plate carrier - do you have any recommendations?

[KentuckyCarbine]

*** not sure if this should be under clothing, carrying devices or firearms. Mods please feel free to move as you see fit. perhaps misc gear? ***

** i did see post regarding chest rigs https://ufozs.com/smf/index.php?topic=222.0 when i was doing as search before posting but looking more specifically for plate carriers. **

I'm looking at buying a plate new plate carrier. i previously bought one from AR500 and it didn't fit well and the plates seemed to be heavier than advertised.

Anyways - I'm not an operator or tacticool. However I have signed up to take some beginning tactical classes and a friend suggested that i really should wear protection at these kinds of training. so i'm looking for an upgrade.

i have been looking at Shellback and Ferro Concepts. But i wanted to see what yall recommend or what you use and whether you like it. Any input is greatly appreciated.

https://ferroconcepts.com/products/the-slickster

https://www.shellbacktactical.com/plate-carriers/banshee-elite-plate-carrier/

[12_Gauge_Chimp]

I'm in the same boat in that I want to upgrade my current Condor brand plate carrier to something bit higher quality. The Condor carrier I have works, but I want something different.

Only problem is finding carriers that'll fit 11"x14" plates like I have is a bit tough.

I've also got set of smaller 9"x9" plates for my AR500 Freeman carrier, but the Freeman looks like a tactical lobster bib when I wear it because of my height.

It'll work for my 5'9" tall nephew, but not for 6'4" me.

I also want to get a set of curved plates instead of the flat 11"x14" plates I have now. Again, they work, but they're not exactly comfortable.

[KentuckyCarbine]

I thought Shellback had an XL since they sell XL plates. But now that i look again i dont see anything ...

[12_Gauge_Chimp]

I know AR500 sells a carrier that'll fit 11"x14" plates, but I forget what the exact model is called. The Tetsudo, I think ?

There's a few other companies that sell carriers that'll fit both the 10"x12" and 11"x14" plates. I just have to figure out which one best suits me. I can probably get away with using 10"x12" plates, but I'd feel better with the 11"x14"s.

[MacWa77ace]

Tactical Tailor makes a very lightweight carrier that fits 11x14. Its modular capable also.

Just make sure you have trauma pads, but I don't think your going to find a carrier that makes 11x14 steel plates feel comfortable or lighter than they are. It's important what you wear under them and you'll usually need a collar or something to protect your neck from the straps rubbing in certain situations.

I look for modularity and made in the USA. Laser cut molle is usually lighter overall, but a few oz's vs 22 lbs of plate, not a big feature or deal killer.


I've looked seriously at these:
Crye Precision
Hailey Strategic
Grey Ghost
TREX Arms

And got this:
11x14 and it will fit the 10x12's, its got an adjustable 'plate capture' system. [my name for it]
Tactical Tailor Rogue.

[Dabster]

I have a Banshee. It is comfortable -or as comfortable as a plate carrier can be. I have not worn it in combat but I have worn it at several range days and I have kept it on for several eight hour shifts and even walked my dog and exercised in it. Also, with minor modification , pretty easy to put on and pull off. 

[RoneKiln]

I picked up the Tetsudo from AR500 when it was on a good sale. I'm 5'10" and naturally a little on the slender side, but I'm still carrying a little extra weight on my gut and hips. I can barely get the Tetsudo to shrink down small enough for me. Once I got it properly adjusted it was very comfortable (comfortable enough I'm tempted to us it as a weight vest to train climbing). I do not recommend it for a bump in the night vest. It's slow to get on. I only recommend getting it for events you have planned ahead for. It is also not concealable. It's too thick.

Due to how long it takes me to get the Tetsudo on, I then picked up an AR500 Freeman on a good sale. That works as a decent bump in the night vest for me. It goes on fast, easy, and vanishes under a sweater if you don't attach pouches to it. Not what I'd wear to a pre-planned event, but probably far more real world useful for me.

I've taken quite a few tactical classes and never felt a need to have a vest or chest carrier. I've seen a lot of guys with vests, but only one guy that had armor. 

[MacWa77ace]

Due to how long it takes me to get the Tetsudo on, I then picked up an AR500 Freeman on a good sale. That works as a decent bump in the night vest for me. It goes on fast, easy, and vanishes under a sweater if you don't attach pouches to it. Not what I'd wear to a pre-planned event, but probably  far more real world useful for me.

My armor is definitely 2nd line use only. I've cleared my house a few times now due to bumps in the night, and I did it au natural.  That super lightweight outfit allows for zero donning time, optimal movement and provides a half second of intruder distraction which is more than enough.

The bumps were just stuff falling.

[RoneKiln]

Due to how long it takes me to get the Tetsudo on, I then picked up an AR500 Freeman on a good sale. That works as a decent bump in the night vest for me. It goes on fast, easy, and vanishes under a sweater if you don't attach pouches to it. Not what I'd wear to a pre-planned event, but probably  far more real world useful for me.

My armor is definitely 2nd line use only. I've cleared my house a few times now due to bumps in the night, and I did it au natural.  That super lightweight outfit allows for zero donning time, optimal movement and provides a half second of intruder distraction which is more than enough.

The bumps were just stuff falling.

https://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0027.html

[flybynight]

Due to how long it takes me to get the Tetsudo on, I then picked up an AR500 Freeman on a good sale. That works as a decent bump in the night vest for me. It goes on fast, easy, and vanishes under a sweater if you don't attach pouches to it. Not what I'd wear to a pre-planned event, but probably  far more real world useful for me.

My armor is definitely 2nd line use only. I've cleared my house a few times now due to bumps in the night, and I did it au natural.  That super lightweight outfit allows for zero donning time, optimal movement and provides a half second of intruder distraction which is more than enough.

The bumps were just stuff falling.

OR.... The bad guys took fright when they saw the armed naked guy