Plate carriers

Plate Carrier

What is a plate carrier and its specifications

Plate Carrier is a lightweight unloading system that protects a person from debris and damage from some types of small arms. This equipment is mostly used for tactical tasks, where mobility and speed of reaction are important, and conditions with a low probability of getting injured.

In fact, this is a cover that does not have a set class of armor protection, unlike a bulletproof vest. The class of armor protection depends on the plate inside, which can be selected according to needs, tasks and priorities.

Product specifications:

• Adjusting to size. It is possible to adjust the product for the fighter in terms of height and volume from S to XL, which ensures its versatility. Also, all products have compartments for armor plates of standard sizes from M to XL, which are securely fastened in special pockets.
• Materials used in plate carriers. In order for the covers to withstand the load and weight of the armor plates, high-strength synthetic materials such as Cordura or Oxford are used.
• The inner part of the cover. This part is similar to the back of a backpack. Damping cushions (keeps the shape of the product) and 3D mesh allows air to circulate freely in the middle of the structure.
• The outer side of the structure. The outer part, in addition to special sections for armor plates, is mostly equipped with Molle slings for additional attachment of the results. Some products are equipped with a quick release system that allows you to instantly remove the plate carrier in case of need or danger. In addition, models can contain an integrated small-sized backpack. An integral part of a tactical vest should be an escape loop, strap or belt.

The difference between a plate-carrying vest and a regular body armor

The main difference between them is that the second is heavier and less mobile, so it is better to use it when performing tasks that do not involve a lot of physical activity. A tactical vest for armor plates has less weight and is more mobile, it is possible to choose plates with the required level of protection for defined, set tasks and personal priorities. Therefore, it is more often used by various special forces.

The device itself has the ability to protect only the front part of the body and the back. But it is possible to insert protection from the side, if the design of the cover provides for it. It is also possible to attach shoulder, neck and groin protection. Together, this modular design provides approximately the same area of protection as a bulletproof vest, but the global difference occurs when StKSS stops are installed into the product.

The StKSS supports are part of the weight distribution system created by Crye Precision designers. The task of which is to transfer the load from the back and spine to the unloading belt to reduce fatigue and reduce the likelihood of back injuries.

This product provides various possibilities for placing loads on the back. In addition to tactical summaries and backpacks, you can zip up an entire platform on Molle.

Why should you buy it?

• First, because it is convenient. Well-fitting and well-chosen equipment makes life much easier and increases the efficiency of actions. The ability to remove and change the front panel, install a corset and stops, change camberbands, replace shoulder straps and pillows, choose armor protection modules for yourself and specific purposes - none of this is allowed by standard body armor, but all this has a positive effect on being in armor.
• Secondly, the cost. The cover is a consumable material that wears out, is damaged by debris, and hardware breaks. Modularity allows you to change specific elements, and not the entire set, which significantly reduces the cost of its use.
• Thirdly, there is no need to make a tactical vest for armor plates with your own hands. The commercial market provides a large number of different effective and ready-made solutions, thanks to system modularity and standards.
• Fourth, color selection (camouflage painting). Camouflage must mask the fighter in the process of training and combat, and it must be selected for specific conditions in order for it to be able to perform its functions.

The history and reasons for the creation of the specified item of equipment

The homeland of the device is the USA. For the first time, this equipment was developed for American police officers, over time it began to be used in the armed forces. In the early 2000s, the US Army and Marine Corps adopted standard tactical body armor, which provided bulletproof protection of vital organs as standard. It was an IBA (Interceptor body armor) system, consisting of an OTV anti-fragment vest and a pair of internally installed ceramic composite armor panels SAP. Such a vest is simpler, but at the same time light and comfortable, than armor plates of the usual modifications.

The next stage in the development of the concept of the use of personal protective equipment was the receipt of "plate carriers" as standard samples. This was due to the specifics of Afghanistan — a large area against fragmentation protection led to overheating of the body, and a large weight contributed to fatigue when wearing regular samples of armor protection for a long time.

Today, the tactical vest for armor plates is actively used by various special units around the world. Army specialists and employees of private military companies prefer tactical plate carriers rather than body armor. This is the choice of people who spend long periods of time in combat and constantly wear various means of protection.

Also, this product is used not only in combat conditions, but also for protection in ordinary, everyday life. Specialists of various occupations use them in their professional activities during the performance of official duties, namely: security guards, policemen, collectors, etc.