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I'm very curious about the Costa Ludis cuts, I plan on ordering one on Monday when they re-stock. I appreciate the company's model. The price you see is the price you pay and you don't have to worry about add-ons and build-up bed-liner fees. If you pick out an 80$ plate on AR500's page it winds up being 150 once it winds up in your cart.
I had a hell of a hard time getting a plate carrier. Ordered a Veritas carrier from AR500 Armor about 6 weeks ago when the website was indicating a 1 week lead time. Finally shipped last night. Would not recommend using AR500 in the future. It was truly impossible to get in touch with their support teams via phone, email, OR social media.That's what I need to get to. My biggest issue right now is finding a plate carrier.
Would not recommend using AR500 in the future. It was truly impossible to get in touch with their support teams via phone, email, OR social media.
I had a hell of a hard time getting a plate carrier. Ordered a Veritas carrier from AR500 Armor about 6 weeks ago when the website was indicating a 1 week lead time. Finally shipped last night. Would not recommend using AR500 in the future. It was truly impossible to get in touch with their support teams via phone, email, OR social media.
When I was looking, Crye SPCs/Swimmers were on 12 week back order, and the story was similar for a lot of other vendors. If I could go back in time, I would get a cheap stopgap that is in stock and wait for something quality like the Crye. I was looking on LAPG last week and they seem to have some options in stock.
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As some other posters mentioned in this thread, there is an armor focused store in NH. I'd call there if you're having tons of trouble.
My biggest issue currently is I don't know WHAT to get. Once I figure that mess out I'll start looking at how to get it.
Steel has a place in the market for the reasons you describe. As for yay or nay, there are too many subjective considerations for anyone to make that call but you. I can at least share my decision-making process. I compensate for lack of first-hand experience by researching and analyzing until a decision became clear. For plates, consider:
You can't have it all. Evaluate each as factors within vs outside your control/knowledge. Also consider priority, what factors are negotiable vs non-negotiable to you. Cost is a known quantity. Anticipated threat is an educated guess. Duration of wear, like how many hours for how many days, is largely speculation. So whether your fitness and stamina are adequate for that duration of wear is a WAG.
- intended use
- anticipated threat --> NIJ rating
- duration of wear --> how much emphasis on weight
- urgency of purchase
- likelihood of using armor soon
- likelihood of restrictive legislation soon, whether taking a "last chance" mindset
- current and likely increasing backorders
- can you afford to wait and save up?
- budget approach
- buy once cry once?
- cheapest to get in the game?
- anywhere in-between?
- fitness level
- tolerance for more weight to save $
- willingness to spend more and save some sweat
- tolerance for risk of spall
So research and consider until your decision becomes clear. My personal conclusions each erred on the safe side.
I concluded the one thing I can know among the unknowns is cost. It's also an area I'm willing to compromise among those non-negotiables. So I was eyeing a pair of Hesco 4800 level IV uber-light ceramics for $2400 total. In some ways that's a lazy approach for me to take; perhaps I could have drilled down more and compromised on some more factors. But at some point analysis becomes paralysis and you just gotta do something, even if suboptimal.
- Assume my threat involves cutting-edge rounds like M855A1 --> level IV plates (EDIT: Now I remember level IV doesn't cover M855A1, but the Hesco 4800s are rated for it in addition to level IV, one more reason I sprung for them.)
- Assume long-duration of wear --> light weight.
- No armor works if you took it off due to exhaustion.
- I realistically don't have the stamina I did when training 6 days per week. Might get there again but better assume I won't.
- Assess high urgency --> order now.
- Significant backorders, only getting longer.
- Significant civil unrest and no reasonable expectation of cooling off before November election, likely only worsening immediately after as a response to the election.
- Many politicians discussing and proposing restrictive legislation. Realistic concern this may be my last chance to purchase armor before they're limited to secondhand or gray/black market.
- Assume high risk and lethality of spall --> don't get steel, regardless of coating.
Then Congress sent me a debit card that covered the cost.
I laughed long and hard at the irony while placing the order using that card. And if those plates save me from a round also funded by Congress, the ironic laughter might kill me.
what is your budget?
PM inbound brohamI can't say that I have one, but I'd prefer to stay under 500 if that's feasible. If I find it isn't I don't have an issue going over it.
I can't say that I have one, but I'd prefer to stay under 500 if that's feasible. If I find it isn't I don't have an issue going over it.
My biggest issue currently is I don't know WHAT to get. Once I figure that mess out I'll start looking at how to get it.
Always ran LBT6094's. As nice as the Crye's, half the price, no waiting in line behind endless amount of airsofters.
My biggest issue currently is I don't know WHAT to get. Once I figure that mess out I'll start looking at how to get it.
Find your favorite YouTube “Operator” and fanboy whatever carrier they recommend. Make sure you buy it from them too, so you support their Channel, LOL.
Seriously though, there are plenty of guys who have reviewed lots of products, so watch the videos, read the reviews and go from there. The reason there are so many options is because companies are always trying to develop the latest and greatest in one-size-fits-most. Figure out your body shape, then see which carrier works.
I’ve tried Condor as a budget option, but you pay for what you get. The Slickster is a great lightweight option, and can run slick (duh) under a jacket or clip in a front panel but the shoulder straps are thin if you carry any big loadout.My current setup is an Esstac Daedon with a Spiritus Systems micro panel. The knife is an Esee 4, and there is a Camelback hydration carrier on the back and Dark Angel Medical IFAK (not pictured). I’ve posted the pic elsewhere on the body armor thread.
I’m running AR500 Level IV (Gen 2) plates in one setup, and ShotStop Duritium GTs (Gen 2) in a second setup (with a Slickster and HSP DCR Heavy)
View attachment 387434
Edit: If you’re located in Central MA, I’d be open to meeting up for you to check out the carrier and plates before you invest your $$
I just set a calendar reminder for myself for Monday. Going to grab one of those same Costa plates.
what kind of plates? I ordered mine last week and they will be here by the weekendI have my carrier and I’m now waiting for the damn plates. Ordered in July, won’t be ready to ship until end of this month beginning of October supposedly. Blehhhhhh
4400 Hescos from Sabrewhat kind of plates? I ordered mine last week and they will be here by the weekend
So you don't have plates now and you are going to wait for your JPC before getting plates? I am confused?
Get plates, put them in the old carrier, and the whenever the JPC shows you'll be all set