School me on plate carriers

[Coded-Dude]

if you just want to carry gear and don't need plates, there is always the High Speed Gear rig.....



http://www.highspeedgear.com/hsgi/double-decker-value-combo-98DTC0.html

 

[Permanent37]

This will most likely sound harsh, but here it goes.

Why do you NEED a plate carrier? Conspiracy theories and revolutionary dreams aside, there's next to no need for one. I have had one for several years now, and aside from when I needed it for work, I haven't worn it. Other than a little show and tell in my home for curious friends.

Plate carriers are made to carry plates. If you wear one without then, while carrying mags and other gear, you not only look like a raging moron but it will not fit right. Which makes it a pain in the ass to run with and do stuff, and also will choke you half to death if you are getting dragged for casualty drills.

Why so many magazines? Carry what you need, and nothing more. Molle is made to be flexible. If you need more mags, put more on, if you need less, take some off. If you need an IFAK, put it on, if you don't, don't freakin wear it. It takes 5 minutes to properly install anything onto these vests. Carrying 6384579 magazines on your person not only weighs you down, but it also pisses off your partner with all the rattling and having to drag your noisy, heavy, pointy gear ladened ass.

Typical load out? For what? While in Afghanistan, in the Marines, we carried 180 rounds in 30 round mags, 2 extra pistol mags, and an IFAK. Anything else is up to you. You really don't need anything other than that.

If you feel the need to buy gear to look cool or to fit in, you're doing it for the wrong reason. It may be a bit spartan or frugal, but the bare minimum to get by, with a few doodads to make it work to your specific needs, is all you need.

And for the record, I do have a plate carrier left over from Afghanistan, where I used it. After the service, it hasn't been used a bit. I keep it around, and it didn't cost me a penny to get it. But there's no need for it. It is an Eagle industries plate carrier, USMC circa 2009 issue. And when I needed it, it performed for me beautifully. How I loaded it? No tactical pocket protectors, no map pouches, no "admin pouches", no dump pouches, no camel back unless I needed to go on a foot patrol, and no stinking grenade pouches. All I had was a Unit patch, 3 double mag pouches, a snappy thing to attach my single point sling when I needed my hands free, and a IFAK on the left side where I could get it, but it's placement isn't a big deal, as long as it isn't on your back. If you are wounded in any situation, whether a firefight in afghan or in a shootout with a gang while you hide behind your squad car, chances are your buddy is gonna roll you on to your back and take care of you. Your IFAK isn't for you to use on your buddies, it's to be used on you by your buddy.

Even if its not for duty you still cant go wrong buying one just for an investment. Just like semi auto rifles and 30 round mags. Imagine what a decent set of plates will cost if the government outlaws them one day down the road.

 

[HoLeChit]

Even if its not for duty you still cant go wrong buying one just for an investment. Just like semi auto rifles and 30 round mags. Imagine what a decent set of plates will cost if the government outlaws them one day down the road.

A very good and valid point. And however unlikely that will be to happen in my eyes, it will then be something needed by the average joe.

 

[HoLeChit]

Oh no I appreciate it. that why I put Normal in quotations because I know there's not a cookie cutter load, but I wanted to see who ran 2 mags and if any one 100000 mags. Haha.
And I'm looking forward to the class.

From my sniper hide

What kinda class is it? And who is offering?

 

[Jedabug92]

What kinda class is it? And who is offering?

Advanced tactical carbine at Badlands

From my sniper hide

 

[SMS]

If you are just starting out, and not really sure what your needs are other than X amount of mags, I would just get a simple chest rig.

Check out the SKD PIG UCR ($99 plus a med kit) and similar rigs. Most manufacturers make hydration bladder carrier attachments, or you can shove a water bottle in the cargo pocket of your pants.

Start simple. Build from there.

 

[Jedabug92]

I have looked at Battle belts too, like the way they look but how are they worn? inner and outer belt?

 

[Gabriel42]

I have looked at Battle belts too, like the way they look but how are they worn? inner and outer belt?

Yep yep.

 

[Jedabug92]

Yep yep.

How easy are they to put in and remove?

From my sniper hide

 

[Gabriel42]

How easy are they to put in and remove?

From my sniper hide

Super.