Remember the old days when the only people who wore body armor were in the military or a particularly spicy law enforcement unit? Glad those days are gone.
Body armor is for everyone, and we know that finding the right plate carrier can be as challenging as figuring out which plates to buy. That’s why we rounded up some of the best plate carriers we’ve ever used.
By the end of this crash course, you’ll know why we chose each one and which is best for you. So what are we waiting for? Let’s protect those vitals!
THE QUICK LIST
-
Best Overall
-
Best Minimalist
-
Best Heavy-Duty
-
Best Beginner
-
Most Versatile
-
Best Full-Size
-
Most Confortable
Table of Contents
Loading…
Plate Carrier Comparison Chart
| Sizes | Plate Compatibility | Colors | Price | |
| Crye Precision JPC 2.0 | S, M, L, XL | S (11.75″ x 8.75″), M (12.5″ x 9.5″), L (13.25″ x 10.5″), XL (14″ x 11.25″) | Black, coyote, ranger green, Multicam, Multicam black, Multicam arid, Multicam tropic | $275 |
| Ferro Concepts Slickster | M, L | M (10″ x 12.5″), L (10.5″ x 13.5″) | Black, gray, coyote, ranger green, Multicam, Multicam black | $159 |
| Velocity System Scarab LT | S, M, L, XL | N/A | Black, coyote, ranger green, Multicam | $338 |
| Mayflower Assault Plate Carrier | S/M, L/XL | N/A | Black, coyote, ranger green, Multicam | $276 |
| Spiritus Systems LV-119 | M, L, XL | M (9.5″ x 12.5″), L (10″ x 13.25″), XL (11″ x 14″) | Black, gray, coyote, ranger green, Multicam, Multicam arid, Multicam black, Multicam tropic, woodland, desert tiger stripe, Vietnam tiger stripe | $285 |
| Shellback Tactical Banshee Elite 2.0 | N/A | 10″ x 12″ | Black, coyote, ranger green, navy blue, Multicam | $319 |
| RTS Tactical Advanced Sleek 2.0 | S/M, L/XL, XXL | 10″ x 12″ | Black, gray, coyote, ranger green | $169 |
| Premier Body Armor Discreet Plate Carrier | N/A | 10″ x 12″ | Black | $150 |
How We Tested 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, so keep an eye out for links to the full review or a video!
Best Plate Carriers
1. Crye Precision JPC 2.0 – Best Overall
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Lightweight
- Lots of add-on options
- Well-vetted
Cons
- Expensive
- Hard to insert plates
Specs
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Plate Compatibility: S (11.75″ x 8.75″), M (12.5″ x 9.5″), L (13.25″ x 10.5″), XL (14″ x 11.25″)
- Colors: Black, coyote, ranger green, Multicam, Multicam black, Multicam arid, Multicam tropic
Crye Precision, the favorite brand of all tactical hipsters, creates some of the best stuff on the market. The company’s JPC 2.0 is arguably the best plate carriers out there.
They charge a premium, but it’s well worth the money. There’s a reason the JPC 2.0 is often the choice of America’s most elite troops.
There are lots of impressive things to say about the Jumpable Plate Carrier but, to me, the most impressive thing is that it weighs just a little over a pound (without plates, of course).
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 appreciate the lightweight design.
You can easily customize the JPC 2.0 and outfit it with accessories like mag pouches, side plates, zip-on panels, various flaps, and more. A personal favorite is the side-pull mag pouch setup.
Have you tried the JPC 2.0? If so, let us know what you think by rating it below.
2. Ferro Concepts Slickster – Best Minimalist
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Super lightweight
- Thin profile
- Lots of accessories
Cons
- Not great with heavy plates
Specs
- Sizes: M, L
- Plate Compatibility: M (10″ x 12.5″), L (10.5″ x 13.5″)
- Colors: Black, gray, coyote, ranger green, Multicam, Multicam black
Remember how impressed I was by the JPC’s weight? Well, I was blown away by the Ferro Concepts Slickster.
It weighs 0.8 pounds. That’s it!
As the name implies, Slickster means the carrier comes with no accessories and very few places to put them. To put it another way, it’s not covered with MOLLE — 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. With the AXL AVP and MOLLE ADAPT chest panel, you can run placards from Haley, Spiritus, and most other placard styles.
Add sweet stuff like cummerbunds with built-in mag pouches, MOLLE panels, and the like. You can run it heavy, but that’s not where it shines.
It might be best to leave the Ferro Slickster in its element and use it for low-profile stuff. It’s small, lightweight, and relatively thin. So, maybe toss on the cummerbund with pouches and call it a day.
If you need a covert carrier that can occasionally go overt, then you’ll be quite happy with your selection.
This slick carrier provides the lowest profile option possible while still retaining hard armor capabilities.
Want to know more? 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 system.
You can also watch our video below with John’s sweet, um, hydration-focused setup.
3. Velocity System Scarab LT – Best Heavy-Duty
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Good for extended missions
- Handles heavy loads well
- Unique swivel shoulder straps
Cons
- Heavy
- Expensive
Specs
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Plate Compatibility: N/A
- Colors: Black, coyote, ranger green, Multicam
If you want an overt plate carrier and don’t care about minimalism, then the Velocity Systems Scarab LT is the one for you.
This plate carrier is a full-sized kit designed for extended missions. It’s not sleek or sexy, but it’s a big boy and does big-boy things.
The Scarab LT handles heavier load-outs better than all these minimalist designs, granting more room to fit a real combat load, IFAK, hydration bladder, comms gear, and beyond.
Despite the wight, this plate carrier is quite comfortable. The shoulders, in particular, provide a lot of freedom to move around. 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 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-approved fighting kit, the Velocity Systems Scarab LT checks all the boxes.
4. Mayflower Assault Plate Carrier – Best Beginner
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Simple and easy to set up
- Durable
- Optional side plate
Cons
- Runs small
Specs
- Sizes: S/M, L/XL
- Plate Compatibility: N/A
- Colors: Black, coyote, ranger green, Multicam
If you’re buying your first plate carrier, you may not want to pick and choose a bunch of components. It’s a lot to think about and you don’t want to mess it up.
The Mayflower Assault Plate Carrier is prefect for you because you can click buy it already set up. All you have to do is add plates!
It’s a simple but well-made platform.
Choose between three options of cummerbund: 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 other goodies down the road.
Though the APC might be considered jumpable, it’s definitely a little bigger than a minimalist plate carrier.
But here’s the important thing: it provides plenty of protection. On top of your front and rear plate bags, you can add optional side plates.
You can feel a little more comfortable loading down the Mayflower APC with gear because it’s built to handle some extra weight. The velcro material doesn’t feel like it will easily separate from the kangaroo pouch when loaded down.
The Mayflower APC is an excellent plug-and-play option that’s extremely well-made, durable, comfortable, and beginner-friendly.
5. Spiritus Systems LV-119 – Most Versatile
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Lots of configuration options
- Scalable and modular
- Great for maneuverablility
- Build quality
Cons
- Availability can be hit or miss
- Expensive
Specs
- Sizes: M, L, XL
- Plate Compatibility: M (9.5″ x 12.5″), L (10″ x 13.25″), XL (11″ x 14″)
- Colors: Black, gray, coyote, ranger green, Multicam, Multicam arid, Multicam black, Multicam tropic, woodland, desert tiger stripe, Vietnam tiger stripe
Want an advanced setup that’s totally personalized? Spiritus Systems lets you configure the modular LV-119 exactly how you want it.
No “Buy It Now” option here.
On top of that, the LV-119 receives constant updates with new pieces and parts that keep the kit modern, evolving, and relevant.
Start by choosing the front plate bag, the rear plate bag, and a cummerbund. Options include overt, covert, and assault configurations. Then, mix and match flaps, cores, mag pouches, and cummerbunds however you choose.
Maybe you need to be sneaky, maybe you need to go fight in Fallujah. you can do either — or both. 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 we reviewed, and more.
Like most modern plate carriers, it’s jumpable (read: fairly 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!
6. Shellback Tactical Banshee Elite 2.0 – Best Full-Size
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Great for heavier loads
- Wide, padded shoulder straps
- Integrated magazine slots
Cons
- Runs large
Specs
- Sizes: N/A
- Plate Compatibility: 10″ x 12″
- Colors: Black, coyote, ranger green, navy blue, Multicam
The Shellback Tactical Banshee Elite 2.0 offers a premium-grade plate carrier with plenty of real estate for adding gear. Somehow, it’s also easy to move around in.
It’s designed for use in and out of vehicles, and users can ditch the cummerbund for a strap system to a minimalist style carrier. Side plates are optional, as well.
If you do want to run it fully loaded, the redesigned shoulder pads provide support for all that extra weight. The Hypalon shoulder straps also make it easier to route hydration tubes or cables for comms.
Shellback Tactical eliminated the older hook-and-loop admin pouch in favor of a zippered pouch. This provides easier access to your admin gear and prevents the telltale noise of hook and loop going squicchhhh.
The cummerbund provides three M4 mag-size pockets on each side. That’s right, you can carry a fighting load without attaching a single magazine pouch!
You’ll have to train with them and stay on top of your daily stretching, though. Reaching the rearmost pouches can be tricky.
Luckily, you have plenty of MOLLE ladders. The MOLLE is quite tough and can support the weight of your fighting load.
In terms of comfort, 3D padded internal mesh provides plenty of padding and ventilation for long-term wear. After eight hours, 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.
7. RTS Tactical Advanced Sleek 2.0 – Most Comfortable
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Lightweight
- Integrated magazine slots
Cons
- Mag pouches are a bit high
- Rearmost mag pouches are difficult to reach
Specs
- Sizes: S/M, L/XL, XXL
- Plate Compatibility: 10″ x 12″
- Colors: Black, gray, coyote, ranger green
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 put on and take off — a nice feature if you don’t like to wrestle with your gear.
Need extra storage? It has elastic pouches 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″ x 12″ armor, be it Level lllA soft, Level lll or lll+ steel, or Level lV ceramic plates.
See it in action with the video below!
8. Premier Body Armor – Best Low-Vis
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Super concealable
- Lots of hook-and-loop for accessories
- Lightweight
Cons
- Small plate pockets can be limiting
Specs
- Sizes: N/A
- Plate Compatibility: 10″ x 12″
- Colors: Black
If discretion is the name of the game, then get yourself a 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.
Premier Body Armor shaved down where possible while keeping features that you might want. For example, this minimalist plate carrier still has six pouches in the cummerbund.
These pouches can accommodate full-size magazines or other gear, like an IFAK, if needed.
There is a ton of hook-and-loop on the front of the carrier and shoulders so you can add as many accessories as you want without looking like you’re on your way to patrol the streets of Baghdad.
How to Pick the Best Plate Carrier
These are all great options, but they’re not interchangeable. Which one will work best for you?
Like most of the things we review, it all comes down to your intended use.
If you need a discreet layer of protection in the workplace, your body armor has to fly under the radar — and probably a dress shirt.
Maybe you’re focused on training at the range and boosting your home defense capabilities. In that case, you’re probably going to be best served by a strong consumer-grade plate carrier that has all the features you need without costing an arm and a leg.
Do you carry a gun for a living or just demand the absolute best? Use what the pros use. Unspent money on your credit card won’t help you if bullets start flying, after all.
Regardless of which one is the best plate carrier for you, make sure your plate carrier has someplace to mount any accessories you have your eye on. Pay attention to hook-and-loop, MOLLE, and zipper options.
Why Trust Pew Pew Tactical
Pew Pew Tactical author Travis Pike helmed this article. Travis spent a lifetime shooting as a kid and later joined the United States Marine Corps, where he spent five years as an infantryman. In the middle of his Marine Corps career, he began writing and never stopped. He has thousands of articles to his name with a variety of publications, including Pew Pew Tactical.
Editing this article is Scott Murdock. Scott is a Marine Corps veteran who competed and qualified as a rifle and pistol expert while in service. In addition to shooting, Scott has written for a variety of publications, testing, researching, and evaluating guns and gear. He brings that knowledge and skillset to this article, editing and fact-checking for accuracy.
Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Instructor as well as a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical.
Final Thoughts
Not that long ago, nobody owned armor on the private level. But since then, body armor and plate carriers have become massively popular.
If you want to get kitted out, our selections should help you narrow down your search. Just remember to train with whatever you buy!
What’s your armor setup? Let us know in the comments below. Want to see what happens when body armor actually takes a bullet? Check out our results after days of shooting Hard Plates & Soft Armor as well as Ceramic & UHMWPE.
Latest Updates
- April 2024: Added accessories.
- January 2025: Added supporting data on how we tested and chose the best minimalist plate carriers.
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!