In the world of tactical gear, a plate carrier plays a crucial role in providing vital protection and carrying essential equipment. With countless options available, selecting the “best tactical plate carrier” can be overwhelming. This guide aims to simplify your search by analyzing key factors, exploring popular choices, and addressing common questions. I hope you’ll be so excited by these plate carrier vests.
Best Tactical Plate Carrier | All About Tactical Vest
A tactical plate carrier vest is a piece of equipment worn over clothing to protect from bullets, stab wounds, or other injuries caused by weapons. It’s essential to choose a vest that fits well and is comfortable enough so that it doesn’t hinder your movement while fighting.
Best Tactical Plate Carrier
The vest should have an adjustable fit and allow plates to be inserted into pockets on both sides. It should include additional features such as magazine pouches, holsters, hydration packs, radios, etc. So you can customize it based on your needs.
The One Tigers Griffin AFPC Modular Vest offers fast-release functionality, durability, and adaptability.
It is manufactured from 500-denier Cordura nylon. Therefore, it is breathable, and one can use it for a long time for daily use. Denier is a unit used to measure the quality of fabrics and threads. The higher denier value means the fabric is more durable, thick, and sturdy. It is waterproof due to the 500D material.
The interior of Griffin is constructed with 3D mesh material, so it is helpful for warm or wet climates. The shoulder straps are adjustable and contain four fragments of padding that provide excellent airflow. It is easily removed thanks to the removable buckles. The cummerbund is fully adjustable from 36′′ to 48′′. It is easily adjustable to fit your waist.
The design of the side pockets is unique. It is used for magazines and tactical gear without difficulty or extra room.
Other Features:
There are several patch panels on the back and front of the vest for the attachment of different equipment like a water bottle, maps, a radio, and so on. Another essential feature is that it is very light. The actual weight of this vest is just 1.3 kg.
It also has a MOLLE system that allows you to place name and morale patches in various locations on the chest.
Pros
The fabric is sturdy and breathable
Fully adjustable size
Easy to wear
Light weight
3D mesh
Cons
A stiff tube on the right shoulder will interact with rifle carrying.
2 – Crye Precision JPC Vest
Our Top Best pick
Crye Precision Jumping Vest Review:
The Crye Precision Jumping Vest is a lightweight and compact jacket designed to provide maximum stability, ease of control, and easy packability. It weighs only one pound.
The JPC carrier offers many configuration choices to fulfill the carrier’s requirements in terms of comfort. It is made of a solid and lightweight 500-D material.
It can accommodate 10″ by 12″ plates. The plate size depends on the carrier’s size, which ranges from small to extra-large.
These are some of the better advantages: the structural crotch strap design is attached to the patented flexible attachment system, which enables the pockets to be mounted in and out of the jacket, reducing extra weight and thus increasing airflow.
The vest also contains a document pouch and an admin pouch on the front. The patented cummerbund skeletal structure retains an incredibly breathable design while maintaining optimum safety.
Furthermore, the Crye precision JPC is made of a flexible, stretchable material, allowing any size and shape of the plate to fit snugly.
It is available in four primary colors (MultiCam, Coyote Tan, Black, and Ranger Green).
Pros
On the front of the carrier, there are admin and paper pouches.
Easy control and pack ability
Skeletal crotch system
Lightweight
Cons
Somewhat expensive
3 – 5.11 TAC-TEC Tactical plate carrier Vest
Our Top Best pick
5.11 TAC-TEC Tactical Plate Carrier Review:
The TacTec was designed for law enforcement and the military. It was introduced by the CrossFit industry and is very comfortable and provides muscular mobility. It is now an official CrossFit Games product.
The TacTec is the best choice for beginners because it is very comfortable and airy. It contains comfortable backpacks and shoulder straps. It effectively divides plate weight and eliminates typical vest pressure points.
It is constructed with 500D Cordura-strong fabrics; therefore, it is lightweight. The 5.11 TacTec weighs 2.5 pounds and accepts medium and large plates. It can accommodate 10″ x 12″ and 10″ x 13″ plates.
It contains an adjustable and flexible cummerbund that enables the carrier to stay close to the body but also provides a little stretch, making it much more stable when leaning, jumping, carrying heavy items, bending, or moving from vulnerable to standing, or vice versa.
Other Features:
TacTec also contains:
A laser-cut panel.
Moral patches.
Mag pouches.
More space for ID on the front of the vest.
The whole jacket can be removed in seconds using a specially built one-hand fast-release mechanism.
TacTec is a great option that provides more mobility and versatility than any other. It is expensive, but it is made by people who know what they need. They use high-quality materials because they think it matters.
This vest is available in six multi-colors:
Navy Blue, Standard Black, Tac OD, MultiCam, Sandstone, and Terrian.
Pros
Stretchable cummerbund
Fast release buckles
Laser cut panels
Cool and airy
Cons
Not for carrying heavy weight
No modularity
4 – AR500 Armor Gen 2 Testudo Tactical Vest
Our Best pick
AR500 Armor Gen 2 Testudo Review:
Gen 2 is another best-budget tactical vest of 2024. It can hold the 10″ x 12″ and 11″ x 14″ body armor plates. It is flexible and suitable for medium and large body sizes.
The Gen 2 Testudo has solid side straps and buckles. It is constructed with 500-denier nylon fabric, which is why it is very lightweight.
You won’t have to think about getting a back armor plate because the rear shoulder mounts will help you put on the back plate that provides you with enough protection.
There is a customizable cummerbund with a Hypalon insole and a strong shock string. It helps you to extend as required but retain the necessary consistency once you adapt.
The shoulder pads and inner lining are 3D mesh, which provides extra comfort. It also has fast-release buckles and lightweight Velcro all over the webbing, which add functionality and durability to the carrier. There is no need to attach the side pockets for plates because it has built-in side pockets.
The Testudo vest also has a low profile and reinforced drag handle, great stitching material, bar tacks, and various pouches for magazines, radios, water bottles, and other items.
Pros
Accepts both medium and large sized plates
Built-in side pockets for side plates
Adjustable cummerbund
Highly durable
Cons
Little bit costly
5 – Scorpion Tactics Tactical Vest
Our Best pick
Scorpion Tactics Tactical Vest Review:
The Scorpion Vest is very lightweight and is mainly used by the forces of NATO, US, British, and Canadian soldiers. We used “NATO force,” which is very high readiness.
The design of this Scorpion Tactics Vest is so well thought out that you can wear it in any weather. It is used for various outdoor duties such as war games, paintball, military training, hunting, and many other purposes.
This force comprises ground, sea, and air forces that can be immediately deployed on missions wherever required. The Scorpion vest is a high-density, lightweight, combat-grade material.
Other Features:
It also has an interior mesh lining, which is very breathable and promotes airflow. It has a rugged design that has been field-tested and offers comfort and performance.
The carrier is flexible and adjustable due to the removable padded shoulders and Velcro waist. The Velcro closure makes the waist flexible and adjustable for girth and length, allowing it to fit most people.
Moreover, the Scorpion Tactics Tactical MOLLE vest offers two detachable waist pouches, an emergency front pouch, two utility pouches, three front magazine pouches, two single magazine pouches, and a pouch for tools like a flashlight, radio, etc.
Pros
Velcro panels for easy-to-install patches and IDs
Fast release buckles
MOLLE webbing
600D fabric
Drag handle
Cons
No cummerbund
6 – Condor Elite Tactical Vest
Our Best pick
Condor Elite Tactical Vest Review:
The Condor Elite Vest is one of the best budget tactical vests in the Spartan armor system. It is the new design that gives you a completely comfortable fit as well as holds the regular plates required for your safety. It contains various features that make it the best choice for the day.
It contains looped and hooked webbing that provides easy access to plate pouches. You can quickly detach it with the help of fast-release buckles.
The interior of the vest is manufactured with a comfortable padded mesh liner. It can carry up to 10.30′′ x 13.30′′ of ceramic and steel plates.
The shoulder pads are also removable, so one can easily adjust their waist. The high-weight MOLLE webbing is one of the great features that allows customizable attachments.
It also contains an external drag handle. It is beneficial in tactical scenarios where you might be wounded, and somebody would drag you out.
The vest is manufactured with 600-denier nylon, which is very strong and long-lasting. It has no cummerbund that increases the airflow and decreases the bulk.
The Velcro panels would make it easy to install patches and IDs.
Pros
Velcro panels for easy-to-install patches and IDs
Fast release buckles
MOLLE webbing
600D fabric
Drag handle
Cons
No cummerbund
7 – G-Fire tactical Vest – best budget tactical Vest
Our Best pick
G-Fire Tactical Vest Review:
Yet another best-budget tactical vest of 2024 is the GFire vest. It is constructed with 1000-denier Cordura fabric. There’s nothing subtle about this type of special vest. Due to the soft webbing, the internal and external pockets are overflowing.
It has both the back and front plates. The interior wrist straps are flexible and manufactured with a mesh liner.
The G-Fire also contains a drag handle, padded shoulder straps, loop guides, and a hook.
The G-Fire is the perfect, efficient vest for wearing soft and hard body armor. Due to its many good qualities, it is the best-selling product.
Pros
Accepts soft and hard body armor
Fast-release buckles
Affordable price
1000D fabric
Mesh lining
Cons
It is not for the roaming purpose.
8 – ArcEnCiel MOLLE Tactical Vest
Our Best pick
ArcEnCiel MOLLE Tactical Vest Review:
The ArcEnCiel MOLLE Tactical Vest is a military-style vest. It allows for both soft and rigid plates, and it can hold 8′′ by 10′′ or 10′′ by 12′′ sized plates. It contains an adjustable cummerbund up to a 45-inch waist.
This tactical vest is a good option for those who like to have a vest with lots of accessories and attachments. It contains various MOLLE points of attachment for having many things like maps, radios, walkie-talkies, water tanks, flashlights, or many other things that you want to bring. These are all removable.
The ArcEnCiel MOLLE Vest has the same number of adjustable features as the others. It is the perfect combat fitness jacket for self-defense, airsoft, paintball, and tactical training.
The shoulder straps contain webbing loops. It also has three magazine pouches on the front and two side magazine pouches. It contains medic and admin pouches, too.
The ArcEnCiel vest is constructed with 1000-denier nylon fabrics and well-done stitching.
Pros
Shoulder straps contains webbing loops
Hold both soft and hard plates
Many removable pouches
1000D nylon fabric
Cons
No plates are included
Types of Tactical Vests
There are several types of tactical vests to choose from, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Here are some of the most common types:
Plate Carrier Vests
Plate carrier vests are designed to hold ballistic plates that protect against gunfire and other high-velocity threats. These vests are typically made from sturdy materials such as nylon or Cordura.
Chest Rig Vests
Chest rig vests are minimalist vests that feature a series of pouches and loops on the chest and waist areas. These vests are designed for quick and easy access.
Cross Draw Vests
Cross-draw vests are similar to plate carrier vests but are designed to be worn in a cross-body configuration. These vests allow for easy access to holsters and weapons and are often used by law enforcement and security personnel.
Tactical Molle Vests
Tactical Molle vests are highly customizable and feature a modular attachment system that allows you to add or remove pouches, holsters, and other accessories as needed.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Tactical Vest
1. Protection Level:
Level IIIA: Suitable for pistol calibers, ideal for concealment or low-threat environments.
Level III: Offers increased protection against rifle rounds, popular for law enforcement and security personnel.
Level IV: Provides the highest level of protection against high-powered rifles, often used by military and specialized units.
2. Material & Weight:
Soft Armor: Lightweight and flexible, utilizing materials like Kevlar® or Dyneema®.
Hard Armor: Offers superior protection with ballistic plates made of ceramic or metal, but increases weight significantly.
3. Comfort & Ergonomics:
Padded shoulder straps and breathable materials enhance comfort during extended wear.
Adjustable cummerbund ensures a secure and personalized fit.
4. Modularity & Scalability:
MOLLE/PALS webbing allows for attaching various pouches and accessories and customizing the carrier for specific needs.
Quick-release mechanisms facilitate rapid removal of the carrier in emergencies.
5. Brand & Reputation:
Opt for established brands known for high-quality materials, craftsmanship, and customer service.
Consider user reviews and professional evaluations for real-life insights.
Conclusion
Choosing the best plate carrier requires careful consideration of your individual needs and priorities. By analyzing the factors listed above, exploring popular options, and addressing common questions, you can make an informed decision and acquire the perfect plate carrier for your specific requirements. Remember, the best gear is the gear that works best for you.
FAQs
What is a tactical vest?
The tactical vest is a bulletproof jacket that is worn with armor plates. It contains front, back, and side pouches for plates.
What is the main purpose of wearing a tactical vest?
Tactical vests offer longevity, convenience, and protection from excessive weapons. The primary purpose of wearing a vest is to avoid bullets, mainly during the war, in self-defense, and fast dealing with your paintball strikers. It can only protect you from your shoulders to your stomach and back.
What should be the size of a tactical vest?
The size of the vest depends on your body and plate size. Firstly, buy the correct-sized vest. The most common and famous size is 10″x12″ in the market. If your tactical vest doesn’t suit you perfectly, even though you have a perfect size, you can apply adjustments.
What kind of material is used for the carrier plate vest?
Tactical Vests are mostly made of super-tough materials, which are not affected by extreme conditions. Though you use them every day, they will last for several years.
Is the tactical vest heavy?
Usually, the vest is not the heavyweight itself. There are more than a couple of grams. As the steel plates in the tactical vest are adjusted, they become strong. The vest’s total weight is less than 10 pounds without rough plates.
How many shots can defend a tactical vest?
If the individual is not moving or still stands at the exact location, and several shots strike the same spot, there is a possibility that any shot may cause traumatic injuries. The plate is not fully penetrated. Just because of the penetration level, it can be enough to cause a cardiac accident or significant liver damage.
