I have switched carriers but am disappointed in the fit. I bought a large
BLACKHAWK! Low Vis Body Armor Plate Carrier Harness 500D Nylon
To fit my 10x12 plates.

Width is good but the plate is shorter than the pocket is tall, so it sits lower than I would like.

What is my best option:

Add internal straps with Velcro, to hold the plate higher?

Add another horizontal strip of Velcro to the bottom of the carrier, such that it folds up higher and holds the plate higher?

Add some kind of "spacer" to the bottom of the plate?  No idea what to use here ...

Options 1 and 2, I'd buy Velcro from Joann etc.

Different plate carrier is of course an option. I already have an instructor carrier that I like, but wanted to see how a slick carrier would fit instead.

Edit:
I did see this thread. I could try a medium carrier.

https://www.ar15.com/forums/armory/Plates-too-small-for-carrier/10-520270/

Edit 2: decided to order medium carrier since it's $29 ....

Update:
Medium carrier is the right fit for these plates. It was incredibly snug but they fit. Next time I may try one of the "stretch molle gear" videos that show water and conditioner being used. Or consider shaving off / polishing some of the buildup coat on the side edges, which seemed to create a bit of drag during insertion.

Had the same issue with my Slickster and Highcom plates.  I had some high density foam/styrofoam stuff.  Cut a piece to match the shape of my plate, taped it to the plate, and used it to fill the space.  Works for me.

Medium plates for medium carriers for medium chests.  Large plates for large carriers for large chests.  This is all based on BDU and IBA sizing.  10x12s are not a plate size, plate carrier size, or blouse size.

What's your chest measurement?

I understand they're not official sized plates. It's 10x12 from https://www.spartanarmorsystems.com/spartan-omega-ar500-body-armor-shooters-cut-set-of-two/

Bought years ago because I didn't want the fragility of ceramic plates or the time sensitivity of flexible armor.  And they were cheap.

I'll see if these plates fit the medium carrier any better. Blackhawk says the carriers officially fit their"ballistic ceramic"  plates.

You need to discard the carrier, and discard that "armor". There's little utility in making any modification to that setup because at the end of it all it is still a cheap and ill-fitting Chinese carrier, and the plates are better used as targets than life protecting equipment.

Attached File

Medium carrier should do the trick.

as has already been said, carriers are sized to plates not your body. you buy the size you need for your plates. cummerbund is sized for your amount of thicccness.

quality carriers arent that expensive. top tier carriers can be had for around 200.

I built some cardboard risers to fill the bottom of this plate carrier.  They do the trick and cost nothing.





ETA: Tactical Tailor carrier and Midwest Armor EXO plates.

And, I added some cut-to-fit chunks of an old GI sleeping mat to fill the space behind the plates.  Maybe they'll help absorb some of the blunt force impact too?

A common solution to this is to cut a pool noodle to size. You can make it as thick and wide as needed, it's lightweight, and even acts as a pad at the bottom of your plate.

That's a great idea, I have those

I'll update when it's in

So how do you plan on dealing with that soaking mess of sweat or rain when actually used?


I am having a hard time understanding how making a large portion of your armor area made out of literal cardboard could be viewed as anything other than a joke. You really need a proper fitting carrier and correctly-sized plates. This is life protecting equipment.

It'll be fine.

I'm thinking of a way to raise some 8x10 plates in a small interceptor vest. I'm thinking of sewing some velcro straps in it.

The same thing as a Pool Noodle, can be had in different sizes at Lowes/Home Depot - look for pipe insulation wraps.

High density styrofoam bottom fill. Cheap and easy and lightweight. Wont last forever, so make a few at the same time and replace as needed.