New Kit - Plate Carriers

[Cap n pickles]

I run mostly ALICE type gear, and more recently a MOLLE Battle belt system, but i am looking for something that is going to keep all my gear from swaying.

I have my eye on both a CIRAS or MOPC.

Whats the advantage of either, Pros and cons?

What has more real estate?

What brands should i consider, Of course i am on a budget, i do not mind the Condor stuff, and in fact own a lot of it.

FYI; I own a RRV, it is not what i was looking for.

[Jester316]

Pickles, I have an OD green rig that has ton's of space on it for sale if you want. Has just as much molle on the back as front, and on the sides. This thing is tank if you are looking for large amounts of storage space.

Looks like this, but OD:

[Jerm_G]

Check out these following sites. They are all tier 1 gear and if you check the clearance sections you can snag a deal some times. currently Diamondback Tactical has their predator vest on sale for $147.00. I have had lots of their stuff and its all good to go.

Predator Vest
http://www.diamondbacktactical.com/prod ... 70,104.htm

My personal favorite haunts.
www.skdtac.com
www.hsgi.com
www.diamondbacktactical.com
www.gearzoneproducts.com (massive selection)

[Amos]

I'd suggest keeping your eyes open for a used HSGI Weesatch or Wasatch. I've had both and loved them dearly.

You can usually score one for between $50-$120, all depends on where you look.

[Jerm_G]

I run mostly ALICE type gear, and more recently a MOLLE Battle belt system, but i am looking for something that is going to keep all my gear from swaying.

I have my eye on both a CIRAS or MOPC.

Whats the advantage of either, Pros and cons?

What has more real estate?

What brands should i consider, Of course i am on a budget, i do not mind the Condor stuff, and in fact own a lot of it.

FYI; I own a RRV, it is not what i was looking for.

To answer your questions CIRAS style vests generally have lots of slots for pouches and are generally the more heavy type of vest. This is because of the use of soft armor inserts as well as the plates. Lots more fabric as well.

Plate Carriers generally just hold plates and have less fabric and room for mounting stuff. because of that they are generally noticeably lighter and force you to carry only what you need. depending on the brands and models some have side straps that just allow for front and back mounting and some have MOLLIE cummerbunds. Occasionally the vest will come with both options and give you the most operational flexibility.

[Cap n pickles]

Thanks for the information guys.

I really like the DBT Rig you linked, and i may weigh my options. If i don;t get it now and get another, i might run into that one later.

It looks like it opens in the front?

[RBeran]

Have a Wasatch and an MOPC...I like both. The MOPC has more real estate, but is a bit more bulky (could just be my setup...). Once sized properly, it fits well, and I can carry a lot of gear and weight without it feeling too cumbersome.

[Jewish Ninja]

Figure out what you want to carry, and then try to find the smallest PC that'll do the job. I love my FAPC because it has enough MOLLE for what I need and nothing more. I'd avoid getting a CIRAS or similar sized carrier since it hinders mobility and maneuverability.

If a FAPC doesn't provide you with enough room, a step up from there would be an MBSS or EPC with or without a cummberbund.

EDIT: If you do want a Predator rig, I've seen them for cheaper on ebay.

[Cap n pickles]

8 Ak mags
Rip Away EMT pouch
SAW pouch or "Utility" pouch
Hydration carrier

Its a pretty basic kit

[Jewish Ninja]

I'd go for a MBSS or EPC for that. I can carry 6 AK mags on my FAPC, but any more is pushing it.

[Limpy]

I further the FAPC, it's lightweight, low profile, won't get in the way, and will hold all that you need. It's also a lot less spendy than most carriers, and you can get the real one for the same price as the replica one, which is always a plus.

If you ever need more mags just run a leg rig or a belt rig, as the MBSS and FAPC allow you to run a belt rig, since there is no cummerbund, while still running a carrier. It's pretty nifty.

[Jerm_G]

Pickles, the Predator does open to the front. I know people who have had them and love them. I have also used the FAPC and wish I still had one and that in it's own says a lot. Unfortunately I ended up with a early prototype instead of a production model so the design was not perfect but still some of the best peace of kit I have owned. DBT's customer service is top notch and will take care of you so I recommend spending a little extra and go though them. If something is wrong with the gear you order they will fix it at no cost to you what so ever.

The next best PC I have owned was a early TAG vest. It had wool lining on the inside at the high friction areas and still wished I had it too. Hands down had the best weight distribution of any vest I have ever owned. Not to mention took one serious beating on deployment and survived the guy I sold it to. TAG has some bitchin gear out now but they are still on the expensive side.

Currently I run a MSA SOHPC and I find that it is lacking in some areas but still works for me for now. It cost me well over $400 bucks at the time and looking at it now Im not sure why? Looking back I should have stuck with the FAPC or gone with the TAG vest. My next purchase will be a Crye Jumpable or a custom vest from Invictus NW.

Edited for added content:

As for 8 mags the way I would go about it is 3 double mag pouches on the chest and two kydex mag pouches on your belt. The Kydex pouch will allow you to load from a more natural position faster. Then use the pouches on your vest to feed your belt pouches. Eagle makes a hydro pouch that has a large GP pouch on it. The pouch also has mollie webbing on the left and right lower sides for mounting a radio pouch and a IFAC. I currently run a set up similar to this right now and its incredibly efficient.

[Cap n pickles]

Alright, well i have taken up on Jester's offer. but i plan on moving on to a new carrier eventually and there is a lot of good links and advice on here.

I have my eye on the predator vest, when i have some extra cash i am going to get that PC from them, it seems very nice.
Thanks guys!

[Darius137]

One thing that always bugs me is a vest riding up on my throat or neck.

The one Jester linked to is very tall and I don't like the constriction.

I'd say go with a MOPC, as they are pretty much the perfect vest that's also affordable.

I just got a Modular Plate Carrier from Tactical Tailor and the thing fits like a dream. Best plate carrier I've ever used. And they just had sale on them to include side plate attachments for free. $110 shipped.

Here's a picture of it online, but it doesn't do it justice. I used one this weekend at the CAG training, but pictures haven't gone up yet, so I don't have any examples of its' awesomeness.


I run an MBITR pouch 6 mag pouches, Large Utility pouch on it, and it's got enough space for ya.

[Juicemachine]

I used to have the same type of vest Jester offered, and I loved the hell out of it.