How to Pick Out the Best Plate Carrier for Your Mission

When it comes to plate carriers you need the one that is best for your mission. Plate carrier vests are designed to hold body armor plates of various levels that have been determined by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). These levels range from IIA, II, IIIA, III, and IV. Each body armor plate on the market has been tested and approved for one of these levels by the NIJ. Level IIA is the lowest level of protection while IV is the highest.

You may decide you need more than one plate carrier especially if you are a law enforcement officer. The great aspect of plate carriers is there are a variety of styles and these choices will cover each of your needs. Whether you are looking for a heavier plate carrier made for a higher level plate or you may need one to go under your uniform for everyday wear, you will be able to find the type you require.

Plate carriers allow the wearer easy and quick insertion and removal of plates, allowing the wearer to adapt to different threat levels as needed. When choosing the best plate carrier for your needs, it is best to consider several aspects.

For instance, when choosing the best plate carrier, it is crucial to consider your specific needs. Do you need it for work? Do you need it for different levels of threats? Always ensure you consider the activity or mission the plate carrier will be used for, and the level of protection. It is also important to choose a plate carrier that is comfortable, durable, easy to use, and convenient to clean.

Every Day Plate Carriers

Law enforcement officers in particular require a plate carrier every day. Depending on the agency they work for, the vest may be worn on the outside of the uniform, which is equipped with MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment) to affix accessories, or it may be worn under the uniform which is more incognito. There is a plate carrier to suit every need. Some plate carriers have areas to attach medical supplies and even built-in hydration systems. Choosing the best plate carrier is completely dependent on what your mission is. 

What features make an excellent everyday plate carrier? After all, when it comes to plate carriers you want nothing but the best. A great plate carrier not only holds front and back panels but also side ones. The more protection you have the better.

An outer vest with side panels and MOLLE on the front is ideal for on-duty. You may also prefer this type if you are target shooting and prefer to have all of your added accessories on your person. MOLLE makes it easy to clip extra magazines on, and any other accessory you may need for on-duty or range day. 

An inner vest protects the wearer while not being so bulky. For law enforcement officers this means wearing more accessories on the duty belt which can cause much more weight and pressure on the hips for the officer. There are inner vest plate carriers that are made to be more lightweight. This offers protection for the wearer without adding too much weight and being too cumbersome. 

The LAPG Atlas MOLLE Plate Carrier accommodates 10” x 12” front and back plates as well as 6”x 6” side plates. This particular carrier is lightweight with a removable cummerbund, adjustable and padded front, back, and shoulder areas, and a drag handle. The LAPG Atlas MOLLE is one of the best plate carriers because it also has a quick-release feature. 

Another one of the best plate carriers is the Shellback Tactical Patriot Plate Carrier. This carrier is equipped to be active shooter kit ready yet is also low profile. 10” x 12” Level III plates and Level IV shooter cut plates fit in this carrier. It is also one of the more versatile plate carriers as it has no shoulder buckles and has several PALS web attachment points. These cover the front, back, and shoulders of the vest. 

Comfort and Protection 

The best plate carriers provide durability, protection, and comfort. The cummerbund, which is often an optional feature, is an adjustable strap with Velcro that the wearer can adjust according to how they would like their carrier to fit. Some cummerbunds also include extra compartments for magazines which helps include additional accessories on the vest. For instance, the LAPG Low Vis Plate Carrier has a cummerbund with a few added compartments.

Plate carriers that are low profile still offer protection. A low-profile carrier is lightweight to counteract the heaviness of the actual ballistic plates it holds. The LAPG Low Vis Plate Carrier is one of the best plate carriers to choose for a lower profile. It is easy to conceal and has breathable mesh, yet holds 10" x 12" Level III Or Level IV plates. Another great option is the LAPG JTE (Just the Essentials) Lightweight MOLLE Plate Carrier. The carrier itself weighs one pound and is breathable. However, it still offers protection and provides every important feature necessary in a plate carrier vest. The type of plate carrier vest you choose will ultimately depend on whether you require soft body armor plates for hard body armor plates.

Choosing the One for You

Plate carriers are necessary, especially if you are a law enforcement officer or are in the military. The best plate carrier will offer reliability, protection, and comfort. Though vests can be heavy, bulky, and restrictive, it is important to keep in mind their sole purpose is to offer protection and save lives. 

When choosing the best plate carrier vest for you, ensure you pick one that offers protection for your particular mission, is adjustable to your liking, and includes the feature that matters most to you. Plate carriers must be cleaned often as they can collect dirt and sweat; keep that in mind when you choose a carrier. 

Remember to keep in mind:

-Your purpose for the plate carrier.

-The level of protection you need. 

-The ability to adjust the carrier. 

-What added accessories will you be carrying?

-Whether you need an inner or outer carrier vest. 

At the end of the day, plate carriers are an imperative piece of equipment for those working in law enforcement and the military. Choose the best plate carrier  for you and your needs. No matter what your personal preference may be or the preference of your employer, you are sure to find the best plate carrier for you. Check out the variety of types, styles, and brands at LA Police Gear’s site.