If you could only choose one to use for any scenario you might encounter, which one would it be and why?

PIG

Mobility trumps the extra coverage in most scenarios.

Ultimate would be a concealable IIIA or something like a LVAC, with a PIG over it IF you need the extra coverage.

Any time I'm given the choice of a plate carrier vs. armor carrier I'm going to go with the plate carrier. I prefer added mobility, even when I was a turret gunner.

I'm a civilian.  If I was an LEO or Military that might change what I anticipate using it for.

The PIG is lighter weight and more scalable in terms of side plate options, and wearability.  I can wear a soft armor carrier underneath it as well if I want more wrap around Level IIIA protection.

Good stuff, thanks guys.

CIRAS

Reason(s)?

Ive never seen or tried on a PIG, so im not gonna sit here and say that i think the CIRAS is better. but, if i absolutely had to pick on or the other, i would pick the CIRAS. i have an EPC w/C and a CIRAS, and as much as i like the plate carrier i usually default to the CIRAS. IMHO the CIRAS is not that much bulkier, and is not that much heavier. the weight savings is minimal and im used to the mobility it offers. as a personal choice i just like the CIRAS over a PC.

I have a plate carrier and an armor carrier.  Both are made by Velocity Systems and are very nice.   I prefer the armor carrier because it offers much more protection against pistol rounds than a plate carrier will.  You get a lot more soft armor coverage with an armor carrier on your sides and around the shoulder area.

Plate carriers only really protect the vitals, but armor carriers give you more side, abdomen, and shoulder coverage than plate carriers do.   If you don't need to be running long distances, and 20% more weight isn't an issue, go with the added protection.  

My armor carrier is made out of 500 Denier Cordura, and the CIRAS is 1000 Denier.   500D is perfect for me as I don't go crawling over driveways and bricks so I don't need the ability of my vest to stand up to insane levels of abrasion.  

Instead of the Ciras, take a look at the BAE RBAV-AF from SKD as it is 500D and offers great protection as well.

If you have an armored cummerbund on the PC, the armor coverage is not much less than a full armor carrier.

With my PC and soft armored war belt I get a lot of coverage and mobility.

+1. if i had the extra money i would get the Paca EPC cut backers and cummerbund armor from Triad Tactical and call it a day.

Thanks for all the input!

I got my CIRAS for a SHTF scenario over the PIG. I figured instead of having layered armor I'd have it all in one vest. I'll tell you what... with the CIRAS, soft armor, plates, 6 mags, 3 pistol mags, hydration, and med kit that fucker is heavy. I'm trying to figure out how I'd wear it all day if I had too...LOL.

ETA just a civi here. Just preparing for the worst possible scenario. I figured if it came down to it I wouldn't be moving/running around a lot.

BTW can someone load out their PIG and weigh it. I'm interested to see the weight difference. Loaded mags, loaded everything.

I was not aware of that. I must have been looking at the PIG when these options weren't available. I really do dig how comfortable it does seem. I'm going to look now at your page.

BE SAFE!

 

I've never worn a CIRAS or a PIG.

With that out of the way by and large I will nearly always reccommend a PC over an Armor Carrier for almost any functions short of room clearing, and even then I personally would prefer a PC.  A full on carrier is going to add a lot of bulk and wieght.  For most civilian applications and well for most .mil applications a Armor set up is a lot of cost without a lot in return.  Its heavy and bulky and it still only really protects you but so much.  

I'm on my second tour in Iraq wearing a Plate Carrier.  I mean sure there isn't a whole lot going on here right now, in fact I'm setting a new record of forum and facebook surfing,  but end of the day the wieght of a full carrier IMHO is just unnecessary for most applications.

They allow plate carriers in Iraq now?

Yea some units do

You guys with the weighed down CIRAS's need to reconsider your gear I think.

Why 3 pistol magazines + 1 in the gun?
Why 6 count 5.56 magazines on the vest when you don't plan on going anywhere?  Why not just have more magazines lying around?  In different areas of your home?  I'm assuming you're not going anywhere.

You should probably think about how you're actually going to utilize your vest.

Well in short because I want to. Why not have ammo ready and attached to me instead of having to find out where it's "laying around?" In the heat of the moment it makes a lot more sense to know exactly where my ammo is, not to mention having it readily accessible. What better place than on your person eh? Who said I wasn't going anywhere? I may be at home, or may be in my car on the way to an alternative destination (where there's more ammo haha). I need ammo to get there during my travels won't I? What I meant in my OP by "not moving around much" was meaning I'm not going to be walking for miles and need a million mags to get me where ever I'm going. I think my mag count/utilization of my vest has been thought out.

I'm not patrolling the Korengal.



There is no IED threat in Colo Spgs



.30-06 M2 AP isn't the round of choice for 99.9999999% of bangers or other criminals.



I'm not conducting a movement to contact against a Soviet Motorized Rifle Bn.





I carry 2 rifle mags on a Mayflower APC, (500d Multicam) Level III Gamma Plates, 8x8 Level IIIA custom side armor optional ESBI plates.  Unknown-mfg admin pouch with survival kit signal panel, map protractors, flash light, alcohol markers, mini Sharpie, 9v Firefly, extra CR123s, mini write in the rain notebook.



Detachable HSGI Popper Rig holding 4 rifle mags, the pull out dump pouch, a minimalistic BOK in case somebody takes a shot at me and it hits outside the plate or soft backer.    One Red, One White Pocket Smokes, to obscure movement or to identify my position  to EMS if I go down.    Low profile 1.5l hydration carrier on the back panel that doesn't interfere when riding or driving a vehicle, simple to pour a water bottle into quickly.  



Custom First Line Belt G21SF +2, Cool Guy Tool, and if leaving the city, a modest Seal Pup knife.



For me, ounces count.  



If I can't deal with a domestic threat or attack while in transit with 90 5.56 and 39 .45ACP or 210 5.56  worse case, I don't need to buy more gear.   I'd need to buy more range time or a freakin' class

I can't say yes or no on either, all I can say is the PIG works for me.  I wore my PIG with 2, Level III plates that will stop 7.62 nato and 7.62x39mm MSC in a class for 4 days. I shot standing, kneeling, and prone.   I shot while it was about 100 degrees outside at times.  I carried 4 AR mags and 2 pistol mags on it.  

I loved it.  It didn't slow me down. It offers good protection.  I can wear it over Level IIIa soft body armor.  It carries everything I need and can be made to carry much more.  Even with 8 mags, you can shoot prone in it.