Do you know what’s amazing? Armor and armor carriers and how awesome they’ve become. It’s a fascinating world.
In 2009, I was issued my first plate carrier on my first deployment to Afghanistan. The Eagle Plate Carrier was my first experience…and it wasn’t a good one.
It was not comfortable, lacked durability, and took some hacking to make work. Fortunately, that’s changed significantly over the last few years.
Since 2009, the plate carrier game has changed dramatically. These nifty pieces of gear got smaller, lighter, and more maneuverable.
Designed for modularity, they come in handy for various mission sets.
The market is also massive, and we know that can be a bit overwhelming when you’re shopping.
As such, we’ve put together a list of the best plate carriers on the market.
While I would love to insert my own bias into what I think is the best, I shoved that aside and collected models serving alongside police and military forces worldwide.
So keep reading if you’re searching for the perfect plate carrier to pair with your plates.
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Minimalist Carrier
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Best Low-Profile Carrier
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Best for Heavy Loadouts
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Best for Beginners
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Most Options Plate Carrier
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Best Full-Size Carrier
Table of Contents
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How We Test & Choose The Best Plate Carriers
There are a few things we look at when shopping for a good plate carrier. Weight, durability, reliability, and lastly, any special features such as attachment options. In this article, we’ll analyze the different plate carrier materials. We’ll compare the weight of the carriers and whether they are customizable.
It’s also important to determine the level of protection you need from armored plates when looking at plate carriers because that determines whether you need heavier but more durable materials. Lastly, we always consider the reliability of the brand and where it’s made. Sometimes, made in ‘Merica just might give you a bit more confidence boost.
We’ve worn and tested all of these extensively and so you’ll also find full reviews of most recommendation below. You’ll also find video reviews of many of them.
Best Minimalist Plate Carrier
1. Crye Precision JPC 2.0
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Pros
- Lightweight
- Lots of add-on options
- Well vetted
Cons
- Expensive
- Hard to insert plate
Crye Precision, the favorite brand of all tactical hipsters, creates some of the best stuff on the market.
They charge a premium, but it’s well worth the money.
And it’s often the choice of America’s most elite troops.
There are lots of impressive things to say about the JPC 2.0 — Jumpable Plate Carrier.
But to me, the most impressive part of the JPC 2.0 is that it weighs just a little over a pound.
In the armor world, that means it’s a minimalist plate carrier that prioritizes mobility over bulk.
As a guy who wore a plate carrier professionally, I can appreciate the lightweight design.
Users can easily customize the JPC 2.0 and outfit it with numerous accessories ranging from mag pouches to side plates, zip-on panels, various flaps, and more.
A personal favorite is the side pull mag pouch setup.
Regardless of its use, the JPC 2.0 provides an extremely high-quality plate carrier. It’s my favorite and probably one of the most vetted plate carriers on the market.
(But man, is it tough to shove a plate in these things.)
And ironically…Evike (a huge airsoft e-commerce store) has the best access to real JPC 2.0 carriers.
Have you tried the JCP? If so, let us know what you think by rating it below.
Best Low-Profile Plate Carrier
2. Ferro Concepts Slickster
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Super lightweight - 0.8lbs!
- Thin profile
- Lots of accessory choices
Cons
- Not best with heavy plates
Remember how I was impressed by the JPC weight? Well, I was blown away by the Ferro Slickster.
It weighs just 0.8 pounds. That’s it.
As the name implies, Slickster means the carrier comes slick. As in, it’s not covered with MOLLE, at least until you want it to be.
You can run it slick with a gear belt for a minimalist setup, or you can go whole hog with all the accessories for the ADAPT line of gear.
Users can add sweet stuff like cummerbunds with built-in mag pouches, MOLLE panels, and the like.
That said, the Ferro Slickster might be best used for low-profile stuff.
It’s small, lightweight, and relatively thin. So, maybe toss on the cumberbund with pouches and call it a day.
You can run it heavy, but that’s not where it shines.
If you need a covert carrier that can occasionally go overt, then you’ll be quite happy with your selection.
With the AXL AVP and MOLLE ADAPT chest panel, you can run placards from Haley, Spiritus, and most other placard styles.
This slick carrier provides the lowest profile option possible while still retaining hard armor capabilities.
Read our review on the Ferro Concepts Advanced Slickster and the Ferro Concepts Slickster & Spiritus Systems Micro Fight Chest Rig for more on this rad carrier.
You can also watch our video below with John’s sweet setup.
Best Plate Carrier for Heavy Loadouts
3. Velocity System Scarab LT
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Good for extended missions
- Handles heavy load-outs
- Unique swivel shoulder straps
Cons
- Heavier
- Not cheap
If you want an overt plate carrier that doesn’t harp on minimalism, then the Velocity Systems Scarab LT is the one.
This plate carrier is a full-sized kit designed for extended missions. It’s not as sleek and sexy, but it’s a big boy and does big-boy things.
The Scarab LT handles heavier load-outs better than your minimalist designs, granting more room to fit a real combat load, IFAK, comms gear, and beyond.
NPCs are great until you’re packing a SAW and carrying several drums worth of ammo.
All that extra size allows the Scarab LT to feel quite comfortable. The shoulders, in particular, provide a lot of freedom.
The unique swivel shoulder straps make moving your upper body easy. And they work well when shooting in weird positions.
Speaking of, and this might be the big guy in me talking, but I find shouldering a rifle in this kit very easy.
Like most modern plate carriers, you get an abundance of options for stripping the kit down and dressing it up as needed.
Remove or add front and ABC panels and cummerbunds when necessary. Zipping on a back panel provides a good degree of convenience as well.
When you need a full-on, infantry-ready fighting kit, the Velocity Systems Scarab LT checks that box.
Best Plate Carrier for Beginners
4. Mayflower Assault Plate Carrier
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Simple and easy to setup
- Durable
- Optional side plate
Cons
- Runs small
Let’s line up another plug-and-play option for those not looking to pick and choose pieces.
The Mayflower Assault Plate Carrier allows you to click add to cart and buy it now — all that’s left to do is add the plates!
It’s a simple but well-made platform.
You can choose between three options of cummerbund when ordering. One gives you three pockets for mags with standard MOLLE, another is a low-profile elastic, and the final is a low-profile elastic with pouches.
The front kangaroo pouch provides three pouches for mags, while the generous MOLLE ladders make it easy to add your goodies.
Though the APC might be considered jumpable…it’s a little bigger than your average minimalist plate carrier.
But it provides plenty of protection. On top of your front and rear plate bags, you can have optional side plates. With four plates, you do feel like an APC.
You can feel a little more comfortable loading down the Mayflower APC with gear.
The velcro material doesn’t feel like it will easily separate from the kangaroo pouch when loaded down.
You can also add placards if you so choose — but the vest is more than enough.
The Mayflower APC delivers an excellent plug-and-play option that’s extremely well-made, durable, and comfortable.
Best Plate Carrier with the Most Options
5. Spiritus Systems LV-119
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Lots of options
- Scalable and modular
- Maneuverable
- Build quality
Cons
- Availability
- Shipping fees and Price
The Spriritus Systems LV-119 is not what I’d call plug-and-play. In fact, it’s pretty far from it.
You see, Spiritus likes to do this thing where they sell the things they make piece by piece.
No “Buy It Now” option here.
The good news is the LV-119 receives constant updates with new pieces and parts that keep the kit modern and evolving.
Also, you can build the LV-119 of your dreams…choose the front plate bag, the rear plate bag, and a cummerbund option.
Your options include overt, covert, and assault options, and you can opt for various flaps, cores, mag pouches, and cummerbunds for multiple setups.
Users can mix and match overt, covert, and beyond to get the setup they need for whatever their mission requires.
Maybe you need to be sneaky…maybe you need to go fight in Fallujah…basically, it’s like the AR-15 of plate carriers.
The LV-119 brings an extremely modern design that makes it easy to route wires for comms, antennas, and other fun stuff.
You can also use aftermarket placards like the Haley D3CRM Micro, the Spiritus Micro Fight Chest Rig, and more.
Like most modern plate carriers, it’s jumpable or minimalist in design.
So, you can move and groove without fighting your plate carrier along the way.
Do we have a review of this…of course we do! Check out our full look at the Spiritus Systems LV-119!
Best Full-Size Plate Carrier
6. Shellback Tactical Banshee Elite 2.0
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Full-size
- Wide padded shoulder straps
- Three mag slots
Cons
- Runs big
The Shellback Tactical Banshee Elite 2.0 offers a premium-grade plate carrier with a full size that allows mobility.
It’s well designed for use in and out of vehicles, and users can ditch the cummerbund for a strap system creating a minimalist style carrier.
Side plates are optional. The 2.0’s redesigned shoulders provide a bit more support for all that extra weight.
Unlike the older design, the new shoulder straps are wider and padded. This means your shoulders don’t die in the first 10 minutes of wear.
The Hypalon shoulder straps also make it easier to route cables for comms.
Shellback Tactical eliminated the older hook-and-loop admin pouch with a zippered pouch. This provides easier access to your admin gear.
It also kills the tell-tale noise of hook and loop going squicchhhh.
The cummerbund provides three M4 mag-size pockets on each side. And you can carry a fighting load without attaching a pouch!
However, you won’t want to…they’re nice, but reaching the rearmost pouches will be a little challenging when you need a speedy reload.
Luckily, you have plenty of MOLLE ladders.
The MOLLE is quite tough and can support the weight of your fighting load.
Not to mention, 3D padded internal mesh provides plenty of comfort for long-term wear. After eight hours of wear, you’ll love that padded mesh.
Shellback Tactical took the feedback on their original Banshee, and the Banshee Elite 2.0 shows the value of experience.
It’s a fantastic option ready for nearly any mission set.
Most Comfortable Plate Carrier
7. RTS Tactical Advanced Sleek 2.0
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Very comfortable
- Lightweight
- Has two spots of mags on cummerbund
Cons
- Mag pouches are placed a bit high
- Mag slots in the rear are hard to reach
The Advanced Sleek 2.0 from RTS Tactical brings a minimalist design that PPT Content Producer Sean Curtis really digs.
During a recent testing session, he noted that the plate carrier was comfortable and easy to move around in.
Billed as a low-profile carrier, it could slip under certain garments depending on how tight you prefer your clothes.
It’s also pretty quick and easy to get on and off — a nice feature if you don’t like to wrestle with your gear.
On top of that, it offers spots for extra magazines in the cummerbund and plenty of hook-and-loop to attach patches.
The Advanced Sleek 2.0 can be used with 10×12 Level lllA Soft, 10×12 Level lll & lll+ Steel, or 10×12 Level lV Ceramic plates.
To see it in action, check out the video below.
Best Discreet Plate Carrier
8. Premier Body Armor Discreet Plate Carrier
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Super concealable
- Lots of hook and loop for accessories
- Lightweight
Cons
- Smaller plate pockets may not be good for larger plates
If discretion is the name of the game, then we recommend the Premier Body Armor Discreet Plate Carrier.
This plate carrier brings a lightweight, concealable option to those that might want to throw it under everyday clothes.
Truly minimalistic, it shaves down where it can while keeping features that users might want out of their carrier such as a total of six pouches in the cummerbund.
These pouches can accommodate full-size magazines but also other gear (like an IFAK) if needed.
Additionally, there is a ton of hook-and-loop on the front of the carrier and on the shoulders so you can add as many accessories as you want.
Wanna see it in action? Check out this short video we pulled together showing it off!
Plate Carrier Accessories
221B Tactical Maxx-Dri Vest 3.0
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Carriers get hot.
The Maxx-Dri Vest from 221B Tactical (think Sherlock Holmes) keeps some space between you and your carrier to let heat and sweat escape. Plus it’s easy to machine wash and air dry.
A favorite of law enforcement and military who wear it for long periods of time in some really hot weather.
Final Thoughts
In 2009, no one owned armor on the private level. But since then, armor and armor carriers have become massively popular.
Most gun enthusiasts likely own some form of armor or are at least thinking about it.
If you fall into the latter category, our selections should help you narrow down your search. But remember, once you buy everything…Go out and shoot with your armor!
Test how the armor and your setup work on the range before you rely on it. Kit means nothing if you can’t use it!
What’s your armor setup? Let us know in the comments below. We love to shoot things, and body armor is no exception. So, check out our results after days of shooting Hard Plates & Soft Armor as well as Ceramic & UHMWPE.
Latest Updates
April 8, 2024: Added the pros and cons of each plate carrier to better explain our reasoning behind each selection. Added additional info about how we test and chose the best plate carriers. Added accessories.
25 Leave a Reply
Why not put weights on everything
All of the plate carriers (and that shield) in this article have a major weakness - everything below the plate carrier (and that shield). So hit the bad guy first and definitively, cause the bad guys use the internet too and know this weakness.
What about the 5.11 TacTec plate carrier? Good or not?
Good for workouts, nothing else.
Might you performance test the Agilite (Israeli) plate carriers? Agilite's 2.0 was my choice, coupled with your recommended pair of Mira Level 4 plates. Agilite offers a full range of add-ons and are highly adaptable.
They also have a gear user product improvement program wherein you get free gear for evaluation of new product offerings, which could be useful for a fine team such as yours.
Thanks for your consideration.
I have one of the old usmc MTV plate carriers I picked up from the service, though it is an older model, it still is quite comfortable under a heavy load and offers alot of soft armor protection. It is bulky, but just something to get used too.
I don't use any of the soft armor accessories, that's too cumbersome, just the carrier itself with its cummerbund.
I was hoping you'd have a "Best for Women" catagory since they have a different "form factor" than the dudes most of this gear is made for. I'd like to pick up a carrier for my wife who is a teacher, an increasingly combat-oriented profession. Any recommendations for those with a built-in loadout?
What about TYR tactical? Lots of government contracts. I’m just nervous about dropping $700 on one.
I have several and my favorite is my T3 Geronimo 3 with Quad Release super comfortable fits is great.
I would recommend you check out Agelite. They are superior in every way.
Consider looking at Agilite!
They have amazing products
Just wondering if you guys could use and test or leave some feed back on an agalite carrier and a first spear strand hog carrier
I know this is old but does anyone still use Paraclete and if it is still around is it any good? I used it while working as a Private Contractor and it was the full size WWIII vest. I had everything on it. Any updates?
I think a couple of critically important plate carriers have been missed, the Agilite Kzero and K19 are among the best on the market, they are in use and combat tested by all the Israeli special forces and infantry units. They both at very comfortable and very versatile with lots of options for attachments and added comfort.
I mostly shoot CZs. Does that mean I should get the Crye Precision rig?
Educate me. Sorry noob question here, but figured I’d make a fool of myself here before emailing a dealer. So looking at Esstac’s chest rig. Will this be compatible with their plate carrier? As in just sort of plug and play? Thanks, I’ll go back and sit in the corner quietly.
Ryan,
Compatibility is a tricky question. You could wear one of their chest rigs like the Triple Piggy if you kept the plate carrier slick, though that's not an optimal solution. Usually, a placard setup will be more "plug and play" if that makes sense.
While you could wear the chest rig over the plate carrier, it's not strictly attached to it. Whereas a placard (called panels on the Esstac website) are designed to attached to a plate carrier with clips and Velcro. This is a much cleaner setup (fewer straps) and much more secure.
You guys try out the T-Rex Arms carrier yet?
First Spear is a big name in the industry if just a little pricey. Marine Core opted to go with them and their tubes system.
Direct Action Tactical also makes some good sturdy gear.
Bottom line is the industry has grown in leaps and bounds over the past 10 years and we have a plethora of excellent choices.
It’s not enough to wear the stuff. Has to stand up to running, gunning AND being used as a drag handle if you go down. Sorry gents. Even though they have improved, Condor doesn’t have the QC for all that. See double bar tack stitching. However, if it fits your use case, stay deadly.
I own a condor for a fullsize rig. For what I want its durable enough and just fine. Iv run about 50 miles in it so far and its held up.
I keep my plates in a 5.11 Prime next to my bed. Its all velcro. Made some adjustments to it though. Used industrial sewing machine to sew the velcro cumberband straps into one piece so that the cumberband now only comes on and off from the buckles. That way when its buckled im not just relying and the velcro to keep my carrier on my body bc its one tight circle around me attached by the buckles on each side. Keeps the fit right overtime putting on and off. And I sewed a simple plate carrier “sack” or cover if you will thats cordura that can cover the whole carrier and protect the velcro if i want to run it slick but protect it from crawling around etc.
I’ve also just sewn my own carriers from start to finish with ballistic 1050D and industrial nylon thread. Takes a while. But if you got patients and a little experience its not to hard. Fun and you get to make it however you want.
I run a Velocity LWPC from OP Tactical, and I feel like it does light but sturdy very well. It handles the weight of what I want to carry better than any of the minimalist designs I tried.
I'll kick your sissy butt while wearing a CONDOR, boy!
HELL YEH, BORTHER! CONODOR BEST BRAND!
No Agilite? You need to get out more!