Here, we will tell you where should a plate carrier sit when you put your plate carrier on. You probably already know what a plate carrier is. Still, just in case you don’t, it’s basically the ballistic vest that police officers and military personnel wear when they go on duty to protect them from being shot. But there are different styles of plate carriers that can offer different levels of protection, so you have to make sure that you know how to wear them properly if you want all they have to offer. Click here.
Where Should a Plate Carrier Sit?
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Where Should a Plate Carrier Sit?
The plate carrier should sit comfortably on your body. You’ll want to ensure it fits snugly, but not too tight, against your chest and abdomen. The shoulders should fit closely, too, without pinching or bunching up. Most carriers have adjustable straps to make changes. Take advantage of these adjustments if you need to.
A good rule of thumb is that if you can stick more than two fingers between your body and the carrier, it’s probably too loose. If you feel like you might fall out of it, then it’s probably too small.
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A plate carrier is designed to protect your upper body from bullets. If it’s too loose, it won’t do its job correctly. The straps should be tight enough to move freely without feeling like you might fall out of them but not so fast that they cut into your skin or cause discomfort.
You should also be able to comfortably reach all your gear and accessories while wearing the carrier. If you can’t, then it’s too small for you. It shouldn’t feel like an overstuffed sausage casing around your body. Instead, think about how comfortable and natural a good pair of jeans feels on you.
Your plate carrier should sit right on your waistline and extend to just above your hips. You’ll want it to be snug to stay in place but not so tight that you can’t breathe or move comfortably. If you like, you can also get plate carriers with cummerbunds. These are flaps of ballistic material over your stomach and other vital organs. They help to keep gear in place and provide even more protection from bullets.
Another factor to consider is how tall you are. Taller people will need longer carriers with more webbing, which means they’ll have less room for extra gear and may be unable to wear certain types of armor. Shorter vests are generally easier to move in and provide better protection for your vital organs because they sit higher up on your body. However, if you’re tall or have longer arms, these may not offer enough coverage. It all depends on what works best for you.
So, where your plate carrier should sit depends on how you like to wear it. The most common style is an appendix, which sits in front of your abdomen and just above your waistline. It offers maneuverability, room for gear, and easy access to magazines or radio pouches.
How to Set Up a Plate Carrier?
A plate carrier needs to fit comfortably. Whether you’re a new or experienced operator, follow these steps to set up your plate carrier and make sure it sits properly on your body:
Step 1: Put on your plate carrier and fasten all straps. If you’re wearing an armor vest, put it on first and then place your plate carrier over it. Please ensure all straps are tight enough to hold everything in place but not so tight that they cut into your skin.
Step 2: Adjust your shoulder straps, so they’re snug around your shoulders but not so tight that they dig into them. The plate carrier should rest on top of your hips, with most of its weight centered over your waist and lower back. The bottom edge of the plate carrier should sit just above or below your belt line.
Step 3: Adjust your waist straps to ensure they’re tight enough to hold your plate carrier in place and allow you to move freely. Your plate carrier should not ride up when you raise your arms above your head. If it does, tighten your shoulder straps until it sits properly.
Step 4: If you’re wearing body armor, check to ensure it fits properly. Ideally, you should be able to put your arms through your armholes without being stopped by your plate carrier. If they get stuck, loosen your shoulder and waist straps until they fit comfortably.
Step 5: Finally, adjust your MOLLE straps. These allow you to attach mag pouches and other equipment to your plate carrier. Please ensure they’re tight enough to not slip around but not so close that they dig into your body or restrict arm movement.
Why does a proper sit matter?
A lot of people opt for plate carriers without checking how it sits. They might even think there’s no such thing as a proper sit. That’s not true! There are different types of sitting for different styles and levels of protection. The wrong fit will make you more vulnerable when under attack, so knowing where your plate carrier should sit is essential.
FAQs:
Where should I position my plate carrier?
The law enforcement plate carrier should sit over your shoulders, close to your body. You should be able to move freely and comfortably, but it shouldn’t slide around on you. The center of gravity should be positioned so you can wear it for long periods without feeling weighed down or uncomfortable. It’s also vital that you can raise your arms above your head without restriction. If you can’t do so comfortably, it means that there is too much space between your body and the carrier.
How low should a plate carrier sit?
The plate carrier should sit just above your waist. If it’s too low, you’ll find yourself leaning forward to compensate for its weight, which will strain your back and shoulders. If it’s too high, you might not be able to reach your rifle comfortably when you need to defend yourself.
