So, before supplies dry up even worse, I want to get a plate carrier. As much as I like the Crye AVS, I don’t have that kind of money right now. I’ve been leaning towards the SPC due to the weight and the fact that apparently it distributes the weight better than a lot of other minimalist carriers with the structural cummerbund. But I know the JPC is one of the flagships in this category of PCs, though I’ve heard it’s not as comfortable. But I don’t know as much about the LV-119. How is it in terms of comfort/weight distribution and quality compared to the other two?
I’m asking here because there’s nowhere around where I can really try and compare them, so I’ve got to take an educated leap of faith and buy sight unseen.
lv119 is more comfy if you’re running plates, med, and mags without a lot of excess gear. (Think more practical civi loadout) it’s also incredibly modular
I actually traded my AVS for a Spiritus LV119. I loved the AVS, but I didn’t need that much carrier. The AVS is an extremely scalable system though. The LV119 is a very very well built PC. Super light weight, and very modular with all the different parts from Spiritus themselves as well as the multiple aftermarket options out there for it. I really love mine. The tough part about the LV119 is availability.
As far as Crye’s quality, it’s top notch! Their customer support from my one experience was very positive. I ordered a set of the AVS harness pads, since everyone else was out of stock. I heard all the horror stories about getting shipping notifications then the dates getting pushed back over and over. I called to verify that what I ordered was actually in stock and that it was actually shipping on the date I was sent. It was a pleasant and very short conversation. My order shipped when they said it would and I had it in about a week. This obviously may vary greatly depending on what it is that you order.
Feel free to PM me and I can get some pictures over to you of my JPC2.0, LV119,and AVS setups
Pretty much most of what I was going to say.
The bold part there is probably key to ordering direct from them - check to make sure what you want is in stock before ordering. Otherwise you’re better off ordering from a vendor like OpTactical, or on a trade/swap/EE site. I owned 2 AVS carriers, and bought both with all components directly from Crye. One of them had a sewing error with a plate bag and needed to be replaced. I had no issues with shipping, delays, or CS. That being said, this was a few years ago, so YMMV.
Per AVS function, Fairman is smack on; it’s probably more carrier than most people need for an “average” setup. Something people often overlook is the weight and profile you are adding on with a carrier like that, before you even add any gear to it; sometimes it’s better to give up a little comfort for less weight and and a “slicker” more “agile” setup. That being said, the AVS does seem to work as advertised; the weight bearing is really good, and the whole carrier “hugs” your torso very well. Especially if you add the internal back/side velcro pad set.
This is actually one reason why I too am interested in some of the new designs with the stiffened/ supported cummberbund, like the SPC and Ferro V5 FCPC.
I’ve never been a fan of the JPC; the Version 1 editions had longevity issues (apparently there was some thing where they were never meant for either the long-term use, or the heavy loads people were slapping on them), and I feel like the 2.0 is a bit overpriced for what it offers, either in regards to other well-established full-scale carriers on the market (MMAC/6094/APC/etc), as well as some of the new carriers (like the LV119) that have arrived in recent years.
I also never had a use for a zipper back panel, so I never bought one. YMMV, this is all merely personal opinion. But if I were to get a JPC, definitely the 2.0. The swappable front flap is nearly worth the price of admission alone (you can’t take it off on the 1.0).
I would put it this way; if you think the JPC 2.0 is going to be your thing, for around the same price I’d take the plunge on the SPC; if you are lucky it will be more friendly to weight-bearing, if you hate it, there are a lot of JPCs floating around the barely-used markets online, and someone will be sure to want to try an SPC at some point… (or return it to vendor).
Unless you’re hell-bent on a Haley/VS/SS/other placard, for Crye flaps compatible with the JPC/SPC, my personal preference is the AVS M4 w/ bungee ($60). This way you can stick kydex inserts in it for a very Esstac-ish front shingle.
Aside from the JPC/SPC/LV119, you may also want to look into the Beez Aptum carrier.
I got one recently and it seems to offer a lot of what the others do for around the same price, maybe more or less, depending on what options you pick, or what options you need your carrier to have. The nice thing is, even though the price has gone up a bit since I purchased mine, if you want some minor customizations you can request it, and they’ll likely do it since they are made to order.
The other thing I personally like is I can swap a lot of different cummberbunds with it, since it’s simple Velcro-attach (IF they are the right width to fit); for example, right now I have a shorter VS Scarab 'bund on it because the standard laser-cut 'bund was to long for me. However, I’d bet I could have requested a shorter cummberbund from them and they would have done it.
Due to the lasercut design, it’s also very slick, and if you want a concealable carrier, should do well pulling double duty for this use, as well as Overt. I mean, I am a skinny bastard, and with 1" plates and a light overshirt, it’s almost unnoticeable.
NOT that a SPC/LV119/JPC would be worse (aside from the zippers) in this role; merely so you know it can be done if you wish.
The downside is, it’s going to take like a month to get it, and if you want to run a zip-on back panel, you will need to use a zipper adapter kit.
I’m also not a big fan of the front flap, which seems pretty un-needed on a scalable carrier like this, but again, I’d bet you could have them custom-omit it, if wanted.
The shoulder pads are also kind of pointless; for the $20, you might as well use the SKD PIG/Systema MK1/2 pads, or for more $$ the Velocity Systems slip-over/velcro-over Scarab-type pads.
The kangaroo pouch is also pretty tight, and not fully velcro lined (and also the hook is on the plate side) but since this is the age of placards, who really cares.
My only real gripe about this carrier so far is it won’t work with Crye AVS front flaps… :laugh:
Especially since their MOLLE front flap I got with it kinda sucks; straps are to long to meet the 2" velcro strip at the top of the Kangaroo pouch, and for some disconcerting reason, the flap velcro is also sewn on in the reverse of the velcro in the Kang’ pouch (so it meets hook to hook). :rolleyes:
Granted, it’s an easy “snip and resew” project if you have even a basic sewing machine, BUT, might as well save yourself the trouble and either use a G-hook or Swift-clip front flap/placard. Again, this can all probably be fixed by custom request, I’m just bitching because they didn’t already think of it.
Other than those minor issues, the carrier itself seems solid, looks well sewn, and the lasercut material seems stiff and is doubled up where it needs to be (so, unlike the SPC, your plates aren’t exposed to direct elements).
As far as the Ferro FCPC V5, I have owned other Ferro stuff (Slickster, Gen 2 & 3 FCPC, pouches), and it is ok, but I have not owned a V5 FCPC, so it looks kinda like an SPC concept, but for $500+…I’d probably try the SPC first…Or a Strandhogg/AAC. YMMV.
Of course, IMO this choice all comes down to overall weight of your intended loadout. If it’s coming to more than 20-25lbs WITH plates (no more than 28-30 TOTAL, including the carrier and all pouches/placards)… you might want to get the AVS/'Hogg/etc, because most light carriers aren’t great at weight bearing, and no amount of shoulder pads will help that.
I can vouch for the AVS being GTG @ 40lb. :laugh: I’ll bet there are people who have carried more with it.
Here is a great Garand-Senpai video that I totally forgot about that will explain the JPC 2.0 VS SPC better. Goes into some issues with radios, as well as stuff with my previous comment about exposed plates.
I’ve been running the SPC for almost 9 months now, previously I had run customized Mayflower APC’s. The SPC is a very solid carrier the primary impetus for the change was to get the zip on and off back panels. Since making the change I have started to really like several other options that the SPC has to offer.
What I liked about the APC and why I ran them for about a decade. Swift Clips and the easy ability to run other cummerbunds, namely the FS Tubes Cummerbund and the Tubes side strap. This set up worked very well even with side plates, radio(s) a rack and a wide hydration pack on the back. I was half tempted to cut off the front flap for better function with a rack or placard, but didn’t.
The SPC has poor organic Swift Clip compatibility, so I started using the AXL Advanced AVP’s this combined with the huge Velcro field provided great security for a rack or placard. Since then I have switched over to the Crye AVS front flaps as they just flow better with the design of the SPC. I also like the redundancy of the snap on the bottom of the flaps, for when I am in water/mud.
The SPC Cummerbund was something that I had been hesitant about at first as I really liked the Tubes for fast on and off and it was nice to be able to quietly open the cummerbund on hot days for more air flow when taking a break. The SPC cummerbund is actually pretty fast on and off, which was a nice surprise for me. The rigidity of the whole system is very nice and provides great support for side plates and radio(s). There are two options for side plate mounting either to the front plate bag or to the cummerbund. Having tried both and have settled on mounting the plates to the front plate bag, this eases entry and exit issues with a plate swinging around and smacking me in the face, it also keeps the plate more anterior for a little better protection for your inferior lung and heart IMHO. Along with this positioning of the side plate being faster in and out of the carrier. The cummerbund is also far less hot than the FS Tubes cummerbund, I have only been out on days right around 100-102 with it so far and haven’t felt the need to open the cummerbund when taking a break for more air flow. Also I feel less retained heat than previously when climbing hills/mountains. There was a change for me from ICW plates to stand alone plates at the same time so this is probably largely where this less retained heat sensation is coming from. My last APC had spacer mesh added to the inside of it so airflow between the plate bag and me feels about the same with the two different PC’s.
The zip off back panels are awesome! I either run the Crye molle back panel with a med pack or I run the GGG 1 to 3 pack on the back all depending with what I’m doing. I like how fast I can switch between the two config’s I really like having the ability to have additional gear along with the added shoulder straps which were different levels of annoying to inhibiting. The big old med pack frequently is left on an ATV or a vehicle so it is only a slight frustration. The new radio pouches are also very nice, I really like the adjustable height when I am using them to stash a couple extra mags. When fully loaded they whole system carry’s very well the weight feels very well distributed. The whole system dries very quickly after going for a swim or being out in the rain for a few hours. The thin shoulder straps have no effect on shouldering a weapon. But when fully loaded the only weakness of the system shows through and that is the unpadded shoulder straps, if you are wearing the whole system all day, night into the next day you know it. So far I have tried the AVS shoulder pads and other than being huge they do add comfort, currently I am running my old Mayflower shoulder pads which are of a stretchy fabric (but these are rather long). The sleeve for the shoulder pad needs to be stretchy (or huge) as far as I can tell for the shoulder rip away feature to function. I have seen other guys running the Ice Plate pads as well, but I haven’t tried them to see how they function. I am half tempted to sew up something that’s not super huge, or long that will offer some minimal padding.
All and all I am very happy with the SPC, the size, form and function all work very well in the mountains and in and out of vehicles. The ability of the SPC to distribute weight around me is very nice. The whole system actually functions as a system that is very scalable depending on needs. What I really like is unlike a full vest system the SPC has minimal effect on how I get in and out of a vehicle, when driving I don’t feel like a bloated whale when trying to get behind the wheel. This is also true when crawling into other tight spaces and when going over wall’s/fences.
I have had the AVS, JPC, SPC and Spiritus, for years I have run them in training and deployed. Honestly, if I had to go with one and one only, I would go with the JPC 2.0. I really like the way the front flaps work (I wish more manufacturers made comparable ones). It’s super reliable and a refined product.
I also like the SPC but it does have a few nuances. Mainly exposed plates and the need for the proprietary radio pouch. You can’t use typical Velcro “wing” pouches on the sides of the front plate bag in conjunction with the SPC cummerbund. I do like the stiff cummerbund and how it’s compatible with all the other Crye/JPC/AVS parts.
I don’t have anything against spiritus but it ends up being super expensive. they don’t have a lot of options for the placards which means you have to find another manufacturer. The back panels have been coming out for years now but we still don’t have them. They don’t have molle on the back so you can’t just put the pouches you want on there. They don’t mount PTTs and rear antennas very well. I have an extra set of plates at the house so it’s just an emergency plate carrier. I don’t use it for real “work” or training. It is a well built product and I really like the way they attach the cummerbund to the rear plate bag (which might be my only complaint on the JPC, it’s not bad but the spiritus system is better).
All things considered if you were my brother asking for advice and he had to chose one, I personally would tell him to get the JPC 2.0.
Not to derail the thread but have any of you guys running the SPC tried attaching the HSGI AO placard? I can’t find anything in search about the actual width of the front velcro on the SPC and if the HSGI will be too wide.
I’m a fan of Velocity Systems, and their quality is very, very good; I’ve found their stitching to be top notch.
I am a big fan of the SCARAB shoulders - the articulation is probably the best on the market, and they are seriously comfortable, as is the carrier in how it moves with your body. This is most noticeable if you’ve ever felt “binding” in plate carrier shoulders - it simply doesn’t exist with the SCARAB shoulders, which translates into your plates staying where they are supposed to, and the entire system fitting really well.
In terms of modularity, there are a number of aftermarket products which are compatible with the SCARAB, and a few of the JPC-style cummerbunds can be retrofit if that’s your thing. Velocity Systems also sells the carrier in a number of different configurations on their website, so if by “modular” you’re asking if there are different options, then yes, it’s modular in that you can mix and match many components. The zip-on/off back attachment is supposed to only be compatible with the Velocity Systems panels, but I haven’t tested this out.
There is a noticeable difference (in a good way), in how the carrier handles a load even when the carrier weighs in excess of 25-30 lbs.
I can’t speak to the Crye carriers, but by comparison, the Spiritus LV-119 is “lower profile” in that it’s slick and their shoulder straps are marginally wider/less bulky than the SCARAB shoulders. What you gain in the width and lack of bulk, you do sacrifice in the mobility and relative comfort though, and this tends to exhibit itself under weight/awkward shooting positions.
The Spiritus LV-119 is comfy enough and is a solid plate carrier, but my preference goes to the SCARAB in terms of comfort, profile, and relative modularity (if you are willing to do the research to find what is compatible).
Also, good luck finding an LV-119 in stock; unless you’re willing to pay a huge premium on the secondhand market, they are very difficult to come by.
I actually pulled the trigger and got a SCARAB about 3 weeks ago. There’s about a 6 week lead time on it, but that’s okay. Unlike with the LV-119, I can at least get it! I also go their 3 mag kangaroo placard and the MOS Tactical First Spear tube adaption cummerbund. Now comes the waiting for the carrier itself…
Personally, I prefer the JPC of all the options you listed. Another option to consider within the price range of the JPC is the ATS Aegis v2 if you would consider another carrier. ( https://atstacticalgear.com/ats-aegis-plate-carrier-v2)
I’ve found the JPC to distribute weight (marginally) more effectively than the ATS, but ATS is (marginally) better quality imo and less hot to run (but still hot).
Congrats! Sounds like you’re well sorted out. Spiritus’ marketing has been a double-edged sword for them… many of their items are practically unobtainable commercially at the moment.
Not taking away from their success, because they make great gear, but there are a number of smaller companies such as A&A Tactical AXL Advanced, and Arbor Arms that are creating additions to Crye, Spiritus, First Spear, and Velocity Systems existing gear that offer some major improvements to their functionality.
I’m issued the AVS and its not a bad carrier but I would never buy one, some of our guys buy the JPC or they go and get the TYR PICO. I have a personal PIG Plate Carrier that I used before and I like it. The problem with the AVS is it’s super hot because of that cage set up. If you’re not wearing side plates and a bunch of other stuff on your plate carrier then get something smaller and light weight like the JPC. The downside I’ve seen of the JPC is that one of them doesn’t have a drag handle and it has the built in front flap/mag holder. I don’t know much about the spiritus but they have a cult like following. If you’re just a regular dude then don’t buy the AVS.
I ordered a Scarab myself around the same time (July 9th) and my confirmation email also states 2-6 weeks. I’m wondering what the likelihood is that Velocity will get them out on time. I’ve heard they are swamped and the orders are through the roof currently. I was expecting the 12-16 weeks that the website states, but was pleasantly surprised at the 6 week estimate. We’ll see I guess.