Plate Carrier

[sgt_gunn]

Hi,

I'm looking to pick up a plate carrier/chest rig for overseas - something not too bulky that won't get hung up getting in and out of a vehicle. I've been looking at a few manufacturers - London Bridge, Diamondback Tactical, etc - does anyone have any recommendations?

Thanks,

Adrian

[TaskForceT]

I liked the one made by Eagle. Just be sure that you'll be allowed to wear it before you spend too much money on something that will collect dust in your toughbox.

[sgt_gunn]

Thanks TaskForce, I'll check it out.

We're going to be in civvies, so we've been cleared to pick-up our own gear - we're allegedly even going to get an "allowance" to pay for it - though I'm not holding my breath...

[SOTB]

If you are going to run around in civvie clothing, and the idea is to not appear as if you are security, then I would recommend BA which has no MOLLE attachment points, and which simply offers the type of coverage you desire for the threat/climate you work in.

There are a number of options for this, not the least of which is simply getting a soft armor setup and using a plate carrier over it.

As far as companies, the only one that comes to mind is Diamondback for their incredibly slow service....

[sgt_gunn]

SOTB,

I've got a couple of photos of a previous unit, and they're all wearing either Blackhawk tactical vests over level III vests w/plate (I think) or London Bridge plate carriers over the level III vests. I've been told that depending on the specific mission we may or may not be wearing tac vest/MOLLE type carriers. I believe the Blackhawk vests were issued, but I've used them once before and I can't stand them, which is why I was leaning towards picking up either a carrier or chest rig.

Adrian

[CombatWombat]

I use the Tac Tailor plate carrier with the side panels. Works pretty well, doesn't catch much getting in and out of a HMMWV. I started wearing soft armor under my DCU top and throwing the plates on over the top. Seemed cooler, more mobile. CSM sure didn't like it, though.

[sgt_gunn]

Thanks for all the advice so far everyone.

I'm looking hard at either the Paraclete Hard Plate Carrier w/Cummerbund, the Diamondback Tactical BattleLab/CAT Fast Attack Plate Carrier (F.A.P.C) with the Fast Attack Rack w/ Level 3A Armor (a Cummerbund), or the BDS Tactical Stacker Rig #4.

I've been talking to a soldier who worked on the same mission we're heading to a couple of years ago and a bunch of his guys had London Bridge carriers and were very happy with them, but London Bridge's website seems to be on the fritz.

If anyone has had any experience with these products, I'd love to hear your views on them! Thanks!

Adrian

[Fire-Gunner]

As far as companies, the only one that comes to mind is Diamondback for their incredibly slow service....

Diamondback is fast if you tell them you're deploying.:)

[Massgrunt]

I ordered a bunch of stuff from Diamondback, while overseas, and ended up cancelling the order after like two months of no action. Their customer service sucks. I'm a contractor, not active duty, but I really don't think that had anything to do with it. Their catalog is more like a wish list of things they'd like to sell some day.

I had a Tactical Tailor plate carrier, it was nice and robust, inexpensive, and (oh the novelty) actually got to me when they said it would.

[chilly]

i to had problems with diamondback tactical took them over two month for them to deliver some pouches.
i use the egal ciras vest and love it

[SOTB]

Diamondback is fast if you tell them you're deploying.:)I'm glad that was the case for yourself. Myself and others I know, have not had the same turnaround service. And this is from as little as one unit to ordering hundreds of units....

[nofear]

It shouldn't take Diamondback 2 months to send me an item that is in stock.

I will never order anything from them again.

[Fire-Gunner]

I'm glad that was the case for yourself. Myself and others I know, have not had the same turnaround service. And this is from as little as one unit to ordering hundreds of units....

It was a couple of years ago. When I ordered, I did it over the phone. Their customer service was excellent, at the time. Other guys in my squadron got their stuff fast as well. I liked the quality of their gear, sorry to hear that they're fucking up.

[Jimbo]

I ordered a bunch of stuff from Diamondback, while overseas, and ended up cancelling the order after like two months of no action. Their customer service sucks.

I had the same experience.

[Jimbo]

Anyone know if DBT has got all their shit in one bag yet?

[SOTB]

Anyone know if DBT has got all their shit in one bag yet?It appears that they do not....

[Bodiebot]

Check out
http://www.mercworx.com/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=4
They have some nice stuff.

[Xdeth]

Anyone know if DBT has got all their shit in one bag yet?

I had everything they sell just about, sold it all on ebay beacause I quickly figured out, that shit is useless!! :)

Seriously, you have to work it, they have a list of customers a mile long and a wait list on most body armor. I got the ballistic bicep pro (mini steel plates in kevlar) when they were still an item the mil was piloting, slow but good gear......

[Tam]

Seriously, you have to work it, they have a list of customers a mile long and a wait list on most body armor......

That's really unbelievable...no matter how good their stuff is. There are plenty of tac gear and body armor makers around and nobody should have to wait 2 months to get their gear!! At least I wouldn't.

I had once over 100 plate carriers specially made in factory and aqquired same amount Israeli strike plates also. This took some 3 weeks including shipping. So 2 months...:rolleyes:

Tam

[Massgrunt]

That's really unbelievable...no matter how good their stuff is. There are plenty of tac gear and body armor makers around and nobody should have to wait 2 months to get their gear!! At least I wouldn't.

Tam
Exactly. There are plenty of alternatives. I don't give second chances on shit like that. DBT had me waiting for months, never bothering to tell me that the shit wasn't in stock and on the way. Same thing with Lightfighter in late '04.

[SOTB]

Exactly. There are plenty of alternatives. I don't give second chances on shit like that....Ditto. To DBT and ANY OTHER gear and weapons suppliers out there that read this board -- give shitty service and you had better believe that word will get out. And for those that want to fall for the "well, we have a new facility and warehouse" bullshit -- no whining later....

[Jimbo]

Ditto. To DBT and ANY OTHER gear and weapons suppliers out there that read this board -- give shitty service and you had better believe that word will get out. And for those that want to fall for the "well, we have a new facility and warehouse" bullshit -- no whining later....

X1000000

When DBT dropped the ball on me (while deployed), I ordered a LBT plate carrier from LBT and some pouches from EMDOM and both those guys came through like champs. EMDOM even threw in some free crap because they didn't have the color for the admin pouch I asked for.

http://www21.serrahost.com/emdomusa/StoreFront.bok

[snaquebite]

If anyone ever orders Paraclete kit from one of the Distributors and gets Shiddy service let me know please.

[RAT]

The company I am with now Reps 1st Choice Body Armor. If you all need hook ups please let me know. I can get them into country and we have a pretty good turn around...

Nice to be able to get the Pres of the company on the phone...

I have a Shoot Me 1st 5.11 Tact with Level IIIA and plates that I am very happy with. Also what we call the Iraq vest wich we sold to the Country.

From what I have seen most plates are coming from 1st Choice any way. Hence the back log on a lot of stuff.

Don't know if this helps or not...

RAT OUT!!!