I've ran several plate carriers, I used a Blackhawk Enhanced Commando Harness with the back piece. It was a pretty good rig, but I'm  a smaller build roughly 170 lbs 5'10. The rig was good but it wasn't able to get tight enough around my midsection/waist. I went from that to a Condor Modular Operator Carrier.... I have not used it on a operation and I will not use it. Maybe If I was going to use it just for some range work, but putting two plates in it, it tends to become front heavy with only a few mags and the cummerbound really isn't that adjustable. for my size I have to almost overlap it which = shitty fitment/loose fitment. The rear also uses elastic with a nylon type tie. which also = not THAT adjustable and loose fit for the side plates..just sloppy over all. But then again, I'm smaller framed. I'm sure it would fit a 200-250lb guy way  better than myself. I don't like the shoulder straps either. Puts to much pressure directly on your shoulder/collar bones.

I'm looking at a blackhawk S.T.R.I.K.E. Carrier/Cutaway carrier OR a Eagle MARCIRAS™ Maritime Combat Integrated Releasable Armor System. I like how they look longer than the average carrier and are able to use soft armor as well.

Anyone have any experience in either carrier? I'm actually willing to dish out the money for the carrier if its quality and if Its comfortable...well as comfortable as a carrier can get. I've also looked at a interceptor but still not sure..

I've had several marine buddies who have used the Eagle and they all love it. I've yet to try one on, and probably won't be able to try one on. I doub't anyone would ship me theirs to try on! haha...

I'll be using the vest for Narc Raids, as well as high risk warrants / Call outs to Barricaded Subjects. I don't need a bagillion mags, but I think about 8-10 mags would be sufficient. Which the MOLLE on both vests would be perfect. Our Department uses RAID Gear, but they won't buy a new set for the new team members. The sets we have now are XXL....

Any help would be greatly appreciated! If other LEO's / MIL have one of the vests laying around I would most def like to possibly try some fitment or something. LEO Credentials can be emailed/letter heads for proof and what not.

Thanks!

email the owner of SKD.  He'll find something for you.  He knows his stuff.

SKD? I'm not that familiar with that company.

DBT Predator 2.  Comfiest vest/plate carrier I've worn.  It's well built, American made, and pretty light for what it is when loaded up.

Check the Site Sponsor tabs at the top of your screen.  One that has "SKD" is the one you're looking for.  
Good stuff, but I also love my DBT Predator 2 Quick Release and Eagle Mar-CIRAS.
-SS

Paraclete/MSA...pretty much the industry standard in certain circles.

True, but a bunch of guys in those circles have said they also really liked the Predator vest when they tried it on.  Personally, I've used both out here and I think the Predator feels a tab bit more comfortable, but the Paraclete allowed a little more movement.

Do you plan on using existing soft armor (concealable vest panels?), need a carrier and soft armor package or are you using the carrier to just hold plates?

We have a few of the Blackhawk STRIKE carriers and they are ok but not great. They most likely will not work with concealable soft armor (nor will most armor carriers not intended for them). I haven't tried the Eagle. I do like both the DiamondBack Predator 2 and MSA/Paraclete RAV/T2, both are comfortable and also have great soft armor options (these two companies have some of the best soft armor available).

If you want to use existing concealable soft armor panels make sure you get a carrier designed to hold concealable cut panels (Eagle, Tactical Tailor, Mayflower and some others make some good ones).

If you are only going to put plates in the carrier to wear over soft armor I would just get a dedicated plate carrier.

Why not get a PIG?  I've worn a bunch of carriers and THIS ONE rocks (read the reviews at the bottom).  I have CPC plates and wear it over my soft armor/uniform although you can but ballistic backers in it to use as a stand alone.  Its has plenty of adjustment and you can split the sides which makes it easy to get on and off.
Military Morons review (lots of pics)

I do have my duty concealable armor that I would wear under the carrier. My biggest concern would be something that fits. Like I said above i'm probably smaller framed guy and most carriers i've used have been designed for larger framed people. Not being adjustable to suit my stature

(I have an athletic build and gaining weight would either give me a little chub or I would look like a midget on roids so to speak..I'm happy with my weight and physic the way it is so, gaining weight isn't really an option)

I like the Eagle alot mostly due to the fact that it looks like it sits a little lower (Longer from top of torso to bottom). My Condor probably sits right above my naval about 2-3 inches. I do have the blackhawk Strike Plates for armor in the large and medium sized sets.. They fit in their pretty snug. I don't really need a cummerbund or the extra pouch on the front. I a admin pouch as well as my dump pouch which is all I need If the situation presents itself to use the dump such as (Firefight, bad guy dead, Secure bad guys weapons, Continue).

I'll have to check out that predator.

If you guys have pictures wearing the vests with your weight and height, Please PM me so i could get a idea of how they fit. I'll have to get a hold of SKD with my measurements as well and see what they think.

Thanks guys I appreciate all the feedback and suggestions!
-Cook



EDIT***

I checked out the Predator and the PIG. I like both of them a bit, I'm thinking the predator I like a little better due to the shoulder straps being a little beefy. I don't have anything on my battle belt except my dump pouch. I use a drop leg modular setup for everything if we get called out. The only thing holding me back from the predator is the PIG looks like It would  be better in a active shooter type situation. Throw on the armor and go in with the long guns. But still have access to my Duty Belt and gear if needed to be. My duty gear is the standard safariland blah blah blah. Everything sits right on my waist so having a coversome carrier might not be the way to go in that type of situation. I do have a extra set of plates that I could dedicate to two different vests. Only problem now Is I'm a poor cop. haha!

I have well over 5 years use with the MC-CIRAS. It is well made and generally good to go. It was designed to carry BALCS cut armor which is much different than concealable. I think you'd be best served with a true plate carrier over a "system" like the CIRAS.

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I am using a Personal Protective Systems Cohort 1 and it is my favorite to date. I have run black hawk, eagle, and tactical tailor rigs and this blows them all out of the water.  It has separate plate pockets which I run Level 4 plates in with no soft armor (active shooter load out, soft armor is on me already).  I can post a pic later if you want me to, just PM me.

Diamondback FAPC
Tactical Tailor vests
Eagle LE plate carrier

A couple other options. I wouldn't get the Predator if I wasn't going to put soft armor in it and your concealable armor probably won't fit. The PIG looks good too. If you get a carrier with a cummerbund make sure it adjusts small enough for you.

Thats one of my biggest concerns, Is making sure it'll go small enough to fit me. I think i'm going to do some emailing, and see if i can get the interior sizes of the smallest configure of the carriers. And compare that to my sizes. Also wider shoulder straps pleases me to distribute the weight along my shoulders rather than just my collar bones.

Thanks guys for all your help, I really appreciate it.

I just reread your original and I'm basically the same size as you (at least height and weight). I'll check out the options I can see this week and let you know what I can regarding sizes. I'm not sure what vendors will be at the event I'm attending but there should be several in this field.

That would be awesome. Even if you could snap some crappy cell phone pics Would be even better!

Thanks!!!

Another vote for the PIG. SKD won't lead you astray! Mine rides in my trunk every day and is my go to active shooter rig.

Doc

How quick is it to throw on over a uniform and what not. How does it sit above your duty belt? Enough to draw if you rifle went down?

If you look at the shoulder straps on the PIG you will see "ladder" webbing sewn all the way from front to back.  This allows you to have a full range of shoulder strap adjustments.  You can make it ride and high or low as you want.  All the cummerbund options have full adjustments.  You will be hard pressed to find another carrier that has this much flexibility.
Since the front cummerbund is split you can quickly put it on because you can leave on side secured all the time.  I leave my left side secured with the right side ready to open.   When you take it off you can unbuckle the shoulder strap which is a huge plus.
Mine rides high enough to clear everything on my belt, including my Taser which rides way up there.  Drawing my pistol is not a problem.  

Yeah, I think i'm probably going to go with the PIG. The price is awesome compared to the Eagle/Predator. I think my blackhawk setup was roughly 200 or so. Probably go with a Coyote carrier with multicam pouches. (I work in a rual/urban area) Our call outs are for the whole county and the rual towns/cities inside it. In my personal experience multi-cam is the best that blends/does not show on NV compared to black or OD. Now I just gotta wait until its in stock!

You guys prefer the elastic or the molle?

Here you go... I shoot pistol lefty and rifle righty, not sure why but it works for me.  So, if the pouch setup looks strange, you know why.  The vest supplements my belt, the only thing I move is my radio since it rides high and the antenna hits me otherwise (I use the M4 pouch on the side for my radio).  I like to keep stuff on my sides as low profile as possible, so went with some Blue Force Gear pouches for the most part (dump pouch, pistol mags).  I used to go the simple plate carrier route; however, they were never comfortable for long periods of time and I was lacking real estate.  I use this one as a plate carrier only as I mentioned earlier, but they sell soft armor for it if you want.  The other really nice thing about this rig is it rides high, so it does not hit your belt equipment (minus the radio in my case) like many others do.  Here are the pics as promised:

Okay, Its between the SKD PIG and the Mayflower....http://www.mayflower-rc.org/store/7016/25/Low-Profile-Assault-Armor-Carrier.html
Anyone have hands on use with this?

Sorry Cook, I looked around and none of the vendors you are looking at are at the show I am at except Diamondback and they only have entry type vests on display, no plate carriers. The others are one like Point Blank, Protech and PACA. Good luck.

aawww, shucks. I appreciate you remembering me to look for! I'm in such a freaking rual environment I have to go at least 6+ hours to get to any decent shows. I'm actually starting to like that mayflower as don't need to sack up like i'm going to the sandbox for days. I'm guessing 5-8 mags would probably do myself just fine in a active shooter situation more is better but weight and size has alot to do with it as well. I'm guessing i'll probably go with the PIG or Mayflower as a dedicated carrier as i'll already have my soft armor on. As far as raids and what not I'm not worried about it. I'm going to the SO as they promised me more $ and better gear..

The PIG, Tactical-Revolution, and Mayflower are my front runners right now. I, too have concealable soft armor and am looking for a plate carrier for when donning my Eagle CIRAS with 10 mags, hydro, admin, and dumper are too much. Sometimes a 3 piece kit of soft, hard and chest rig is warranted...


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I figured if I need more than the bare essentials something really bad has happened. And even with these setups I could probably load them each of them up decently, as well as side plates with both of them.

I'm leaning towards the mayflower right now because of the sizing seems to be pretty fitted and made for its wearer.  Its a tough decison between the Pig and Mayflower.

Now i'm having trouble deciding between the PIG and Mayflower. PIG seems to be out of order for the past few weeks and I'm not sure if the Mayflower with accommodate my large strike plates.

Anyone have  experience with both rigs? I've also been having trouble finding pictures of the Mayflower on someone.


-Cook 60

Wider straps across the tops of the shoulders will help spread the weight of your rig a little for more comfort.

The Cohort is a good example, as is the Eagle LVAC:


This is an older Airsave with large E-SAPI plates:

Anyone ever hear of the BAE RBAV?

http://lightfighter.net/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/9046084761/m/765102321?f=9046084761&s=7336015661&a=tpc&m=765102321

to the SKD Rep, I've kept going back to the PIG. My measurements are the following.

I'm smaller framed and I've went through a few rigs that just don't fit and cover my vital organs OR it sags in the front/the back due to not being able to adjust fully.


Chest *right under armpits* 39 inches *depending on

Around Waist *around belly button* 34 inches

Top of sternum to Belly Button  15 and a half inches

Neck 15 and a half

Around shoulders *arms down* 48 inches.



I don't  know if you have anyone in the company with my sizes or how it fits them I would appreciate it!!

DAMN... you don't sleep either? LOL.

Yeah, I keep coming back to the PIG as well. Fortunately for me and my wallet, its outta stock. ;)

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Joe is a good dude. I swear that's my true feeling based on our personal and professional interaction. There's no way he "chipped" me... right? LMAO

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I think i'll be going with the PIG then. Going to go out on a limb. I've heard to many good things and 0 bad things about the PIG. I think that i'll be very happy with the carrier. Hopefully get it sometime next week.



When I try to add the PIG into my cart from SKDTac, it says pick color first, when nothing is in the color to pick...Maybe just make a order by phone?

Unfortunately, if you can't pick a color it means it's outta stock.   I'm sure SOS or Joe will be along here shortly to give you a better eta on these.  

Bummer....Wonder how long it'll be until coyote is in..

Thanks boss! I'll be ordering one asap!

I like SKD, but I have run both the Mayflower full wrap plate carrier with soft armor and when using hard plates only, I use the London Bridge Trading Company LBT 6094A plate carrier or the LBT 6094A SLICK.

The Mayflower rig is a little more expensive than LBT, but that is because is is a combination soft Armor carrier with Hard plate pockets.  Depending on your sizing, they usually have everything in stock.

The LBT 6094A is a Medium Large PLate carrier with MOLLE PALS and full wrap cumberbund.  Same as issued to Naval Special Warfare and Navy EOD, with some going to USAF PJ's and CCT's.  It is a nice rig and depending on color of material, very lightweight.

The LBT 6094 SLICKs are just a plate carrier and have no MOLLE PALs.  The enhanced LBT SLick, also known as the Gen 2 has MOLLE PALs on the back for hydration and radio, but the side panels also fit side plates and have integral dual pouches for M4 rifle.  A non cumberbund system, you can not carry a ton of gear like a standard LBT 6094 or CIRAS, but it is designed for light Assaulter use or specialized applications.

Depending on your plate sizing, you can get into a SLICK for under $175.  The Enhanced SLICKs are custom ordered.   The LBT 6094A and ESAPI vests are usually in stock in Coyote Tan and Multicam.

I will try and upload some pictures so you can see what I am talking about.

Both companies are here in Virginia, Mayflower in Metro DC and LBT in Virginia Beach,  VA.  I have not had problems with anything I have purchaed from either company and all their gear is made in the USA.

The Eagle CIRAS is a nice Military rig, and Eagle makes fine LEO gear, but you will not be getting a USA made LEO plate carrier from Eagle, and that matters to me.   I do not like the Blackhawk product line, and feel you can get better quality for the same price from other vendors.

Hope it helps.

January! Bummer...Let me know if you get anything in sooner. I need a coyote tan molle carrier. Another two months might be stretching it for the brass to get everything setup.

See if anyone else on your team has and older one you can borrow till SKD gets theirs back in stock.

yeah, I think i'll have to do with the CONDOR that i have. I also have a buddy who runs a black hawk commando setup. It should do for now.

I like the stuff from Diamondback Tactical.

The FAPC gen II looks like a decent carrier. I'd really like to get my hands on one. I think that many people discount the importance of plate security, positioning, and what shoulder straps, buckles, and layers do to your "pocket" and cheek weld. It is for this reason that I have been seriously considering trying to put together a comprehensive review of the various carriers available. I have also noticed a recent spike in plate carrier questions and interest across several firearm related forums.


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Got my "Battle" Belt in today, seems pretty decently made. I might add a little more reinforcement on the gun side of the belt to help the load of the drop leg. Also got my various pouches from Diamond Back Tactical. Pretty good stuff, I kinda went all out depending on the situation. I don't ever use a shotgun, But I do have rounds on the battle belt. I use a ar15 setup. Setup will be shingled with ar mags/1911 mags. Should be pretty easy / well balanced. just waiting for the PIG to get back into stock. I like to run a pretty tight/streamlined setup. I like my plates tight and not moving and all my gear fixed and not front heavy. I've had huge problems with carriers being front heavy. The battle Belt should help with the weight. I'm contemplating of running a suspender setup as i've heard decent reviews from patrol who use it with their duty belt.

I'll be sure to post my final setup after its all configured the way i want it. I'll be watching the PIG like a hawk.

Does anyone else carry the PIG in stock other than SKDTac?


Sucks that they are all sold out, Very popular indeed.

Due to that I might have to switch carries to possibly the BAE RBAV-SF, or a Tactical Tailor carrier. Would be superb if I could get those companies send a demo to my Agency!