Plate carrier questions

Hey you wonderful peeps, I’m going to start saving up for a plate carrier, and wanted to get some opinions on what setup to run. I’m looking at (1) a Frankenstein build with a T.Rex AC1 paired with some Hailey and Spiritus things, (2) a Crye JPC for a slimmer, more light weight setup, or (3) a Haley thorax kit. The Haley kit is right at the edge of my budget after everything I’d add so it’s my least favorite of the three. I’m also very open to other suggestions on different brands and combos. Thanks!

 

Main question is how do you plan to use it?
The AC1 (and other Low Viz carriers) have the elastic sides that double as mag pouches, benefit is you can move mags off the front to the sides for a more discrete fit, draw back is there is little else you can use the sides for. Crye and Haley IMO are designed to be more loaded up with side molle and back panels.

 

If your neighborhood is that bad, I’d spend the $ on a technical.

 

I live in the suburbs and have a bug out spot in the mountains, so it would need to be able to hold a decent amount of gear but I want to be able to take it off if I need to scramble around in the mountains. Being able to go slick and discreet would be nice but not necessary

 

Looks like JPC has a built in 3-mag front pouch. If you don't want three mags across the front, then get the Haley with just a molle panel and arrange what ever pouches you want.
I suggest spending a whole day doing stuff around the house with the PC on and shooting at the range from a vtac wall or something similar. It will show you where the points off discomfort are.

 

First spear, the tube systems cummerbund is a game changer with plate carriers.

 

I'd pass on the T.Rex PC and check out Defense Mechanisms instead. Just be aware that their PCs are pretty minimalist and run VERY true to plate size, so order accordingly. My other PCs are Velocity Systems with Haley add-ons and I love them because they fit so well, even if they're a tad outdated on their designs. All the companies you're listing are quality though, so you shouldn't have any issue.