From personal experience or stories from friends, what do you think is better?  What do you think their pros and cons are?

What is the expected threat? If rifle fire only, then a plate carrier. If pistol and rifle, and/or shrapnel from explosives, then an armor vest with plate pockets.

Mainly rifle.  Makes sense.  Thanks!

I know there is debate here, but IMO, you should always wear soft armor under your plates.

Quoted: I know there is debate here, but IMO, you should always wear soft armor under your plates.

I have no experiance, but a man much wiser then myself once said, wear all the body armor you can stand. He also pointed out to me that soft armor will stop a rifle round that has decelerated because it went though a door or a car or  the operator in front of you.(hey thats how he put it to me)

What are some good armored vests with room for plates and MOLLE loops throughout?

Well not to complicate it, but how do you intend to use this?

There are sooo many choices it kind of depends on the role of the vest.

Quoted: What is the expected threat? If rifle fire only, then a plate carrier. If pistol and rifle, and/or shrapnel from explosives, then an armor vest with plate pockets.

+1

consider the amount of weight and restriction of movement

Quoted: Quoted: What is the expected threat? If rifle fire only, then a plate carrier. If pistol and rifle, and/or shrapnel from explosives, then an armor vest with plate pockets. +1 consider the amount of weight and restriction of movement

Let me add something to that.  I didn't just edit because I want it to show as new.  If you do just get a plate carrier, make sure the plates are "stand alone." Meaning that they will stop the rated rounds by themselves.  There are some that work in conjunction with soft armor, and it's the soft armor that stop the actual bullet.  The plate just slows it, and breaks it up enough that the soft armor can stop it.
If you are able to buy one, the IBA is a good one, MOLLE webbing, equivalent to level IIIA, and has plate pockets built in.  Actually pretty comfortable to wear too.  Brigade Quartermasters has them, but you have to be military, law enforcement, a journalist, or maybe a security contractor.