Opinions For A New Plate Carrier

[Rush]

Holy Stealth, thanks for taking the time to do that comparison, much appreciated! Very good points all around. I have to say that it has come down to either the Mayflower APC, or the BFG LMAC and I really can't seem to decide. I love the size of the LMAC, but the fact that it doesn't have a complete molle cummerbund, has me worried about real-estate for my pouches. one more column would have been perfect. I love BFG's products, and will most likely be running a triple mag 10-speed pouch on the front with a single 10-speed pouch on the left side along with my admin/radio pouch. IFAK would go on the right and would be otherwise left open.
The Mayflower has the molle real-estate that I really like, but I worry about the shoulder pads, and if they will cause chaffing during extended use. Also, I worry about purchasing the wrong size and having the medium plates make it look floppy on the edges.
I have thought about going with the LMAC and just picking up a Mayflower Molle Cummerbund should I not have enough room.
Thoughts?

[Stealth]

Are you thinking of using medium plates in the L/XL carrier in the Mayflower APC? You'll probably get floppy edges in that case as that size is not designed for medium plates.

How tall are you and what's your weight? That will determine the appropriate plate size to use. Wiki has the dimensions of the SAPI plates you should use. The measurements are from your collarbone to the top of your navel height-wise.

With the APC, I wouldn't be too concerned about the shoulder straps unless you plan on only wearing t-shirts with the carrier. Most of the time you'll be wearing a BDU, polo or similar collared shirt?

I never really considered the LMAC only because I don't have requirements for side plates, the size of the side plate pouches seem to add considerable bulk, but if you do have that requirement then of course the LMAC is a worthy choice.

The other guys in this thread have all made very good points, it really boils down to your exact needs and specifications.

[Rush]

I'm 6'5, 230lbs
The only reason I mentioned Medium plates is that those seem to be the only size of fake SAPI Plates that I can find. I was planning on doing the sand mod as well to obtain a somewhat realistic weight.
I have thought about going for the S/M APC with a Medium Cummerbund. Thats probably my favourite choice atm. Sadly SKD doesn't seem to have any in stock atm. Heres hoping they have some by July 4th as I'm sure they will have a sale on.

[Stealth]

Originally Posted by Rush

I'm 6'5, 230lbs
The only reason I mentioned Medium plates is that those seem to be the only size of fake SAPI Plates that I can find. I was planning on doing the sand mod as well to obtain a somewhat realistic weight.
I have thought about going for the S/M APC with a Medium Cummerbund. Thats probably my favourite choice atm. Sadly SKD doesn't seem to have any in stock atm. Heres hoping they have some by July 4th as I'm sure they will have a sale on.

Large SAPI plates reps:
http://www.shootercbgear.com/product...oducts_id=1429

Enjoy.

[Rush]

Mayflower APC with Medium Cummerbund, ATS Triple Mag Pouch, Mayflower Cummerbund Triple Mag Insert, and Tactical Tailor Fight Light Magna Double Pistol Mag Pouch, and ITW Tac Link on it's way from Pacific Missouri USA!

[Farmboy]

I never really considered the LMAC only because I don't have requirements for side plates, the size of the side plate pouches seem to add considerable bulk, but if you do have that requirement then of course the LMAC is a worthy choice

Zero bulk on the side plate pouches, and they are removable if you prefer running slick

[FOX_111]

Originally Posted by Rush

I was planning on doing the sand mod as well to obtain a somewhat realistic weight..

Go Plaster of Paris or go home.
I have severa confirmed accounts that plates filled with sand loose their curves and get ruined over time.

Mine are filled with plaster. They feel realistic, solide and the weight is close to the real thing. Nothing beat the feeling of a hard plate. Not at all like knocking on a sandbag...

[Rush]

I was actually going to PM you about how that mod.
Im worried they would crack if I landed on it.

How are they holding up for you?

[m102404]

I used extra tile grout and watered down drywall compound...drilled a hole, used a funnel. Taped then together so they wouldn't bulge. Laid down to dry for a week.

I used too much water in my mix...could have used a lot less. I used what I had because I had a bunch of it laying around.

Solid as can be.

[Huron]

The plaster of paris worked great for me too. It's cheap and fast, although I did get some bulging in the first plate I did. I used clamps to hold the form of the second one though, and it came out fine.

[Eien]

Do you fill the plates to the top? How much do they weight after it sets? I'm considering to take out the sand in the plates and fill them with something better...

[Huron]

If you fill them right up they should weigh between 5 and 7 pounds, depending how much water you mix in. The trouble with going for more density is that it can get pretty hard to fill them. On the first plate I ended up gunking the funnel to uselessness and having the plaster harden in the container I was mixing it in, lol.

If you have a tall plastic container like the ones you mix frozen orange juice in (2L and skinny, with a spout) that's your best bet for mixing. That shit looooves to splash everywhere.

Make a nice big hole, either one shot with a drill (might crack, I didn't try going too big) or by drilling the biggest hole you can fit on the bottom and then carving it bigger with a knife. That way you can just pour the plaster straight in from the container. Saves you a lot of trouble if you don't know your way around the stuff.

If you're worried about the density not being enough with enough water mixed in to pour, you could try adding powder into the plate before the liquid plaster hardens, and mix it with a chopstick or something. Can't vouch for how that'll work out as I only put a little more in before mine started to harden.

Also, try your damndest to keep everything out of the sun while you're working on it. Makes it expand even more and harden irritatingly fast.