Why plate carriers?

[Rako]

I've been looking around this site and other airsoft sites, and it seems like most people have plate carriers or some other type of large MOLLE gear, with lots of pouches and things, making a bulky load.  Is all of that really necesary?  I've gotten by fine with a thigh platform to carry my magazines and a camel-back to carry water and some extra ammo with a speed-loader.  Do people just have all the gear to make it more realistic, or is there something I'm missing?

[airsoftguy01]

I've been looking around this site and other airsoft sites, and it seems like most people have plate carriers or some other type of large MOLLE gear, with lots of pouches and things, making a bulky load.  Is all of that really necesary?  I've gotten by fine with a thigh platform to carry my magazines and a camel-back to carry water and some extra ammo with a speed-loader.  Do people just have all the gear to make it more realistic, or is there something I'm missing?

Yes and no.

I have two plate carriers, kind of for airsoft but they also can serve a RS loadout. Keep in mind all my shit is real gear and no chinese crap.

Heres why and when I like a plate carrier; when i want to carry a LOT of stuff and have it be more comfortable than just a chest rig or belt loadout and when its cool enough to run one.

Plate carriers and vests take that 20-30lbs of junk and spread it out over your upper body. If you get a high quality, well fitting PC it will be quite comfortable even when its loaded to the max.

Chest rigs and a camelbak are nice for the bare essentials.

Thigh and drop legs flop and wobble and slow down your running speed making it kinda awkward, for me atleast.

You might just have to try different stuff out.

[axisofoil]

Situation: You're under fire and sprinting to that bush just across a clearing for cover.
Stupid mistake: You dive behind the bush before realizing there's a cactus there.
Saving grace: You hit it with your plate carrier instead of just a t-shirt.

Another reason, it looks cool. Many people's gear is there for aesthetic purposes only.

Another reason is that if you're playing a long game and running low or midcap mags, a thigh rig won't give you enough space to hold enough ammo for any sort of extended firefights.

Also, many times a mag pouch on a plate carrier or chest rig is easier to reach than a dropleg or backpack.

It's a personal preference thing, but they can be very nice if you set them up right.

[Dilligaf]

PLate carriers also add an extra layer also plus it is a lot more confortable to have the load spread and like the guy before me said they tend to be alot more convient.

[Comrade Commissar]

I have NO molle gear at all, what so ever... Its all about what you want and what you can work with, for some people its molle, for others its not... I actually prefer the older style of thinking, using load bearing equipment and load bearing vests. Even my chinese AK rig works just fine and its probably the simplest and favorite item of mine to use. Modernized imitations of this item from people like U.S. palm run up to $70-$100. Mine was $5. And they usually go for more. You cant be a classic, not even when you try to reinvent it sometimes.

I myself have
a full vietnam m1956 web gear set up,
A full lc2 Alice set up with a lc1 alice h harness
Various bits of russian 1980s gear and chinese PLA chestrig... (equivalent to what the russians used in afghanistan in the 80s)

The closest thing i have to "cutting edge" is a camelbak maximum gear 3l two pocket pack, and it doesnt even rig up to molle unless you make work the ghetto way... its more like the items our SF guys used when they first hit the ground in Afghanistan almost a decade ago... Simple pouches and holsters work for me, i seem to be better ventilated as well, im not much of one for the heavy thick nylon "heat wrap" of a plate carrier with padding... Not to mention its lighter (well, the nam gear isnt really lighter, being all cotton web). The LBE style still allows for better venting and cooling even with the heavier nam gear.

Another reason i run these items follows something Airsoftguy01 said. Its all REAL gear, none of it is cheap chinese imitation gear. If i ever want to get my money back out of the vintage gear and uniforms, i know i can.... If i drop money on molle, and cheap molle, ill never get a respectable amount back out of it, in my opinion. Its cheaper to build an older load out in my opinion anyways, as you can jump on things at surplus stores where people don know what they have.

In my opinion, Modern Warfare 2, not gangster rap, is to blame for the problems of our adolescents

[airsoftguy01]

I have NO molle gear at all, what so ever... Its all about what you want and what you can work with, for some people its molle, for others its not... I actually prefer the older style of thinking, using load bearing equipment and load bearing vests. Even my chinese AK rig works just fine and its probably the simplest and favorite item of mine to use. Modernized imitations of this item from people like U.S. palm run up to $70-$100. Mine was $5. And they usually go for more. You cant be a classic, not even when you try to reinvent it sometimes.

I myself have
a full vietnam m1956 web gear set up,
A full lc2 Alice set up with a lc1 alice h harness
Various bits of russian 1980s gear and chinese PLA chestrig... (equivalent to what the russians used in afghanistan in the 80s)

The closest thing i have to "cutting edge" is a camelbak maximum gear 3l two pocket pack, and it doesnt even rig up to molle unless you make work the ghetto way... its more like the items our SF guys used when they first hit the ground in Afghanistan almost a decade ago... Simple pouches and holsters work for me, i seem to be better ventilated as well, im not much of one for the heavy thick nylon "heat wrap" of a plate carrier with padding... Not to mention its lighter (well, the nam gear isnt really lighter, being all cotton web). The LBE style still allows for better venting and cooling even with the heavier nam gear.

Another reason i run these items follows something Airsoftguy01 said. Its all REAL gear, none of it is cheap chinese imitation gear. If i ever want to get my money back out of the vintage gear and uniforms, i know i can.... If i drop money on molle, and cheap molle, ill never get a respectable amount back out of it, in my opinion. Its cheaper to build an older load out in my opinion anyways, as you can jump on things at surplus stores where people don know what they have.

In my opinion, Modern Warfare 2, not gangster rap, is to blame for the problems of our adolescents

SF was running that stuff because they were trying to blend in with the mujahideen, not because it worked well or protected their vital organs. Plate carriers are meant to carry plates to save your vital organs or reduce trauma and impact from both bullets and shrapnel.

That old stuff is great and all, but the modern stuff is just better. Instead of running some old alice waist pack, get a modern warbelt that has molle and then you can attach anything your heart desires to it.

Here is one example of a lightweight and inexpensive,but very high quality , plate carrier without a side cumberbund system.

It's the Diamondback Fast Attack Plate Carrier and they are only $80 and will allow you to attach any mag or accessory pouch on the front or rear and allow you to wear anything under or over you want.

http://www.diamondbacktactical.com/product/Diamondback-Tacticalreg-Fast-Attack-Plate-Carrier,33,6.htm

[Rako]

In my opinion, Modern Warfare 2, not gangster rap, is to blame for the problems of our adolescents

Haha, I'll second that.  I go to high schol, and some people are obsessed with Call of Duty.

[Rako]

Here is one example of a lightweight and inexpensive,but very high quality , plate carrier without a side cumberbund system.... they are only $80

But to a high schooler that doesnt have a ton of money to spend, $80 the most I might consider for just the base gear.


And someone said before, the thigh rig won't hold enough magazines for a firefight.  I modified my camel back so it's a sling-type pack with MOLLE webbing on the front, so I can attach more magazine pouches on to that, right on my chest.  As of now, I have 3 mid-caps and a high-cap.  How many mids would I need in general for most operations?

[Comrade Commissar]

Actually, SF was wearing LBVs. Spear Elcs, and AK chest rigs along with old school camels (thats the only thing i was actually atributing to the 2001 afghan era) because thats all they had at the time they hit the ground. Alot of pictures show them not really "blending" in at all with that gear. Fully integrated rigs werent around yet, with the molle adaptave hydration packs... Back when they still had 3 colors. They wore ranger body armor and other armor devices because things like the OTV interceptor and and Plate Carriers werent really around yet... Marine MEU units and Seals (vbss) were the only ones really using Parclets and Plate Carriers around then. Even then, seals in the jungle were still opting for LBE gear and LBV gear as they could carry heavier loads, and larger heavy armor tends to inhibit motion. Special Forces in the philippines at the time was even using chest rigs over ranger armor and Spear body armor. Units attempting to blend in were using AKs, and AK chest rigs, along with local clothing... Thats not what i use my AK rig for, usually... SF operatives have used AK rigs since nam, just to carry extra ammo. but they have also used them to blend in to, from the same period.

My gear is more designed to do Desert Storm, Vietnam SF, and Russian Afghan War impersonations.... The hobby is more about reenactment to me. I dont want to look like some paid merc out of modern warefare 2 or battlefield 2. My "modern" load out consists of a early afghan look, with pieces of alice gear or the AK chest rig along with my Camel, and a night desert camo parka like can be seen on many early war northern Afghan SF personnel. I wont be buying any molle gear anytime soon, sorry, you cant get me to. Ill be buying a Army Airforces WW II survival vest, and maybe even some WW I bar belts before you get me to drop money on molle... molle gear doesnt go with my 1970s ERDL camo or gulf war chocolate chip uniform. They also dont make a molle rig in experimental urban tack camo, which is the only current uniform i have. Currently, i can attach anything i need to my alice gear or vietnam gear... I dont need dump pouches when i have a claymore bag or a GP ammo bag.

Remeber, the LBE systems were designed with the same thought as molle, just not to the same EXTENT. All the pouches you need, and the ability to modify the set up per user. Infact, current MOLLE belts and h harnesses take from the idea of the older H-harnesses. the only thing thats different is HOW the pouches attach. Only the plate carrier offers the advantage of armor. Like most people say about weapons, its not the weapon, its the user, the same is true of gear. This is why special elements like MAC V SOG were sucessful in nam, even without "body armor" while marines with flak jackets died. Even Delta Operatives of the early 80s often just used general purpose bags, left over nam gear, and weapons like the Uzi and grease gun. Dressed in dyed black jungle fatigue tops, watch caps, and a pair of blue jeans. A heavy ass plate carrier wouldnt have made the navy seals, SOG teams, or Mike Force elements of vietnam do their jobs anybetter. Their mobility would have been restricted, they would have been overrun, and usually, a cas evac wasnt available, and a soldier with body armor who gets hit hard is still gonna need medical attention. There are pros and cons to either side, it all depends on what you wanna do.

[Comrade Commissar]

But to a high schooler that doesnt have a ton of money to spend, $80 the most I might consider for just the base gear.


And someone said before, the thigh rig won't hold enough magazines for a firefight.  I modified my camel back so it's a sling-type pack with MOLLE webbing on the front, so I can attach more magazine pouches on to that, right on my chest.  As of now, I have 3 mid-caps and a high-cap.  How many mids would I need in general for most operations?

I usually went through 2 highcaps of 300 some rnds in an hour or longer game, being able to re up before the next match. You probably have enough mags, however having a full set of 5 mid caps cant really hurt you. The more ammo the better, you never know whats gonna hit you.... I have 7 mids for my AK holding just over 100 rnds, and i have 10 short "20rnd" 85 rnd mags for my spr. I still have the highcap for it, but i need to get 3 or so regular length mid caps for it. the 85 rnd mags are a little bit of a disadvantage more so than other mids.

Here are some styles you might consider for a cheaper option, but carrying more ammo.... hopefully you could change your camel back to original if you were to pick up something like this. Coupled with a leg rig youd be a pretty well kitted guy. If historical accuracy isnt a big deal to you like it is to me, you could run this set up for everything really...

The Condor Chest rig (better looking than the below option) This is a remniscent remake of the chest rigs used by SF and Delta in the early 2000s $25
http://www.airsoftpost.com/product_info ... s_id=29656

UnKnown - I have seen these all over the web, they come in green and camo too, best bargin for airsoft at $15, the construction on ones i have see isnt too bad really...
http://www.akingsupermarket.com/Tactica ... n_P144518/

king arms chest rig $ unknown, other companies make similar ones
http://www.kingarms.com/productpage.asp?prodid=415

Eagle universal chest rig (this is my fav, and i have wanted one for a while) $75, you can carry you pistol, pistol ammo, and rifle ammo, all in one... This is something i hope to get for my early war afghan set up, im undecided on a color, and short of the fundage. bigger projects going too....
http://www.airsoftarms.com/Eagle-Indust ... tical-Vest

[Ganef]

IMO
Unless you are training how you would fight (i.e. plate carrier or armor), are used to a particular system (because you used it in the armed services), or just want to be a big poser, a plate carrier is not necessary.

For those who think they need to carry a lot and so justify a plate carrier, you need to rethink your kit. They are not more comfortable than a chest rig, are bulkier, hotter and more restricting.

I have worn a plate carrier to games, I have made numerous types and styles of them, but what do I turn to after years of experience? a well thought out chest rig.

I however have a different view of airsoft than a lot of people.

[Shadow]

or just want to be a big poser

Ouch.  Like a spoon through my heart.

[Pick]

Me personally I don't even run a vest or a PC. Of course te role I play and the amount of ammo I carry I find that carrying eiter is weighing me down. I carry 5 mags at 15 rounds each. And they fit in my uniform pockets a lot easier than a pouch.

[HavHav]

Actually, SF was wearing LBVs. Spear Elcs, and AK chest rigs along with old school camels (thats the only thing i was actually atributing to the 2001 afghan era) because thats all they had at the time they hit the ground. Alot of pictures show them not really "blending" in at all with that gear. Fully integrated rigs werent around yet, with the molle adaptave hydration packs... Back when they still had 3 colors. They wore ranger body armor and other armor devices because things like the OTV interceptor and and Plate Carriers werent really around yet... Marine MEU units and Seals (vbss) were the only ones really using Parclets and Plate Carriers around then. Even then, seals in the jungle were still opting for LBE gear and LBV gear as they could carry heavier loads, and larger heavy armor tends to inhibit motion. Special Forces in the philippines at the time was even using chest rigs over ranger armor and Spear body armor. Units attempting to blend in were using AKs, and AK chest rigs, along with local clothing... Thats not what i use my AK rig for, usually... SF operatives have used AK rigs since nam, just to carry extra ammo. but they have also used them to blend in to, from the same period.

My gear is more designed to do Desert Storm, Vietnam SF, and Russian Afghan War impersonations.... The hobby is more about reenactment to me. I dont want to look like some paid merc out of modern warefare 2 or battlefield 2. My "modern" load out consists of a early afghan look, with pieces of alice gear or the AK chest rig along with my Camel, and a night desert camo parka like can be seen on many early war northern Afghan SF personnel. I wont be buying any molle gear anytime soon, sorry, you cant get me to. Ill be buying a Army Airforces WW II survival vest, and maybe even some WW I bar belts before you get me to drop money on molle... molle gear doesnt go with my 1970s ERDL camo or gulf war chocolate chip uniform. They also dont make a molle rig in experimental urban tack camo, which is the only current uniform i have. Currently, i can attach anything i need to my alice gear or vietnam gear... I dont need dump pouches when i have a claymore bag or a GP ammo bag.

Remeber, the LBE systems were designed with the same thought as molle, just not to the same EXTENT. All the pouches you need, and the ability to modify the set up per user. Infact, current MOLLE belts and h harnesses take from the idea of the older H-harnesses. the only thing thats different is HOW the pouches attach. Only the plate carrier offers the advantage of armor. Like most people say about weapons, its not the weapon, its the user, the same is true of gear. This is why special elements like MAC V SOG were sucessful in nam, even without "body armor" while marines with flak jackets died. Even Delta Operatives of the early 80s often just used general purpose bags, left over nam gear, and weapons like the Uzi and grease gun. Dressed in dyed black jungle fatigue tops, watch caps, and a pair of blue jeans. A heavy ass plate carrier wouldnt have made the navy seals, SOG teams, or Mike Force elements of vietnam do their jobs anybetter. Their mobility would have been restricted, they would have been overrun, and usually, a cas evac wasnt available, and a soldier with body armor who gets hit hard is still gonna need medical attention. There are pros and cons to either side, it all depends on what you wanna do.

I thought in order to call is "Nam" you had to have been in it. [smilie=armata_pdt_01.gif]

[Comrade Commissar]

Some people might say that.... However i dont know a vet that would complain lol... Usually veterans get a little touchy when you use nick names for units or specific types of troops... Using their patches usually strikes a cord too, but often for reenacting they'd tend to be lenient, but its still touchy.

Most kids in airsoft these days pay homage to mw2 or BF2 which couldn't be less accurate. Any vet should be happy that i actually know enough about Vietnam to do a reenactment/impersonation to honor them because of how i feel about the impossible feats they achieved and the sacrifices they made, instead of getting hung up on how i refer to the war... I also lost a family member in Vietnam due to dioxin (agent orange), thats not equal to being there though still. To fight for my right to agree or disagree but say what i want, as long as i dont use specific words is a little hypocritical.

I wish kids were more into history, and less into trying to look cool. Then they might think it actually was cool to buy a BAR and be a marine raider... Or get a sten and be a british commando. Even 90s era seals are cool in my opinion... Overall, the cost is about the same. I dont see why everyone thinks that having the same m4qd with magpull stock and p mags with multi cam and plate carriers so you all look the same is the thing to do. Dont get me wrong, i like that fancy stuff too, but i also like to be unique and original. To each their own though.