Alright, hopefully this is the right section for this…Anways, I’m interested in purchasing a plate carrier and there are many options that I have come across. To help you help me I will tell you what I am looking for.
I would like a PC that is lightweight and comfortable, without sacrificing structural quality. I will be carrying M4 mags and maybe a couple other GP pouches. I will not need room for pistol mags as I prefer to keep those on my waist. Also Multicam and back protection are a must. I do not need tons of pouches, again I am trying to preserve comfort and mobility and limit bulk. The intended purpose for this PC at the moment is general preparedness (defense against general small arms fire) but I am currently in the Army ROTC program and will be contracting as a 2LT within the next year so this PC might have the possibility of seeing combat. If it helps at all I am 5’10 165lbs.
What are the main differences of these PC’s? Which will suit me best? I am also a bit confused on which of these do and do not come with armor already? For the ones that do not, where can I buy the armor? Also what is the main difference between level III and level IV and what would be better for me?
I am also getting a bit confused with the armor aspect of this…do all these PC’s require me to buy a hard plate as well as a soft kevlar “backer”? Or just one or the other??
I would like to stay under $700 all said and done (PC, Armor, Pouches) But if there are recommendations for something significantly better for more money I would obviously consider.
Sticking out is not a good idea. You don’t have to have special equipment to complete ROTC, if you follow through with your contract and after BOLC you will be better prepared to make a decision on body armor.
I am not interested in the least bit at wearing this during ROTC. I beleive I said that in my original post. I am looking for advice on which one of these will fit my needs as well as some more general info. Thanks
You could spend $1000+ on a PC setup, or get spend as little as $400. If you don’t need a cumberbund, check out Tyr Tactical’s BPC. Affordable, well-performing plates: TAP Gamma+.
With that said, I own the PIG. It is comfortable and accepts both hard & Kevlar backer. Some hard plates require a backer for spalling and threat level rating. I don’t know of any carriers that come with armor. If this is for training or SHTF, get whatever you want. Otherwise, wear what your issued. Your unit might not approve the carrier you purchase.
I am in a similar situation for the ROTC thing. Here is why/how I run a set up.
What:
I have a Eagle Carrier (found on forums for cheap) with pouches set similar to how some of my friends have deployed with. I bought some used police surplus plates because it was the right weight and size. I would NEVER deploy with my carrier. The Army issues you your IBA/plates, don’t try to be different. My total investment is around 400 through bargain hunting. That includes a medical blowout bag.
Why:
I use it for range time on my own. Learning how a carrier restricts movement is interesting to see. Depending on what you have had the chance to do within ROTC, you will notice how different it is shooting with an IBA is compared to shooting slick.
Bottom line:
The Army will give you a vest and plates, don’t worry about purchasing your own. It is a liability, and I have known a few Soldiers who have gone through multiple vests in one deployment (Shrapnel and rounds). Would you want to have to buy new stuff each time, or have it re-issued to you?
Others with more wisdom will chime in with better information and experience.
I’ve been lookin at these myself http://bulletproofme.com/RP-Level-4-Stand-Alone.html they say multi hit, but dunno. They do have shooters cut which I’ve heard is a must (I noticed one of vest OP mentioned looked square). I have no exp. with them maybe someone more suited will jump in and answer both of our ?'s…
I was issued iotv in Afghanistan, which is slightly lighter than iba; there’s some stuff you can take off like the groin and butt pads, shoulder pads, and neck things.
That said, some people still ran plate carriers… Condor PCs. They didn’t hold up well. Don’t get Condor.
It depends what you want the plates for. If you want plates for training / screwing around, go for Eagle or TT and get something “cheap” from a reputable manufacturer. I socred an Eagle PC from US Cav durring one of their sales for under $100.
If your buying cause you think you will use them downrange, don’t. You wont wear a PC in BOLC and your Brigade/Battalion SGM will set the standard of what you will be able to wear both stateside and overseas, which I am willing to garuntee will not be a personally owned PC. Many units will not even let you wear civilian hiking boots anymore in country. With the way the war is going, the higher leadership cares less with the fight than they do with uniform standards. Look for an article in the Army times about the 1SG and SFC that got relieved for cuffing their sleeves. Its in excess of 120 degrees and thats what got their careers ended. Right now the ONLY people that I have seen wearing personal Plate Carriers are the ODA guys, and you got plenty of time before your eligible.
If you can be honest to yourself for what these plates are for, you’ll be able to make a better decision. Like I said earlier, Fun = Plate Carrier, otherwise use that money for ammo or beer. Your still in college, live it up.