PMCI - May 2021

pmcimagazine.com
KIT: PLATE CARRIERS
These days it’s almost impossible to find an image of a
soldier, and indeed many police officers, where some form of
PC system isn’t in evidence, and whilst I would revert to my
comment that perhaps we may not need the ballistic protection
element for training purposes, there is of course the old adage
that you “should train how you fight”. Whilst the “military”
plate carrier has changed in increments though, the “civvy”
versions are pushing the boundaries of design, even being
created to carry mock, weighted “plates” for exercise purposes;
I actually came across a guy wearing a 5.11 TacTec the other
day when I was out with the hound, running happily wearing it!
And it must be said that there are even some interesting and
unique designs out there designed specifically more noncritical,
non-duty use, and those are making the PC even more
affordable for even the most budget-oriented user, and you
know what, some of them are actually pretty darn functional!
ONE CARRIER TO BIND THEM ALL!
Whilst many potential buyers undoubtedly want a plate carrier
model from one of the “Names” out there, and there’s nothing
wrong with aspiring to that level if you so desire, the fact is
that there are now PC designs at a fraction of the price that
function well, and that mimic some of the most up-to-date
design concepts from the real world.
Perhaps it’s because of my more widespread interests in
things tactical that I seem to always see conversations online
about the very latest “tacticool brand” and comments about
how important it is for me to have them. Fact is that I gave up
following fashion a LONG time ago over function, and instead
look at what works best for me not only practically, but also in
terms of my bank balance! There are many systems out there
on which to spend (or waste) your money, but at the moment
I have to say that I’m a BIG fan of the “Buckle/Vecro” plate
carrier systems that give HUGE versatility for very little money.
Now the premise of the “Buckle/Velcro” system, a system
that I’m fond of and backed by such manufacturers like Warrior
Assault Systems in the UK with their LOW PROFILE CARRIER V2
and Direct Action from Poland with their SPITFIRE and their
new BEARCAT, is really all about the plate carrier and how you
set that up; some of us have been around long enough that
we have multiple sets of gear to use with different platforms,
with different pouch configurations to take that into account.
What the “Buckle/Velcro” system does is to take that
principle and give you a solution that is totally customisable,
and that’s achieved by having different pouch panels which do
indeed simply “buckle and velcro” to a single armour-carrying
base.
20