New To Airsoft: Good brands for plate carriers?

[GroverA 125]

Hey, I've been doing airsoft for a while now and I've decided to get myself some proper kit. My brother who got me into the game is running around with a plate carrier (Osprey) and I decided that I'd prefer one of those over one of those tac vests.

I put myself out with a budget of £100 or so, with MOLLE parts included, but looking at the vastly varying market, that has concerned me. I was wondering, what I could/should get for my money and which brands out there are not trustworthy? I know that while there's a lot of companies out there, a couple seem to do identical designs (the words CIRAS and FSBE popped up in a lot of places), and that's offset me. In case it matters, the sites I go to are The Hive and Anzio, so I'm not sure whether I should be looking at black gear or some form of camo.

Any help?

Thanks,
A Grover

[Foxtrot_Bravo_Airsoft]

Re: New To Airsoft: Good brands for plate carriers?

Warrior Assault Systems DCS plate carriers (basically an LBT 6094 replica) are excellent. They're real steel kit and of course made with military spec materials etc.
You can get em from £105-£160 with pouches (5x magazine pouches, 2x general purpose / utility pouches) included
They also do CIRAS vests too

There's Flyye (for example the Gen 1 FAPC) but some of their PCs I've seen go up to £300 or so which is ridiculous. You can get solid colour ones (Coyote Brown, Black, OD) for £70
I've also seen the Grey Ghost Gear MPC for £100 which is very similar to the FAPC but real again as opposed to an airsoft replica gear manufacturer
Thing is they're both minimalist style and don't come with a cummerbund
Might be better if you decide you want a more lightweight setup / don't want to carry as much stuff

Condor are pretty good as well but at the lower end in terms of quality / construction compared to the others I've mentioned. The Sentry and MOPC are a couple that come to mind.

In terms of colours just pick whichever you think would look best really. Or if you're already using MTP or something then I would go with Multicam or Coyote Tan / Brown
That said a guy on another forum uses an OD Warrior DCS in woodland and in CQC, and with Kryptek Highlander kit too. Still looks okay and works together.

[GroverA 125]

Re: New To Airsoft: Good brands for plate carriers?

Is standard black a bad idea or is it alright? Got myself a King Arms 556 Shorty so I am considering SWAT-esque colours/kit to go with the only people who will ever use the weapon. Also seems a little safer, as I'm sure there's a million different interpretations of camouflage with the same names.

[Neilfatmonkey]

Re: New To Airsoft: Good brands for plate carriers?

I'd also recommend the DCS by warrior. Great kit at good prices. I've also owned the TMC JPC replica (jump carrier I think they call it) and that's really well constructed.

In terms of colour, I know a lot of people who've regretted buying black instead of either camo or a solid green or tan, but it's personal preference of course. It's just green and tan go with lots of different camos and you might find the black colour limits you down the line when you fancy a different camo.

[Azz32]

Re: New To Airsoft: Good brands for plate carriers?

I have a Black Plate carrier which I wear with my MTP (army issue) along with a black belt, holster, belt pouches side arms, people say I look like a Helo pilot or one of those First responders they have in the US xD, if you have any Tan/MTP and using it in woodland sites its going to stand out anyway

[bobthebuilder]

Re: New To Airsoft: Good brands for plate carriers?

decent black gear is kind of tricky to find compared to the green/tan/multicam stuff.
Warrior (Allready mentioned) are a good shout, as are Condor and Flyye, Both of whom have some reasonably priced plate carriers available in black.

[Dentonboy]

Re: New To Airsoft: Good brands for plate carriers?

I have a Flyye MBSS plate carrier (in Multicam) and it is a solid, well made piece of kit.

I would have no problems at all recommending it.

[RitchieTheBrit]

Re: New To Airsoft: Good brands for plate carriers?

Had a poke around a Mk4 surplus Osprey, really liked it. Just waiting on mine coming from an auction site. Brand new, unissued for £80 with all pouches and loops etc.

[dave38x]

Re: New To Airsoft: Good brands for plate carriers?

I've used Flyye & WAS plate carriers, both are excellent. Plenty of guys in the real world use Flyye kit (because it's built like a brick ---- house) so don't let the "its an airsoft copy" nonsense put you off, it's a high quality copy of someone else's design (as are 90% of pouches and rigs that aren't made by big us companies). Defcon5 also make outstanding gear (Italian army use them for their gear), again you'll find the same range of clones of LBT, HSGI and Crye rigs.

Personally I'd say go for a coyote tan carrier because it goes with EVERYTHING

[Fizzy]

Re: New To Airsoft: Good brands for plate carriers?

New, Flyye kit can be expensive, but as it's rather durable, have a look for second hand, unless it's something rare and you 'have' to have it!

[GroverA 125]

Re: New To Airsoft: Good brands for plate carriers?

Just how bad a quality drop is Condor gear? I've dropped it down to a WAS RICAS, a Condor Operator or a Condor Quick Release. Condor is inherently cheaper, and may give me enough price difference to purchase some other pieces to attach. How bad a quality drop is it? Are we talking "Buy cheap, buy twice", or is it just a matter of always looking at a warrior kit and feeling cheap?

[Scotty Dog]

Re: New To Airsoft: Good brands for plate carriers?

Any bits of Condor kit I've had in the past has been pretty decent; don't expect it to last a lifetime, but its not going to fall apart in a hurry.

Just throw my recommendation into the mix, TMC JPC clone- cheap, tidy, comfy, compact and mine has lasted nearly a year of being abused and it was only £30.

[Toad]

Re: New To Airsoft: Good brands for plate carriers?

About the most decent brands have been mentioned. Bulle ia a ok budget brand too. Personally ive own a few, as most of us have. Currently have a tan WAS and OG Flyye.
As fuzzy mentioned, 2nd hand might be the right way to go. Especially for your first rig. Often you won't be 100% happy with the first rig as they are different shapes, weights and sizes etc. Look in this forums sales, gear and kit. There are some great offerings there, often you'll get a decent brand with some pouches etc that will fit in your budget.

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