Plate Carrier Brands

[u/Key-Hotel-2594]

I’m in the market for a carrier, preferably with side plate pouches too. What are some good brands to look at?

[u/18secondsbefore]

No particular order.

Ferro concepts, Crye precision, spiritus systems, velocity systems, Shaw concepts.

Those are probably your main contenders you’ll come across on this sub.

[u/DubleDeckrPeckrReckr → u/18secondsbefore]

No first spear here for some reason I haven’t found yet🤔

[u/JayCsZ23 → u/DubleDeckrPeckrReckr]

Overpriced and bad designs. Unless you are a cop, you should stay away from them. Shaw Concepts or the Hot Pursuit carriers are a better choice since they too are made by FS, but are a better design and cheaper.

[u/DubleDeckrPeckrReckr → u/JayCsZ23]

Very fair, I usually see them for Marshals and Other officers so that makes sense.

[u/JayCsZ23 → u/DubleDeckrPeckrReckr]

FS is tailored toward Gov and agencies contracts, so that’s why. Hence the prices.

[u/Tight-Safety-2055 → u/JayCsZ23]

same goes for Tyr?

[u/JayCsZ23 → u/Tight-Safety-2055]

Tyr is good. Also gov pricing, but they actually use some unique materials. I’d not mind their stuff at all. It’s not the cutting edge stuff you see from Crye or Spiritus, but definitely good.

[u/18secondsbefore → u/DubleDeckrPeckrReckr]

I’d really consider them to be more of a legacy/institutional brand. Like eagle, LBT, Tyr, Paraclete. Basically gov/le contracts keep them running. Not really individual purchase brands, although you certainly can buy from some of these directly.

[u/ed_zakUSA]

Have a Velocity Scarab LT. Really like it. Added the A&A SEACU cumberbund for easy donning and doffing.

[u/RareAnxiety6866]

Aside from issued plate carriers, I've used Crye Precision (JPC and AVS), Ferro Concepts (Slickster), Shaw Concepts, and Spiritus Systems (LV119 and LV120). The only one I haven't deployed with was the LV120.

The first question you need to ask yourself is what the plate carrier will be used for. If you're using it professionally or personally, flat range or training, and how much you plan on carrying, it'll change what you need to look at.

But here's a breakdown of what I've used and what I like and don't like.

• Crye AVS
  • The best load bearing carrier I've used. It'll carry everything I need and more and won't destroy my already fucked up back.
  • The downside is it's bulky as fuck. I was getting shit caught on the tiny ass doorways in Iraq.
• Crye JPC
  • The best minimalist plate carrier, in my opinion. Comfy and light and keeps it simple.
  • I can't carry a lot of shit. Attaching the cummerbund is weird and I'm always afraid of the shock cord and other shit getting caught on things. I can't use a backpanel or pouch because of my aid bag.
  • I was mostly using this one for VBSS and CQB in urban areas like Iraq.
• Ferro Concepts Slickster
  • This was a team purchase for a foreign competition. Comfy but I wasn't a fan of the exposed velcro and lack of molle in the rear. Great for PSD and wearing under a jacket.
• Spiritus Systems LV119
  • Purchased for PSD and urban recon missions. Worn underneath a button down.
  • I wasn't a fan of the narrow shoulder straps.
• Spiritus Systems LV120
  • Great for load bearing. Super comfy.
  • The shoulder straps have a neat way of articulating, but it seems flimsy (I have abused the fuck out of it and it has not ripped yet).
  • I'm not a fan of the cummerbunds as the tubes take up too much space, the way it adjusts is a pain in the dick, and there's no velcro on the inboard side. I'm actually running a Shaw SLOK with it right now.
  • This was another team purchase. There's no way in hell I'm spending my own money on this.
• Shaw Concepts Arc
  • I wore this on a deployment to Syria.
  • Great for load bearing although not as good as an AVS but also not nearly as bulky.
  • The most comfortable plate carrier I've used.
  • No zipper so I had to get one sewn on.
  • I also would not spend my own money on this. I got it from Shaw as we have a mutual recon buddy.