I'm just starting to look into different load out options for running a rifle and so far I like the idea of using a slick plate carrier (when needed) with either a battle belt or separate chest rig on top.
I ordered a cheap Condor Recon chest rig just to test out the concept. Yeah, I know about the reputation around Condor, so spare me the lecture about cheap crap that won't last. Save the air soft pretend soldier comments. I get it, I really do. But I wanted something just to try out because I am pretty certain I'm going to end up going the battle belt route anyway.
Needless to say, I don't plan on hanging a bunch of crap off of the plate carrier either way, so a low profile and minimalist option seems like the best choice. I've found a couple of carriers, including this one from Tactical Assault Gear that's under $70 and has pockets on the side for 6" x 6" side plates. I personally don't think I'd use side plates much, but the pouches are not removable so I would be stuck wrapping them up in the cumberbund.
So my question is, does anyone actually ever use side plates? Realistically I'd probably only be using a plate carrier in a training class that requires one, or in a WROL scenario and so cost per use is a major consideration. But if I'm never going to run with side plates, and I can't remove the pouches, I'm wondering if this would just add bulk and trap heat.
I also found this Creeper Discreet slick carrier which might work, but it's more expensive and still has a big wide cumberbund.
Are there other options I should be looking at for a bare bones slick plate carrier that's around/under $100? I don't mind investing in plates, but I don't want to spend a ton on the carrier if I don't have too, but I do want it to be somewhat comfortable.
Thoughts?
I ordered a cheap Condor Recon chest rig just to test out the concept. Yeah, I know about the reputation around Condor, so spare me the lecture about cheap crap that won't last. Save the air soft pretend soldier comments. I get it, I really do. But I wanted something just to try out because I am pretty certain I'm going to end up going the battle belt route anyway.
Needless to say, I don't plan on hanging a bunch of crap off of the plate carrier either way, so a low profile and minimalist option seems like the best choice. I've found a couple of carriers, including this one from Tactical Assault Gear that's under $70 and has pockets on the side for 6" x 6" side plates. I personally don't think I'd use side plates much, but the pouches are not removable so I would be stuck wrapping them up in the cumberbund.
So my question is, does anyone actually ever use side plates? Realistically I'd probably only be using a plate carrier in a training class that requires one, or in a WROL scenario and so cost per use is a major consideration. But if I'm never going to run with side plates, and I can't remove the pouches, I'm wondering if this would just add bulk and trap heat.
I also found this Creeper Discreet slick carrier which might work, but it's more expensive and still has a big wide cumberbund.
Are there other options I should be looking at for a bare bones slick plate carrier that's around/under $100? I don't mind investing in plates, but I don't want to spend a ton on the carrier if I don't have too, but I do want it to be somewhat comfortable.
Thoughts?