Post by Apotheosis on Jul 13, 2010 19:07:44 GMT -5
I just bought this vest a week or so ago from Evike.com for $30. Link: www.airsoftpost.com/product_info.php?products_id=26986
Construction
This plate carrier came folded up in a plastic bag, which concerned me at first because I wasn't sure how well it would recover from this, but it sprung back to its original position within a few minutes. The material that makes up the vest panels and inner padding seem fairly durable, but I have not yet fielded this plate carrier, so only time will tell. The MOLLE loops are a bit inconsistent in respect to the widths at which the stitching is placed. Additionally, I managed to pull some of the stitching out from between 2 of the loops on the lower front flap of the carrier while trying to attach some pouches, which I was not happy about. The material the loops themselves are made of seems fine, however its the stitching holding them on that isn't the best. In addition, the padding on the inside of the panels is firm yet comfortable.
Function
There are straps on both sides and over both shoulders that allow for adjustments for fitment. All of these straps also utilize plastic clips which allow for easy adornment/removal of the plate carrier. This carrier has only front and back panels, so space is a little more limited than other products because of the lack of side panels. This can be considered a trade off however, considering that it is easier to maneuver in and breathes easier than other full vests and carriers. As this is a plate carrier and not just a normal tactical vest, there are large flaps on the front and back panels that open to reveal compartments for faux plates. This plate carrier also features padding on the inside of the front and back panels. Although the padding itself is relatively comfortable, since it is brand new and never fielded, this padding has not been broken in and keeps the panels quite rigid.
Here is a picture of the broken stitching mentioned earlier:
Conclusion
Overall I would give this plate carrier a 8 out of 10. It is of decent quality, and while it is not without its problems, the price tag of $30 is definitely reasonable. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a simple plate carrier on a budget.
Construction
This plate carrier came folded up in a plastic bag, which concerned me at first because I wasn't sure how well it would recover from this, but it sprung back to its original position within a few minutes. The material that makes up the vest panels and inner padding seem fairly durable, but I have not yet fielded this plate carrier, so only time will tell. The MOLLE loops are a bit inconsistent in respect to the widths at which the stitching is placed. Additionally, I managed to pull some of the stitching out from between 2 of the loops on the lower front flap of the carrier while trying to attach some pouches, which I was not happy about. The material the loops themselves are made of seems fine, however its the stitching holding them on that isn't the best. In addition, the padding on the inside of the panels is firm yet comfortable.
Function
There are straps on both sides and over both shoulders that allow for adjustments for fitment. All of these straps also utilize plastic clips which allow for easy adornment/removal of the plate carrier. This carrier has only front and back panels, so space is a little more limited than other products because of the lack of side panels. This can be considered a trade off however, considering that it is easier to maneuver in and breathes easier than other full vests and carriers. As this is a plate carrier and not just a normal tactical vest, there are large flaps on the front and back panels that open to reveal compartments for faux plates. This plate carrier also features padding on the inside of the front and back panels. Although the padding itself is relatively comfortable, since it is brand new and never fielded, this padding has not been broken in and keeps the panels quite rigid.
Here is a picture of the broken stitching mentioned earlier:
Conclusion
Overall I would give this plate carrier a 8 out of 10. It is of decent quality, and while it is not without its problems, the price tag of $30 is definitely reasonable. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a simple plate carrier on a budget.
