I decided against the ASP-C and went with the above set-up for a few dollars less.
It appears that the cumberbund will take 6"x12" panels, should a person completely fill them or is there a reason to go smaller?
Does anyone use actual side plates instead of just inserts?
Again the primary plan for this unit is to be worn in conjunction with IIIA full side coverage soft armor for domestic LE purposes so soft inserts would be doubling up the side coverage and closing the seam.
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New questions added.
what kind of PC?
I just got some gamma’s for my banshee and they look pretty good.
I did some research on the side plates (7x8, 6x8, 5x8) and they run about $200 a piece, so those USPalm plates are right up there priced as others are.
I’m not sure what your requirements are but I have experience with side plates in a military setting. The only time I wear them is when I’m mounted and don’t expect to dismount. I like my kit to be as thin on the sides as possible and the extra 3/4" on each side is noticeable to me. They also add that much more weight. I just use inserts and call it a day.
Ares Armor ASPIS.
Seems like very reasonable advice. Could you comment on the size? I figure if a cumberbund has provisions for 6"x12" I should use it all to avoid shifting, am I not seeing something that contradicts that?
I think your reasoning is correct but I’ve never used undersized plates, ours fit in their pouch. Sorry I can’t be more helpful.
Okay, I think I’ve got this thing about where it should be however in the second pic it is riding about 1/2" to 1" too high. I’ve got a fist between the bottom of the plate and my belly-button and between 2 and 3 fingers from the bottom of my soft armor to my belly-button. I’m glad I read up on the good placement info here or I’d have been one of those wearing it way too low.
I plan on keeping this pretty slick but I’m curious is there a rule that we want more on the front of the carrier if possible or do we want to use the side IF it doesn’t interfere with drawing or is it purely personal preference depending on how easily the items are accessible to either hand? The blowout kit is above the Taser holster and doesn’t interfere with access or draw. The only other thing I want to add is a dual pistol mag pouch for one mag and a Surefire G2 which is within reach of either hand.
Thank you for any input.
Can you adjust the vest to sit lower? How does it feel on the back?
Oh yeah, it didn’t seem that off in person but once I saw the pic I realized it was off by quite a bit.
Feels fine on the back.
I think you just answered your own question. If you want those items accessible with either hand they should be on the front of your PC.
As a general rule, keep your cummerbunds as clean as you can. If you’re trekking through the mountains of Douchebagistan on search and destroy missions, it’s understandable that you’re going to need a lot of kit and that you may have to place some of it on your bunds. If you’re just participating in domestic high risk warrant service ops, there is no reason to burden yourself with extra, unnecessary shit on your bunds and plenty of reason not to. The last thing you need when serving a warrant is to be stuck in a door frame or anywhere in the confines of the building when a suspect is going for a weapon.
To give you some idea of just how much loaded cummerbunds can extend your profile, limit your ability to tuck your elbows in close to the torso and generally make you more bulky and prone to catching on crap, go ahead and load your bunds up with the biggest pouches you’ve got and run about your house or practice entering and exiting your vehicle. Going back to a carrier with slick cummerbunds is a lot like going from 6 string guitar to bass. Like. Holy shit. This is so easy.
If attached just to the right of the front plate, I can reach with either hand. I’m doughy, not fat.
Very helpful post right here, that’s exactly what I was looking for. Thank you very much.
That wasn’t a shot at your weight at all. My only point was that its easiest to reach with both hands if centered.