Plate Carrier reviews from Reddit
Summary
We analyzed 302 Reddit reviews across 16 subreddits and 89 posts to rank the best Plate Carrier brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/tacticalgear, r/QualityTacticalGear, r/airsoft, r/SocialistRA, r/MilSim. Top-rated brands include Crye (4.6/5), Defense Mechanisms (4.6/5), Warrior Assault Systems (4.5/5).
Stats
Reviews302
Subreddits16
Posts89
Brands59
Products66
302 reviews from
and
By Brand
/By Product
#1
Crye
4.6
(83)
"I just bought a JPC 2.0 and couldn’t be more pleased with the quality."
"I put together a lightweight kit using Crye JPC2 and Spartan Elephros UHMWPE plates."
"Crye jpc 2.0 and defense mechanisms mepc are the most recommended plate carriers for a good balance of quality and price."
"For load bearing get the Crye SPC"
"Crye SPC with the Axl equinox cummerbunds"
"Crye SPC with the regular SPC bund, WTF PC24, Ferro FCPCv5 in that order."
"For me the Crye AVS will always be the best plate carrier for any heavy duty use"
"I have a Tacticon and a Crye JPC 2.0 and the JPC is definitely my favorite."
"For most people crye spc with Axl equinox cummerbunds."
"Crye spc with Axl equinox cummerbunds"
#2
Defense Mechanisms
4.6
(18)
"Defensemechanisms.com mepc. Love mine, structural hybrid cummerbund is great."
"JPC 2.0 is a good choice, I sold mine for a Defense Mechanisms MEPC and enjoyed it much more. I’d recommend the MEPC."
"It's the smallest one I know of"
"After doing my research I’m going worth the defense mechanisms MEPC."
"I must plug the scarab or ulpc given your price range."
"Defense mechanisms def, I've beat mine and it's doing great."
"You are definitely in the 8x10 range check out defense mechanisms or beez combat systems."
"Measure yourself for plates, more than likely you’ll be looking at 8x10s or sapi extra small. Defense mechanisms makes the mepc in 8x10 if that’s your size."
"Order the carrier directly from Defense Mechanisms in bulk."
"I vouch heavily for the MEPC."
#3
Warrior Assault Systems
4.5
(15)
"Warrior assault systems LPC V2 laser cut. So comfy, very stable, you barely need to put a plate in it to keep it solid when it's got 3kg of mags slapped on the front. Won't fall apart either."
"Best one I’ve ever had"
"Fits well"
"I also like the Warrior Assault Systems LPC v2."
"If you decide you’re willing to deal with Molle pouches the Warrior assault systems DCS is the goat."
"Their durable and lightweight and the pouches are great."
"Best quality/cost ratio you can find."
"Mtac or warrior assault systems (British but readily available)"
"Cheapest reliable option are Warrior Assault Systems carriers."
"WAS DCS or LPC should work well for ya."
#4
Ferro Concepts
4.8
(12)
"Pc wise I’d get the ferro slickster (I have it in ranger green) that and this in m81 pairs well together"
"Ferro concepts slickster is your best bet for a plate carrier in Canada for cheap. Tried and tested and quality"
"Hands down my favorite and I think the most modular and most comfortable"
"Expensive, but very high quality, adaptable and very durable."
"Also Ferro Concepts Slickster is $120; which is unheard of."
"Wish someone directed me to ferro while i was still in service"
"Ferro concepts slickster or Crye JPC."
"The most comfy and sturdy PC I ever tested."
"[Ferro Concepts Slickster](https://ferroconcepts.com/products/the-slickster)"
"I love my slickster."
#5
Crye Precision
4.4
(12)
"Crye AVS."
"JPC all day. It’s minimal can be low profile. The 2.0 is obviously updated and will be more but you can get the OG JPC for a decent price."
"I love my SPC. It's my go to out of all my PCs by far"
"JPC all the way. Stay away from Agilite."
"Ultimately there is a reason why the JPC even after a decade of service is still a top choice of SF units around the world, it’s durable, light, and simple."
"For load bearing plate carriers the crye precision AVS is by far the best option. Crye JPC is probably technically the best but I’ve enjoyed my MEPC."
"Alright I’ll look into Crye JPC or hope to one day get ahold of the mil/le stuff."
"The Crye SPC is great - if you're not throwing yourself out of planes, not a lot of reason to choose the JPC over it."
"The Crye JPC 2.0 isn't bad, anything from Spiritus, and Ferro Concepts would be good picks too."
"For 300 get a used SPC set up though, it's basically just a better JPC 2.0 and the structural cbund will help with load bearing weight distribution"
#6
Ferro
4.2
(12)
"I’m a big fan of the ferro ecosystem and the ferro Slickster or the slickster molle are great starter carriers."
"Ferro Concepts Slickster is just a little more than that."
"Ferro FCPC"
"Ferro Concepts Slickster are also popular."
"Ferro FCPC."
"Ferro slickster, used jpc, repro jpcs fall apart pretty quickly."
"Generally I'm either rocking a ferro fcpc or crye jpc 2.0."
"Generally I'm either rocking a ferro fcpc or crye jpc 2.0."
"I have a Ferro slickster, I really like it."
"It's hard to go wrong with a slickster to start."
#7
Agilite
4.2
(11)
"Using the agilite k zero myself and loving it."
"Couldn't be happier."
"Agilite K-Zero is the one I have and it is so comfortable."
"I’m a fan of the agilite k-zero."
"Agilite k19!!"
"Agilite K19, its fits so nice and compfy."
"I like the Agilite K-Zero and the Reaper rig from the same company."
"It's expensive but it's reliable."
"I didn’t sacrifice function or reliability."
"Want Agilite K19 for comfort."
#8
LBX
4.1
(8)
"LBT/LBX is a solid answer all the way. I have an LBX that’s pushing 5 years old with plenty of hours of government funded larp time. It still looks new."
"Just ordered x2 setup Armatus II with triple m4 front and back banger panel for spares for the homies $150 ea (Black Friday deal)..."
"Probably some of the best budget gear you can get, that’s still made very well."
"LBX makes some good quality ones that you can get on sale for $100 if you're willing to do a little bit of work to them."
"LBX is having sales right now."
"LBX plate carriers are on sale right now, they're affiliated with LBT and are just their outsourced, "budget" options."
"I recommend the Armatus II."
"Head over to r/tacticalgear to see recommendations for manufacturers, and get a 'real' carrier."
#9
Shaw
4.7
(7)
"You absolutely cannot go wrong with Shaw concepts."
"Shaw Arc V2 if you have the money."
"Shaw Arc v2 is Gucci but damn it's also good."
"Shaw concepts."
"Anyone of these your gonna want a struced cummerbund and a nice of shoulder pads."
"Shaw arc."
"Out of all of those, I'd go Shaw."
#10
Spiritus
4.7
(6)
"Spiritus LV-119"
"Spiritus LV-119 Front Overt Plate Carrier."
"Running a Spiritus LV119 and a fcpc V5. These fit wonderfully on me."
"I’ve run quite a few carriers and I keep returning to the Spiritus LV-119."
"I have a spiritus lv119 in MCB for sale on tacswap."
"Spiritus Lv119 gang."
#11
RMA
4.2
(6)
"Plates: RMA 1155MC, other RMA plates, LTC, Highcom and Tencate."
"Can vouch for RMA plates. Inexpensive, ship fast, included some stickers and candy."
"RMA plates are solid and affordable."
"Get some RMA 1155s if you want affordable yet reliable plates."
"Most people go with 1155 RMA, because they are a bit less expensive."
"I wanted multicurve and something less heavy."
#12
JPC
4.8
(5)
"I run a jpc 2.0. I love it."
"I would think a JPC 2.0 would probably be good."
"Legit just save up 100 more dollars and you can get a JPC."
"I use a JPC 1.0 Large, with medium RMA 1092 plates. Fits me perfectly."
"Lots of great options out there from JPC to Defense Mechanisms or our very own Leap or Amp carriers will get you going!"
#13
M-Tac
4.0
(5)
"My $125 PC from M-Tac is better quality than my 5.11 one. It's not gucci kit but it's very solid and well made."
"Mtac has discounts with military ID."
"Mtac absolutely ...that's my backup carrier now. No complaints.."
"Mtac in militarist.ua, solid brand"
"Mtac or UArm for ukie made stuff. High mids."
#14
Shellback
4.0
(5)
"I think I’ll go with the shellback shield 2.0 if it’s still on sale for 50$"
"I use the shellback rampage 2.0. I found it was a good balance of price vs quality."
"I like the Shellback Rampage 2.0 that I bought the year before last."
"I got a shellback rampage 2.0, RMA Level 4 multicurve combo."
"I got a shellback rampage 2.0, RMA Level 4 multicurve combo."
#15
MEPC
4.5
(4)
"MEPC or Ferro slickster."
"MEPC with an Unobtanium placard."
"Had my MEPC for 2 years now and love everything about it"
"I'd go with the MEPC personally"
#16
Phantom Gear
4.5
(4)
"I've got the T3 Wraith and it rules. Incredibly easy to don and doff, comfortable, and tons of room for MOLLE pouches and placards."
"I really like phantom gear, the T3 Wraith is really comfortable and they just released a new one called the boogeyman which looks sick."
"Phantom Gear "Wraith" T3"
"Phantom gear wraith t3."
#17
Tyr Tactical
4.5
(4)
"I love my Tyr Tactical PICO, its one of the best designed and sewn carriers i have used."
"Tyr Tactical PICO with Spiritus Systems mk5 placard 💪."
"If money isn’t an issue, TYR Tactical."
"Tyr tactical makes them."
#18
Shaw Concepts
4.5
(4)
"Shaw Concepts ARC Carrier"
"Shaw Concepts Arc carrier has been treating me very well."
"Shaw concepts arc v2"
"Shaw concepts arc v2"
#19
LBT
4.5
(4)
"It's tough as nails and I love it."
"For scenarios like SHTF or airsoft... a LBT-6094 is perfect."
"I love it. I had the midrange WTFIdea carrier, and wanted to upgrade."
"I'm old school and have a LBT 6094."
#20
Emerson Gear
4.3
(4)
"Emerson Gear if you want good repros."
"Emersongear makes good plate carriers for fairly cheap."
"You going to go on AliExpress get Emerson gear they have a store on there and they probably make some of the best stuff out there for cheap gear."
"Emerson gear mk3 (slickster clone, comes with mag pouches)"
#21
WTF
4.3
(4)
"The best budget carrier that is American made with Berry compliant fabrics and top notch workmanship is the WTFIdea PC13."
"Little late to this but highly recommend the WTF PC13."
"WTF PC24."
"If you're going to spend $400+ buy a WTF PC24 or Shaw Arc v2."
#22
Highcom
4.0
(4)
"It’s very comfortable. My traps get annoyed rather easily with thin shoulder straps. This one isnt an issue with 8+ hour days being worn."
"I recommend looking at a Ferro Roll-one pouch and putting it under the rear plate bag to give that little lumbar support."
"I'd recommend looking into Level 3+ ceramic plates."
"Multicurve and QD buckles. $815"
#23
GORUCK
5.0
(3)
"Rucker is definitely the way to go."
"Rucker is the best plate carrier. It’s got the handles and better frame."
"I prefer a Rucker. Holds the plates well. Comfortable to wear."
#24
5.11
4.7
(3)
"I've run a few and always came back to my 5.11 TacTec"
"I've run a few and always came back to my 5.11 TacTec. It's comfortable and has taken every bit of abuse."
"I'm currently using 5.11 tactec...it's comfy"
#25
Apex Armor Solutions
4.7
(3)
"Apex armor solutions is a reliable vendor that exclusively sells nij-listed plates."
"Then go to apexarmorsolutions.com and find a plate to fit your size."
"Wit that budget I would go to apexarmorsolutions.com and look at the armor bundles they have."
#26
Invader Gear
4.7
(3)
"I've been using my Invader Gear Reaper for a while and absolutely love it"
"I picked up my Invader Gear Reaper for $120."
"I run the invader gear reaper PC in ranger green."
#27
T-Rex
4.3
(3)
"Just get a slickster, there’s absolutely no reason not too buy quality gear when they retail for $130."
"You could also consider slickster PC's like T-Rex has for sli."
"JPC or Ferro slickster are probably the most affordable but still decent quality PC’s."
#28
Viper
4.0
(3)
"I used one to get back into airsoft and had no complaints."
"Viper do a nice plate carrier comfy as and easy to customise has different clip on attachments for mag carriers and stuff."
"Viper or condor brands"
#29
ShellBack
3.7
(3)
"The shellback was a great starter kit until I upgraded."
"ShellBack has some pretty decent plate carriers the crye jpc 2.0 is also very nice as recommendations."
"I personally didn’t love my shellback for very picky reasons but the cummerbund wasn’t the best imho and the shoulder strap adjustments are hard to do with the carrier on via the pull buckles"
#30
Yakeda
3.7
(3)
"I run a yakeda plate carrier that I got for a good deal on Amazon. It doesn't come with plates but is super sturdy and holds everything well and is pretty cheap."
"Yakeda makes a roughly $40 plate carrier that comes in most of the patterns you could want."
"Look for the yakeda plate carrier is a good value for money."
#31
Defense Mechanics
5.0
(2)
"Look into Defense Mechanics MEPC. Its my favorite"
"If we’re talking quality, try a Defense Mechanisms MEPC."
#32
G3
5.0
(2)
"I have the G3 and I love it. Most comfortable base carrier I've ever used."
"I liked it so much that when I needed a new carrier last year, I bought one myself."
#33
Qore Performance
5.0
(2)
"Qore Performance EXO Gen 3, IF money was no object."
"Check out Qore Performance best plate carriers for the last 3 years."
#34
WAS
4.5
(2)
"Definitely WAS! Good for airsoft and also some impressions."
"WAS are good and sturdy and will serve you well long term."
#35
Condor
4.5
(2)
"My friend and I have the Condor Gunner. I'm small and this plate carrier is very comfortable."
"Condor Gunner I think is the name, I liked it."
#36
TMC
4.0
(2)
"From my experience in the airsoft side of things, TMC and Shekkin have good PC’s."
"I’ve even heard brands like TMC are on the up but can’t verify as well."
#37
Krydex
4.0
(2)
"If you’re gonna do a Chinese carrier I’d say like Krydex or Condor over whatever the hell Artex is."
"Krydex makes great products. Plate carriers are 60-80 i think. Their quality is WAY higher than it should be for what you pay for them."
#38
Redemption Tactical
4.0
(2)
"Redemption tactical crusader 2.0"
"I've had a good experience with my Redemption Tactical Crusader 2.0"
#39
Whiskey Two Four
4.0
(2)
"I like my Whiskey Two Four PC24."
"Whiskey Two Four PC24 :)"
#40
Chase Tactical
4.0
(2)
"Chase Tactical is running a deal for level IV plates for $85 right now."
"I have a slick Chase tactical carrier that I like quite a bit."
#41
Protec.ua
4.0
(2)
"Protec.ua or MTAC. Both quality"
"Protec.org.ua , next time I buy a plate carrier will be their mk2 or avs"
#42
Kesons
3.5
(2)
"KESONS has my vote. We got a black PC and my adult son hasn’t babies it since we got it and it’s held up REALLY well."
"It’s a clone of an Agilite K19. I had it for a short while and compared it to my actual Agilite K19 and it was decent."
#43
First Spear
5.0
(1)
"They are literally as low profile as you can get."
#44
Perroz Designs
5.0
(1)
"Perroz Designs, hands down"
#45
First-Spear
5.0
(1)
"I run a First-Spear Strandhogg V3 and I swear it’s the most slept on carrier out there."
#46
ARC
5.0
(1)
"Picked up an ARC v2 this past fall and I can’t recommend it enough."
#47
L4 Performance
5.0
(1)
"The L4 Performance L4PC is great."
#48
Midwest Armor
4.0
(1)
"Great prices, great selection, and made in the States."
#49
Esstac
4.0
(1)
"My Esstac carries 1155MCs just fine"
#50
Kamber
4.0
(1)
"My vote would be kamber, in knockoff multicam with no qd tubes. 100%"
#51
6094A
4.0
(1)
"I ended up on a 6094A of all things because the comfort was unmatched for me."
#52
Ferro Concepts, Velocity Systems / Mayflower, First Spear, Spiritus Systems, Beez Combat Systems, Grey Ghost Gear, HSGI
4.0
(1)
"Ferro Concepts, Velocity Systems / Mayflower, First Spear, Spiritus Systems, Beez Combat Systems, Grey Ghost Gear, HSGI."
#53
Rico
4.0
(1)
"The hst & Rico are also super nice."
#54
HST
4.0
(1)
"The hst & Rico are also super nice."
#55
Velocity
4.0
(1)
"Velocity/Mayflower."
#56
Crye Precision, Agilite, Shaw Concepts, Defense Mechanisms
4.0
(1)
"I would add Crye Precision, Agilite, Shaw Concepts, and Defense Mechanisms to your list."
#57
Novritsch
4.0
(1)
"Novritsch has some really good stuff, I have a couple of their chest rigs and they are nice!"
#58
US Army
3.0
(1)
"Just go buy a surplus US army PC on eBay. They’re made with pouches for a bunch of armor inserts."
#59
FCPC
3.0
(1)
"Get a FCPC or JPC rep"
Discover your audience
GummySearch is an audience research toolkit for 130,000 unique communities on Reddit.
If you are looking for startup problems to solve, want to validate your idea or find your customers online, GummySearch is for you.
Sign up for free, get community insights in minutes.
Tell me more
Get started
