Favorite plate carrier?

[secondstoryguy]

Looking for a plate carrier and I'm overwhelmed by the amount of current choices on the market. I considering the Crye JPC 2.0, SKD Pig, or the TYR Pico. What are you guys using?

[SLG]

I use the Crye. Awesome.

I have used the PIG too. It is really excellent, but not nearly as small or light as the Crye.

[John Hearne]

Work bought us 5.11 plate carriers. They are OK but do not don and doff as quickly as I would like. I really like the tubes system that First Spear offers. SKD has a proprietary design that incorporates them for under $200. If you are .gov, the First Spear options are actually very affordable.

SKD: http://www.skdtac.com/FirstSpear-STT-Plate-Carrier-SKD-Exclusive-p/fsr.550.htm
First Spear: http://www.first-spear.com/product.php?productid=17618

[Gray222]

I have a tyr tactical BPC which is pretty good. I've has for a while and it has the dedicated front three mag pouches. It really stands up to abuse.



I use the Crye. Awesome.

I have used the PIG too. It is really excellent, but not nearly as small or light as the Crye.

The JPC is a great PC. I'm always on the fence of buying one.

SKD has a bunch of various PCs that work really well, too.

[txdpd]

Your height and build will play a big role. What size plates are you looking at? How long will and often will you wear it?

I'm currently using the AMI molle plate carrier. It's very quick on and off, good quality and completely overpriced for what it is. The trade off for having a buckle closure instead of a cummerbund is trading speed for stability.

I tried the SKD Pig and it was just a PITA to put on. If I was wearing a plate carrier for hours at a time on a regular basis, it'd be at the top of my list.
After that I had the SKD Pig Brig with Velocity system plates. I thought it was a pretty good carrier for patrol work. Not comfortable or particularly stable, but quick to put on and low cost.

[breakingtime91]

Ferro concepts slickster is quite nice.

[Erick Gelhaus]

Really depends on the role. I have two - one for patrol, another for a different assignment.

One patrol, where I'm already going to have concealed soft armor, I use Blue Force Gear's PC. I modified it by adding a First Spear cummerbund with their tubes to it because the elastic side strap just didn't do it.

Have heard really good things from a few co-workers, and others, who use the Crye JPC. First Spear has a L/E patrol specific carrier with fixed pouches and their tubes as a closure. Again, it depends on your role, need.

[SoCalDep]

I've tried several, but my advice would change somewhat depending on the specific need of the individual.

For a patrol PC to throw over the uniform/soft body armor I've used (besides some horrible ones we won't talk about) the Shellback Banshee and the ATS Tactical Aegis pretty heavily. I'm currently using the Aegis primarily for work with my two Banshees for other purposes (a dedicated shotgun rig and a backup rifle rig). I like that with the Aegis I can keep one half of the cummerbund on my support side for my med kit while having a buckle attachment on my strong side (you'll have to order and add the other attachment type) for quick donning. It works really well. Adjustment is easy and they use super-duper velcro so things stay put.

I still do like the Banshee, and the more modern QD version (which I don't have) allows for some MOLLE attachment on the support side with a buckle release on the strong side, but it would be better if there was a way to lock the cummerbund in place. I did it on mine by putting a pouch on the rear with one MOLLE strap on the rear plate pocket and the other on the cummerbund. The Banshee isn't as easy to adjust the shoulder straps and I found that on one of mine, if I didn't re-route the shoulder strap back through the buckle it would slip sometimes and that's not good. That said, if I needed to attach "stuff" to both sides of a cummerbund and needed that MOLLE real estate, I think the way the Banshee opens up works better than the ATS for quickly (relatively) donning.

If you're looking for simplicity, there are several manufacturers that make a good dual-buckle setup. I tried out a Point Blank plate carrier that had buckles on both sides and it seemed very nice for the price but I haven't had the opportunity to really use it.

I'm sure you'll get better and more modern feedback from others but those have worked for me wearing them with heavy plates and multiple mags for 8 or so hours a day fairly often.

[secondstoryguy]

I'm looking for a dedicated carrier to wear stand alone for extended periods. Needs to carry 2-3 mags, a radio, 2-3 bangs and a smaller hydration carrier.

[Jason M]

The VS Scarab is exceptional! Light weight, super comfortable even with heavy TAC3S plates from AMI, is able to run the kangaroo pouch or a swift clip placard and, with the addition of quarter flaps, is quick to don/doff. I came from a Banshee. The Banshee was a great carrier and would still be my pick for an exclusively "over the uniform" carrier but for what you are looking for, try the Scarab.

[Gray222]

I'm looking for a dedicated carrier to wear stand alone for extended periods. Needs to carry 2-3 mags, a radio, 2-3 bangs and a smaller hydration carrier.

Extended periods?

I'd invest in a top tier one.

Crye, First Spear, Tyr Tactical, Velocity Systems, and SKD on the cheapest of those.

[Shoresy]

I have a TYR GPC in the classifieds if you choose to go that route. Good carrier; I switched to a Banshee - which pairs well with a belt setup and has fastex by the collarbone for a quick-release - leaving the GPC largely unused. It's lightweight, rides well, and the interior mesh does well in the heat.

[txdpd]

I'm looking for a dedicated carrier to wear stand alone for extended periods. Needs to carry 2-3 mags, a radio, 2-3 bangs and a smaller hydration carrier.

I think a SKD Pig would be worth looking at.

I did the Crossfit Murph workout in it and I didn't get chafed up too badly, and even though I wore it pretty high I didn't popped in the throat or chin with the top edge of the plate. The padding in the back didn't help much with airflow, but seemed to create enough space to help take some the kidney jabbing out of the bottom corners of the plate.

[TGS]

Do you have a need to switch your loadout on the fly (going slick>heavy, breacher>spotter, warrant>surveillance, whatever), or will you be okay with everything strapped down "permanently" on the MOLLE whenever you don the carrier?

[J_B]

For throw on over uniform/soft armor, I have a Ferro Concepts Slickster.

For K9 call outs/while at training throw and go, I have a Velocity Systems Scarab LT. I was able to get the whole deal with extra c-bunds and zip on pack. I also put a Mayflower/VS 7.62/5.56 triple placard GP on it.

Both very well made and comfortable. I have run SKD PIG and LBT6094 slick but have been happy with the VS and Ferro.

[secondstoryguy]

It will probably be set up the same way for most ops with the exception of the back. I'd like to have the option to quickly remove the hydration carrier/backpack for longer duration mounted operations(sitting in a vehicle for extended periods). This is what draws me towards the carriers with the zip off back panel although I'm not sure if I completely trust the zipper thing. Leaning toward the Crye JPC 2.0 for this reason and because it's light. Just worried that JPC won't carry radio, hydration, 3 mags, and a couple other little things with the comfort that the larger rigs would.

[SLG]

It will probably be set up the same way for most ops with the exception of the back. I'd like to have the option to quickly remove the hydration carrier/backpack for longer duration mounted operations(sitting in a vehicle for extended periods). This is what draws me towards the carriers with the zip off back panel although I'm not sure if I completely trust the zipper thing. Leaning toward the Crye JPC 2.0 for this reason and because it's light. Just worried that JPC won't carry radio, hydration, 3 mags, and a couple other little things with the comfort that the larger rigs would.

I wear soft armor under my jpc. Jpc carries between 2 and 5 rifle mags, depending on mission. Radio, trauma kit, gp pouch and 3 bangs. Perfectly comfortable for long days and nights.

I prefer to wear a backpack with a bladder, or a pack with canteens, dep3nding on what I need. I don't like hydration attached to the pc.

[SCSU74]

I'm a big dude 6'5 350# and needed 11x14 plates so was limited somewhat, I came across HSGI and have been very happy so far. I purchased the carrier, shoulder pads, blowout kit and 2x double tacos (AR/Pistol) in 2012 and it has held up really well. I leave the left side clipped all the time so I can just throw it on and clip the right side. I haven't had any durability issues and it is plenty comfortable for my uses (worn on pergun/high risk calls). I keep it in a SKD armor bag and that has done a good job of protecting the plates and keeping all my gear in one spot. I also have a helmet and drop leg med pouch in the armor bag so I can throw it all on at once.

[Default.mp3]

The CamelBak ArmorBak allows you to easily attach or remove the bladder from the plate carrier, by using plastic buckles. I tried using a CamelBak MULE with my plate carrier, but it didn't really work very well, due to the shoulder straps not laying flat at all.

I personally have a Tyr PICO for overt plate carrier use (which for me basically means TEOTWAWKI, carbine class, or Instagram), should you have any questions about the Tyr stuff. I personally chose the PICO due to the X-Frame system, and piddling around my house with it on, the X-Frame system does seem to help place the weight on my waist more, without significantly hindering mobility. I also have a Blue Force Gear PLATEminus for if I need a minimalistic carrier.

Honestly, I would suggest getting plates first, then deciding which plate carrier, so that there won't be issues between your plates and PC in terms of sizing.

[J_B]

It will probably be set up the same way for most ops with the exception of the back. I'd like to have the option to quickly remove the hydration carrier/backpack for longer duration mounted operations(sitting in a vehicle for extended periods). This is what draws me towards the carriers with the zip off back panel although I'm not sure if I completely trust the zipper thing. Leaning toward the Crye JPC 2.0 for this reason and because it's light. Just worried that JPC won't carry radio, hydration, 3 mags, and a couple other little things with the comfort that the larger rigs would.

Sounds like the Crye or VS Scarab is what you're looking for due to zip off back panels. I really like my Scarab.

[karmapolice]

I wear soft armor under my jpc. Jpc carries between 2 and 5 rifle mags, depending on mission. Radio, trauma kit, gp pouch and 3 bangs. Perfectly comfortable for long days and nights.

I prefer to wear a backpack with a bladder, or a pack with canteens, dep3nding on what I need. I don't like hydration attached to the pc.

I'd love to see your setup! I'm in the transition of switching to Velocity scarab or a Crye JPC and will be carrying a similar load. I'd also still love to get a line on Crye's LVS soft armor lol the haven't replied to my email about availability yet.

[SLG]

I'd love to see your setup! I'm in the transition of switching to Velocity scarab or a Crye JPC and will be carrying a similar load. I'd also still love to get a line on Crye's LVS soft armor lol the haven't replied to my email about availability yet.

PM me your email and I'll get a pic in the next day or two.

[karmapolice]

I've run a Mayflower APC for a couple of years but I picked up a Velocity Systems SCARAB LT from Mike G. at Austere Provisions.

I literally got it in the mail today but I'm extremely satisfied with it, it's got some well though out design improvements. I also have some experience with Cree JPC's and have friends that have run them for a couple of years. So I'd say Crye or Velocity and you'll be good either way.

[Dave Williams]

So you give a thumbs down to the Mayflower?

[karmapolice]

So you give a thumbs down to the Mayflower?

No it was a good plate carrier for sure, however the SCARAB is a newer design with some improvements and better features. Velocity and Mayflower have been working together for years and the finally fully merged together this year.

The shoulder strap system, padding, zip panel on the rear, etc is really the bees knees on the SCARAB.

[John Hearne]

I finally got my First Spear STT carrier up and running and wore it for approximately 30 minutes in the field for the first time yesterday. While that isn't a lot of time and I need to spend some more time with it, I really like it. There is a one reason to buy this thing: THE TUBES. Within my limited experience, this is one of the quickest plate carriers to don and doff out there. I bought it on an Xmas sale so the price was under $200. I'm wearing mine in uniform so I've already got soft armor on with means the lack of shoulder padding isn't a big deal. I showed it to a fellow gear queer and he was also impressed with the tubes system and how quickly you could get into it.

The only issue I've had is that their recommendations on cummerbund sizing seems a bit off. Per their guidelines I should be in a L/M but I needed the XL/L. For reasons I'm still trying to figure out, I can only mount the toe of the stock of my rifle. I didn't have this issue with the last setup so I'm still trying to figure that part out.

http://www.skdtac.com/FirstSpear-STT-Plate-Carrier-SKD-Exclusive-p/fsr.550.htm