Plate Carriers/Chest Rigs

Plate carriers, chest rigs, LBE, and accessories for them

Plate carriers, tactical vests, and load-bearing equipment (LBE) are essential elements of equipment for the militaries. Their use provides significant advantages and protection during combat and other military operations in which the lives of military personnel are at risk.
The common thread for all of these pieces of gear is functionality. Velcro panels and MOLLE systems are available in sufficient quantities to allow the placement of identification and moral patches as well as additional pouches, which significantly expand the user’s capabilities.

• Plate carrier is the equivalent of a bulletproof vest which consists of a modular frame, where armor plates are inserted. It is designed to protect vital organs from bullets, frames, and other weapons. Plate carriers may have different designs and are used by military and law enforcement officers. 
• Chest rig is a system of straps and pouches that is designed to evenly distribute the weight of equipment over the soldier's body. It reduces fatigue and increases mobility. Modular chest rigs may have different configurations and be equipped with various pouches for magazines, grenades, first aid kits, radios, and other necessary things.
• Load-bearing equipment (LBE) is a lightweight version of a chest rig. It consists of a main belt and shoulder straps to which you can attach various pouches. LBE is more often used to transport only the most necessary equipment, such as ammunition, first aid kit, and walkie-talkie. Tactical belts can also be used without straps.

Military vests: what you have to know

While choosing a tactical vest or LBE for your tasks, you should consider their key characteristics. 

1. Size. This is the most obvious feature, but it should not be neglected, because it determines the wearing comfort and reliability of ballistic protection. Most people use medium-sized (M) plate carriers, but depending on the body size a smaller or bigger size may be needed. Therefore, before buying, you should pay attention to the measurements of the sides of the product you are going to purchase. It should also be remembered that the plate carrier can usually be adjusted both in girth and to suit different heights of the user.
2. Compatibility with the plates. It is worth paying attention to the size and shape of the plates for which a particular model is made. Some military vests can hold only soft ballistic inserts which should also be considered when purchasing. 
3. Wear resistance. Product longevity and durability are determined by the material from which it is made. Reinforced Cordura nylon fabric with a density of 500 or 1000D is used for sewing plate carriers. Although almost all plate carriers are now made of Cordura, it is a good idea to check the material of the model you are about to buy.

Also, while choosing a plate carrier, you may pay attention to the presence of damping inserts on the back and straps. Plate carriers with soft inserts don’t rub the skin and additionally have good ventilation.

Buy tactical vests with pouches and chest rigs

The Ballistic online shop is the place to find all the ballistic protection gear you need: from active headphones to combat helmets. We stock gear from the best manufacturers — Emerson plate carriers, M-Tac chest rigs, as well as LBE from Crye Precision, WAS, Rothco and other brands.  
We send parcels all over the whole territory of Ukraine to the Nova Poshta and Ukrposhta branches; address delivery is also available.
Check out our catalogue and offer a vest with pouches for your missions right on!