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10 Interesting Things You Didn’t Know About Plate Carriers

Are you in the market for a plate carrier? If so, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve found 10 interesting facts about plate carriers that are likely to surprise you, but will help you get what you need when it comes to protecting yourself from attack! Here are our top 10…

1. Plate carriers are awesome

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Plate carriers are a type of body armor used by military and law enforcement personnel. They’re large enough to contain a full combat load, meaning you don’t have to worry about storing ammo or your radio elsewhere. They can be worn with a variety of different vest attachments, depending on what equipment you need to carry with you. In addition, plate carriers come in their own protective plates that can stop shrapnel from small arms fire and prevent injury from explosions. As someone who enjoys plate carriers for both defensive and training purposes, here are ten interesting things I’ve learned about them over time. Know more at https://acelinkarmor.com/plate-carriers/

2. Flexibility

There’s a reason you might hear about people using plate carriers for more than just high-risk situations: if worn correctly, they can be comfortable and flexible. It may sound counterintuitive that a piece of body armor could be used in normal everyday life, but it’s true. If you take out all of your gear and use your plate carrier only as intended (as a protective shell), it can still help to relieve stress on your shoulders and back while providing comfort at home or on any other casual excursion. However, you should only wear your plate carrier in such a way if instructed by an expert—understanding how to wear one safely requires special training that goes well beyond basic load carriage tactics.

3. Easy to Use

A tactical plate carrier is a must-have for any serious shooter, but it can be expensive. Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable options for anyone looking to get into some basic body armor. Companies like Rothco and Condor make high-quality products that won’t break your bank and most people agree that there is no significant difference between an $80 plate carrier and a $300 one. So look for quality over cost when making your purchase, but don’t break your bank account in order to do so.

4. Affordable

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Although they are an essential piece of gear for combat soldiers, plate carriers are also incredibly affordable. Since most brands use similar materials and designs, prices can vary quite a bit between different models, but you should be able to find one for under $150 with ease. Even if you spend $200 or more on a top-of-the-line model, it’s still far cheaper than high-end tactical boots or gloves. These carriers are often just as durable as more expensive models as well; many training facilities even issue them to students free of charge.

5. Side plates

Most people associate plate carriers with hard body armor plates. Although hard armor is essential for combat, it’s not always necessary. Many plate carriers feature reinforced internal pockets that can be used to store soft plates, typically rated for Level IIIA protection. Soft armor may be just as effective as hard armor at stopping handgun fire but only weighs around 20 ounces compared to 3 or 4 pounds of hardened ceramic or metal inserts. Often times carrying around a few extra pounds of protection isn’t necessary so opting for soft plates might be better suited for your needs, especially if you’re looking to save weight and cost over hardshell inserts.

6. Vests vs. plate carriers

A plate carrier is a bit of both. A plate carrier fits over your shoulders and chest, much like a vest, but it also has features that allow you to store ammunition or other vital equipment inside your pockets. To determine which one you want to buy, consider what your primary concern is. If you’re looking for something protective above all else, go with a vest. If you want to carry around extra magazines or anything else tactical, opt for a carrier—which has plenty of room for extras.

7. Customization Options

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Although plate carriers are an excellent addition to any tactical kit, they can also serve as standalone bulletproof vests. Their smaller sizes make them particularly good for military law enforcement officers on patrol or security staff working in private establishments. If you’re not planning on wearing body armor often, plate carriers might be a great choice for you. Even if your job requires a level IIIA vest most of the time, having a plate carrier lying around could still come in handy if a situation arises where it makes sense to wear a lighter vest. For example, it could be easier to wear a lighter vest during patrols since you’ll have more mobility and breathability than with bulkier armor.

8. Versatility

Plate carriers come in all shapes and sizes, and they serve a wide variety of functions. They’re an incredibly useful piece of gear that provides a protective layer between you and your loadout. However, some plate carriers are more versatile than others. For example, some plate carriers are highly restrictive; while some can be worn with nearly any uniform configuration. So, when considering different plate carriers (or uniform configurations), it is important to factor in not only what each carrier can do but also how difficult it will be to do so.

9. Weight Reduction Features

In addition to making your body look better, carrying a few extra pounds can be dangerous in a tactical situation. Heavy vests and armor increase fatigue, decrease balance and negatively impact our endurance. One of the plate carriers’ main purposes is reducing fatigue while helping to distribute weight evenly. While a standard bulletproof vest will add 25-35 pounds of equipment without a carrier, an armored plate carrier can reduce that number by up to 15-20 pounds or more depending on what type you choose. If you’re going for a long hike or other long excursion wearing heavy gear, getting into full fighting order can take its toll quickly.

10. Military-Grade Protection

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The plate carrier can be loaded up with gear and easily adjusted for different body types. It’s a preferred choice of the military – and law enforcement agencies for their tactical teams because it allows operators to be ready to respond quickly in potentially dangerous situations. A larger torso means you have more space to fit everything you need, but if you are shorter or want a slimmer profile, there are plenty of options that will give you just what you need without bogging you down. Pouches can also easily clip onto your belt if you don’t want them on your plate carrier itself, making it easy to have quick access when needed.

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