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Posted: 7/28/2010 12:31:34 PM EDT
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I've been researching them plate carriers/vests recently and I've fallen in love with the 'simplistic' ones with just the front and rear carriers w/o cumberbund, the 'minimalist' types; if you will. I know DBT and TT both have nicely priced versions of this type of PC, but I would like to know about sizing...
When i read the sizing charts, it just states plate size, not chest or body size, is this how PC's and vests are sized? By judging what size plate you need for your body? If so, that would clear things up; if not, please explain! For example, I'm 5'9" and weigh about 175lbs, medium build. The 'L' carriers generally state a plate holding size of 9.5" wide and 12.5" high, and 'M' carriers are JUST under that by 1" all around...about 8.5" by 11.25". Is this a huge difference? It doesnt seem like it? Will that extra 1-2" around the size charts make it that much more interfering or uncomfortable with my first line? Thanks 
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I'm 5'10 and roughly 170 depending on the beer intake that week. I can wear anywhere from a small to a large ESAPI plate. However with a large plate I cannot cross my arms to hold a pistol properly nor can I throw a hand grenade. It is still comfortable on my body though. (I know most guys would say then don't wear a large plate...... but my kit was issued during the Plate shortage of 2003 and it was the only game in town.) That extra inch or so hinders my movement drastically. Just about every PC that I have worn carries the plates differently.... be it high, low, with a little extra room side to side so I can't really attest to each one specifically. My rule of thumb is for guys to get a Plate that corresponds to their uniform size. I'm a medium regular uniform so I generally get a medium plate. Then get the smallest plate carrier that will accommodate your plate. Making sure that it is user friendly and adjustable is key. Both DBT and TT make some great gear that has tons of end user input. I'm very partial to the PIG PC, it's fit, mobility and how it rides but I'm not sure what your price range is. Hope this helps a bit, I may have missed the mark a little on the question.
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Yeah you got it pretty good, so basically an L carrier wouldnt do me much good is what you're trying to say....I usually wear size M-L shirts but size M dress shirts, if that helps lol. My suit jacket is a 38...
ETA: My budget is about 150 for the vest only max, thats why I'm looking at the 'minimalist setups'; plus I like them, I wont need a cumberbund as I have allot of stuff on my first line belt...plus I figure with what your telling me, a M carrier will give me much more space... ETA2: You know the PC's I'm talking about right? Similar to this: http://www.tacticaltailor.com/modularplatecarrier.aspx The TT doesnt have sizes, just 'fits up to 11x14 plates', but this DBT one has sizes: http://www.diamondbacktactical.com/product/Diamondback-Tacticalreg-Fast-Attack-Plate-Carrier,33,6.htm Will that style still restrict movement? |
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A medium should be just fine. You are roughly my size and I always stick to a medium (or a small-medium like with my Eagle PC). A C-bun is nice because most are routed with bungee cord so it flexes as you move. My opinion is that smaller is better when it comes to plate carriers. It gives you more mobility and makes things lighter in the long run.
SOS |
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Ok, since the TT doesnt have a size, and just says 'fits large plates or smaller'; means it's basically a large and will be too big for me? what if i were to get a L but only use M plates?
I found a few size L DBT carriers are very good prices, but I would rather spend the 30-40$ more for a brand new one that I know will fit... |
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I am 6' 175 and I take a medium plate as well. Some people around my size will run a medium plate upfront and a large plate in the rear since it won't impede your movement as much. I prefer to match my plates for equal weight.
Make sure your plate carrier rides nice a high. The PIG carrier is designed to be worn high with proper placement, but other carriers can carry the plates too low if you don't adjust the shoulder straps correctly. Also make sure when you sit down that your plates aren't resting on your thighs. Very uncomfortable if you are sitting down or squatting. Your plate will cover from the top of your sternal notch to about an inch above your belly button (+ or - a half inch due to your torso height). If your plate covers your belly button, you could go a size smaller, or make sure the top of your plate isn't too low. |
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