User Panel
[#1]
Quoted: I know little about these companies. I just see YouTube videos about them and how people like their stuff. Speaking of IFAK's. With these minimalist rigs, where does one put an IFAK? On the back panel? I carry a RAT's TQ with me all times in my pocket, car, backpack and on family members too. I know its a love it or hate TQ but its one that my whole family will keep on them since its so compact. I will have some RECON Medical TQ's for my gear soon. I see that the Grey Ghost PC has a pocket on the upper chest. I can run it through there as an option. Right now I have the TQ sitting in a compass/med pouch on my chest rig. I do have a medical pouch that I have yet to put into action. I will be taking a Stop the Bleed class hopefully this summer when things somewhat return to normal. Until then I will not get a full med kit until I know what I am doing. View Quote Looks like you want to take medical classes too. I recommend that before any shooting class. |
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[#2]
Quoted: I keep a TQ on my left shoulder and BOK kit on my belt. Looks like you want to take medical classes too. I recommend that before any shooting class. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: I know little about these companies. I just see YouTube videos about them and how people like their stuff. Speaking of IFAK's. With these minimalist rigs, where does one put an IFAK? On the back panel? I carry a RAT's TQ with me all times in my pocket, car, backpack and on family members too. I know its a love it or hate TQ but its one that my whole family will keep on them since its so compact. I will have some RECON Medical TQ's for my gear soon. I see that the Grey Ghost PC has a pocket on the upper chest. I can run it through there as an option. Right now I have the TQ sitting in a compass/med pouch on my chest rig. I do have a medical pouch that I have yet to put into action. I will be taking a Stop the Bleed class hopefully this summer when things somewhat return to normal. Until then I will not get a full med kit until I know what I am doing. Looks like you want to take medical classes too. I recommend that before any shooting class. Yeah my goal is to get a Stop the Bleed class or some other class like it before I do a shooting class. I help take care of my father who has dementia and right now just going out and getting groceries is tough. The classes will be in the near future. I hope to get one close by this summer. I have to get our local fire department to sponsor one. |
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[#3]
I just watched a video on the LA Police Gear Atlas plate carrier. It shows that the cummerbund is removable and with it removed it slims it down. It would also give me options scale it up or down.
Thoughts? |
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[#4]
I just wanted to add for any future readers of this thread that, in hindsight, I think I may have over-exaggerated how bulky the Condor MOPC actually is.
It just has extra material in places that I personally don't need it, like the front plate pocket being made to fit BALCS cut soft armor panels. And the top of the back plate pocket has extra room at the corners where you would be able to fit square-shaped plates, and fits 11x14 plates even though I'm using 10x12 (different websites make different claims about what plates it will fit, but looking at mine, I think 11x14 plates would fit in there, albeit somewhat tightly). It's really not that huge, so I think I over-exaggerated how much extra material there is. |
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[#5]
Quoted: I just wanted to add for any future readers of this thread that, in hindsight, I think I may have over-exaggerated how bulky the Condor MOPC actually is. It just has extra material in places that I personally don't need it, like the front plate pocket being made to fit BALCS cut soft armor panels. And the top of the back plate pocket has extra room at the corners where you would be able to fit square-shaped plates, and fits 11x14 plates even though I'm using 10x12 (different websites make different claims about what plates it will fit, but looking at mine, I think 11x14 plates would fit in there, albeit somewhat tightly). It's really not that huge, so I think I over-exaggerated how much extra material there is. View Quote From some of the videos and various threads that I have read on the MOPAC it is a bit bulky than some other carriers. It’s what I’ve been trying to avoid when searching for a PC. I think you assessment of it was spot on and very helpful. It reaffirmed what I was reading and seeing in videos. |
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[#6]
My only prior experience with PCs is what I wore while serving and that setup was way too bulky and heavy for the scenarios you're describing.
After a LOT of research I bought the GGG minimalist carrier and Hesco L210 plates with First Spear foam plate backers. I'm about to put an Esstac mid three mag pouch on the front. This setup is light, comfortable, easy to put on, and will stop all rifle threats I'm concerned with (almost anything out of an AR). IFAK, dump pouch, 2 rifle mags, 2 pistol mags, Glock 45, and flashlight are all on an Esstac battle belt. |
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[#7]
Quoted: My only prior experience with PCs is what I wore while serving and that setup was way too bulky and heavy for the scenarios you're describing. After a LOT of research I bought the GGG minimalist carrier and Hesco L210 plates with First Spear foam plate backers. I'm about to put an Esstac mid three mag pouch on the front. This setup is light, comfortable, easy to put on, and will stop all rifle threats I'm concerned with (almost anything out of an AR). IFAK, dump pouch, 2 rifle mags, 2 pistol mags, Glock 45, and flashlight are all on an Esstac battle belt. View Quote I keep going back to the Grey Ghost Gear (GGG) Minimalist Plate Carrier. It’s the one I feel like I should go with but my head says go with the LAPG Atlas. I can scale it down or up. I have also been thinking about a battle belt setup. I think it would complement the PC. I see what you’ve done with your set up and my mind is slowly getting to where you are. My first thought when I started into this was that I needed everything. Even the kitchen sink. I’m slowly getting to the mindset of being a minimalist. The battle belt would be a grab and put on deal when I am home or in my car type of thing. I conceal carry daily so I somewhat have a battle belt on me. It’s just a fun belt (Bio Belt best belt I’ve ever owned. Five years and still looks great). I want to carry and IFAK on me at some point but I want the knowledge to use what I carry. I’m just kind of torn between carriers right. Ow. The Atlas or the GGG. I’m still watching videos and reading and educating myself to PC and figuring out hat is best for me. I wish I had done this a few years ago when I moved from ALICE gear to a chest rig. I will never buy just a chest rig again. They are far to limited. At least that is my opinion. |
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[#8]
Here's my take:
I will buy a PC and it will sit in my closet for the rest of my life. The one time I might need a PC, a basic minimalist will be all that I need. I went with the GGG Minimalist. |
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[#9]
Quoted: Here's my take: I will buy a PC and it will sit in my closet for the rest of my life. The one time I might need a PC, a basic minimalist will be all that I need. I went with the GGG Minimalist. View Quote I agree that it will sit a lot of the time. I will be using mine when I go to classes and to the range. I may even wear it when I am out walking in the evenings to get used to it and the weight of it. This thread and the comments have been eye opening and very helpful. I think I know what plate carrier I will be going with. The GGG is one that I really like the style, look and features. I think the LAPG Atlast gives me that as well with some room to scale up should I ever need to. Not sure that I will ever need to but having the option is good. Once I get my first set of plates and this rig squared away I think I will order a second one . . . Maybe two more to give to my family should something ever happen and we need them. Thanks everyone and keep the comments coming. |
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[#10]
Quoted: I agree that it will sit a lot of the time. I will be using mine when I go to classes and to the range. I may even wear it when I am out walking in the evenings to get used to it and the weight of it. This thread and the comments have been eye opening and very helpful. I think I know what plate carrier I will be going with. The GGG is one that I really like the style, look and features. I think the LAPG Atlast gives me that as well with some room to scale up should I ever need to. Not sure that I will ever need to but having the option is good. Once I get my first set of plates and this rig squared away I think I will order a second one . . . Maybe two more to give to my family should something ever happen and we need them. Thanks everyone and keep the comments coming. View Quote Honestly, I would say that you should invest that extra money you'd use on "follow-on" gear and put it into your primary rig. I won't assume the level of training that your family has, but I will caution that one person who's competent with their weapons and has gear that won't fail on them is better than three people who are meh at best. If your funds are limited, concentrate the training and equipment on yourself rather than people who may not appreciate it or be able to utilize it well. |
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[#11]
Quoted: Honestly, I would say that you should invest that extra money you'd use on "follow-on" gear and put it into your primary rig. I won't assume the level of training that your family has, but I will caution that one person who's competent with their weapons and has gear that won't fail on them is better than three people who are meh at best. If your funds are limited, concentrate the training and equipment on yourself rather than people who may not appreciate it or be able to utilize it well. View Quote Agree with this. If your financial situation is good enough that you can buy three separate cheap PC setups, just combine that money into a single non-cheap PC setup. Someone in this forum once said about keeping extra sets of hand-out gear "If they're someone you should be giving gear to, they probably already have their own gear. And if they don't already have their own gear, then they're probably not someone you should be giving gear to." For the price of three chinese LAPG carriers with chinese Botach plates, you could have a legitimate Crye JPC 2.0 or Trex Arms AC1 with Hesco M210's. |
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[#12]
Attached File
For some reason PIG gets no love around here. But I have found the Brigadine with a 3 mag shingle from their Systema line plus a TQ dangler to serve me well. I upgraded the shoulder pads and in the summer add the pontoons for increased air flow to help keep me cool. I love this setup. Couple it with a belt and I’m good for whatever may come. |
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[#13]
Quoted: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/33970/C6EE0949-3358-48D8-B9E5-E53D8CD82F74_jpe-1892808.JPG For some reason PIG gets no love around here. But I have found the Brigadine with a 3 mag shingle from their Systema line plus a TQ dangler to serve me well. I upgraded the shoulder pads and in the summer add the pontoons for increased air flow to help keep me cool. I love this setup. Couple it with a belt and I’m good for whatever may come. View Quote I have not seen that one. I will look them up. Thanks! |
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[#14]
Quoted: Agree with this. If your financial situation is good enough that you can buy three separate cheap PC setups, just combine that money into a single non-cheap PC setup. Someone in this forum once said about keeping extra sets of hand-out gear "If they're someone you should be giving gear to, they probably already have their own gear. And if they don't already have their own gear, then they're probably not someone you should be giving gear to." For the price of three chinese LAPG carriers with chinese Botach plates, you could have a legitimate Crye JPC 2.0 or Trex Arms AC1 with Hesco M210's. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: Honestly, I would say that you should invest that extra money you'd use on "follow-on" gear and put it into your primary rig. I won't assume the level of training that your family has, but I will caution that one person who's competent with their weapons and has gear that won't fail on them is better than three people who are meh at best. If your funds are limited, concentrate the training and equipment on yourself rather than people who may not appreciate it or be able to utilize it well. Agree with this. If your financial situation is good enough that you can buy three separate cheap PC setups, just combine that money into a single non-cheap PC setup. Someone in this forum once said about keeping extra sets of hand-out gear "If they're someone you should be giving gear to, they probably already have their own gear. And if they don't already have their own gear, then they're probably not someone you should be giving gear to." For the price of three chinese LAPG carriers with chinese Botach plates, you could have a legitimate Crye JPC 2.0 or Trex Arms AC1 with Hesco M210's. I guess I miss spoke when I said I would get some other kits. It would be down the road and not right now. For what I am saving right now it will allow me to get a set of plates sooner and save for more gear down the road. |
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[#15]
I would still advocate saving a bit more and getting better stuff. We're not on the verge of imminent collapse (yet), regardless of what the lolberts in GD are saying. You've got time. Now, if our dear leaders start pushing for a ban on body armor, then yeah, that's when you get what you can as fast as you can.
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[#16]
Quoted: I would still advocate saving a bit more and getting better stuff. We're not on the verge of imminent collapse (yet), regardless of what the lolberts in GD are saying. You've got time. Now, if our dear leaders start pushing for a ban on body armor, then yeah, that's when you get what you can as fast as you can. View Quote |
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[#17]
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[#18]
Quoted: Probably should have said "when." Republicans can and likely will continue to find enough support to prevent a major gun bill from passing, but I very highly doubt they'll die on the body armor hill. View Quote So, if money is tight and have to prioritize, buy PLATES now...the carrier can come later. |
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[#19]
Quoted: So, if money is tight and have to prioritize, buy PLATES now...the carrier can come later. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: Probably should have said "when." Republicans can and likely will continue to find enough support to prevent a major gun bill from passing, but I very highly doubt they'll die on the body armor hill. So, if money is tight and have to prioritize, buy PLATES now...the carrier can come later. I think I can do both a carry and plates now. I believe someone recommended a set of plates from Botech. Those are within my budget. Any other recommendations on plates? |
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[#20]
Quoted: Probably should have said "when." Republicans can and likely will continue to find enough support to prevent a major gun bill from passing, but I very highly doubt they'll die on the body armor hill. View Quote I strongly doubt that they'll bother with that. The whole point of gun control, in actuality, is virtue signalling to certain voting blocks. If they add body armor to it, that takes away another bargaining chip they could have brought up to appeal to those voters again in future elections. So I strongly doubt any gun control bill would include it. |
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[#21]
Quoted: I guess I miss spoke when I said I would get some other kits. It would be down the road and not right now. For what I am saving right now it will allow me to get a set of plates sooner and save for more gear down the road. View Quote That works then. Ultimately, as we've said, the cheap chinese stuff will do fine as long as you aren't exposing it to meaningful hard use. |
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[#22]
Quoted: That works then. Ultimately, as we've said, the cheap chinese stuff will do fine as long as you aren't exposing it to meaningful hard use. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: I guess I miss spoke when I said I would get some other kits. It would be down the road and not right now. For what I am saving right now it will allow me to get a set of plates sooner and save for more gear down the road. That works then. Ultimately, as we've said, the cheap chinese stuff will do fine as long as you aren't exposing it to meaningful hard use. I fully understand that and I am going into this with that in mind, now that everyone has expressed that and opened my eyes to things too. My idea moving forward, get what I can afford right now and take these classes and once I have the knowledge of using them in a class I will be better suited to see what works for me and what doesn't I can move on from that and get something more expensive. I want to build my knowledge before jumping in and buying gear and still not knowing if I made the right choices or not. I think once I take a few classes I will have a better mindset and be able to make a really good choice and get gear that will outlive me. Keep the info coming. This is all new to me and I am learning. I was once told that there are no stupid questions, unless its the question that wasn't asked. Thanks everyone. |
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[#23]
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[#24]
Thanks everyone. I went ahead and ordred the Atlas PC from LAPG. I will give this one a shot and use in some upcoming classes (when I can get them) and see how I like it and what I don't like about it before I move into something more expensive. Next up is ordering some plates.
Keep the info coming. |
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[#26]
Quoted: Do not dilly dally ordering a set of plates. You can bet those will be a target in a forthcoming EO sooner rather than later. And let this be your guide on what level plates you decide on:https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/153820/RMA_Info_Graphic3-1894818.jpg I would recommend III+ or better. View Quote IIIa+? Since when has that been a thing? Or am I just slow? |
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[#27]
I am looking at plates now. I will either go III+ or IV. I found a few places that are within my budget. I’m watching videos now and I’m sure I’ll be asking questions as I go.
I’m watching Buffman’s videos on them now. |
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[#28]
Quoted: IIIa+? Since when has that been a thing? Or am I just slow? View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: Do not dilly dally ordering a set of plates. You can bet those will be a target in a forthcoming EO sooner rather than later. And let this be your guide on what level plates you decide on:https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/153820/RMA_Info_Graphic3-1894818.jpg I would recommend III+ or better. IIIa+? Since when has that been a thing? Or am I just slow? You're not slow. It ain't a thing, it's snake oil. |
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[#29]
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[#30]
Quoted: IIIa+? Since when has that been a thing? Or am I just slow? View Quote It's a term made up by manufacturers, colloquially meant to refer to stuff that stops more handgun rounds than the NIJ definition of IIIA. It's usually used when something stops high-velocity pistol rounds like some 5.7mm stuff, but is used to mean different things by different companies. Much like how "III+" also isn't an official NIJ definition and some companies use different criteria for it, but colloquially means anything that stops M80 and also various 5.56 rounds. That diagram he posted is definitely wrong, though maybe the company that made that picture does use those terms to mean those things. But IIIA+ should definitely not be assumed to stop M193. |
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[#31]
It's just a chart I grabbed off the internet, man. My main point still stands. Get plates NOW.
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[#32]
Anyone own the LBX plate carrier? I see they have three sizes. About to order the M for 10x12 plates
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[#33]
Quoted: I keep a TQ on my left shoulder and BOK kit on my belt. Looks like you want to take medical classes too. I recommend that before any shooting class. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: I know little about these companies. I just see YouTube videos about them and how people like their stuff. Speaking of IFAK's. With these minimalist rigs, where does one put an IFAK? On the back panel? I carry a RAT's TQ with me all times in my pocket, car, backpack and on family members too. I know its a love it or hate TQ but its one that my whole family will keep on them since its so compact. I will have some RECON Medical TQ's for my gear soon. I see that the Grey Ghost PC has a pocket on the upper chest. I can run it through there as an option. Right now I have the TQ sitting in a compass/med pouch on my chest rig. I do have a medical pouch that I have yet to put into action. I will be taking a Stop the Bleed class hopefully this summer when things somewhat return to normal. Until then I will not get a full med kit until I know what I am doing. Looks like you want to take medical classes too. I recommend that before any shooting class. Med classes are what I want to take before any shooting classes. Its tops on my list. |
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[#34]
Quoted: Condor Modular Operator Plate Carrier (MOPC Gen II). Condor Gunner Plate Carrier. View Quote I wanted to outfit myself, wife, and two sons. We bought one MOPC to try out, it seemed fine, so ordered three more. They shipped us Gunner's by mistake. After checking those out we decided to keep them instead of shipping them back. The Gunner has a pull release so you can ditch it quickly. The MOPC can use side plates or can be used with just straps holding the sides. We went with LAPD III+ ceramic plates. A good deal and they seem to be close to level IV based on tests. The level IV were only slightly more expensive but thicker and heavier, so I opted for III+. |
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[#35]
Quoted: I would still advocate saving a bit more and getting better stuff. We're not on the verge of imminent collapse (yet), regardless of what the lolberts in GD are saying. You've got time. Now, if our dear leaders start pushing for a ban on body armor, then yeah, that's when you get what you can as fast as you can. View Quote We are pretty much a banana republic now. Collapse can happen faster than you think. Also, look at how hard it is to get guns and ammo. The run has been going on for awhile. When I bought carriers and plates most were out of stock and what I purchased took awhile to ship. You simply don't know how much time you have. Once it is obvious there won't be any products available at a decent price. |
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[#36]
My plate carrier is now MIA. The FedEx guy drove past my house and went to a few other houses. I have calls into my neighbors to see if it was dropped off there but no JOY! It shows that it was delivered today at 12:10pm. I have an email and phone call in to LAPG. I guess now its the waiting game to see what will be done.
Bright side, Optics Planet was able to get my red dot here. USPS was on point today! And my mail lady didn't toss the package onto the porch like normal. ***Update 4.19.21*** I found my package on a neighbors front porch. I called them but they are not home this week so I went to see by chance if it was there and it was. I felt like a porch pirate. I am now looking it over and getting it set up. I took the cummerbund off. Not sure I will use it. I didn't mind it when I tried it on but I like the ease of click in and out of it. Next up is a set of plates. |
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[#38]
How about the shellback plate carriers in the $109-$119 price range?
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[#39]
Quoted: Even cheaper when you create an account, automatically 15% off. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/236598/B3D5D666-A137-4AC3-9484-0CC03BE9F66A_jpe-1887430.JPG View Quote Did you have to do something special for the discount? |
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[#41]
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[#42]
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[#43]
Quoted: Condor is airsoft junk. GGG Minimalist is the best inexpensive carrier on the market when it’s on sale. I have one and it’s perfect for a quick donning carrier. The Minimalist is not fancy but it flat works. Mine it is setup for a specific mission so it has pistol mags and an IFAK on it. It rides in the trunk so I needed pouches with retention. Kywi pouches spill mags bouncing down the road. I also have an LBX 0300 Modular PC. It too is an awesome inexpensive carrier though you will be paying $60 more for it. It is very comfortable though with the MOLLE cummerbund hotter than the Minimalist. This one is for fun, PT, and range use. No IFAK as this is geared to be slim and paired with a belt IFAK. Wilde Custom Gear makes some really nice, inexpensive pouches. Condor money but made in the USA by a legitimately cool dude. John will make whatever tweaks you want, like coyote shock cord pulls on my woodland pouches. https://i.imgur.com/K68EcSv.jpg View Quote |
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[#44]
Quoted: I'll second the hat tip to the GGG Minimalist. I have mine slick since I'm not just a concerned homeowner citizen. I don't even care that it's made in Viet Nam because the price was right. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/153820/20210418_162234-1938176.jpg View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: Condor is airsoft junk. GGG Minimalist is the best inexpensive carrier on the market when it’s on sale. I have one and it’s perfect for a quick donning carrier. The Minimalist is not fancy but it flat works. Mine it is setup for a specific mission so it has pistol mags and an IFAK on it. It rides in the trunk so I needed pouches with retention. Kywi pouches spill mags bouncing down the road. I also have an LBX 0300 Modular PC. It too is an awesome inexpensive carrier though you will be paying $60 more for it. It is very comfortable though with the MOLLE cummerbund hotter than the Minimalist. This one is for fun, PT, and range use. No IFAK as this is geared to be slim and paired with a belt IFAK. Wilde Custom Gear makes some really nice, inexpensive pouches. Condor money but made in the USA by a legitimately cool dude. John will make whatever tweaks you want, like coyote shock cord pulls on my woodland pouches. https://i.imgur.com/K68EcSv.jpg https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/153820/20210418_162234-1938176.jpg I kind of wish I had gone with the Grey Ghost Gear plate carrier. I really like the Atlas pc that I have but the laser cut webbing is throwing me off. I can’t seem to get my mag pouch weaved in right. |
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[#45]
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[#46]
Whatever fits your budget knowing you get what you pay for.
Eagle industries MMAC $550.00 LBT 6094 $450.00 AWS Operators Choice $320.00 Flyye 6094 $250.00 LBX 6094. $150.00 Condor MOPC $75.00 |
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[#47]
^^ Nailed it.
I don't think that there's such a thing as "diminishing returns" in the gear world, unlike guns and optics (to a point). The money spent to get my AVS to where it is right now was painful to be sure, but to my mind it's been worth every penny. |
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[#48]
Quoted: Not sure how I missed this in my original reply but the medium fits 10x12 plates perfectly. There is a strap to pull the plate up high in the pocket. View Quote I received mine last week and it blows Condor out of the water. 10x12 plates fit perfectly snug. Got a set of the Botach Battle Steel Ceramic/Poly. Saving for new plates. Plate carrier is slick. I like it. Attached File |
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[#49]
I would prefer the LBX over the Minimalist, especially since it has padded shoulder pads and a drag handle. Minimalist doesn’t even have a drag handle. I have worn both with Hesco 4401 plates and the LBX is noticeably more comfortable
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[#50]
Quoted: I would prefer the LBX over the Minimalist, especially since it has padded shoulder pads and a drag handle. Minimalist doesn't even have a drag handle. I have worn both with Hesco 4401 plates and the LBX is noticeably more comfortable View Quote Does anyone know? Was the LBX a limited run? Or will there be more available? Right now several colors are shown as sold out. |
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