Plate Carrier vs Chest Rig

[bowietx]

Having just attended my first legitimate AR training course and having done it with virtually no specialized gear I was left with a questions regarding future gear purchases.

Chief among those was what type of gear to buy in order to maximize use for deployments and for courses. A good plate carrier seems to be the logical choice as it allows you to train like you fight, but could also be overkill when you are taking a course.

I am principally looking at the P.I.G plate carrier and the BCM chest rig. One question that I had was whether or not the BCM could be used over a plate carrier or not. I would love to hear some opions or experiences that could help guide my choice.

At this time I am running a VTAC Brokos belt and intend to continue its use.

[Failure2Stop]

You can wear pretty much any chest rig that I am awawre of over armor.
However, I am a "less is more" kind of guy.
If I am going to be putting something on, it might as well serve as many functions of gear as possible:
Stop holes, plug holes, create holes.
Stick a few mags and a bleeder kit on a plate carrier and you get all three.

[bowietx]

I appreciate the advice. What I am coming to find out is that I can only afford to buy once and get overly concerned about buying the wrong item first. You helped me solidify the thought that the plate carrier can do more and therefore is the better solution.

Given the wide array of carriers out there is there another solution besides the P.I.G. carrier that sits high enough to allow the use of a battle belt?

[Failure2Stop]

Pretty much all properly adjusted plate carriers will be high enough that they will not impede a belt mounted pistol draw.
Even when I was wearing full SPEAR/BALCS armor I only used a slightly dropped belt mounted holster. I have a relatively short torso and long legs.

I am using a Tyr PC with side buckles (no cummerbund), and it does not impede use of a trouser belt mounted OWB holster.

I personally do not currently use side-plates, though there is very good reason to do so if you can. One factor to consider is if the side plates will interfere with your ability to access your side-arm. Sometimes the answer is no, and sometimes the answer is to lower the pistol.

[TehLlama]

Unless you're going to be looking at the plate carriers with the three integral front mag pouches (like the Crye, BFC, Tyr, and LBT 6094), it may make more sense to first get a small chest rig (enough to carry a few additional magazines, maybe some extra FAK and admin/notetaking supplies, and save towards a plate carrier that will work under it as needed, giving you more flexibility.

A standing recommendation would be one of those plate carriers, some BFG 10-Speed pouches to add room for pistol magazines, hydration, blowout kit, and some admin storage and that's all you'd need.

[deadlyfire]

Always had armor, always will. Chest rigs are what you use when you can't afford a PC.

[cankicker01]

I just jumped in this thread. I am sure it went around real quick about s&s precision "plate frame" after SHOT. it isn't slated for release until summer but it looks pretty awesome. It would def. be a lightweight option. I think it weighs In at about 1 pound 6 oz. for the frame only.

[TacMedic556]

Anyone familiar with LBT-London Bridge Tradings vest the 6094 or Vel-Tye Hugger plate carrier?

[11am1a]

Anyone familiar with LBT-London Bridge Tradings vest the 6094 or Vel-Tye Hugger plate carrier?

I wore the LBT 6094 for a year in Afghanistan. Amazing plate carrier, beats the snot out of what was issued to us. Also, it is what is issued to "those" guys in the Navy that are in Afghanistan that we worked with, so if its good enough for them, its good enough for me. LBT makes some great kit.

[Ironman8]

For those who are asking about the Mayflower APC:

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=82984