Whether you’re new in the shooting biz or it’s been a while for you in the military, everyone needs a new and improved update in their plate carrier. We cover all the bases for you in this article about the best plate carriers and setups. It includes side plates, minimalist, military, and cheap.
Let’s get started!
Article summary
When we tested them, we found that the Condor was the best overall plate carrier that allowed for a multitude of setups. Here’s a brief overlook over our findings:
- Best overall plate carriers: Condor Exo Plate
- Best minimalist plate carriers: Crye Precision
- Best military plate carriers: TacTec Rugged Plate
Why you can trust us & how we picked
Whether you’re an experienced military veteran or an amateur, it is important to get the best plate carriers. We consulted with experts in this field and carefully selected the best products before sorting them into various categories. Days spent at the shooting range contributed to our experience and ability to recommend you these products.
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Table of Contents
- Why you can trust us & how we picked
- Best minimalist option
- Maximum mobility
- Best with side plates
- A budget-friendly side plate
- Best military grade
- Value for money TacTec
- Best budget option
- Light and Easy Veritas
Best minimalist option
Plate carriers are preferred for their better protection. It is still a relief when they are lightweight and do their job efficiently. That’s what we call a minimalist carrier that has the best of both worlds.
Maximum mobility
Part of being minimalist is also being highly flexible in terms of mobility. The JPC 2.0 is renowned for its lightweight. It weighs just a little more than a pound and has an easy 2-step doffing. Since the material is stretchable, you can keep various thick plates in the carrier. The adjustable cummerbund makes for easy wearing.
Not to forget the drag handle that has a capacity of 400lbs.
There are webbing loops on the front and back to support front carrier supports or back panels.
All this and more you can get in under $260.
| Brand | Crye Precision |
| Features | Created for mobility. |
| Weight | Lightweight |
Pros
- They were able to ship it really quickly.
- It’s cheaper here than other places.
- It’s light.
- Customer support was great.
Cons
- It does run more expensive.
Best with side plates
Side plate carriers are extra protection plates on either side of the body. These are positioned to your left or right. They add ballistic protection to your organs and are also used in the military.
KDH is the brand that provides to the US military and also uses a cummerbund style vest that has side plates.
A budget-friendly side plate
The Condor Modular Operator Plate Carrier is a basic vest with no attachments as far as additional features go. But at just $60, you can buy a close replica of the KDH vest used in the marines.
It has PALs webbing, which makes it easy to use MOLLE attachments.
It does come in a couple of colors like Black, Brown, Navy, Scorpion, Coyote brown, and more. It comes with an adjustable cummerbund and a heavyweight webbing: the lightweight and breezy 3D mesh liner.
The plate pockets are accessible but do not include the ballistic plates themselves.
| Brand | Condor Exo Plate Carrier Gen II |
| Accessory Attachment System: | Heavyweight Webbing |
| Adjustability: | Adjustable Shoulder Straps/Cummerbund |
| Manufacturer: | Condor |
| Padding: | Padded Mesh Interior Lining |
| Tactical: | Yes |
Pros
- The price is great.
- It fits someone 6’1.
Cons
- It might be big for smaller guys.
Best military grade
It’s known that the military is put in the most high-threat situations. Therefore, it’s understandable that they should have some of the most advanced artillery and protection in the field. Let’s take a look at our best recommendation for a military plate carrier.
Value for money TacTec
The 5.11 TacTec Rugged Plate carrier is highly recommended for military operation and at a good price too! It can carry both medium to large ballistic plates. It’s got a one-handed quick-release function as well as extendable emergency GrabDrag.
Although initially designed keeping in mind highly dangerous environments, it is now adopted by the Crossfit community.
The weighted plates are easily accommodated for fitness training. The material used is abrasion resistant and waterproof.
It has also been made keeping in mind both left-handed and right-handed people.
It’s available in exciting colors like Storm, Ranger Green, Kangaroo, Navy, and Black.
Pros
- We like the different colors.
- The shipment came reasonably quick.
Cons
- The website feels cluttered.
Best budget option
Protection is important, but money matters too! You want something that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket and protects you from bullet holes. The recommendation below achieves that fine balance. Take a look!
Light and Easy Veritas
The AR5 500 Armor Veritas is light as they come. Not only is it a great design on a great budget, but it also has many innovative features. The brand itself is promising and doesn’t let you down easily.
The weight is only 1 pound and 14 ounces, leaving plenty of room for attachments. You can also go versatile with attachments since there is space to accommodate other chest rig mounts and rear load-bearing systems.
It’s highly comfortable with padded shoulder pads. The 5D Cordura nylon is tolerant to abrasion and bar-tacked at the body’s stress points.
Now since you’re getting all this in less than $80, isn’t it the best budget plate carrier there is?
| Brand | AR5 Armor Veritas Lite |
| Additional Features: | Standard |
| Fabric/Material: | 500D Nylon |
| Manufacturer: | AR500 Armor |
| Size: | Medium – 2XL |
| Weight: | 1.6 lb |
Pros
- It does what it’s supposed to.
- The price is good.
Cons
- It feels a bit cheap.
- Since it performs a crucial task, consider going higher end.
