Originally Posted by
rfairman
I actually traded my AVS for a Spiritus LV119. I loved the AVS, but I didn’t need that much carrier. The AVS is an extremely scalable system though. The LV119 is a very very well built PC. Super light weight, and very modular with all the different parts from Spiritus themselves as well as the multiple aftermarket options out there for it. I really love mine. The tough part about the LV119 is availability.
As far as Crye’s quality, it’s top notch! Their customer support from my one experience was very positive. I ordered a set of the AVS harness pads, since everyone else was out of stock. I heard all the horror stories about getting shipping notifications then the dates getting pushed back over and over. I called to verify that what I ordered was actually in stock and that it was actually shipping on the date I was sent. It was a pleasant and very short conversation. My order shipped when they said it would and I had it in about a week. This obviously may vary greatly depending on what it is that you order.
Pretty much most of what I was going to say.
The bold part there is probably key to ordering direct from them - check to make sure what you want is in stock before ordering. Otherwise you're better off ordering from a vendor like OpTactical, or on a trade/swap/EE site. I owned 2 AVS carriers, and bought both with all components directly from Crye. One of them had a sewing error with a plate bag and needed to be replaced. I had no issues with shipping, delays, or CS. That being said, this was a few years ago, so YMMV.
Per AVS function, Fairman is smack on; it's probably more carrier than most people need for an "average" setup. Something people often overlook is the weight and profile you are adding on with a carrier like that, before you even add any gear to it; sometimes it's better to give up a little comfort for less weight and and a "slicker" more "agile" setup. That being said, the AVS does seem to work as advertised; the weight bearing is really good, and the whole carrier "hugs" your torso very well. Especially if you add the internal back/side velcro pad set.
This is actually one reason why I too am interested in some of the new designs with the stiffened/ supported cummberbund, like the SPC and Ferro V5 FCPC.
I've never been a fan of the JPC; the Version 1 editions had longevity issues (apparently there was some thing where they were never meant for either the long-term use, or the heavy loads people were slapping on them), and I feel like the 2.0 is a bit overpriced for what it offers, either in regards to other well-established full-scale carriers on the market (MMAC/6094/APC/etc), as well as some of the new carriers (like the LV119) that have arrived in recent years.
I also never had a use for a zipper back panel, so I never bought one. YMMV, this is all merely personal opinion. But if I were to get a JPC, definitely the 2.0. The swappable front flap is nearly worth the price of admission alone (you can't take it off on the 1.0).
I would put it this way; if you think the JPC 2.0 is going to be your thing, for around the same price I'd take the plunge on the SPC; if you are lucky it will be more friendly to weight-bearing, if you hate it, there are a lot of JPCs floating around the barely-used markets online, and someone will be sure to want to try an SPC at some point... (or return it to vendor).
Unless you're hell-bent on a Haley/VS/SS/other placard, for Crye flaps compatible with the JPC/SPC, my personal preference is the AVS M4 w/ bungee ($60). This way you can stick kydex inserts in it for a very Esstac-ish front shingle.
Aside from the JPC/SPC/LV119, you may also want to look into the Beez Aptum carrier.
I got one recently and it seems to offer a lot of what the others do for around the same price, maybe more or less, depending on what options you pick, or what options you need your carrier to have. The nice thing is, even though the price has gone up a bit since I purchased mine, if you want some minor customizations you can request it, and they'll likely do it since they are made to order.
The other thing I personally like is I can swap a lot of different cummberbunds with it, since it's simple Velcro-attach (IF they are the right width to fit); for example, right now I have a shorter VS Scarab 'bund on it because the standard laser-cut 'bund was to long for me. However, I'd bet I could have requested a shorter cummberbund from them and they would have done it.
Due to the lasercut design, it's also very slick, and if you want a concealable carrier, should do well pulling double duty for this use, as well as Overt. I mean, I am a skinny bastard, and with 1" plates and a light overshirt, it's almost unnoticeable.
NOT that a SPC/LV119/JPC would be worse (aside from the zippers) in this role; merely so you know it can be done if you wish.
The downside is, it's going to take like a month to get it, and if you want to run a zip-on back panel, you will need to use a zipper adapter kit.
I'm also not a big fan of the front flap, which seems pretty un-needed on a scalable carrier like this, but again, I'd bet you could have them custom-omit it, if wanted.
The shoulder pads are also kind of pointless; for the $20, you might as well use the SKD PIG/Systema MK1/2 pads, or for more $$ the Velocity Systems slip-over/velcro-over Scarab-type pads.
The kangaroo pouch is also pretty tight, and not fully velcro lined (and also the hook is on the plate side) but since this is the age of placards, who really cares.
My only real gripe about this carrier so far is it won't work with Crye AVS front flaps....
Especially since their MOLLE front flap I got with it kinda sucks; straps are to long to meet the 2" velcro strip at the top of the Kangaroo pouch, and for some disconcerting reason, the flap velcro is also sewn on in the reverse of the velcro in the Kang' pouch (so it meets hook to hook).
Granted, it's an easy "snip and resew" project if you have even a basic sewing machine, BUT, might as well save yourself the trouble and either use a G-hook or Swift-clip front flap/placard. Again, this can all probably be fixed by custom request, I'm just bitching because they didn't already think of it.
Other than those minor issues, the carrier itself seems solid, looks well sewn, and the lasercut material seems stiff and is doubled up where it needs to be (so, unlike the SPC, your plates aren't exposed to direct elements).
As far as the Ferro FCPC V5, I have owned other Ferro stuff (Slickster, Gen 2 & 3 FCPC, pouches), and it is ok, but I have not owned a V5 FCPC, so it looks kinda like an SPC concept, but for $500+...I'd probably try the SPC first...Or a Strandhogg/AAC. YMMV.
Of course, IMO this choice all comes down to overall weight of your intended loadout. If it's coming to more than 20-25lbs WITH plates (no more than 28-30 TOTAL, including the carrier and all pouches/placards)... you might want to get the AVS/'Hogg/etc, because most light carriers aren't great at weight bearing, and no amount of shoulder pads will help that.
I can vouch for the AVS being GTG @ 40lb. I'll bet there are people who have carried more with it.
Last edited by Jellybean; 06-23-20 at 13:52.
"Once we get some iron in our souls, we'll get some iron in our hands..."
"...A rapid, aggressive response will let you get away with some pretty audacious things if you are willing to be mean, fast, and naked."-Failure2Stop
"The Right can meme; the Left can organize. I guess now we know which one is important." - Random internet comment
Bookmarks