From 2005 Diamondback Tactical
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Blue Force Gear LMAC
What Plate Carrier do you currently use?
Crye JPC
How did you chose the make, model?
Militarymoron had a great review up that helped me gauge how the JPC was without actually handling one. Also my previous carriers (LBT 6094A, SDS RBAV-SF) were all 1000D or 500D and I only ran a few magazines (3 or 4 at most) and water and just didn't need all that MOLLE or high denier cordura for abrasion resistance. I wanted to cut down on weight.
Likes/Dislikes Strengths/Weaknesses
Likes: Lightweight, airflow, integrated triple shingle
Dislikes: Plate pockets seem to be a bit small especially with soft armor, the attachment of the shoulder straps seem weak but for now are holding up.
That being said I wouldn't mind going back to the 6094A, shit was bombproof and durable and well thought out.
-What plate carrier do you currently use?
Mayflower APC (have used the CIRAS and BCS in the past)
-How did you choose this make/model?
I was looking for a light weight system that reduced bulk, but not a minimalist system. I was also looking for something that I can use under a over sized shirt or with a Crye shirt. This one PC does both of these well.
The swift clip system is also very nice, eliminating shoulder straps makes a good stock weld a lot easier, and less material equals less weight.
-Likes/Dislikes? Strengths/weaknesses?
PROS:
Rides high.
Lightweight
high quality
shoulder pads work well for routing com wires and hydro
CONS:
-
Notes:
I have had this PC for about 2 years now and it is the V1.0 APC. I have just ordered the another Mayflower APC in Litelok to upgrade this one. I do get to wear armor every day at work and anytime you have to push yourself with armor on, soft or full hard plates you get hot very fast, this PC is no different there. None the less I have modified my PC with the First Spear "Tubes" cummerbund, this change in the CB allows me to open the PC without noise when taking a break to improve passive cooling, and I can close it back up again in 2 seconds or less again without noise. I have also added in Velcro on the inside of the PC to mount floats for some passive airflow to reduce heat build up while climbing mountains with armor on. At the same time I can remove the 4 front and rear floats in 2 to 3 seconds if I want a lower profile with the PC under a shirt. The downside to the floats is they push your load farther away from you which adds to the leaver effect that your gear places on your body and I don't always run them.
Also due to having a destroyed back, I have also integrated a Crye low pro Blast Belt with their STKSS system into/onto my APC, this substantially reduces the strain on my back and allows me to keep working and training with a big reduction in pain and stiffness. This also very noticeably reduced the weight on my shoulders as well.
Overall I am very happy with this system. Shoot I just ordered another APC. Other than boots I have never before replaced a piece of gear with the same thing, I'm that pleased with this PC.
-What plate carrier do you currently use?
Crye JPC
-How did you choose this make/model?
By actually training and doing weapons quals with it. I was more mobile, more comfortable, and had better qual scores with it. It's also a well built properly executed design.
-Likes/Dislikes? Strengths/weaknesses?
Likes (in no order):
- Lightweight
- very minimalist
- built-in Rifle mag pouches
- stretchy material on backside of plate pockets keeps armor tight
- not too much use of Velcro
- comfortable
Dislikes:
The fact they cost $250... but you get what you pay for. It's just harder to buy multiple rigs for work and training.
Edited to add pic.
I run my JPC with 3 rifle mags in the built-in pouches, 1 MARZ shorty AR pouch on the cummerbund, and one Frag pouch on the opposite side. Radio pouch on the back.
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o...nga66/JPC1.jpg
I also have a BFG LMAC which is ok, but not my flavor for a deployment.
This is the promised reply for the Shellback Banshee (also own a Mayflower APC and Eagle LE CIRAS).
-What plate carrier do you currently use? Banshee by Shellback
-How did you choose this make/model? low price
-Likes/Dislikes? Strengths/weaknesses? The low price of this unit makes it a easy decision to purchase it. I was looking for a black plate carrier that I could throw over my work wear (police, both uniforms and plain clothes assignments) for active shooter/ increased risked situations. I have a Eagle armor carrier that can also carry my rifle plates, but I wanted a light weight option. My coyote brown Mayflower APC would be great for the task, but due to the color I opted against it (now that our dept policy has changed, I'm revisiting the Mayflower :) )
Cons to the Banshee. I did not like the one size fit all approach. My large plates extended past the fabric. The place carrier looked tiny on me.
I also did not like the cummerbund. It would always get off center and every time I'd put the plate carrier on, the sides would go in different places (which would move around all the items on the sides).
Pros to the Banshee. I liked the built in options (that my more expensive APC did not have). Like the drag handle, and the wire/tube stays on the shoulder straps. Also to whom it concerns, the Banshee is very well built. Good materials used.
I added HSGI shoulder pads and a Area PC silencer. The PC silencer helped out with the cummerbund issue.
Overall I like the Mayflower a lot more. And I'm gonna probably switch back to that. I really wish I could afford plates for the Banshee and the Mayflower but I can only afford one set lol. I'd really love to keep the Banshee for a backup, but I'm probably gonna end up selling it along with a ton of pouches I got for it.
HSGI Woosatch E and TAG Rampage.
HSGI Woosatch E
I got it because I found a good deal on it and it's a simple put it on and fasten a single buckle rig for use as an active shooter rig to keep in the trunk of my patrol car. It's well built and fairly lightweight. It does have limited area to put pouches on(inherent to almost all similar carriers) and the plate pouches could use some straps to keep the plated in position a little higher. Overall it does a good job for what I need it for and the only major issue I have with it(the plate pockets) is an easy to fix one. Overall a B+ based on my needs.
TAG Rampage
Found a good deal on it and I wanted a cummerbund style carrier with the ability to run soft armor and plates for when I'm called out or have time to prepare on duty. It's well built overall, but the shoulder strap could use some tweaking to make the adjustment more user friendly for a wider variety of sizes. The mesh on the inside make it more comfortable in the summer, but may reduce long term durability. The cummerbund is not fixed to the rear, but a couple of zip ties, some para cord or shock cord will fix that. Overall a B+ for my needs.
Good thread. Just bought some plates. Need a rig.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7...psaa54b16a.jpg
-What plate carrier do you currently use?
Crye JPC
-How did you choose this make/model?
Same way I chose most of my kit; I look at what some of the guys who've been down range are using or suggesting and go from there.
It was pricey, but I was there at the right time and I don't regret jumping on one when the chance came.
-Likes/Dislikes? Strengths/weaknesses?
Pro:
-Light weight so I can still load it down and not punish my knees.
-Airlite cummerbund gives a whole lot more ventilation than all those layers of kevlar, and nylon I have in my Paraclete RAV. Definitely something I can wear in the hot Vegas summers.
-Built in Admin pouch allows me to toss in a pen and notepad for when I take it to classes/comps or whenever I learn something worth writing down.
-Built in rifle mag pouch is nice and slim. almost don't need the FirstSpear emergency reload pouch I added.
Con:
-Shoulder padding is almost nonexistent, if you load it down, get some after market pads. I chose FirstSpear because of the hydration/commo routing loops.
-More of a nitpick, but I hate bungee retention for rifle mags (or any mags). I picked up a set of Esstac KYWIs and put them inside the flap and they retain my rifle mags nicely, allowing me to pull off the shock cord.
For SHTF. Diamondback Fat Attack plate carrier. At the time I chose it, it was the only one I could find made for 8x10" plates. 10x12s are too big for my frame. I see there are more options now and I am looking at the LMAC, JPC are on my list due strictly for the ventilated cumberbund. I don't need it to add shit too, I just need it to keep the carrier in place. I don't like that mine doesn't have a cumberbund, it moves around too much. Lightweight and thin enough to fit under a hoodie or coat is what I need it to do for my use (if ever needed.)
http://i1281.photobucket.com/albums/...psa1af128c.jpg
-What plate carrier do you currently use?
SKD PIG w/ molle cummerbund
-How did you choose this make/model?
After looking at several reviews and speaking to other people who ran this rig, I pulled the trigger on it almost 2 yrs ago.
-Likes/Dislikes? Strengths/weaknesses?
The features of this PC are what most interested me. It retains both the front & back plates high to cover the thoracic cavity, regardless of plate size. This also assists me in gaining access to the items on my duty belt after putting the PC on. The construction and quality of materials used are top notch. I'm not easy on my gear and have had no issues to date. It's well padded and seems to distribute the weight of the plates and other gear well. I've worn it for 8 hrs at a time and have had no discomfort. The biggest selling point for me was the split cummerbund. I'm in the patrol division and sometimes have very little time to put on my gear. Leaving one side attached assists me in doing this and the split cummerbund insures that it doesn't come loose when attaching the other side. The fact that SKD makes top notch gear and has outstanding customer service doesn't hurt either.
Nothing to complain about as I'm very satisfied with my purchase. This may not be the cheapest PC, but as always you get what you pay for.
bump for help on what is a good entry level III plates that doesn't break the bank.
will be getting Banshee from SKD once approved (I'm civilian)
based on reviews here and price.
I could have placed my order so far back...let me finish paying my Veneno this week, then I'll place my Banshee order.
Thanks for the clarification, and please stop being ninjas and stop by more often :D
-What plate carrier do you currently use?
Tyr Tactical BPC
-How did you choose this make/model?
I wanted a carrier that could be quickly and easily donned plus fit well over my uniform and soft armor. I liked the quality of the carriers I had seen, and the fact that they are made to order in the US really made me want one. The only other one that was similar was the Banshee, but after adding ar mag pouches it was a very similar price.
-Likes/Dislikes? Strengths/weaknesses?
Not upgradable for adding side plates. While this doesn't bother me for use in a patrol fashion it would be nice to be able to upgrade if needed. Velcro for adding name plates and badging is a little small. Shoulder pads are included and comfortable with or without soft armor underneath. Adjustments are very easily made.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23...s/100_0165.jpg
Damn I've been through a few…Paraclete RBAV (not really a PC) Eagle PC w/ cbunn and PIG PC w/ soft armor cbunn.
Current PC is the LBT 6094B
I went with the LBT due to the internal side plate pockets and radio/utility pockets in the cummerbund. I can run my vest nice and slick with no bulk. The 6094B carries my plates, AMI Tac3s, almost perfectly. There is minimal padding behind the plate pockets which also cuts down on bulk. This set up, with my concealable IIIa underneath, is relatively light.
Only con I think of is the price. LBT ain't cheap. Oh well
http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/...1D416A23BE.jpg
I just wanted to do a quick review of my new Blue Force Gear LMAC.
http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/...ps82bfa134.jpgI will try to keep it as brief as possible.
I was looking for a light weight carrier, but something that would carry the necessities. A light load-out, med kit, and some water. I previously had a Eagle PC and the difference is night and day. The LMAC is much more comfortable than the Eagle, as well as much lighter.
I currently have it set up with a BFG Ten-Speed triple mag on the front. It takes a little getting use to, but I have found it to be more fluid when doing mag changes. The mags are a tad difficult to replace at first but I have found that with break-in and practice, it is just as fast as USGI, Eagle, Edomm, FS, or ATS (haven't tried HSGI). On my right side I have a BFG Boo-Boo pouch for little items. I placed it high and front to keep from hampering my draw stroke. I only have placed my dip or Garmin 401 in it and it works perfect for that. The left side has a First Speer 2 pistol mag pouch and an HSGI Bleeder pouch. The Bleeder pouch is kinda hard to reach with the right hand, but with some maneuvering, it can be done. On the back I have a Tactical Tailor hydration pouch. It works for the intended purpose, but i'm not to keen on it hanging down below like it does. This will probably be replaced at some point but it is really a non issue. More aesthetics really. The plates that I am using in this are from bulletproofme.com. I opted for the medium triple curve level IV plates front and back. They fiit good and tight in the LMAC. The side plates keep tight to the sides and do not sag. The only thing I have done is put some bungie cord from a set of old ACU's on the PALs webbing connected to the front to help keep the side plates more secure than what the MOLLE Strip keeps it. I do have HSGI shoulder pads on it but i'm not convinced that they are all that necessary.
http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/...410_112403.jpg
Overall, I am very impressed with the BFG LMAC. The LMAC carries well, and does not fatigue as fast as even the Eagle. Fully loaded with what i've put here -water, it weighs 26lbs, which is very manageable. I have ran many drills in this over the time that I have had it, and it works out better that I could have expected. I guess we will see the true test when I run it though some classes. I would recommend this Plate Carrier to anyone. My wife was equally impressed with it and we are planning on getting one for her as well.
I hope this helps with anyone searching for a PC. I know I searched around this forum as well as others searching i spent any money. I figured I would give back a little.