Not Compatible with Welded-On Armour Versions – Will not fit DT-Cadet models with factory welded AR450 armour
📌 No Drilling Required for Bolt-On Armour Versions – Pre-drilled holes align for easy installation
📌 Drilling Required for Unarmoured DT-Cadet – Drill 8x mounting holes for bolt-on armour installation
📌 Includes 2 x 8mm AR500 Spine Armour Plates (Raw & Uncoated)
📌 Includes 6 x Black Powder-Coated Stiffening Plates – Reinforces paddle mounts for heavier paddle use
📌 Includes 1 x 8mm AR500 REACK X-Base Armour Face Plate (Raw & Uncoated)
📌 Complete Fastener Set Included – Zinc-plated bolts, nuts, washers, and recoil spring hardware
📌 Allows Paddle Swapping – Remove stiffening plates for 6mm paddles, reinstall for 8mm/10mm paddles

Why Upgrade to the DT-Cadet 8mm AR500 Kit?

✔ Heavy-Duty Bolt-On Armour – Boosts spine and base durability for centre-fire and shotgun training
✔ Paddle Mount Reinforcement – Stiffening plates improve paddle actuation consistency and longevity
✔ Flexible Paddle Compatibility – Switch easily between 6mm, 8mm, and 10mm paddle plates
✔ Full Base Protection – Includes hardened REACK X-Base front face plate to protect from stray hits
✔ Quick-Change Modular Setup – Optimise system weight based on your calibre needs or event type

📌 Compatibility Reminder:

  • ✅ Suits DT-Cadet (Standard Unarmoured) and DT-Cadet with Aftermarket Bolt-On AR450 Armour

  • ❌ Does NOT suit DT-Cadet with Factory Welded-On AR450 Armour

Calibre Ratings & Shooting Distances (8mm AR500 Armour Upgrade)

🛑 Handgun (.22LR to .45 ACP)
🔹 Angled (16° to 20°+) Targets: 15 metres+
🔹 Vertical (Perpendicular) Targets: 20 metres+

🛑 Light Rifles (.223 Rem, 5.56 NATO, .300 Blackout)
🔹 Angled (16° to 20°+) Targets: 40 metres+
🔹 Vertical (Perpendicular) Targets: 60 metres+

🛑 Shotgun (.410, 12 Gauge – Birdshot & Buckshot)
🔹 Angled (16° to 20°+) Targets: 25 metres+
🔹 Vertical (Perpendicular) Targets: 30 metres+

📌 Distance recommendations are increased for bolt-on systems to account for fastener exposure.
📌 For closer range heavy-centrefire shooting, consider upgrading to a DT-Alpha with fully welded armour.

Paddle Compatibility:

📌 System rating will default to the lowest-rated paddle material, or weakest material rating in the shooting zone. 

✔ 8mm & 10mm AR500 Paddles – Must use stiffening plates installed for proper function
✔ 6mm AR450 Paddles – Can be used with stiffening plates removed
✔ 6mm Mild Steel Paddles – Can be used but will wear faster (system will default to mild steel rating)

Upgrade Flexibility

✔ Field-Adaptive Setup – Swap armour and stiffening plates depending on paddle size or calibre
✔ Lightweight Option – Remove 8mm plates and stiffeners if running rimfire-only events to reduce system weight
✔ Future-Proofed Performance – Ideal for competitive, training, and field use across a broad calibre range

Recommendation for Centrefire Rifle Users

For shooters using light centrefire rifles (.223 Rem, 5.56 NATO, .300 Blackout), upgrading to 10mm AR500 paddles is recommended to minimise paddle movement and improve lifespan. Standard 8mm paddles will perform reliably but may wear faster under repeated high-energy impacts.

📸 Photo Disclaimer: Images may show additional accessories for context. This listing is for the DT-Cadet 8mm AR500 Armour Upgrade Kit only. DT-Cadet Duelling Tree, REACK X-BASE, and paddles are sold separately.

🇦🇺 Proudly Made in Gippsland, Victoria, Australia