Plate Carrier Types: Stronger Than a High Velocity Bullet | WITHDRAWAL FROM THE NETWORK (2023)

CWhen it comes to personal, family and home protection, we spend a lot of time talking about weapons, not just our own, but also those of a potential adversary. But there's a second part of this conversation that often doesn't get enough attention: the bulletproof vest. The proliferation of commercially available rigid armored plates has created a growing market for plate support. On one side are the "soft" ultra-minimalist license plate holders. They should generally be worn under light clothing that can carry little to no gear. At the other extreme are military-style license plate holders, which typically come with a series of pockets permanently sewn into the body of the license plate holder. These pouches hold everything from spare magazines to radios, grenades, hydration, and everything in between. The fastest growing segment of the conveyor market is the mid-tier modular slat conveyor option. These racks can be worn bare, but often feature Velcro or buckle attachment points to make it easy to add pockets, chest gear, or interchangeable placards to carry different loads. With so many shapes, sizes, and configurations of license plate holders available, we wanted to give a few examples of what's out there, the best uses, and configuration options. Your needs will determine what type of sign holder works best for you, but here are a few examples from across the spectrum of styles...

"Slick" Dish Drainer

the bellyAn utterly minimalist expression of rigid armor plate execution, autonomous transports are the best option when discretion is the order of the day. These types of tote bags can be made for anyone, but they disappear under a light windbreaker, button-down shirt, or even an oversized T-shirt. If you want armor protection but don't carry a rifle, this might be the way to go. These types of magazines integrate seamlessly with your regular EDC, imposing minimal wardrobe restrictions and allowing unimpeded access to IWB holsters and other defensive tools.

Above: First Spear's "Slick" Plate Carrier is an entry-level ultralight carrier designed for maximum stealth.

Our example here comes from First Spear and is aptly named "Slick". The slick is the sleekest, slimmest grip you could ask for from an armor wearer. The body of the stretcher is made of ultra-fine elastic fabric with an elastic waist that fastens with velcro. It also features velcro adjustable nylon shoulder straps. This model is specifically designed for low-profile law enforcement, intelligence and security missions where armor must be worn under any type of street clothing. If you remove the panels, the entire rack can be rolled up and stored in a large cargo pocket. It's not designed to carry gear directly on the carrier, but can be paired with a minimalist chest rig (like the Blue Force Gear Ten-Speed ​​we discussed in issue 36) if the situation calls for it.

A pet carrier like this could be useful for family members who haven't been deployed as first responders to an armed threat but want to be protected from those threats. It is also an excellent option to take the car with you when you are in high-risk areas or need to drive through urban areas with civil unrest.

URL:www.primera-lanza.com

"full" crockery basket

At the other end of the spectrum are "full-up" or direct action oriented dedicated cardholders. These transports have integrated cargo transport and are preferred by military special operations and law enforcement tactical teams, who almost always operate with a carbine or submachine gun and require support equipment such as radios, hydration supplies, extra ammunition and distraction devices.

Above: Tyr Tactical's Basic Plate Carrier is a design fit for full-time tactical teams and armed professionals alike, but it will be hard to conceal when fully loaded.

Our example is the basic plate carrier from Tyr Tactical. The BPC comes with PALS clips for attaching MOLLE pouches and includes a "kangaroo" pouch on the front that can hold three AR-style magazines. This particular transport was used by the author during his work as a foreign serious threat protection specialist. In addition to the kangaroo pouch, an additional magazine pouch, emergency medical kit, flashlight pouch, and water bottle holder have been added for daily protection duties in war zones.

The usefulness of this mode of transport for the "average person" is somewhat limited due to its volume and clear profile. But if you're guarding a ranch, business, or other large piece of property where the use of rifles is warranted and appearing armed (or armored) isn't an issue, the ability to carry additional ammo and gear can add to the load—an issue your blessing. .

URL:www.tyrtactical.com

Modular registration holder

Modular conveyors are quickly becoming the most popular type of slat conveyor due to their flexible and reconfigurable nature. They offer the best of both worlds for those looking for a single plate carrier to cover a multitude of potential scenarios. These can be used as a simple stand or in a complete setup with additional banners and hanging pockets.

Above: The MEPC defense mechanisms with poster of Maximus.

Here we see the mission essential defense mechanisms plate carrier (MEPC). The MEPC can be assembled on the Defense Mechanisms website, adding different sizes of harness pouches and different styles of cummerbunds a la carte. This allows you to build the luggage rack that best suits your needs. Speaking of the cummerbund, there are four versions available: a 3" and 5" wide version with two and three rows of MOLLE nylon webbing, respectively. Each is available as a pure MOLLE version or as a "hybrid" waistband that features a section of MOLLE mesh attached to a section of elastic material. The hybrid version can expand/contract to accommodate additional layers of clothing or small size differences between multiple wearers; this variant also comes with ROC quick release buckles. These quick release latches are useful when using the MEPC with a cardor chest pack so you can connect/disconnect the carrier without lifting the shield to start it offVelcro between waist and front pocket. Our test sample came with the hybrid 5-inch fret. The MEPC comes with two Fastex buckles sewn to the front of the mount for easy banner use and to minimize bulk if you choose to have hassle-free operation.

Defense mechanisms offer their own front banners that are self-scalable, but we wanted to illustrate the cross-compatibility of these types of plate/support systems. So for our "heavy" setup we use a Maximus markerHRT Tactical Gear🇧🇷 HRT manufactures its own carrier, but due to de facto standardization for plate clamping, there were no problems transferring its Maximus plate to the MEPC. We really like the Maximus for situations where you have to carry a lot of cargo: it comes with a kangaroo pouch for ammo, two square utility pouches, and pistol-sized pockets on each end. This sign was also designed for maximum modularity. Open pouches for pistol magazines contain flexible polymer inserts for magazine retention. Since they are attached with velcro, we removed them and reused these pouches to carry a pair of SOFT-T tourniquets. The kangaroo ammo pouch is also lined with Velcro, and the Maximus is available with three styles of soft-loop inserts for different types of magazines: a tri-mag insert for AR-15-style magazines, a double magazine insert for AR- 15, larger than 10, FAL or M14 and a five-round cartridge chambered for pistol-caliber submachine gun or carbine cartridges. Both utility bags have handles for storing gear. We used one for medical equipment and one for pyrotechnic equipment: a Sport Smoke grenade and an IWA international civilian flashbang device. This plate and mount combination gives us a top-tier armor configuration, ideal for tactical training or high-threat defensive scenarios.

If you just need a couple of spare magazines, Tactical Tailor makes Velcro magazine pouches (not pictured) that attach directly to the loop plate on the front of the MEPC. This gives you a few extra reloads without the bulk of a bigger poster like the Maximus.

If you already have a separate chest strap, it can also be integrated into the MEPC as long as your buckles are correctly aligned. A small company called AXL Advanced makes a useful product called the Chest Rig Retention Kit. This kit consists of four Fastex buckles on elasticated loops that can be threaded through the MOLLE loops on the waistband. The system allows you to connect a variety of trunk devices to your modular drive rack. This is a great tool to have in your gear closet if you want to run multiple types of carriers with one chest rig.

In our examples here you can see themred gearEmergency Management Rack Chest Rig, featured in issue #38 as a stand-alone chest rig. With theAXL for advanced usersKit, the same equipment has been adapted for the aircraft carrier Defense Mechanisms as a placard. Now all you need is a single log deck that works with two types of dish rack configurations.

Above: The AXL Advanced Chest Rig Adapter Kit can adapt harnesses to plate carriers with its clever buckle and elastic band system.

But when a banner or chest rig alone isn't enough to carry loads, modular plate carriers can be supplemented with drop or seat bags, sometimes called hangers. Hanging freely below the license plate holder, these bags are typically used by tactical teams to carry medical, offense, or signal supplies. To illustrate this, we experimented with the Modular Organized Removable (ROM) bag.Gadsden Dynamics🇧🇷 The ROM is a simple, single compartment hanging bag that is fully lined with loops and comes with multiple removable loop holders to organize gear. The ROM offers a unique quick disconnect feature that allows it to be "removed" from its mounting plate through the use of friction fasteners. When combined with a dedicated poster like the Maximus, it can be used as a larger compartment for more comprehensive first aid kits. The Redwire EMR is also paired with the proprietary demo bag, which we fill with chemical lights, strobes, and sport smoke for a low-light capable emergency signal kit. Individual gear loads are very personal and mission/need specific, but the hanging pockets allow for an exponential increase in storage without adding bulk to the front.

These are by no means the only options available in each category. There are many companies that offer a variety of bags, banners, harnesses, and hanging bags. But these examples give a good overview of the different types of carriers, their uses, and the different options that can be assembled to create the perfect Goldilocks for your armor and cargo hauling wants and needs.

URL:

• www.mecanismosdefensa.com
• www.gadsdendynamics.com
• www.redwiregear.com
• www.hrttacticalgear.com

Some notes on the blackboards

The armor plates, protection stats, and cut/size alone could fill an entire article, but since we're talking about aircraft carriers, we wanted to cover some of the plate variations and whatnot.

For brevity, we'll talk about class III and IV plate, skipping rolled sheet steel, which, despite its low cost, comes with a number of drawbacks, including significant weight and increased risk of breakage. Of course, steel plates certainly offer better protection than no plate at all, but they're not our first choice as there are ceramic and polymer alternatives.

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) has established a standardized armor plate testing protocol, which has been the national model for many years. The two main levels of hard plate protection for rifles specified by the NIJ are Level III and Level IV. The best result is that it complies with the NIJ.Tier III plates were intended to defeat six rounds of 7.62x51mm NATO ball ammunition, similar to the commercial .308 Winchester. Tier IV plates must stop between one and six rounds of 7.62 x 63mm NATO (.30-06) M2 armor-piercing ammunition. The commercial market has filled the gaps with non-standard levels of protection, such as Tier III+ and "special threat" plates, which supplement the NIJ standards with additional protection against 5.56mm green-tipped armor-piercing or 7.62x54 round cartridges. NATO mm, such as those fired from the Russian Dragunov sniper rifle or PKM machine gun.Before purchasing hard armor plates, be sure to carefully read the manufacturer's protection ratings to ensure they meet your personal needs.Please also note that while many boards are considered "NIJ compliant", they may not have been independently tested and certified as NIJ compliant. Always double check the manufacturer's documentation for test results, or search for the most recent Compliant Armor list at nij.ojp.gov.

From the end-user perspective, most people are concerned with a few key issues: cost, level of protection, weight, and thickness. Lighter boards are easier to use for longer periods, but they can also be thicker. Thicker boards can offer more protection, but they also add bulk if concealment is an issue. And all these things affect the price. Below are some examples of cards with different levels of protection and prices. For a direct comparison, we highlight the main dimensions. To keep comparisons as "apples to apples" as possible, all plates are medium with a SAPI cut.

Tier III Primary Armor Plates

Talla:Average
Dimensions:10 by 12 inches
thickness:1.1 inches
weight:3.75 pounds per slab
Advertised level of protection:third
Announced threat rounds defeated:

• 5,56 x 45 mm OTAN M193 FMJ
• 7,62 x 51 mm M80 FMJ
• 7,62 x 39 mm FMJ

Preis:$398 (set of 2 – note: sold per panel for $199 each)

Walnuts:This is the only board model that Prime Armor sells and we think these boards are a good starting point for balancing price and protection. However, they are so thick that we had to swap out our medium Defense Mechanisms plate holder for a large one just to fit these plates. They are not what we would choose for discreet use. If that's not an issue, a pair of plates is under £8 and under $400, providing good value and protection.

Please note that they do not protect against bullets. These include the ever-popular M855 5.56mm "green tip" ammunition that is widely available on the commercial market and, in our opinion, the armor-piercing ammunition that you are likely to find within US borders. There are also "soft steel core" ammunition in Russian caliber 7.62x39mm, which has a similar capacity. Although less common than the green tip, it still exists and should be considered in the level of protection you choose.

However, we believe that these plates are also an excellent choice for CQB and Shoothouse training courses. These classes generally require students to use shields approved for rifles, but also prohibit the use of any type of armor-piercing ammunition. So Tier III plates hit the spot for a situation that calls for rifle protection, but you know armor-piercing rounds aren't available. Thanks to their lightweight polyethylene construction, these boards can be used for hours and days at a time.

URL:www.primebodyarmor.com

Tier III+ Spartan Armor Plates

Talla:Average
Dimensions:10 by 12 inches
thickness:1.1 inches
weight:4.65 pounds per slab
Advertised level of protection:III+
Announced threat rounds defeated:

• 5,56 x 45 mm M193 FMJ
• 7,62 x 39 mm M67 FMJ
• 7,62 x 51 mm M80 FMJ
• 5,56 x 45 mm M855/SS109 AP
• 7.62 x 39mm M43 steel core

Preis:$ 721 (2er-Set)

Walnuts: These boards are by far the most expensive on our list. This is a good opportunity to re-emphasize balancing costs against other factors. On the surface, it might make sense that higher levels of protection come with higher costs. But really, it's a combination of protection and weight that drives the cost.

The Level IV tags listed on the next page offer better protection, but these Level III+ tags are significantly lighter and have almost the same protection. In fact, the only difference in protection between these Tier III+ and Tier IV plates is .30-06 armor penetrations. Unless you're hoping to engage in a firefight with opponents wielding M1 Garand rifles, Tier III+ plates will thwart anything you can find in the United States, and they're almost 5 pounds lighter than their Stage IV counterparts. important? A loaded 30-round AR magazine weighs 1 pound. A 100-ounce bladder of water weighs more than 6 pounds. Then add pistol mags, smoke grenades, radios, or whatever else you have in your loadout. Depending on what your equipment looks like, the extra money and a little sacrifice in level of protection can give you a more comfortable and complete setup that meets all your needs.

As mentioned above, Level III+ is not an official NIJ classification. On this scale, these cards are only classified as Tier III because they don't cover the 0.30-06 AP turns mentioned above. However, if you see this plus sign or other notices such as "Special Threat Classification" in a product description, be sure to read which specific calibers/cartridges are covered by that sign.

URL:www.spartanarmor.com

Tier IV Maps:

Here are two examples of Tier IV plates, both from Hoplite Armor. We wanted to show you how even two equally rated cards from the same manufacturer can offer tradeoffs in size and cost. Hoplite has a wide range of plates in different levels of protection. The two models shown here are #26149 and #26135 respectively. The main difference at first glance is that the 26149 SAPI cutting boards are covered with a thin fabric edge, while the 26135 Schwimmer cutting boards are covered with a rigid Line-X coating.

Why is the outer layer important? If you've ever seen a picture of a fired slab, you've seen a light, almost flaky substance that looks like it will disintegrate and fall out of the bullet hole like crushed plaster. This is normal as the composite material is crushed/sacrificed to protect the user. Hoplite says that using the Line-X coating instead of cloth helps keep that material together and inside the board, which improves the 26135's multi-hitting ability.

The cloth-covered 26149 is still capable of multiple hits. The hard shell is simply an extension of that ability.

Stage IV Hoplite Armor Plates

Talla:

• 26149 - Medium (Cut SAPI)
  
• 26135 - Medium (Swimmer Cut)

Dimensions:

• 26149 - 12,5" x 9,5".
• 26135 - 11.3 x 9.6 inches

thickness:

• 26149 - 0.74 inch
• 26135 - 0.74 inch

weight:

• 26149 – 7.65 pounds per slab
• 26135 - 6.7 pounds per slab

Advertised level of protection (both models):4

Announced threat rounds defeated (both models):

• 5,56 x 45 mm OTAN M193 FMJ
• 7,62 x 51 mm OTAN FMJ
• 5,56 x 45 mm M855/SS109 AP
• 7.62x51mm OTAN-AP
• API de 7,62 x 39 mm
• 7.62 x 39mm M43 steel core
• 7,62 x 54 mm R L/LPS/B-32 API
• .30-06 M2AP

Preis:

• 26149 – $479 (2nd-Set)
• 26135 - $399 (2nd-Set)

Walnuts:If you choose a protractor like First Spear's Slick, which is made of a very finely woven material, the rough Line-X coating on the 26135 can eventually damage the protractor. A slippery, ultralight baby carrier that moves on its own (no chest attachments or pockets attached) can make heavier fabric-backed panels an acceptable compromise. But when you're running a larger carrier with four or five loaded magazines and additional gear, the 2-pound difference between these sets of plates becomes a bit more significant.

URL:www.hoplitearmor.com

Conclution

Again, your armor plates are part of a larger shipment. The key to long-term success with minimal effort and spending twice is to research ahead of time and piece together your components into a cargo-carrying/protection system that meets all of your needs. The size, weight, thickness and level of protection affect the selection of the plate. Cargo requirements and camouflage/stance requirements are likely to be critical factors for license plate holders. The examples shown here are not an exhaustive list of what is available on the market, but rather a selection of some of the different combinations that can be achieved..

[Editor's Note: Photography by Patrick McCarthy. This article first appeared in OFFGRID #42.]

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