Plate carrier

[burt gummer]

So I’ve read a lot of posts on a few companies about vests but I was wondering what people thought about specter defense, LA police gear, and ar500

 

[jsx1043]

If you’re going to go down the armor road, there’s a lot to consider: budget, uses, desired protection level, etc.

As an armor wearer for more than 20 years and wearing a LOT of different iterations, my recommendation for anyone wanting to get started is to get a decent plate carrier and start with level IIIA soft armor, sometimes called “backers,” as they can be used to up the protection level of rifle plates. This configuration will most likely be the most cost effective and most efficient route for a new user. While this configuration only provides protection from pistol rounds, it is also lighter to a new wearer who’s just getting started, making it easier to acclimate, and provides the necessary protection that most “need” (subjective, obviously) and is very easy to upgrade to rifle plates later on.

Plate carriers are also easy to customize and accessorize to a wearer’s needs. Depending on the carrier, different chest rigs can be equipped or MOLLE pouches can be directly attached.

Using a PC versus a contoured vest like a NIJ police vest or similar does result in less coverage, but they also cost less and are more easily customized. There are some manufacturers that do make larger contoured armor panels and carriers, and many are in use in the military, LE, and the like.

Just remember that like everything else, you get what you pay for. Soft armor panels/backers can be had for $100-$150 each these days, maybe even less on sale. A good quality entry-level plate carrier is about the same range. Keeping an eye in the classifieds here and websites like Tacswap.com and social media rooms on FB and Reddit can provide some good deals as well. And don’t forget eBay, there’s a treasure trove there.

I’d recommend to stay away from older Condor, Fox Tactical, NcStar and the other Chinese junk, although the new laser cut MOLLE PCs from Condor have turned out to be fairly decent, especially for those on a budget and limited use. Brands like Velocity, Ferro Concepts, Crye, Eagle, Tactical Tailor, HSGI, and Spiritus Systems are the tops dogs, with a few others mixed in.

When it comes to plate carriers, this will help answer questions about methodology and proper wear:

http://sixty-six.org/files/GUNFIGHTER_ANATOMY_proper_wear_of_armor.pdf

A couple of good deals for entry-level users:

GAMBESON ARMOR PACKAGE

Suarez International manufacturers aftermarket custom pistol and rifle accessories, knives, and we do custom firearm work. We are also a top firearms training company in the United States.

suarezinternational.com

Low Profile System Set

Low Profile System Set

www.onetigris.com

(Note: While Onetigris is considered an airsoft manufacturer, I’ve had both a PC and chest rig from Onetigris and they are pretty good quality, especially for a new/budget user. I wouldn’t recommend it if I wouldn’t wear it on duty.)

Please feel free to share your desired use/specs and ask any other questions and I’ll be happy to help get you into something.

 

[jsx1043]

Oh, ALSO: Friends do NOT let friends buy steel plates! They are heavy, dangerous and not cost effective with the prices of good carriers and even composite rifle plates these days, let alone soft armor panels.

I won’t fault someone for buying a steel plate kit within their budget, but you’ll be glad you didn’t in the long run. There’s a reason why they’re so cheap, armored professionals don’t use them, and why so many setups are for sale on FB, Craigslist, etc.!

Steel is for targets downrange.

 

[BehindBlueI's]

Oh, ALSO: Friends do NOT let friends buy steel plates!

But what if I want every day to be leg day?

 

[jsx1043]

But what if I want every day to be leg day?

Do squats LOL

 

[VERT]

JSX, you mentioned soft armor upping the protection level of rifle plates. Do you have any opinions on how this works? I have read mixed opinions/reviews. For instance level 3 or lighter 3a plates are relatively cheap and plentiful right now. What would be the estimated result if a person used these in conjunction with a soft panel?

 

[joe138]

Soft armor will help mitigate back face deformation. I have 3a armor in my plate carrier and the plates are lvl 3 ICW plates. ICW means IN conjunction with. They are designed to use with soft armor. This allows the plates to generally be thinner and lighter versus stand alone plates of the same level.

 

[jsx1043]

Soft armor will help mitigate back face deformation. I have 3a armor in my plate carrier and the plates are lvl 3 ICW plates. ICW means IN conjunction with. They are designed to use with soft armor. This allows the plates to generally be thinner and lighter versus stand alone plates of the same level.

Yep, this covers it.

Armor is one of those things that takes quite a bit of research and time to learn it’s intricacies. Steel, ceramic, composite, HDPE, Kevlar, dyneema, swimmer cut, shooter cut, SAPI, ESAPI, ICW, levels III, IIIA, and IV, NIJ standards, back face deformation, spalling.....

There’s a LOT to cover out there.

 

[goob469]

jsx1043 hinted on this - but don't forget the convoluted world of, NIJ Certified and "tested" to NIJ Certifications.

 

[A-Aron88]

Tactical Body Armor & Ballistic Plates: Soft Armor, Plate Vest Carriers - Warrior Poet Society

Shop for body armor, plate carriers, and level III, III+ and IV plates. Click to view our body armor products.

warriorpoetsupplyco.com

I went with these and the HRT RAC carrier.
Definitely do some research for yourself, but I've been happy with this setup thus far.

 

[pokersamurai]

jsx1043 hinted on this - but don't forget the convoluted world of, NIJ Certified and "tested" to NIJ Certifications.

Came here to say the same thing. NIJ tested does not equal NIJ certified. I would only ever buy NIJ certified.

 

[Ark]

RMA 1155MC "The Basics" Level 4 Armor Bundle | Apex Armor Solutions

Get 6 Months Interest Free Financing With PayPal Pay Later.Click Here To Learn More. 1155MC Plates In StockPlate Carrier: 4-6 Week Lead TimeAlternatives:-Highcom 4S17M (Level 4) Basics Armor Bundle as a lighter and thinner alternative (HERE)DESCRIPTION:Introducing our new Basics Level 4 Armor...

www.apexarmorsolutions.com

RMA 1155 "Essentials" Level 4 Armor Bundle (Front Flap Included) | Apex Armor Solutions

Get 6 Months Interest Free Financing With PayPal Pay Later.Click Here To Learn More. MEPC Made to order: 4-6 week lead time (ships separate)Plates in StockAlternatives:1. Highcom 4S17M (Level 4) Essentials Armor Bundle as a lighter and thinner alternative (HERE)2. Highcom 4S17M (Level 4)...

www.apexarmorsolutions.com

Both pretty reasonably priced when you actually add everything up. The 1155s are excessively heavy, but do offer legit Level IV protection and there is a multicurve option that makes them a little more comfortable. The carrier is very solid and uses a modern style placard system. Both molle and slick elastic cumberbunds available, and the quick releases are nice. Rear can be slick or molle.

My only complaint about the MEPC so far is that the shoulder straps are a little close together and crowd my massive beefcake neck. So I have to wear something with a collar and can't run nice cushy aftermarket shoulder pads.