Tactical plate carriers are one of the most popular pieces of body armour for military and civilians alike. Especially in recent times, there has been a surge in people investing in plate carriers. In such a situation, it is necessary to understand the situational uses of this equipment.

Considering there are various types of plate carriers out there with different features, styles, and set-ups, it is almost impossible to figure plate carriers out on your own.

In this article, we will talk about tactical plate carriers online and what exactly they are in detail. Without further ado, let us begin.

What are tactical plate carriers?

The first question in your mind is probably what these carriers are. A plate carrier is a type of tactical equipment often used by military and law enforcement officers but is no stranger to a civilian’s body. These carriers act as bulletproof vests which shield tactical forces from numerous strikes.

These carriers are paired with ballistic plates made of ceramic, composite, or steel. These plates go in the designated plate slots and help protect the vital organs of the bearer. Tactical plate carriers are available in different styles, sizes, and colors for every kind of situation. 

Based on the type of situation you will be facing, you can choose your plate carrier.

How much does a tactical plate carrier weigh?

A tactical plate carrier is not your featherlight vest. It is designed to take multiple hits and still protect the bearer. And this can only happen if there is some pretty hard stuff in it.

When a tactical plate carrier is loaded with the required plates, equipment, accessories, and other gear, it can weigh about 15 – 35 pounds on average. Of course, the weight also depends on factors like what type of carrier you choose, the plates you use, and the accessories you put into it.

Is purchasing a tactical plate carrier worth it?

Plate carriers are lightweight vests that are quite accommodating in nature. These can be customized for harsh situations as well as low-risk situations. Moreover, there are various pouches in these vests that make them suitable for carrying accessories like grenades, magazines, a flashlight, a map, and other equipment you would need.

Plate carriers provide excellent protection against high-risk endeavors. The plate carrier may be heavier than a bulletproof vest as the plates put in them are quite weighty. Nevertheless, the protection they offer to the bearer is what makes purchasing a tactical plate carrier worth it.

Features of tactical plate carriers

Tactical plate carriers have various features, and some of the major ones are listed down below:

• Modifiable protection – Tactical plate carriers are quite modifiable in the sense that you can scale up or down the level of protection they offer you. This can be done easily by removing or adding plates to the armor.

• Modularity – Most of the plate carriers are modular, meaning you can attach an assortment of accessories, pouches, and other tactical equipment. You can check if a carrier is modular or not by seeing if it features a MOLLE [Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment] tag.

What is the difference between tactical plate carriers and bulletproof vests?

You might be confused as to whether to get a bulletproof vest or a tactical plate carrier. Although both offer almost the same thing, i.e., protection, they do have their differences. The following are some of the major differences between tactical plate carriers and bulletproof vests:

• Weight – Bulletproof vests are lighter than plate carriers as they only weigh about 3 to 5 pounds on average.
• Modularity – Bulletproof vests are not modular, while plate carriers are.
• Purpose –Bulletproof vests are most suitable for handgun threats, while plate carriers offer protection against rifle threats.
• Concealable – It is arguable, but bulletproof vests are more concealable than tactical plate carriers.

Do plate carriers come with plates?

Most tactical plate carriers don't come with the plates; instead, the buyer must purchase the body armor plates separately. But there is a huge selection of plates available, so this is only better.

On the one hand, there are lightweight foam plates that are suitable for military training and are able to protect you from BBs and paintballs. On the other hand, there are steel plates that are bullet-resistant and can slow down or block a real bullet. And the rest of the types of body armor plates fall in between these two categories.

Conclusion

That was a comprehensive guide to tactical plate carriers. We discussed what these carriers are, how much they weigh, their features, the difference between a bulletproof vest and a tactical plate carrier, and if these carriers come with the plates or not.

That sums up almost everything you need to know before you begin your search for purchasing tactical plate carriers online for yourself.