OK, I'll readily admit that I used to be an external carrier hater. Didn't see the use. After all, you just put your carrier outside your shirt and everyone could see it and knew you were wearing armor, encouraging head shots. Not for me, no way, no how.
The carrier for my armor was falling apart. Tails were ripping off, elastic was worn out and needed replaced and the carrier was worn through in a few places. When I told my Chief, he made me a deal. He would order me an external carrier and, if I didn't like it, he would order me a standard tuckable carrier. OK, go ahead, with one condition. I wanted a certain carrier that has a zipper pocket in the chest that I can put my backup gun in (Glock 42). He ordered it, it came in Monday, I put my armor in it Mon night and wore it on duty today, fully expecting to hate it.
OH MY GOD, I LOVE IT!!!!! SO much more comfortable than wearing it under my shirt! I can't believe it! I guess I have to admit, I was so wrong! Although the weather here today didn't require it, it will be VERY nice to be able to go back to the Station, take it off and cool off some during the summer, too.
Carrier in question is an Elbeco BodyShield. It probably helps that we use Elbeco shirts and the color match is VERY close to our shirts, which helps hide it from a casual look. It is also very heavily made, which should mean a long life.
Guys, this comes from a former hater. If your Dept will let you wear external carriers, DO IT! SO MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE that I can't believe it! They really are that good!
Bub75