Plate Carrier
The plate carrier (or Plate Carrier in English) has become a standard piece of soldier equipment since the 90s, designed to protect them from bullet wounds and trauma. It allows the wearer to carry ballistic plates inside the vest without hindering their movements while still providing protection. Most plate carriers are equipped with MOLLE webbing so that the user can customize their vest as they wish, allowing for much more carrying capacity than a Chest Rig, for example. Although bulky, plate carriers have proven their usefulness in numerous theaters of operations around the world. To address this feeling of bulkiness, ballistic plates and plate carriers have undergone significant evolution since their inception, and today most models on the market (especially American ones) only cover the user's vital parts (lungs, stomach, and heart, for example). Of course, the user has the choice, and it is very important to remember this if you ever want to get ballistic plates and a plate carrier! More mobility will equate to less protection, and vice versa.
The best example to illustrate a plate carrier is undoubtedly the CIRAS (Combat Integrated Releasable Armor System), specially designed for SOF (Special Operation Forces) by Eagle Industries! Made of 1000D Cordura, it features a system that allows the vest to be quickly removed using a cable (called quick-release) when the user is injured or to avoid drowning if the vest is too heavy, for example. This plate carrier is designed to accommodate SAPI (Small Arms Protection Insert) plates. The CIRAS comes in two models, the Maritime version and the Land version, with the difference being in the attachment of the cummerbunds (external belt of the vest) and the location of the quick-release. However, it is controversial, mainly due to its high weight when fully loaded. Although innovative in its category at the time of its release, the CIRAS is much less used today as many more functional variants have appeared since. Among other well-known plate carriers, we can mention the IOTV (Improved Outer Tactical Vest), mainly used by regular US Army troops, or the SPC (Scalable Plate Carrier) used by the Marines. But then, how to choose your plate carrier? I propose we look at three different plate carrier models together, which will illustrate the main types of vests available on the market.
- The MK2 Plate Carrier by Bulldog Tactical
Made of 1000D Cordura, this vest is both robust and comfortable thanks to its mesh lining. But the MK2 by Bulldog has the main advantage of being fully equipped, and all the pockets are fully removable, allowing it to be reconfigured as needed thanks to the MOLLE system. The MK2 has been tested and approved by the British and French armies and perfectly meets the needs of operators in the field. However, be aware that this vest falls into the category of heavy vests (just under 3 kilos when empty). Therefore, care must be taken to distribute the weight well on the vest and not to maximize the load too much because ballistic plates are heavy!
- The Lazer Platform Plate Carrier by Viper Tactical
The Lazer Platform is made of 600D Cordura and has been laser-cut for more lightness. Unlike the previously mentioned MK2, this one comes without pockets, so the choice of configuration will be entirely yours, thanks to its MOLLE system! In its design, this vest is very close to the CIRAS. It is adjustable at the cummerbunds and has a quick-release system. The Lazer Platform falls into the category of intermediate vests (about 1.5 kilos when empty), offering more mobility than a heavy vest while still having a significant carrying capacity.
- The PLATEminus Plate Carrier by Blue Force Gear
The PLATEminus is made of ULTRAcomp, a patented material by Blue Force Gear, which is lighter and more resistant than Cordura. This vest is designed for rapid operations where carrying capacity is not a priority and where speed and mobility are crucial. It also has a quick-release system in case of emergency. The PLATEminus falls into the category of light vests (about 350 grams when empty), offering its wearer comfort and versatility.
Finally, I would add that before buying a plate carrier, you must ensure that it is compatible with your ballistic plates! For example, most plates issued to the gendarmerie will not be compatible with a plate carrier meeting the standards of plates issued in the army. So do not hesitate to seek advice from one of our experts before placing an order to avoid any unpleasant surprises.