Hi there. I've seen a million threads with titles like "help me buy a plate carrier/chest rig/plates etc" that then have no information about what the OP actually needs or wants. I have a few ideas of plate carriers I might want as well as my "requirements" for their specs so I figured I'd put that information out here and hopefully get some guidance/criticism to help me finally make a decision.
If I'm forgetting any crucial points here let me know.
Purpose: I am a civilian end user and want a plate carrier to have armor and basic fighting gear given, you know, current events. This would be used defensively and probably not for long term sustainment in a rural area/rucking. Getting in and out of vehicles is important.
Budget: Not against spending $450+ on just the plate carrier setup, I just want something that's done right.
Previous carriers: I currently own an overt Spiritus LV119 setup with the tubes cummerbund. I was dissatisfied by the lack of padding, straight shoulder straps, and the non-elastic nature of the tubes cummerbund. I probably went too minimalist here. These are all things I'd like to remedy with a new purchase.
Plate compatibility: I will be using <1" thick SAPI cut medium sized multicurve plates. Nothing unusual.
Color: I would prefer something available in ranger green to match my other kit and that of the people I train with. Seems like most brands offer RG nowadays.
Placard mounting: I intend to use a placard (looking at the Combat Wombat from Arbor mostly) so swift clip compatibility and a lower velcro field is a must, or the ability to add these features.
Cummerbund design: I would really like something with elasticity and QD function (FS tubes or similar). I am split on whether I'd prefer a Spiritus elastic style cummerbund with integrated pouches or something like the Arbor Arms MOLLE cummerbund where the MOLLE itself is made of a semi-elastic material which would be more breathable and weight bearing but less streamlined. I only anticipate storing 1-2 magazines or other small items on the cummerbund itself. Overall I am leaning most towards adapting the Arbor Arms cummerbund to something.
Shoulder pads/padding: Spiritus was a mistake here. I definitely want something wide set that has a fair amount of padding. I really like my friend's VS APC and am considering the VS SCARAB carrier(s) strongly as they basically have an improved version of these shoulder pads. I also like the look of and what I read in reviews about the Agilite K19 regarding padding and comfort. I would probably have to adapt my preferred elastic cummerbund to either of these however.
Comms: I would like to have some accommodation for comms routing and a mount location for a U-94 PTT. I am unsure about where I would actually store a radio, likely in a velcro attached expander pouch that goes under the placard that gets sucked in under the cummerbund. Something like the Spiritus expander wing. I could use some guidance here.
IFAK: Either in a dangler or similar arrangement to the radio pouch. I have done a rear belt mounted IFAK before and did not like it, I prefer to have a large and capable IFAK and this gets quite uncomfortable on the back of a warbelt.
Hydration: This is the only thing I could conceivably see myself using a back panel for. I've considered using the SCARAB with a zip on panel and 3L camelback/source bladder in it or the Esstac Daedon hydration carrier MOLLE'd directly to the back of the carrier. Not sure, no experience here really. Perhaps mounting canteen pouches would be better?
That's about it off the top of my head. My top considerations at the moment are the VS SCARAB (LE front with LT rear), Agilite K19, and Arbor Arms FLEX carrier. I would probably adapt any of these to use the Arbor elastic MOLLE cummerbund attached via tubes to the Arbor Combat Wombat placcard on the front of the carrier.
Nothing set in stone, if something I've suggested in ridiculous or ignorant please tell me and I'm very much looking to discover options I haven't heard of or considered.