Plate carriers are an essential piece of gear for those who require protection in high-risk situations, such as law enforcement officers and military personnel. However, they are also becoming increasingly popular among civilians who want to be prepared for any potential threat. With so many different types of plate carriers on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your needs. In this post, we'll explore some of the top plate carriers for civilians and help you determine which one is the best fit for you.
What to Look for in a Plate Carrier
Before we dive into our top picks, let's discuss what to look for in a plate carrier. When choosing a plate carrier, you want to make sure that it fits properly, is comfortable to wear, and is made from high-quality materials. You also want to consider the cost of the carrier and the types of plates that it can accommodate.
Lightweight Operational Plate Carrier (LOPC)
The Chase Tactical Lightweight Operational Plate Carrier (LOPC) is an ideal choice for civilians looking for a versatile and comfortable plate carrier. It accommodates any hard armor plates and soft armor backers and features fully adjustable and padded shoulder straps and a breathable cummerbund. The LOPC's Velcro loop area and vertical clips allow for customization with various placards and weapon-specific pouch panels. It's made of durable Mil-Spec IR treated 500D Cordura fabric and Mil-Spec IR treated Murdock webbing with a low I.R. signature.
Minuteman Plate Carrier
The Predator Armor Minuteman Plate Carrier is a high-quality and minimalistic option for civilians. It is designed to carry standard 10"X12" plates and features six rows of MOLLE/PALS style webbing. The shoulder and waist straps are adjustable, and the carrier includes removable mesh shoulder pads for added comfort. Constructed from mil-spec material, it is both durable and breathable. The carrier also includes a drag handle and quick release buckles.
Shoot Move Communicate (SMC) Plate Carrier
The SMC Plate Carrier from Grey Ghost Gear is a lightweight and adaptable carrier design for civilians. It can hold two hard plates and has MOLLE/PALS webbing for additional pouches for side plates. The adjustable shoulder straps and cummerbund make it easy to fit most body types. In case of emergency, the ROC buckles can be rapidly released. The carrier is also breathable, comfortable, and has six rows of MOLLE/PALS webbing with matching loop material for attaching patches or ID panels. It weighs 1.5 lbs without plates and has a secret feature of YKK zippers and webbing on the back panel for attaching any one of the new SMC zippered back panels.
Testudo Gen 2 Plate Carrier
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right plate carrier for your needs is essential for your safety and comfort. When shopping for a plate carrier, be sure to consider factors such as fit, comfort, and level of protection. The plate carriers listed above are some of the top choices for civilians and are all made from high-quality materials. Whether you're looking for an affordable option or a customizable carrier, there is a plate carrier out there that will meet your needs.
If you're in the market for a plate carrier, be sure to consider our range of options. With a focus on quality and performance, we offer a variety of plate carriers to meet your needs. Don't compromise on your safety - choose a plate carrier that you can trust.