Good Molle Tactical Plate Carrier Recomendations

[Guest semiautots]

I am looking for a good quality tactical plate carrier.  Don't want to break the bank, but would like a molle unit that can hold large plates.  Also would like your recommendations on plates, too.  I would like be able to slap on some magazine holders and a Glock 21 holster.  Thanks in advance!

[Dolomite_supafly]

I picked up a Condor vest on a whim and really like the quality vs the cost. You can get a decent vest, not plate carrier, for under $80. I also have a custom made rig that PACA built for me. I like the Condor better than the PACA but I have not been able to find soft armor for the Condor. The PACA came with the lightest 3A soft armor on the market at the time.

 

As far as plates I like steel over ceramic. Ceramic tends to be rather thick and those extra inches can make exiting vehicles bothersome. I hated when I would get issued ceramic plates. Ceramic plates are fine as long as you know the history, I would NEVER buy used plates from someone I didn't know.

 

I would get the steel plates from here:

http://www.ar500armor.com/ar500-armor-body-armor.html

 

DO NOT GET THE LIGHTWEIGHT PLATES, they are rated for pistol calibers only and will not stop rifle rounds.

 

And to avoid the spall that can happen with steel plates pay the extra $25 for the anti spall coating. These plates come with one coat of the spall coating but that is not enough, you need to get the extra spall coating. The cost for the curved plates, which I highly recommend, with the extra coating is $110.

 

These plates are multi hit capable.

 

If it were my money I would buy these:

http://www.ar500armor.com/ar500-armor-curved-trauma-plate-advanced-shooters-cut-10x12.html#.UvLhIGeA2dI

And then I would add the PAXCON coating.

 

If you have any doubts here are videos.

http://www.ar500armor.com/armor-test-videos.html

[bigtruuck]

I dont remember what carrier i have but i don't remember paying all that much. as for the plates i have the ar500 with the added antispall coating as well. the extra weight of the plates has not bothered me too much. seem to get used to it after wearing them for a while. And on the plus side they are a heck of alot more rugged and forgiving then ceramic in how they are handled.

[Ropin4gold]

I have a condor carrier.  Good for the money.  

[Joseg]

Depends on what you really want. You can get a basic plate carrier, plate carrier w/ cummerbund, releasable armor carrier (eagle CIRAS).

 

check out: http://bulletproofme.com/index.shtml

these guys have relly good deals every now and then: http://store.appalachiantraining.com/

[cch2a]

I like my Shellback Tactical Banashee. Not too pricey.

[McGarrett]

There is a nice plate carrier w/ AR500 plates in the classifieds. It is in your area if I remember right. I think it was Chief465 that had it listed, good price too, I think it was $175. Search the gear classifieds and see if he still has it.

 

Edit: just found the one in the classifieds, sorry but it looks like Chief already sold his

Edited February 10, 2014 by McGarrett

[Dolomite_supafly]

There is a nice plate carrier w/ AR500 plates in the classifieds. It is in your area if I remember right. I think it was Chief465 that had it listed, good price too, I think it was $175. Search the gear classifieds and see if he still has it.

 

Edit: just found the one in the classifieds, sorry but it looks like Chief already sold his

 

Those plates were NOT rifle rated plates, they are only rated for pistol calibers. Second, they do not have the additional spall treatment.

[dcloudy777]

Another vote for the Banshee.  I'm very happy with mine.

[drivenfrmwithin]

I've got a VooDoo Tactical X-Lite and love it. Super comfortable. It was $75 from Wilson Concealment Sent from my iPhone

[Steve32]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNBGDE8lUSs

 

:up:

[Steve32]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyeOoPuoMCg

 

:cheers:

[leftyk82]

I picked up a Condor vest on a whim and really like the quality vs the cost. You can get a decent vest, not plate carrier, for under $80. I also have a custom made rig that PACA built for me. I like the Condor better than the PACA but I have not been able to find soft armor for the Condor. The PACA came with the lightest 3A soft armor on the market at the time.

 

As far as plates I like steel over ceramic. Ceramic tends to be rather thick and those extra inches can make exiting vehicles bothersome. I hated when I would get issued ceramic plates. Ceramic plates are fine as long as you know the history, I would NEVER buy used plates from someone I didn't know.

 

I would get the steel plates from here:

http://www.ar500armor.com/ar500-armor-body-armor.html

 

DO NOT GET THE LIGHTWEIGHT PLATES, they are rated for pistol calibers only and will not stop rifle rounds.

 

And to avoid the spall that can happen with steel plates pay the extra $25 for the anti spall coating. These plates come with one coat of the spall coating but that is not enough, you need to get the extra spall coating. The cost for the curved plates, which I highly recommend, with the extra coating is $110.

 

These plates are multi hit capable.

 

If it were my money I would buy these:

http://www.ar500armor.com/ar500-armor-curved-trauma-plate-advanced-shooters-cut-10x12.html#.UvLhIGeA2dI

And then I would add the PAXCON coating.

 

If you have any doubts here are videos.

http://www.ar500armor.com/armor-test-videos.html

 

ordered these.  Thanks for the recommendation!

 

would one need to add soft armor beneath these plates for comfort?  they will be in a Mayflower APC

[jacob]

ordered this a few days ago http://www.ar500armor.com/banshee-plate-carrier-w-armor-and-pouches-multicam-proline.html#.U9BmX8ko6BY

[Dolomite_supafly]

Did you buy the extra spall coating?

[jacob]

[quote name="Dolomite_supafly" post="1171730" timestamp="1406242140"]Did you buy the extra spall coating?[/quote] sorry man, just saw your reply....yes, got the extra coating...also picked up some x2r tacos to run AK mags with...I am interested in getting the med pouch they sell as well...maybe I will ask my wife to get it for an anniversary gift in october...I am lucky since my wife loves to shoot almost as much as I do... Edited July 26, 2014 by jacob

[crashgordan]

have a TAG and a Banshee. both excellent and a great value.

[gjohnsoniv]

I like my Mayflower.  Looking at getting another one.