Advice On Vest/Plate Carrier

richieffff · 22-03-2011 12:52AM #1

So I'm considering getting a new vest or plate carrier as the one I have at the moment doesn't have enough space for my stuff.

I'm looking for something that can hold 6+ mags (m4 or AK).

I like the idea of something like this: http://www.uktactical.com/acatalog/New_Warrior_901_Eagle.html
with the built in mag pouches behind the Molle.

The only thing is that some of these are heavy(?) and I'm a fairly small chap :pac:

Or if someone could suggest a better vest I'm quite skinny so it would need to be adjustable and something with built in pouches (the more the merrier).

Thanks

NakedDex · 22-03-2011 01:07AM

If you're particularly skinny, a plate carrier might not be the best option. The rigidity of the front and back panels, even without plates installed, leaves little in the way of adjustment inward.
That said, there are small size plate carriers available (I know I mistakenly bought one a good while back which now lives in my loft), but the "one size fits all" claims of most carriers I've seen cater for 38-40" chests and above. You could still wear it if you wanted, it just might be a bit loose and sloppy in fit.

An LBV or chest rig would probably be the better option if you're of slight build. Easily adjustable and often easily expandable too, with MOLLE versions being plentiful these days.
A further, lesser seen, option is a MOLLE bandoleer. Coupled with a good belt-order, it should be fully capable of holding everything you need.

richieffff · 22-03-2011 01:25AM

Hmmm, yeah I thought that they might not be tight enough for me and a chest rig would be a bit of a pain as I find myself lying prone a lot.

The Molle bandoleer looks good but I can't really imagine a set up that I would use with it. But this http://www.flecktarn.co.uk/ustmb4nx.html which is similar would probably work. Would mag pouches at the back work?

Thanks again

NakedDex · 22-03-2011 01:47AM

Not unless you've got freakishly long arms. Those back loops are really only there for radio pouches and maybe a shingle. Your mags should never be further away than the reach of your opposite arm. That meaning, if you have mag pouches along your left side, the last mag in the row should be reachable with your right arm, and vice versa.
It's also good practice to keep your mags, or at least the majority of them, on the off-hand side (that being opposite side you shoulder with). It makes them easier, quicker and more natural to access with your free hand.

What exactly do you intend to mount on the vest?

richieffff · 22-03-2011 01:53AM

Mag pouches, a dump pouch, a radio pouch and a general utility pouch. Possibly a bladder on the back (maybe) I'm sure theres something else but can't think of it....

Thinking about it now maybe a good tac-vest with enough mag pouches is looking like a good option too.

NakedDex · 22-03-2011 02:31AM

How many mags, and of what type? You're trying to fit a bath-tub on a bar-stool there.
A good LBV or chest rig, MOLLE or otherwise, will take care of the mags and radio. Most will also have provisions for hydration bladders, especially MOLLE versions. The utility pouch and dump pouch can go onto a belt-order (a place they're better suited to anyway), keeping everything secure (most vests have loops at the bottom for fixing to a belt order for extra security of the belt, and extra stability for the vest).

You could consider reducing your pouch count if you want to ditch the belt option. You'd be surprised how little you need to carry, realistically.
Stacking is also an option for mag pouches with front MOLLE loops, as are "ready-made" two deep and three deep mag pouches. This keeps your mags centralised and frees up space elsewhere on the vest by keeping up to nine mags in the MOLLE footprint of just three. This option is, however, quite bulky (especially at three deep).

Firekitten · 22-03-2011 02:52AM

One option is one of the literal 'plate carriers' that comprises of nothing more than a front and back plate, with attaching straps... I use one and the ajustment is imense... not a HUGE ammount of real estate, but plenty enough for a 24 hour game...(my idea of a lot of kit) Or, just run a molle blast belt with stuff on?

NakedDex · 22-03-2011 03:06AM

Agreed. The back plate would still be enough for bladder, radio, dump (though I'd put this on a belt on the off-hand side anyway) and utility, with the front holding just magazines.
It'll be crowded, but it'll hold what you've mentioned. Any more than that, however, and you're looking at belt-order accompaniments or lightening your load.
For example, a two-deep triple STANAG mag pouch will hold six mags, more than enough for most games whether you use mids, lows or highs. That would leave enough room on the front for a pistol mag or grenade if you were stuck for space.

Firekitten · 22-03-2011 03:15AM

I've started running two single bungee pouches, and a single warrior EMC pouch for 5 mags... next to no space taken up, and plenty of mags, swapping fresh ones forwards when ive got downtime... simple, but effective.
Even a basic setup like the one below works fine... and this is the PC I use, simple, but awesomely effective.

richieffff · 22-03-2011 09:25AM

Yeah I see what you mean about overloading and the literal plate carrier seems to be the best option thanks for the picture, it got the idea into my head a bit more.
Can I just ask what you have on it?

I would prefer something that has shoulder straps. Is this the kind of one that you are talking about? http://www.uktactical.com/acatalog/copy_of_Elite_Ops_Centurion_Mk1_Combo.html

Thanks for all the help

Decoy · 22-03-2011 10:36AM

The Centurion is a great rig and very adjustable for all shapes & sizes. It can be worn as just the front section with the panel tucked away if you just want basic mag-carrying capability OR you can add additional mag pouches for maximum capacity (see vid below). If/when you need hydration/comms/additional molle simply put the back panel on and customise to your heart's content.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsHT1Y2Xv8I

Firekitten · 22-03-2011 12:01PM

The one I posted is the Bulle low profile plate carrier... had it nearly two years, and still going strong... damn hardcore kit. £50 from flecktarn, and it does have shoulder straps? (Not sure what you mean by shoulder straps)

richieffff · 22-03-2011 06:04PM

Firekitten wrote: »

The one I posted is the Bulle low profile plate carrier... had it nearly two years, and still going strong... damn hardcore kit. £50 from flecktarn, and it does have shoulder straps? (Not sure what you mean by shoulder straps)

Oh no I was just saying that the bandoleer wouldn't really suit me as I would prefer shoulder straps. And is this your one?http://www.flecktarn.co.uk/ustmb6nx.html

Thanks for the video haven't seen any of oddy's videos in a while. That vest looks amazing with his gear on it.

So its looks to between those two, I'd be inclined to go for the Bulle because of its price and that it looks the biz.
But then the centurion had the pouches behind the MOLLE and the flexibility of a removable rear plate.

ah god...

If I was to decide on one would I be better off getting pouches the same colour as the vest or in Flecktarn (My Camo)?

Thanks ye are really helping me here

evilrobotshane · 22-03-2011 06:15PM

Colour of pouches matters not a jot, except in terms of camouflaging yourself. Even then it's a small enough area that I'd choose pouch utility and quality before colour.

Personally I hate hate hate wearing a radio on my back, because there's always something to be done with it and it gets very annoying (to me) asking people to dig it out and hand it forward to you, hang around until you're done and then put it back. I always wear them on my front now, which means there's no real use for a back panel apart from a hydration pack, and you can get those as backpacks. A nice MOLLE chest rig is probably the best bet for what you're after, in my opinion, but the option of the back panel means it'll always be good for most roles because it's modular and you can tweak it to have more or less stuff as you need.

richieffff · 22-03-2011 06:28PM

Yeah I was going to have the radio pouch on the front as it just looks awkward on the back. So MOLLE chest rig, would a MOLLE vest such as :

Be the same? Or should I stick to the Bulle and Centurion type?

Decoy · 22-03-2011 06:32PM

Bulle do some nice gear and I'm pretty sure a mate has a chest rig that holds mags without adding pouches. It's a really nice rig and was cheap as chips from Flecktarn.co.uk. It's far better to make a mistake buying a cheaper rig that you can easily sell on (or just take the hit on) than buy an all-singing, all-dancing rig that doesn't work out

EDIT: I found that Bulle Light Rig

richieffff · 22-03-2011 06:39PM

Decoy is this something similar and come to think of it this is something that I would consider as it has the mag pouches (with space for more if needed) has the utility pouches and space for a radio pouch and not sure if a bladder can be mounted.

And the price is amazing too :eek:

Thanks

EDIT: How in the name of god did I forget the link and I see that its a different than the one I thought

Firekitten · 22-03-2011 07:15PM

richieffff wrote: »

Oh no I was just saying that the bandoleer wouldn't really suit me as I would prefer shoulder straps. And is this your one?http://www.flecktarn.co.uk/ustmb6nx.html

Yeah, thats mine. The waist part comes off too, leaving it more ajustable. I had to take the side bits off.

As for a bladder, Push comes to shove, you know you can just get a camelbak itself, and use the shoulder straps? It doesnt ahve to molle mount. Infact, I prefer them on the straps, dont have to wear the pc for water!

richieffff · 22-03-2011 07:32PM

Ah my god the choices

Really have to think about this one

Thanks for all your help guys.

Decoy · 27-03-2011 07:00AM

Nice little piece on the WAS Centurion in this month's Raider mag, worth popping in to Easons just to read it if you get the chance.

richieffff · 27-03-2011 01:38PM

Decoy wrote: »

Nice little piece on the WAS Centurion in this month's Raider mag, worth popping in to Easons just to read it if you get the chance.

No easons near me I may look out, know anywhere else they sell it?

Locdown · 27-03-2011 02:41PM

richieffff wrote: »

Hmmm, yeah I thought that they might not be tight enough for me and a chest rig would be a bit of a pain as I find myself lying prone a lot.

The Molle bandoleer looks good but I can't really imagine a set up that I would use with it. But this http://www.flecktarn.co.uk/ustmb4nx.html which is similar would probably work. Would mag pouches at the back work?

Thanks again

Hey man i have one of these,loads of space it takes 6 mags on the inside,3each side and are secured with bungee straps,also there is a large pocket along the top of each side no internal pockets but can hold a decent bit of stuff, its great for very warm days is like having a large belt on,unlike the plate carrier i wear which i sweat buckets in,i got mine in Toy Solider in Belfast,had it within 3 days of ordering it,hope it helps, you can get Raider in the Bookcenter

richieffff · 27-03-2011 09:45PM

micka1 wrote: »

Hey man i have one of these,loads of space it takes 6 mags on the inside,3each side and are secured with bungee straps,also there is a large pocket along the top of each side no internal pockets but can hold a decent bit of stuff, its great for very warm days is like having a large belt on,unlike the plate carrier i wear which i sweat buckets in,i got mine in Toy Solider in Belfast,had it within 3 days of ordering it,hope it helps, you can get Raider in the Bookcenter

Oh ok thanks will pick up raider next time i'm in Waterford and can you tell me if the mags are anyway intrusive when prone?
And what kind of set up you have with it? What pouches?

Thanks

Locdown · 28-03-2011 07:31PM

Dont really go prone a lot myself,(lazy if i lie down i might not get back up) but i'm a heavy guy and i find them grand,on the left side i have a triple bungee mag pouch and a roll up dump pouch,i carry 9 mags cause i only use mids,on the right i have a double pistol mag pouch and a small radio pouch,waiting for an attachment for my pistol and then that'll go on as well,thats it man..:D

richieffff · 03-05-2011 07:55PM

Finally bought a chest rig

The Warrior 901 Elite Chest Rig
Pretty much fell in love with it when I saw it :rolleyes:
Now I have to slowly change my gear from black to tan (as I need it)......

Now I just need a tan pdw to match

Thanks to everyone who helped, i'd still be looking if it wasn't for ye

Firekitten · 03-05-2011 08:00PM

You had to buy bloody tan didnt you? :P Be 'ally' and wear the tan rig with temperate cam

Its the new 'look' for the season. the 'i'm just back from ops and can't be arsed to change my rig because im so 'beyond' war' look.:pac:

richieffff · 03-05-2011 08:12PM

Firekitten wrote: »

You had to buy bloody tan didnt you? :P Be 'ally' and wear the tan rig with temperate cam Its the new 'look' for the season. the 'i'm just back from ops and can't be arsed to change my rig because im so 'beyond' war' look.:pac:

Haha

Tan and Flecktarn should go down well...... ah sure I'll find a nice ugly tan gun to match :rolleyes:

Although I'd imagine tan and the tropical flecktarn (can't remember the name) would look quite nice not very good camo though

Firekitten · 03-05-2011 08:40PM

I ended up with some tan kit once... A dropleg holster...

sprayed the sodding thing OD and brown. Works much better now

richieffff · 03-05-2011 08:43PM

Firekitten wrote: »

I ended up with some tan kit once... A dropleg holster...

sprayed the sodding thing OD and brown. Works much better now

Jesus :eek:, that bad and I was actually planning on spraying some OD ovef the rig if it's too "harsh"

Leftyflip · 03-05-2011 08:52PM

richieffff wrote: »

Haha

Tan and Flecktarn should go down well...... ah sure I'll find a nice ugly tan gun to match :rolleyes:

Although I'd imagine tan and the tropical flecktarn (can't remember the name) would look quite nice not very good camo though

It's called Troppentarn if I remember right

Firekitten · 03-05-2011 08:54PM

its not bad, and a lot of airsoft renders 'concealment' completely useless. I just prefer to have it for when I need it. Urban, cqb, and close woodland, it matters about as much as choosing what umbrella best suits a hurricane.

Longer range, it actually matters. Blending in gives you and advantage. Typical 1j engagement range is 30m... unless you're wearing a ghillie and already stationary, its not going to help.

I'm just a silly old bitch with my preferences pretty set in stone. I like sneaky beaky, and while I'll wear tan kit or dessie gear when I fancy bombing around blatting anything in sight, but typically I revert to sneaky ninja antics, and for me, that means hiding. The holster was a molle paddle jobbie, i ended up getting annoyed about the exanse of tan space... its my only dropleg, and I need it this weekend, so it got the treatment.

Advice On Vest/Plate Carrier

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