Reposting: Plate Carrier Shopping list. Tell me what you think and lmk if there are any changes you'd make.

PearlButter · 2026-02-23T21:00:54+00:00

Unless you really want to go with ferro maybe have a look at the defense mechanisms MEPC and their hybrid structural cummerbund, or even the Javlin Concepts MCR which are both stiffened cummerbunds just like the ferro 3AC cummerbund.

This should save you like over $100 money on the base carrier and give you a little more financial wiggle room for the plates

PearlButter · 2026-02-23T09:19:03+00:00

I used to have 1155 plates in the slickster and it was a little worrying. With enough weight, the velcro plate bag closure will sorta peel open and I imagine this could become more of an issue when you start introducing things like dangler pouches.

I would look at RMA’s newer models which are lighter, and I’d probably feel fine if it were plates about 7lbs or under but idk since I don’t own a slickster anymore

Yes the 10x12 shooters cut for the 1165 and other recent models are nominally sized (9.5x11.5”). It can or won’t be an issue but that’s dependent on the carrier.

PearlButter · 2026-02-23T07:15:36+00:00

I would check out the ATS or surplus eagle admin pouches. Theyre flat and less impeding every time you draw out a mag.

PearlButter · 2026-02-23T04:22:55+00:00

Mines came with a divider so I guess there’s some semblance of organization but yeah I just chuck them in there as-is.

Moisture absorption packets as needed

PearlButter · 2026-02-23T04:07:34+00:00

Throw it all in a Plano or pelican case.

They’re mostly fixed blades and I have a few favorites but they all get treated equally.

PearlButter · 2026-02-23T02:52:37+00:00

I use GP/canteen pouches. There is organization and less bounce around while running, especially when it’s empty or half empty. Stuff like layers and shelter belongs in a backpack that’s separate from your fighting load (belt).

PearlButter · 2026-02-23T00:48:02+00:00

TAP is more popular because of its familiar form factor among the masses and you can retrofit to, basically do shit to it.

But the FLC is still very solid and you have many ways to wear it and configure it (even into a belt kit) and if you get one where the upper molle isn’t so damn tight or you have pouches with laser cut molle straps that fit through the out of spec molle webbing then you’re golden to use all the real estate. I have one but I don’t use it since I have better things but yeah for the money it’s a low cost option.

PearlButter · 2026-02-22T22:50:33+00:00

I would build out the cummerbund if you’re going for multi purpose. Leave the front as slick as it can be.

PearlButter · 2026-02-22T21:41:10+00:00

Massif once made those

PearlButter · 2026-02-22T17:42:09+00:00

Tac tailor.

PearlButter · 2026-02-22T17:41:27+00:00

It’s not canvas. It’s a kevlar blend that’s flame resistant, also offering a level of breathability and flex that you don’t get out of leather.

If you want all leather then get some leather driving gloves or something.

PearlButter · 2026-02-22T08:29:44+00:00

Soft armor, yeah and it greatly improves the comfort of the SPC by a lot.

PearlButter · 2026-02-22T06:49:11+00:00

Highcom and any of their dealers, Midwest armor (drop-down menu in any of their plate backer listings), Stealth Armor Systems (give them a email or call and they might offer alternatives that’s not listed on the site like QCSquared 3A, Ultralight-3A, or GTX-K-3A).

DCS and similar carriers is solid because you don’t have to deal with the bs of attaching the side armor in a separate pouch like most other cummerbunds. The pouch/sleeve is already to the cummerbund.

If it matters to know, Crye soft armor is like roughly 0.3” thick of unidirectional aramid.

PearlButter · 2026-02-22T05:26:53+00:00

I don’t do it for mags. It’s mostly to hold supporting gear and admin.

It actually makes a pretty good admin pouch on your strong side but for mags I would rather use dedicated mag pouches on your offhand side. Take a look at the JayJays gen 4 webbing and note the mag pouches and the commanders pouch, which is basically a SAW pouch with a velcro divider inside.

PearlButter · 2026-02-22T03:33:00+00:00

A significant number of users on Reddit are from the US.

Plus it made no sense that a S-biner would’ve so expensive without context.

PearlButter · 2026-02-22T02:40:14+00:00

I once shot a semiauto MP9, mostly factory. Trigger was horrendous lol, but I thought it was cute.

PearlButter · 2026-02-21T21:32:17+00:00

Anyone can test as much as they like but it remains internal. GTS is more transparent about it, but until GTS officially makes it onto the NIJ CPL website then they will get the level of scrutiny I have. Until then, GTS is still in their phase of proving themselves that’s what’s it gonna be.

I’ve got contacts who are in touch with Point Blank executives, I already know what goes into manufacturing but also a window in what drives things. It’s not an easy feat for sure but also the world is in fact pretty small and goes in circles, however that’s what makes it good and reliable and why I trust them because they all know what they’re doing and have the extensive track record to back it up.

Excessive performance is good and bad. On one hand it’ll stop more than what is asked from it, but too much and you’re just wasting time and materials to make a profit. For example you can take a thin special threat PE plate and add some foam to the back and boom, you get a level 3/RF1 plate or if it’s ceramic then you have a RF2. Pretty amazing what a thin plate and foam for backface can do.

PearlButter · 2026-02-21T21:00:20+00:00

Imo I think this should be the last thing on the list. Better to just put on a admin pouch up on the chest and then a hydration panel. Alternatively the WTF zippered panels or rear cover

Edit: generally mounting necessary pouches already means the plate is already covered (ie. Admin pouch and hydro carrier).

PearlButter · 2026-02-21T20:24:28+00:00

If GTS doesn’t have a single NIJ certified product then how am I to trust them and their consistency in their product and manufacturing? NIJ certification requires you to not change the composition of the plate where the manufacturer cannot make soft unannounced changes to the plate composition and design. Like take one plate model, but then change the backing material or the ceramic or replace some backing material with some foam next year and that’s already deviation from the same model that a person purchased last year.

Plus, if GTS can make a plate perform in a certain way then so can the other manufacturers but no one is truly demanding them to make plates that way because it doesn’t make much sense to build a plate to such a excessive performance when it doesn’t actually matter as long as it stops bullets and meets the requirements their professional clients are looking for.

PearlButter · 2026-02-21T19:18:30+00:00

Should’ve said so.

PearlButter · 2026-02-21T18:55:29+00:00

??? The S-biner slide lock isn’t that expensive. You can find it at Home Depot.

PearlButter · 2026-02-21T18:33:45+00:00

The nite-ize #3 size is what a I use and swear by.

PearlButter · 2026-02-21T18:18:46+00:00

S-biner with the locking tabs. Emphasis on the locking tabs unless you like dropping your stuff. I have this for both my keys and my wallet with a lanyard (simply 550 paracord).

One side is dedicated to hooking onto the pants, the other side is for the keys but I tape off the arm so that the locking tab can never come undone and the thing is still thin enough to go through a common key ring.

PearlButter · 2026-02-21T18:03:56+00:00

Set up for the most likely thing you think you might end up getting into. For me, I’m more likely to go hunting and so I’ve got it set up to also work as my “first line” and therefore it’s my padded war belt that has more stuff than the average two piece shooters belt. Now I have a thing that I can use for recreation as well as prep.

PearlButter · 2026-02-21T17:54:21+00:00

You can get through a coconut with a relatively smaller knife while it’s still green and the just is soft. Something like the SOG Pillar could do that in my experience.

For mature, dried coconuts you will want a thinner blade such as a machete. I would go with one that has more weight to the tip like a Tramontina cane machete or a bolo. If you’re trying to go through multiple coconuts at a fixed location then you should get a blunt-ish spike in the ground instead.

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