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plate carrier?

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#1 ·
I am thinking of investing in a plate carrier. Anyone have any brands or specific models the recommend? Any to stay away from?
 
#4 ·
Hate to bump this older topic ("Holy Necropost, Batman!") - but I see topics like this all the time online, and I think it turns into questions turning into more questions, or not really knowing what you want.

The first thing you need to do is realize 1) It's heavy, no matter what - yeah they have super-light solutions now, composite plates, but weight is weight and running/moving with it sucks. 2) Chafing/sweating sucks 3) You're either protection or mobility

Once you realize, and be honest with yourself, about those 3 things - then you can start to look for an body-armor solution that will fit your needs. Generally you want a more or less tough material, most are made out of Cordura and/or tough solutions. You want one that is easily taken off, has decent shoulder straps (load bearing distribution, durability, and something you can get dragged with). You'd want it breathable, some places use cummberbunds, or vents. And you want it secure, either tightening retention straps, some sort of bungee - nothing is worse than your plates/vest bouncing around - it throws your balance off, fatigues you, and then chafes you up.

And then when you see to all of that identify on a scale from Look-At-Me-I'm-A-Scout to I'm-The-Juggernaut-B*tch! - do you just want a front and back trauma plate to hopefully keep you dying for an extra second or two, or do you want full plates (front, back, sides, chaps, genitals, butt), kevlar backers and DAPS - everything short of stealing an EOD9 from some overweight, porno-stache'ed AF EOD dudes. It should go without saying the more armor you have on will make you less agile, will be heavier (remember you're still carrying supplies, water, weapons, ammo, people) and also - a bigger target. I assume you'll also have a helmet at this point, now you are big friggin target.

Plates are more or less insurance, they're good to prevent spalling, unlucky ricochets or getting crushed by a MTV (separate story) but when the 2-way shooting gallery commences, you do not want to rely on just armor from saving you getting smoked.

And from someone who has been there and done that, getting shot in the plates STILL SUCKS - at the bare minimum you are getting a nasty bruise/contusion(s), and then past that cracking/breaking bones, suffering from internal injuries and probably are on the floor gasping for breath. All that kinetic energy has to get distributed somewhere - and that's right into your soft body. There are no "Best brands" or Silver Bullets for this. There is only a few ways to skin this particular cat, but typically you get what you pay for, some brands have more recognition than others due to This or That Special Something/Someone uses it - but just shop around, read some reviews, and be mindful of how it sizes/wears and you can make your own informed decisions.

And as always - people need to be wary of local laws, some states/localities do not want you in armor, I know we are all prepping here, but the world hasn't ended, so buy smart, buy legally and don't be That Guy at the range who wears full kit to shoot at paper from 5 meters away
 
#6 · (Edited)
I have a set of civi plates and a carrier (I believe it's blackhawk) from C.A.T.I. Armor.

I spent a few extra bucks and got the coating. I hear the spalling is not all that fun to the bottom of the chin..."That's what she said."



I got mine from their Ebay store:

$199 for a full set of AR500 plates and a basic carrier.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CATI-Body-Armor-Black-MOPC-Carrier-Level-3-BASE-COAT-PLATES-AR-500-10X12-6X8-/331536780471?hash=item4d3121ccb7:g:wfAAAOSw8KNW~Wqm

I am fortunate, The PD I was on issued the many levels I have, no legal issues either,

registered to me and I took them home with me after separation.

PASG helmets I have had for 25 years.
 
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