Best Airsoft Plate Carriers: Top 5 Picks

Airsoft plate carriers are an essential piece of gear for anyone into MilSim or well for anyone that wants the look and feel of real military gear in their loadout.

Plate carriers provide a great way to carry ammunition, hydration packs, and other items needed to stay prepared during an airsoft game. Also, they add a nice element of realism to your look.

Now plate carriers come in a range of sizes, styles, and shapes so it can be tricky to decide on the right one for your needs.

That’s why we’ve taken the time to review five of the best airsoft plate carriers currently on the market so you can make an informed decision.

Best Airsoft Plate Carriers

#	Image	Product	Score	Browse
1		Crusader 2.0 Tactical Molle Quick Release Buckles Vest	9.4
2		OneTigris Griffin AFPC Modular Vest	9.1
3		Shellback Tactical Skirmish Plate Carrier	9
4		Condor Defender Plate Carrier	8.5
5		5.11 Tactical Prime Combat Vest	8

What to Look for When Buying an Airsoft Plate Carrier?

Now, as we mentioned in the introduction to this article, choosing the right plate carrier can be tricky. So, we have created a list of factors you should consider before buying one.

• Size and fit: The plate carrier should fit snugly and comfortably, without impeding your movement or range of motion. It should be adjustable to accommodate different body types and sizes.
• Material: The plate carrier should be made from a durable material that can withstand the rigors of airsoft gameplay. Nylon and polyester are common materials used in plate carriers, and they offer a good balance of durability and flexibility.
• Storage space: The plate carrier should provide ample storage space for your airsoft gear, such as spare magazines, BBs, tools, and other accessories. Look for plate carriers with multiple pouches and compartments to store your gear securely and within easy reach.
• Durability: The plate carrier should be able to withstand the impacts and abrasions of airsoft gameplay. Look for plate carriers with reinforced stitching and heavy-duty buckles and straps to ensure they can withstand the rigors of the game.
• Compatibility with other gear: The plate carrier should be compatible with other airsoft gear, such as different magazine pouches and etc.. This will allow you to customize your loadout and carry the gear you need for a particular airsoft game.
• Price and value: The price of the plate carrier should be in line with its features and capabilities. Look for plate carriers that offer a good balance of features, durability, and affordability.
• Type of airsoft game: The type of airsoft game you’ll be using the plate carrier for will determine the type and amount of gear you need to carry. For example, if you’re playing a long-range sniping game, you’ll need a plate carrier with ample storage space for spare magazines and BBs.
• Comfort and ventilation: The plate carrier should be comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, and it should allow for adequate ventilation to prevent overheating. Look for plate carriers with padded shoulder straps and ventilation panels to keep you cool and comfortable during gameplay.
• Weight: The plate carrier should be lightweight and easy to maneuver, especially if you’ll be carrying a lot of gear. Look for plate carriers made from lightweight materials that won’t weigh you down or impede your movement.
• Camouflage: If you’re playing airsoft in a wooded or outdoor environment, the plate carrier should be camouflaged to help you blend in with your surroundings. This will help you remain hidden and avoid detection by the enemy team.

1. Crusader 2.0 Tactical Molle Quick Release Buckles Vest with Side Cummerbund Pouches and Triple mag Pouch

For a live-action operation, you need to be armed to the teeth with the right plate vest. One such plate vest that can serve you best is the Crusader 2.0 Tactical Molle Quick Buckles Plate Vest.

The Crusader 2.0 tactical plate vest is one of the different products of Redemption Tactical. It is available on multiple marketplaces, including the Amazon Store, Ubuy, and the Redemption Tactical official website. You can get it for roughly $150 to $160 in customizable colors and dimensions.

This tactical vest has different qualities that point it out from the competitors. Firstly, its shoulder straps can be rapidly undone, like the waist straps. You may encounter a sudden medical emergency, and there may be a need to bug out. In such events, you should be able to swiftly remove the vest.

Also included in this package is a triple-stack magazine bag. It can be attached to the placard using the buckles located on the front of the bag. These magazine carriers have a color similar to OD green. The material used to make them is more durable, which ensures that the magazines contained within will be kept safe.

Additionally, the vest features a handy zipped administration bag that contributes to keeping everything in its proper place. They come equipped with cummerbunds on the side, which allow the installation of sides into them.

Furthermore, the vest features two pockets that can accommodate up to one inch of thick, 10×12-inch Redemption Tactical foam pads each. The pouch has a sturdy zipper that will keep the foam from slipping out of its confines. 

This vest features an updated Molle system that is laser cut, which makes it possible to secure your belongings better. Note that the padding for the inside of the hook and loop is sold separately by the manufacturer.

Features

• Buckle closure 
• Nylon material
• Works with hand wash only
• The shoulders and waist include quick-release buckles called Quick Disconnect QD Buckles for easy on-and-off.
• Black, breathable mesh pads at the front and back; effective for controlling its soak up of sweat.
• Contains side pouches for extra items
• Contains a triple-stacked magazine pouch that can hold six magazines total—three large in the back row and three small in the front
• Designed to resist the stress of any operation
• You can alter the size of a cummerbund by opening a flap located at the back.
• Comes with shoulder pads, back pads, and chest pads 
• Easily access your essentials (phone, munchies, keys, maps, etc.) in the zippered front admin pouch.
• Contains a laser-cut mole that makes it easy to connect additional pockets to your vest.

2. OneTigris Griffin AFPC Modular Vest

Produced from premium 500D Cordura, the Griffin vest is one of the trademark vests from OneTigris. This vest features removable breathability padding, a padded and reinforced shoulder strap, and quick-release functionality. Its 1.3kg weight makes it a lightweight gear that won’t weigh you down while hunting.

With its UTX buckles and 500D Cordura nylon, you need not worry about abrasion, water, or dirt. Its resistance to these elements makes it the best option for airsoft. The Griffin AFPC also has a wide cummerbund with utility pockets and hidden hooks to shield your sides. 

The Griffin’s four removable breathability paddings allow excellent airflow during outdoor activities like hunting, climbing, camping, etc. This design is adjustable to fit different body sizes with adaptable upper waist sizes and shoulder straps.

The OneTigris Griffin AFPC Modular Vest incorporates 3” by 6” patch panels for your morale patches and name patches. The patch panels are on both sides of the vest. There are also several MOLLEs around the vest for your hydration pack, equipment, pouches, etc. This tactical vest incorporates a Multicam plate carrier, which is ideal as a large-capacity carrier for army training, shooting, hunting, paintball, and airsoft. 

The Griffin modular vest is very easy to wear and adjust. It is also specially designed and adjustable for men. Once it is fully adjusted, it fits properly. The foam plates may be slightly bulky and stiff on your first trial. However, the foam plates will become relatively soft as you continue to use them. Furthermore, the several MOLLE that this tactical vest features make it super versatile and give it enough room for pouches and pockets. You can keep your extra airsoft gun magazines, knives, weapon cleaning kits, comms, water, protein bars, red rags, additional airsoft BBs, and sidearms like shotguns or handguns in the pockets.

The OneTigris Griffin AFPC Modular Vest is perfect for holding your gears on the airsoft field. It gives its users adequate control over their equipment. It also makes it easy for players to move around the combat zones without restrictions. This vest gives you an edge over your opponents because you have every piece of equipment you need to win your objective in one place. Its tactical operator status protects your body from potential airsoft BBs.

This tactical vest also comes with different layers of extra fabric. This cushions the effect of incoming airsoft BBs on players. Its extra shielding and cushioning also create an extra level of defense during gameplay.

Conclusively, this OneTigris signature vest offers optimum adaptability, breathability, and quick-release functionality. It is perfect for outdoor activities like hunting, shooting, army training, climbing, camping, etc. It is easy to store and carry. It can also be folded into a small size for easy movement.

Features

• Detachable front MOLLE flap with chest rig compatibility
• 500D Cordura Nylon offering abrasion, water, and dirt resistance
• Removable breathability padding for excellent airflow
• Wide cummerbund with utility pockets and hidden hooks to shield your sides
• Reinforced, quick release and padded shoulder straps with adjustable length

3. Shellback Tactical Skirmish Plate Carrier

Before you go on a live-action mission or journey, you need a plate carrier to serve as your ultimate companion. Plate carriers are fabric vests with armor plates around them for holding resourceful items in action. One such highly reliable plate vest is the Shellback Tactical Skirmish Plate Carrier.

This vest is one of the products of Shellback Tactical Company, which was established in 2003. The company became famous for the BansheeTM Rifle Plate Carrier. Presently, this plate carrier is used by members of the armed forces, police officers, and those who respond to emergencies worldwide. 

With Shellback Tactical Skirmish Plate Carrier, you will have a better chance of avoiding harm even when confronted with the most hazardous of circumstances. The Skirmish boasts several practical features. 

These include a breathable 3D spacer mesh, an adjustable shoulder strap and cummerbund, and PALS webbing for connecting MOLLE pouches. You should also purchase a Shellback Tactical Skirmish Plate Carrier to prepare yourself for the next mission. 

This lightweight plate carrier is made to last. It has a sturdy construction out of 500 D CORDURA® ballistic nylon and bar tacks at stress locations. A kangaroo pocket in the front allows you to keep your mission essentials close at hand. These could range from a portable radio to a set of multitools, a first aid kit, or whatever is easily accessible.

Furthermore, there is PALS webbing on the front, back, and cummerbund for attaching modular equipment. The shoulder and cummerbund straps are fully adjustable to fit your body and the weight of your pack. The Skirmish is one of the lowest-weight plate carriers available, at about 1.9 pounds when empty.

Skirmish comes in several colors, including black, coyote, and ranger green. The price ranges from $119.99 to $164.99, making it affordable concerning its many features.

Features

• Made of 500 Denier Nylon that makes it is durable
• Ideal for use with 10×12 shooter plates as well as SAPI cut ballistic plates
• Cummerbunds may accommodate a soft armor insert with dimensions of 13.75 inches by 5.5 inches if the user so chooses.
• A low profile for easy movement
• When empty, it weighs less than 1.9 ounces, making it extremely portable.
• Molle loop panels for identifying badges are included on both the front and rear of the vest.
• The chest, back, and shoulder pads all have a 3D spacer mesh padding for added comfort. 
• PALS webbing is located on the chest, back, and cummerbund for the connection of modular bag straps.
• Kangaroo pocket located on the front of the vest for placing magazines
• Equipped with a rear drag handle
• Uses heavy-duty bar tacking at key stress points
• Shoulder straps may be adjusted to fit a wide range of sizes. It’s customizable due to the buckles that are attached to them.
• Featuring a fully adjustable cummerbund that can be adjusted to fit various waist sizes
• The product comes with a lifetime warranty
• It is claimed to be imported

OUR RATING

We review our products on a 1 to 10 scale. The higher the score the better the product quality is in the performance category.

4. Condor Defender Plate Carrier

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Key Features:

• This affordable carrier features internal sleeves for both soft armor and plate front and back, a feature not always found at such an aggressive price point.
• This carrier will fit plates up to a 10.75” x 13.25” footprint.

 Condor does not come out and clearly state the core material used in this plate carrier but based on the layout and appearance of this carrier it is likely using a standard nylon-based material. This carrier does incorporate mesh and padding throughout the internal sections of the carrier. Although the materials are likely not brand name, they typically stand up to regular use.

 This Condor carrier does not utilize brand name or premium materials; its durability must be looked upon with some skepticism. This carrier will likely support and stand up to some regular use, but is not optimized for daily hard use, as the stitching and materials are not optimized for this. However, given the proliferation of tactical materials in the industry each user should monitor the condition of their carrier during its lifespan, to ensure reliability.

 This carrier uses a basic style of heavyweight nylon MOLLE webbing. The normal faces on the front, rear, and sides have standard rows of webbing. This carrier’s layout is generic and would easily fit a variety of pouches and gear. The drag handle also appears to be well made and serviceable.

 There is nothing innovative or drastically different with this carrier’s design, as it uses a lot of the features and layouts found on most basic plate carriers. The MOLLE is plentiful as it covers all the sides, but there are no additional Velcro sections or clips incorporated into the design.

 The cummerbund is fully adjustable and can accept side plate pouches. Just like with the rest of this carrier, the cummerbund is also of a basic design, allowing for gear to easily be attached to the MOLLE. 

 This Condor carrier uses padding on the interior faces of the carrier, as well as padded shoulder straps to provide a comfortable carrier fit. The basic mesh layout on the interior of the carrier also lends itself to decent airflow and comfort.

The carrier would be best utilized in a civilian or secondary role. It does not incorporate a lot of the premium features a lot of other carriers do in the sub-$200.00 price point. The carrier can likely withstand some regular use, if it is not used heavily in dynamic operations. This carrier also uses very basic and traditional concepts in its layout and construction. Condor products typically are designed and made to a budget price point, and users should have realistic expectations of their products.

Pros

• Good value for money
• Incorporates basic elements for an affordable plate carrier

Cons

• Questionable long-term durability
• Lacks adjustability found on similar carriers

OUR RATING

We review our products on a 1 to 10 scale. The higher the score the better the product quality is in the performance category.

Performance Category	Rating Score
Durability	8.5
Material Quality	8
Comfort	9
Design	9.5
Webbing	8
Cummerbund	9
Overall Score	8.5

5. 5.11 Tactical Prime Combat Vest

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Key Features:

• The minimalist design on this carrier offers users the maximum versatility within the smallest footprint of any budget carrier on this list or across most offerings.
• The price point allows newer users or those on a tighter budget to purchase a carrier with a decent level of durability, enabling them to have access to a quality method of employing personal armor.
• In the world of sewing MOLLE to every surface, there is something to be said about employing a simple slick sided carrier, which a garment or other web gear can then be placed over.

 The Prime Combat Vest uses 500D nylon as the primary material, along with padded body panels. The vest also appears to incorporate reinforced stitching throughout. The straps and adjustments appear to be standard quality hook and loop. 

 By no means is this carrier designed for regular duty use. This carrier would be very useful in regular low-profile areas or executive use in less permissive environments. In these less dynamic situations this carrier would excel as this would not wear the material out prematurely.

 The vest deliberately lacks sewn in MOLLE webbing. This vest incorporates hook and loop (Velcro) along all the major faces and different pouches and web gear can be attached to or used in conjunction with this plate carrier.

 Overall this vest is designed to empower a user to easily wear and utilize body armor, but without the additional enhancements of integrated pouches and MOLLE. The simple configuration is designed to carry armor and nothing else.

 This carrier is not designed for use with a cummerbund, instead relying on two nylon straps and buckles to secure the lower portion of the carrier. If a user needed to, a cummerbund could be modified and incorporated into this carrier, but that is employing this product outside of its intended roles.

 Given that this vest is designed to carry just plates and minimal additional items, it would be a bit more comfortable due to that simple fact. The vest uses basic shoulder straps but incorporates padded section along the inside of the vest, to make the carrier more breathable and spread the weight of the plates out along the chest and back. Paired with the correct clothing, this carrier could be worn comfortably for extended periods of time.

The 5.11 Combat Vest is best used in lower threat environments or where concealment of armor is better utilized. By maintaining a lower profile, the vest enables users to not attract as much attention as someone using a duty carrier setup, with magazines and gear looped all over a carrier. This vest is also ideal for low-profile civilian details or duty details, where discretion is key. With the use of such a vest, users should have additional gear and equipment staged nearby in a bag or vehicle to enhance their capabilities should their status be compromised.

Pros

• Very good value for money
• Optimized for lower profile environments and use
• Can be used in conjunction with other web gear

Cons

• Lacks built-in MOLLE webbing
• Minimal comfort enhancements (lacks a lot of padding)

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OUR RATING

We review our products on a 1 to 10 scale. The higher the score the better the product quality is in the performance category.

Performance Category	Rating Score
Durability	7
Material Quality	8
Comfort	7
Design	8.5
Webbing	none
Cummerbund	none
Overall Score	8

Conclusion

When choosing an airsoft plate carrier, it is important to consider several factors. Firstly, it is important to consider the fit and comfort of the carrier, as you will be wearing it for extended periods of time during gameplay.

Additionally, you should consider the durability and quality of the carrier, as it will be subjected to rough handling and the elements. The carrier should also have a good load-bearing capacity, allowing you to carry all the necessary gear and equipment without feeling weighed down. Finally, it is important to consider the price and value of the carrier, ensuring that you are getting the best plate carrier for your money.

All-in-all, we hope our review of the top five airsoft plate carriers has been helpful in guiding you on your search for the perfect one. Now get out there and have some fun! Good luck!