Questions about plate carriers?

Einzelfeuer

Einzelfeuer

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I guess this goes in this section. I just got some level 4 multi curve plates and I'm having a hard time deciding on a carrier for them.
I wont be doing any ninja stuff in it most likely just standing around and I wanted to find something a little less mall ninja because I'm not going to need to attach a bunch of random crap to it, probably just need some mag pouches, IFAK, and hydration on the back. I've been looking at some low profile carriers like the ones offered by London Bridge Trading but there's so many variables with these things it's hard to decide.
How well do the carriers with elastic cummerbunds fit? Do they fit better than the carriers with rigid or adjustable ones or worse?
Are most low profile carriers less comfortable with heavier plates?
I think my main goal is choosing a carrier that is comfortable and not needlessly complicated.
What carriers have you all had experience with?
 
I’ve used a couple different ones to train with. My favorite set up is slick front and back. I have some kind of minimalist carrier from chase tactical now. It’s not the most fancy but it gets the job done. I put mags and ifak on my blue alpha gear/war poet society belt. When I first started down the plate carrier path I had all kinds of stuff hanging off the front, back, and sides. I quickly learned that was not the way for me. I’ve never been in live action gun battle but imo if you’re ever getting shot at you’re going to want to stay low to the ground and having mags and whatever else hanging off the front of the PC is not productive for getting prone to get a shot off or crawling on your belly.

I’m sure people with more experience than me will chime in I’m just some idiot who goes out to my farm to do some run and gun drills with my carrier and belt.
 
The current trend of many that I work with is more minimalistic on the carrier and moving more to the belt. I see a lot of the CRYE JPC 2.0, Spiritus Systems LV119, and the Velocity System Scarab at work but I am mil so demands are a little different. I have a Spiritus Systems LV119 with A&A tactical cumberbund that is somewhat elastic to allow me to carry mags and stuff in it if need be but lays flat when nothing is in it. 20220614_172121.jpg
 
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I am a very big fan of the Velocity Scarabs and Mayflower APC’s, you cannot go wrong with Crye and Spiritus systems as mentioned earlier with carriers.

It’s hard pulling the trigger on one without being able to try it on, especially with how expensive they can be. If you’d like to try one of mine on, I can see if I can get one up that way.
 
Given what you want to do I would think about a 'mid' level like 5.11. Sure, Crye, Spiritus, and Mayflower are the heat, but you are not going to get a lot more based on what you said you are going to do in it, and you would spend a lot more money.

If you order one online make sure you get it from a reputable vendor with a return policy. They can fit wonky, and the way they fit is not standard (i.e., I wear a medium in a couple, a large in others).

Elastic straps vs cummerbund with pockets for plates are based on preference; one is not 'better' than the other, though the elastic straps make the PC weigh a tad less (or a lot less if you add plates to the cummerbund).

I would not worry about slick vice not slick. If you buy with molle you simply can not add stuff to it. I will say, I do like the kangaroo pocket on the front. I have the Mayflower APC and I wear it slick (though I have a crapload of accoutrements to add if I desire).
 
Thanks for the opinions gentlemen. I went ahead an ordered a London Bridge low profile carrier that was on sale with elastic sides. Like @CarolinaColtCollector said, it's hard knowing how one will fit, but I paid so little for this one I'll give it a try first. If it doesn't really work out it sounds like several of you like the Mayflower, might need to try that. Probably have the JPC 2.0 on the list too.
Might need to look into a belt too, because I hate having stuff dangling between me and my rifle.
Chuckman said:
If you order one online make sure you get it from a reputable vendor with a return policy. They can fit wonky, and the way they fit is not standard (i.e., I wear a medium in a couple, a large in others).
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That's what kept me away from London Bridge's cheaper LBX line. Seems like the sizing is not standard and I was reading horror stories about people trying to shove medium plates in their "medium" carrier.
 
Einzelfeuer said:
Thanks for the opinions gentlemen. I went ahead an ordered a London Bridge low profile carrier that was on sale with elastic sides. Like @CarolinaColtCollector said, it's hard knowing how one will fit, but I paid so little for this one I'll give it a try first. If it doesn't really work out it sounds like several of you like the Mayflower, might need to try that. Probably have the JPC 2.0 on the list too.
Might need to look into a belt too, because I hate having stuff dangling between me and my rifle.

That's what kept me away from London Bridge's cheaper LBX line. Seems like the sizing is not standard and I was reading horror stories about people trying to shove medium plates in their "medium" carrier.
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LBT makes quality kit. You'll be happy with it.
 
I tried a few and then ended up with a High Speed Gear Weesatch. I’ve been using it at robin sage, with plates, for about 10 years.

I like it.
 
Chdamn said:
I tried a few and then ended up with a High Speed Gear Weesatch. I’ve been using it at robin sage, with plates, for about 10 years.

I like it.
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When Gene Higdon designed the Weesatch is was deeply influenced by Force Recon Marines. It's a great piece of kit, too bad it's not still manufactured.

If you need yours repaired Gene now owns https://www.meangeneleather.com/

Fyi
 
This is kind of a shameless plug, but also not really since I got this stuff to help out my friends and our community, and since we are talking about plate carriers.

I have a couple Mayflower and Scarab PC’s for sale. If I can facilitate helping anyone being able to try sizes on or figure out which PC you like, I’m more than happy to do that even if you don’t buy anything from me. I have medium/large/XL. The XL’s aren’t available since I’m a lard ass and they are mine, but you can try one.

NC - Velocity Systems Plate Carriers and chest rigs.

Stolen freshly out of a SWAT truck, ready for you to strut around your house in nothing but your underwear. All jokes aside. I’ve got some plate carriers I’d like to let go. First and foremost, they do NOT come with plates, and they are used, but hardly. I have 2 sizes currently, MEDIUM and...
carolinafirearmsforum.com carolinafirearmsforum.com
 
I like this carrier, it fits really well and it's comfortable, but the multicurve plate is giving me some grief. the very top of it is a little bit too multicurved and it wants to dig into my chest. I think it's made for someone with a bigger chest.
 
Are they 10x12 or SAPI?

Defense Mechanisms MEPC is a great base for SAPI cut plates. For 10x12, you just have to check with the manufacturer what sizes fit what. Some have more give than others. For the MEPC, I'm pretty sure you'd have to get the Large for 10x12's to fit. Just checked, it's a Medium, so it works for both Medium SAPI and 10x12 which is cool.


I have RMA 1155MC in a Beez Combat APTUM. I also own some Velocity Systems special threats that are SAPI smalls, but that's my ultra low-vis stuff for a slick carrier that I wear under a shirt.
 
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My setup is a JPC 1.0 with RMA multi-curve plates, and I really enjoy it. Mainly worn when training and hiking. Allows me to carry essentials without bogging down with a bunch of extra stuff I will likely never need. I did add a Source hydration pack on the back, which is really nice to have.
 
scnomad said:
My setup is a JPC 1.0 with RMA multi-curve plates, and I really enjoy it. Mainly worn when training and hiking. Allows me to carry essentials without bogging down with a bunch of extra stuff I will likely never need. I did add a Source hydration pack on the back, which is really nice to have.
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JPC is a great design
 
I think I need a normal plate for the front. Ran some drills with the carrier and plates today, and they ride well for the most part, but the top of the front plate is still hitting my chest in a way that leaves me with a bruise. Has anyone ever had a similar problem?
 
Einzelfeuer said:
I think I need a normal plate for the front. Ran some drills with the carrier and plates today, and they ride well for the most part, but the top of the front plate is still hitting my chest in a way that leaves me with a bruise. Has anyone ever had a similar problem?
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Are you running trauma pads under the plates?
 
Johnny said:
Are you running trauma pads under the plates?
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I've got some bookmarked but haven't bought any yet. I'm thinking first of cutting an old army ground pad to size and seeing if I can stuff it in the carrier or coming up with some way to just cushion the very top lip of the front plate, which is the only place that rubs me wrong.
 
Einzelfeuer said:
I think I need a normal plate for the front. Ran some drills with the carrier and plates today, and they ride well for the most part, but the top of the front plate is still hitting my chest in a way that leaves me with a bruise. Has anyone ever had a similar problem?
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Johnny said:
Are you running trauma pads under the plates?
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Try trauma plates or just some foam inserts you can DIY. Also soft armor if you want to pay the $.

Also make sure all your straps are nice and snug.
 
I rocked an LBT during my last pump to Kabul; they’re good stuff, you’ll be happy with it. The plate should curve over your chest muscles. And yes, drop a thin pad, israeli bandage or plate for cushion.
I’m with you on liking it as slick as possible. I was in vehicles alot, so my holster went crossdraw on the carrier ( you’ll never reach it otherwise while sitting in a vehicle) . I carry happy rifle mags on my thigh rig and not a lot on belt otherwise. I carried my extra-extra mags and assorted menagerie in a grab bag.
 
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I accidentally fixed my problem with some HSGI WAS/WEE shoulder pads. I don't know why it worked but I think it pulled the front plate out just enough to make it comfortable.
 
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