I am somewhat unsure about what size plate carrier to buy. I am looking at a LBT-6094B-RS (I am not sure if different companies size differently). Anyways… I am 5’11" 170lbs waist 32". I am trying to put on about 15-20 more lbs before I go into the army but I definitely don’t want the carrier to be too big. Thanks for the help.
-John
Pic just because ppl like pics:
PC’s are mainly sized according to the size of the plates they will carry, not how you are sized.
If you are going into the Military, you may want to hold off on your gear purchases. You will be issued what you will need at first, and depending on your unit you may or may not be allowed the use of personal gear. You also will have a much better idea on what it is that works for you vs doesn’t work, and what you need vs don’t need.
we’re unsure of what plate carrier to recommend. this may help:
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=99119
Why are you trying to get a PC now? Don’t be “that guy” that sticks out at Basic. Take only what’s in that list of items the recruiter usually gives out. If just buying to have, your weight shouldn’t matter…unless you put on a ton of it.
Yea… I was just buying one to have to try to get some practice shooting with one on. I definitely wouldn’t take it with me and would just wear whatever is issued to me because the last thing I’d want to do is be “that guy”.
midSCarolina,
There are so many options it’s tough to nail down.
I’d do a search function as there is plenty of info/data on M4C.
I use the one you pictured by LBT I like it. I also have an Eagle PC w/ Cumberbund w/ SAPI inserts. I like it as well. I really don’t have a preference. I use BAE Eclipse Plates (Swimmer cut) level IV multi’s & soft armor Level III+ & MSA/Paraclete plates in both. Both use a proprietary cut for soft armor/frag so you’ll have to pay attention to that.
That said, I would suggest trying different one’s on to make a determination which one fits your physiogamy & anatomical ergonomics best. Swimmer’s cut plates typically offer most mobility w/o compromising coverage.
Here’s some suggestions in no order or preference. BAE Systems, Eagles CRIAS, LBT 6094, Eagle LE PC w/ CB, SKD RBAV, Mayflower Systems. There are others’ & I won’t pimp for them. Those I mentioned are one’s I have used & like from prior deployments. I would stay away from Condor personally.
HTH in your quest.
Plate carrier sizes are based off of the plate size.
Your physical description sounds like you are a solid medium (which matches the most available plates anyway).
Still, if your intent is to give yourself time in armor before heading off to basic, you are putting the cart (and money) in front of the horse.
Practice marksmanship and go running. It will help you more than wearing a plateless carrier at the range for an hour or two.
What MOS did you choose? I was in basic this time two years ago, chose the right path and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be. Went in as an 11 series with airborne, and was lucky enough to snatch up an 18x contract on the last day of OSUT.
If you want a PC, by all means get one. Other members know far more than I do. But heed the advice that was given before. Focus on running. If you have a rifle, practice shots from 50-300 if possible. Shooting turns out to be a rather small part considering how long you spend there. And again, this all depends on your chosen MOS.
Of course, there is nothing wrong with shooting, I enjoy the hell out of it. If you have any questions, feel free to shoot me a PM anytime.
Also…don’t waste your time/energy trying to put on weight. Maximize the weight you have now (lean and mean!!!). Adding weight will do nothing but slow you down. Stay safe!
Honestly you’re better off not buying a PC now. If you go to a unit where you can buy your own gear then chances are you’ll be issued something better anyway. Once you get in if you want to get one at that time, then you’ll be in a better position to get one, (more money, and more experience with PC’s etc). When you are in basic you use crappy body armor, you’ll just be spoiled and long for your PC.
+1 to what they are saying,
but for the sake of commenting on that specific plate carrier, it’s great. I’ve been wearing the same one for over a year including 6 months in Afghanistan and a lot of training. Specifically, I like how minimal it is, it’s just big enough for what you need to put on it and nothing else, the built in radio pouches are perfect (but be advised they don’t play nice with the ESAPI side plates, it’s designed for the smaller ones), and it has a lot of cable/bullshit management loops on it.
Check out bulletproofme.com, great customer service and made sure I got the best set up for the money, plus they carry level 4 plates. if you can I would ask for Tim. He is great and will make sure you’re taken care of. I got the Banchee PC with front, back, and side plates… Also soft armor for the side plates ( it adds stability ).
Also when I was deployed years ago… Some guys in my company used their personal PC out on patrols. Though on the books they were not supposed to.
BTW the Banchee is 100 Condura… Most PC are 500… Try to find the same for the price 