My son is considering one of these:
http://www.skdtac.com/Mayflower_Assault_Plate_Carrier_APC_p/3sk.129.htm
He is 5’11" and 205 LBS - wears a 44R jacket, and usually 34" waist pants.
It is a bit confusing trying to figure the size. Then we read about different plate sizes, and many go for smaller carriers because it increases mobility to have smaller plates.
What size would be good for him for the best mobility? Thanks.
is your son issued plates, and is mil or LE, or civvie?
if he doesn’t have plates, read this thread first to determine his plate size:
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=85112
what’s more important to him - protection or mobility?
just from his measurements compared to my own, it looks like he’s a ‘large’ in plates and a L/XL in carrier, with a small cummerbund.
the S/M mayflower will fit a large SAPI plate, but i don’t know about other brands/types, if he want’s to go for the smallest carrier.
Thanks,
Primary use: no plates for now - maybe in future. Mobility is primary.
He is going into LE in the next year.
I’ll tell him to view the thread.
I’m of comparable size, and use L plates/backers in a S/M APC with a M c-bunn.
The sizing chart SKD provides states that a small cummerbund is good for 34"-44" (Inches at the naval). Wouldn’t a medium cummerbund (42"-52" at the naval) be too much for someone with a 34" waist?
So someone with this build (5’11" and 205 LBS - wears a 44R jacket, and usually 34" waist) could they wear a S/M and L/XL and not tell a big difference between the two sizes? Or would one be better than the other for this specific build?
Just trying to clarify.
the S/M, L/XL is going to be affected by the plate size. there’s not to much difference between them, and they’re both adjustable for ride height via the shoulders. the cummerbund size is what makes a big difference in the fit.
so, you pick the carrier size based on the plate size, and the cummerbund size based on waist/torso girth. if he goes with the S/M, then he’d go with a small as jim said (he’s probably in-between sizes). if he goes with the L/XL, he’d still use the small as the medium might be too long.
I have the Velocity Systems plates and will measure them if you’d like. http://www.skdtac.com/Velocity_Systems_Plate_LEVEL_III_IV_ICW_p/amr.108.htm The plates fit a size Large Mayflower vest perfectly. Vel Sys and Mayflower are sister companies and the 2 are designed around one another.
This thread here might be helpful. https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=34596&page=5
Since then I’ve shot pistol and M4 with the vest and am very impressed by how comfortable it is and the amount of movement and freedom I retain while wearing it. My only issue was shooting in the desert when it’s 95 degrees and sweating like a whore in church.
I’m actually now second-guessing myself…I remember wanting to ensure that I could wear the thing over winter clothes, at need, and that the M c-bun seemed a bridge too far.
I may very well have gone with a S c-bun, after all, since I’d have to put on a Nanook of the North suit to need to fit up to 44" at the waist. It’s very likely I misspoke, and need to check my PC to be sure.
Is it possible for the S/M Mayflower APC to carry large plates? If so, and since mobility is key in this scenario this would seem to be the best choice. What do you guys think? Would a S/M and small cummerbund work for someone with this (5’11", 205 LBS - wears a 44R jacket, and 34" waist) build?
JSantoro please check the size of your PC and cummerbund and let us know.
see the post above where i answered that, but that’s a SAPI plate. what large plate are you using and what are the dimensions?
If you’re concerned with sizing I would suggest contacting Travis at Mayflower, info@mayflower-rc.org, and discuss it with him. I would not suggest using a size Large plate in a S/M APC and would recommend a Medium instead. Granted this is with limited experience on my part but after talking with several very knowledgeable people on the subject I can say this with confidence.
Large ESAPIs will fit into a S/M APC, no backers.
Something akin to the Velocity Lvl III/IV ICW plates sold by SKD, in Large, will fit in the S/M with the backers they require. Be advised, it’s a snug fit, but it’s doable.
Thanks for the help y’all.
After reading and looking around I think what would work best for me is a S/M APC with the small cummerbund. I don’t have the money right now for armor but will in the future.
For armor I think this: http://www.skdtac.com/BAE_NIJ_IV_SA_Plate_p/amr.114.htm (medium size) would work for me.
Also (as JSantoro pointed out) I do like this: http://www.skdtac.com/Velocity_Systems_Plate_LEVEL_III_IV_ICW_p/amr.108.htm I think this would work great in the S/M APC.
I am just starting to learn about PC’s and armor, and it seems hard to find good places online (other than SKD) to buy armor from. Know any other places that are as good as SKD when it comes to armor plates?
If I went with the S/M APC with the small cummerbund and bought armor similar (size, shape, etc.) to the ones above in the future do you guys believe I’ll be G2G?? Remember mobility is a key factor.
Thanks
I’m 6’1" 165lbs and I have a L/XL and it fits me perfect.
At 5’11" he may be good with a s/m. I had a s/m previous, and it barely covered my chest haha. As far as mobility vs coverage. I prefer coverage all day. Idk if it’s because the L is a the perfect size or what, but I totally have full control with it. I can run and gun in it, and it covers all that it’s suppose to. I can get in and out of vehicles with no issues.
Also I originally orders a S/M, I found it to be too small. I contacted Mayflower and the fixed me up with a L/XL.
I’ve been eyeing one of the APC’s myself. Thanks for the info on the plate sizing. Makes me want to go get one now 
Silly forums making me buy stuff…
All you APC owners mind showing pics of your rigs on? I’m 5’8" 179Lbs about 34 waist I don’t remember my measurement at the navel but I’m in the small CB size. I will be buying an APC shortly, oh yeah S/M pc with medium plates/backers.
I am almost your same exact size…5’8, 185, 32 inch waist, 44 coat size, and I use the S/M carrier with Sm cumberbund. I have the Velocity 10x12 ICW plates with the backers. Love the setup and is very low profile and pretty darn comfortable for armor. You will do well with that setup.
Good to hear I’ve been going back and forth between the small and medium CB. The sizing chart says I’m a small but the pic of the small CB looks really small with not a lot of pals webbing on the side. Plus i wear a large t shirt but can pull off a medium. Thats why i was leaning to a medium CB. And I also wanted to have alittle room when I wear my soft shell jacket under the APC. Do you have enough room with the small CB? But please show a pic if you got
One.
The difference in PALS also shows up on the front/back, not just in the different sizes of c-bun.
The L/XL has, above the kangaroo pouch, 3 rows of PALS. On the back, up top, it’s 4 rows of 6.
On the S/M, two rows of PALS on the front upper portion, and 3 rows @ (bottom to top) 6/6/4 on the back.
You’ll see some of this in the 2nd/3rd photos of the APC here: http://www.mayflower-rc.org/store/7016/63/Assault-Plate-Carrier.html
I think that you get more height than width out of the L/XL.
I will try to dig one up, but I can’t promise it will be soon unfortunately.
I don’t have anything attached to my cumberbunds, so I don’t need the extra webbing. I think you could probably get away with the medium, but I still have plenty of room for adjustment if I don’t mind the rear of the molle section of cumberbund to not stretch all the way back to the rear plate pocket (since I would want my side plates as far forward as possible)…if that makes any sense…