For private outdoor sporting use
How did you choose this make/model?
From RAV, CAGE, JPC, T3's and others, some looked nice just sitting on the shelf (until I put them on and took them out for a test drive) and others had even more undesirable features for my use. Overall, the LBT6094s were the ones reached for most often and used.
In recent years, almost exclusively, the 6094 Releasable and 6094 Releasable Underway (Video posted only just so you can see what The Releasable Underway looks like)
https://youtu.be/GnMvHULZugk
have become the choice. If forced to pick one, it would be the Releasable Underway. Given its versatility, in having a release and being able to be run with or without the foam, for outdoor sporting and most any other use.
Non Underway, Release only version (old)
https://youtu.be/19-nelwZqqI
Foreign language airsoft gamer review, you can see the release on the non Underway, Release only version. Sorry I can't find in depth pro reviews on any of these for you.
https://youtu.be/l9XS8Sal1Is
The Releasable only versions are kept only for extremely hot weather use now, given the backing.
If color does not matter, wait for a good sale to pick up the Releasable only one directly from LBT
http://lbtinc.com/modular-sentinel-r...-plate-carrier
The Releasable only in MultiCam are generally on sale at LBT. Unfortunately, this and the other standard colors are used by LE and other official entities, in the areas we frequent.
So LBT MAS Grey has become the private user friendly color of choice. To not be identified as official at ranges and other outdoor use activities. If anything so far, you get recognized as a collector airsoft gamer type, to break the ice, reduce tensions and even receive complements from others, who are surprisingly more familiar about the color and product. Another benefit, LBT has not yet printed the MAS Grey logo in the fabric with a logo like multicam has, so no blackhawk billboard look. Another plus, the MAS Grey color may hold value better, if I sell the PC's in the future or LBT restricts it again.
If color matters, you want a Release Underway and can wait, the limited run LBT 6094 Releasable Underway in MAS Grey here done Not For Profit below
https://www.facebook.com/LBT-London-...9057536971970/
has become my best choice of all worlds, to replace almost everything. With the hope to move away from having many different types, that I seldom use and to have a few spares of the same type, until the next carrier design comes along.
If I could replace all of my PC's for this version and color only, I would do so. I am looking at my older LBT non releasable versions and seriously considering getting rid of all of them. Since I am placing a great value into this recyclable release system. Having it also come with the underway just completes the package.
Some Likes
I am still learning. The best LBT customer service, Familiarity. Comfort. Release system. The Release and Underway system together, may be the best combo yet, for as close to an all in one I can get. If wearing a PC for anything, then I need a way to easily release it. I am able to release these faster than the non LBT releasable versions. So they work for me.
No release is perfect and you will still carry cutters as backups. But for outdoor use, it's nice not having to cut the straps off repeatedly, when you feel the need to release it.
Fortunately at this time, the ESAPI B and C's are still 8 wide on the front and back, so that is a positive. Perhaps most official users are using inserts only and some clip on pouches, so that may not be important to them. I still prefer separate molle pouches and every inch must count.
Even with molle, I prefer to use standard multi use mag pouches, that fit multiple weapons. Since I do not like having to take off and put on again, molle pouches using pliers. My fingers are not suited to the task. This being the case, I need a carrier setup ready for each different weapon, plus the normal spares, like everything else. So the .308, .223 and others, each need a carrier of their own, which is my preference. Unless I am able to switch to mag inserts or some combination of the two. I don't like fad clip on pouches.
Up-gradable over time with accessories, like CASS.
Fortunately these plate carriers have not appeared in any movies or popular instagram hero accounts yet, so the prices are at normal levels, for now. Maybe for each 3 of my older LBT carriers I can sell, I may be able to get one Releasable Underway. Seems like a fair exchange, for something made brand new in LBT MAS Grey (that's not tactical looking black or multicam) and I can keep things close to the same.
Some Dislikes
Armor
Soft armor is compartmentalized into 4 separate panels, with some gaps depending how cummerbund is adjusted.
Since the edges of most soft armor panels may not be rated to stop anything. The effective coverage may be less, than my preference, for an overlapping front and rear only 2 piece soft armor package design.
Soft armor coverage is minimal, if increased, who knows, it might lose its low profile comfort appeal.
Radio pocket underside do not have armor protection. If running one radio, it is possible to close the unused radio pocket side under the front cummerbund flap. However, the used radio side is unarmored.
Armor cuts are limited, unless custom runs are done. If they offered more plate bag options than Crye. Or a version that could accept more than one cut. It would be a benefit to those of us who have many types of different cut armor. Who knows, depending on the price, it still might be cheaper to go for a whole new carrier than just a spare front.
Fabric and webbing
For private purchase use, I prefer the 1000D fabric and heavier duty webbing exclusively, like the type used in many Old Gen LBT6094 standard color carriers. Unfortunately, the Releasable, Releasable Underway and other colors, come in the lighter fabrics only. Unless we have time to wait for custom runs.
Given the private purchase nature of the product, the lighter fabrics are not abused and run as hard as the Old Gen non releasable. When placing molle pouches, I tend to leave them on, for fear of tearing the fabric and webbing with repeated removal and installations.
For the professional official users, who have ample replacements, I can fully appreciate the lighter fabrics will absorb less water and save weight. Comparing two equally setup 6094s heavy and light fabric, the weight savings becomes noticeable and and important factor.
The webbing on the front and rear may have been reduced from 8 to 6 on some newer Swimmer cuts. Reducing the capacity of the rig for those of us who prefer external molle pouches.
Kangaroo
Wish they would expand the cavity for different thicker mag types.
Mag pouch do not fit and Shock cord mag snag, on non M4 type mag types. Not a justifiable gripe since they are marketed for M4. I wish they offered more different options soon.
With the kangaroo installed, the edges will also curl up with thick mags. It is a minor gripe, but I prefer external pouches so it is a non issue really.
At minimum, all I really need is one spare rifle and maybe a handgun mag, so an all in one insert just might work for me.