So, I’ve finally decided I should get some rifle level protection, but since I have some extra soft panels from an older concealable vest just sitting around, I thought it may be worth while to get a carrier that can include those panels for a little bit of pistol protection where the plates won’t reach. I know Armor Express (the same company that made my panels) offers some options, but I was wondering what else was out there that you all would recommend.
Depending on the shape and size of your panels, you’ll have to see if they fit in existing carriers designed for BALCS/SPEAR cut panels. you can measure them to see if they fit within the pattern:
http://blog.beezcombatsystems.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/BeezCombatSystemsBALCSdimensions.jpg
Thank you, that is VERY helpful. I’ll bust out the tape measure now. In the mean time, is there anything you would suggest assuming the panels would fit? It is funny the image you linked to is from Beez, I actually noticed they make a custom cut carrier and had considered that as an option in case I couldn’t find anything better. This is nitpicky, but I would like to get something that has some sort of spacer mesh, and it looks like the Beez carrier is just regular fabric up against the body.
If you had a concealable cut vest from AE, then they’re not BALCS/SPEAR pattern.
You’re best off using an Overt carrier from AE that has plate pockets in it (Hardcore DM) as that can be custom ordered to fit your concealable panels.
If you don’t like that carrier, I’d recommend running them independently and in-conjunction where it makes sense. Just throw a minimalist plate carrier on over your concealable armor (in its own carrier), that way you can ditch the soft armor in the middle of July when you want the least heat retention, or run just the soft armor when rifles aren’t around, etc.
Second Chance carriers are cut the same, but panels are only ever warrantied in their own brand carrier (in case you give a crap about that). Also, ordering a Second Chance carrier using Armor Express panel serial numbers isn’t going to happen… you’d have to match it up to their sizing first (a headache in its own).
We’re issued Point Blank R20D MOLLE outer carriers. While able to accept various cuts of soft armor and rifle plates, it isn’t exactly the most comfortable. It’s okay, but a company specific or custom job is going to do the job much better.
That’s correct, but they may fit within the BALCS/SPEAR pattern and be usable in those carriers. not optimal, but still an option if he doesn’t like the choices offered by AE.
Vel-Tye will custom make you a carrier to accommodate your soft panels/plates. You send them a tracing of your panels and they make it to your specs. Their pricing is very reasonable and they’re easy guys to work with.
I am issued Armor Express (Halo) armor. I got a Mayflower LPAC and the Halo panels fit very well. If you call and give them the height and width measurements on your panels Mayflower can tell you which size would best fit. The LPAC can also carry plates. If you wanted molle you could try the LPAAC which is sized the same but I have no experience with it.
I run the Mayflower Low Profile Assault Carrier, but the soft panels that fit that carrier (Size Large) are much bigger than my Concealable soft panels.