A semi afordable solution to plates

[Jerm_G]

So it's well known that many airsofters run around with armor meant for SAPI plates, without any plates in them. Those of you who do, just look retarded. Not to mention you are missing out on what's so awesome about the kit you’re wearing. Those that happen to have real plates and wear them for games all the time are just asking to damage their ridiculously expensive armor. So what's the solution? Fake SAPI plates!

Though they already exist in the airsoft market, they tend to suck. The standard fake ones that the airsoft market sells are hollowed out plastic shells that are prone to breaking and generally come in only sizes medium and large. Some vests come with foam plates that are just junk and only designed to hold the shape of the vest. So for years, many have resorted to cardboard, exacto knives and duct tape to make their own (something I myself is guilty of) and tend to work the best compared to what's available.

However there is another solution. The military and law enforcement market has been using training plates for years. Designed to the exact same specs and weight, these plates provide realistic training in non-ballistic environments without the risk of damaging the real plates and costing an organization hundreds of dollars. Even still these have been too expensive for the average airsofter to consider. Well that was what I thought until about 3 hours ago. There is a cost affordable option, even for airsofters.

In an accidental stumble, I came across the website for Warrior Trail. A company that specializes in making training armor for military and law enforcement. Their ESAPI plates are made of plastic and designed to match the exact specs of the real ESAPI plates in size, shape and weight. The ESAPIs they offer even come in all 5 sizes that are standard issue. This allows for better fitting of the plates to the individual. This means that if you wear small plates, and have a small vest, you can order small ESAPI trainers. This product is not for everyone and will likely only be of interest for the most hardcore of the community’s impressionists. But those who are looking to add a little more realism to their kit, this may be an option. I have a set on order and will update this post when they arrive with pictures and a full review.

Warrior Trail website:
https://www.warriortrail.com/gear/

[Jester316]

I might have to pick up a set, pending your reviews.

[God]

ESAPI or SAPI for the JPC?

[McNair]

Niceeee


$68 for Large ESAPI plate(s).
It says the side plates are included in the set. So I'm assuming it's front, back, and side.

[McNair]

SAPIs and ESAPIs have the same dimensions, but different weights.

And nice find Jerm!

The ESAPI plates have a curve in them.

[McNair]

This place says their ESAPI plates have a bi-curve in them and are a bit heavier than the SAPI plates.

[Jerm_G]

SAPIs are the non curved (lvl 3) plates. The ESAPIs are the curved multi hit plates (lvl 4 stand alone) and the XSAPIs are even higher rated ESAPIs (10 rds of 7.63 x 39mm AP per square inch) standard issue is the ESAPIs. XSAPIs which I have had issued to me in the past blow monkey balls. They are significantly heavier than the ESAPIs. In short, go with the ESAPIs.

[Jerm_G]

ESAPI or SAPI for the JPC?

ESAPI

[dos_Santos]

You stated the reason I haven't bothered with plates in my PC. Thanks for the heads up as this looks like the first viable solution.

[Junto]

Dunno what the fuss is all about. For as long as I've had a plate carrier, I've had fake SAPIs in it. A couple layers of properly-cut corrugated cardboard wrapped in duct and packing tape and I've had firm, lightweight "plates" ever since. They don't bend, they aren't ruined by water, and they provide the rigidity I'm looking for. I'm not looking to "upgrade".

[Jerm_G]

-So for years, many have resorted to cardboard, exacto knives and duct tape to make their own (something I myself is guilty of) and tend to work the best compared to what's available.

-This product is not for everyone and will likely only be of interest for the most hardcore of the community’s impressionists. But those who are looking to add a little more realism to their kit, this may be an option.

1: Been discussed.

2: Not for you then.

Realitiy is Junto, some look for more than just the "look". They want to feel what the real person puts them self's through every day on the job. Some have gone as far as to buy real ESAPI plates. A small few like me who have plates for professional reasons. This allows a safe way for these people to use their kits without taking real plates to the field. Not a great idea as they are expencive and subject to catistrophic failure resulting in the loss of a multi hundred dollar investment. These solve that issue wile giving that person the fell and weight of the SAPI plates. If one has never ran and suffered with plates and a full load all day, they are missing out on something. An experiance that will make them think twice on why some choose to run "light".

[Orwell]

Great find, Jerm. Now I'm trying to rework my entire budget for the next month.

[SleepyDave]

Looking at their website, I'm a little confused. It looks like they sell ESAPI plates in Small Medium and Large, and the BALCS inserts as well, but the size on the side plates is confusing. On the main page for the ESAPI plates they say 6x8, which is standard, but on the specs page they say the ESBIs are 7x8. I'm sure these things wouldn't be hard to trim with a saw, but I wonder which number is wrong.

I guess these kind of toe the line between "I want real plates in my carrier" and "I can't afford/don't want real plates in my carrier. Same weight, same fit, cheaper. Definitely an interesting idea.

[Jerm_G]

My understanding is that the Specs come direct from the licenced manufacture of the real plates. What those specs are, I couldnt tell you as I dont wear side SAPIs and they were not issued when I was in.

[icebullet]

I feel that if you put side SAPI plates in the cummerbund, it would seriously dig into your sides, wouldn't it? Isn't that why they put soft armor into the cummerbund, rather than actual plates?