Choosing the best placard for plate carrier can make a world of difference when it comes to setting up your plate carrier.
A placard is an accessory that attaches to the front of a plate carrier and provides additional storage for magazines, medical supplies, and other mission-critical equipment.
The proper placard can make your plate carrier more comfortable, functional, and suited to your specific needs. In this article, we’ll highlight the features and benefits of some of the best placards available on the market today.
The market for placards for plate carriers is actually quite large, with a lot of different options available. By focusing on the features that are most important to you, you can narrow your options and find the ideal placard for your requirements.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best placards for plate carriers based on our research. Whether you are a law enforcement officer, a member of the military, or a civilian, this list contains a placard that will meet your needs.
These placards have been evaluated based on their construction, durability, versatility, and compatibility with various plate carrier models. Additionally, we have considered comfort, weight, and usability.
There is a placard for every situation on this list, from low-profile placards designed for covert operations to high-capacity placards for long-term missions. If you’re searching for the best placard for your plate carrier, continue reading to learn more about our top choices.
What Is a Plate Carrier Placard?
A placard is a modular, removable, and interchangeable piece of equipment that attaches to the front of the plate carrier. They provide additional storage for mission-critical equipment and offer a quick and easy way to make changes in your plate carrier loadout configurations depending on your mission needs.
Placards come in various sizes and designs, allowing for different types of ammunition or gear to be stored and accessed quickly. Common placards are designed to hold magazines, medical supplies, radios, and other items.
Not all plate carriers will accept all types of placards and some don’t accept any.
Best Placards for Plate Carriers
| # | Image | Product | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Blackhawk Foundation Series First Responder Placard |  |
| 2 |  | Spiritus Systems OTB Placard 5.56X45 | |
| 3 |  | HRT Tactical Gear Maximus Placard | |
| 4 |  | HRT Tactical Gear Triple AR Placard | |
| 5 |  | Raine Tactical Gear MOLLE Placard | |
| 6 |  | Mayflower Triple 7.62 Placard | |
| 7 |  | HRT Tactical Gear Shotgun Placard | |
1. Blackhawk Foundation Series First Responder Placard
The BLACKHAWK Foundation Series First Responder Placard is an adaptable and dependable piece of tactical equipment designed for law enforcement officers, military personnel and home defense scenarios.
This placard provides easy access to your primary and secondary weapon magazines and a micro IFAK pouch for medical supplies.
The First Responder Placard has a triple magazine insert that is compatible with AR-style platforms. It’s completely adjustable and removable so you can customize it to your mission requirements.
The 5.56 triple magazine insert allows you to secure your magazines with a shock cord for added security. This is especially useful when you need to quickly reload your weapon in a fast-paced situation.
The First Responder Placard also has two double-stacked pistol magazines in addition to the triple magazine insert. This allows you to carry additional ammunition for your sidearm in a convenient and accessible manner, allowing you to be fully prepared for any situation.
And at the front center of the placard, you have the micro IFAK pouch which provides rapid access to medical supplies and equipment. This pouch is designed to hold essential items such as tourniquets, bandages, and chest seals, allowing you to administer life-saving medical care when necessary.
The First Responder Placard is constructed from tough 1000D/500D laminate material, making it both lightweight and durable. Its low-profile laser-cut design also contributes to the placard’s compactness and maneuverability, reducing bulk.
It also features a heavy-duty loop with backing for added security. This loop enables you to securely attach the placard to your plate carrier or chest rig, ensuring that it remains in place even during rigorous activities.
The First Responder Placard’s side buckles are compatible with the Foundation Series Chest Rig, allowing you to quickly switch between different tactical configurations. These buckles are also detachable, allowing the placard to be utilized with the Foundation Series Plate Carrier or other compatible plate carriers.
The BLACKHAWK Foundation Series First Responder Placard is regarded as one of the most effective placards available for plate carriers. With its adjustable magazine insert and micro IFAK pouch, this placard provides quick and easy access to all of your mission-critical gear.
It was designed specifically for AR-style platforms. Its rugged 1000D/500D laminate construction and heavy-duty loop with backing make it a dependable tactical option. Overall, the BLACKHAWK Foundation Series First Responder Placard is an essential accessory and one of the best available placards for a plate carrier.
Pros
- It is designed for AR-style platforms and can accommodate numerous types of magazines and medical supplies, making it adaptable to a variety of circumstances.
- The rugged 1000D/500D laminate material and heavy-duty loop with backing make it a dependable tactical option.
- A lightweight and low-profile laser-cut design reduces bulk and overall loadout weight.
- The detachable side buckles are compatible with the Foundation Series Chest Rig and can be used with the Foundation Series Plate Carrier for even more customization options.
Cons
- It may not be compatible with platforms that are not AR-style, limiting its versatility.
2. Spiritus Systems OTB Placard 5.56X45
The Spiritus Systems OTB Placard 5.56X45 is a really great quality placard that sets the standard for what a quality placard should be. It has a minimalistic and low profile design and it’s actually a quite simple design, that focuses more on functionality than on some fancy looks.
This placard is super straightforward. It pretty much just has 3 open-top magazine slots that can be used to store 5.56X45 magazines or other tactical gear that can fit in those pouches.
Its design is well thought out, and the usage of elastic creates form-fitting cells that can hold a variety of mission-critical equipment. Unlike other elastic pouches on the market, Spiritus Systems utilizes webbing at the base of the system instead of sewing it completely shut. This innovative design allows for maximum flex and articulation, which assists in eliminating the “birthing” effect that can cause items to be pushed out of the pouch.
For a secure attachment to your plate carrier, the back of the Spiritus Systems OTB Placard is fully lined with hard loop Velcro. This ensures that the placard stays in place even during the most rigorous activities, allowing the user to focus on the mission at hand with confidence.
The OTB 5.56 Placard has a webbing strap with Velcro and a snap that distinguishes it from the standard placard.
Overall, the Spiritus Systems OTB Placard 5.56X45 is a great quality placard that can easily be attached to your plate carrier or chest rig. Its low profile and simple design make it a great way to carry your mission-critical gear, while its durable construction ensures that it will stand up to the toughest of conditions.
Pros
- Low profile design for maximum maneuverability
- Open-top magazine slots can hold a variety of mission-critical gear
- Elastic helps form-fitting cells that eliminate “birthing” effect
- Fully lined hard loop Velcro backing for secure attachment to a plate carrier
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting use in any environment.
Cons
- May not be ideal for those who need more storage space.
- No pockets or compartments to store smaller items.
- Very minimalistic design
3. HRT Tactical Gear Maximus Placard
The HRT Tactical Gear Maximus Placard is without a doubt one of the best placards for plate carriers currently available on the market. Its compact yet highly durable design makes it an essential addition to any tactical equipment kit. The placard is constructed with 500 Denier Cordura material and reinforced stitched Duraflex buckle attachment systems, making it durable.
Its triple M4-style magazine inserts, two handgun magazine pouches with polymer inserts, and two general-purpose zipper pockets make it an excellent option for individuals who need rapid access to their ammunition and other equipment. The HRT Tactical Gear Maximus Placard, measuring 9.25 x 7 inches, is highly versatile and can be used in a variety of situations.
Triple M4-style magazine inserts distinguish the HRT Tactical Gear Maximus Placard as a distinguishing feature. These inserts can accommodate up to three magazines, ensuring that the user always has quick access to their ammunition. The design of the magazine inserts ensures that the magazines remain in place and do not fall out during movement or strenuous activity.
The Maximus Placard includes two polymer-lined magazine pouches for handguns. The polymer inserts hold the magazines securely in place and prevent them from rattling during movement. The pouches are located on the sides of the magazine inserts to ensure that they do not take up too much room and are easily accessible.
The front of the HRT Tactical Gear Maximus Placard features two zippered pockets for general use. These pockets are ideal for storing small items like first aid kits, flashlights, and extra batteries. The pockets are well-designed, and the zippers are durable and simple to operate.
Hooks on the back of the HRT Tactical Gear Maximus Placard are designed to mate with loops on the front of a carrier or vest to keep it firmly in place. The hook face prevents the placard from moving while the user is on the move. The hook-and-loop attachment system is simple to use, and the placard can be quickly attached or detached as required.
While the functionality and durability of the HRT Tactical Gear Maximus Placard are undeniably its most significant selling points, the variety of colors it is available in is also noteworthy. The Maximus Placard has you covered whether you’re looking for a subdued Coyote Brown, a tactical Ranger Green, or a timeless Black.
The various color options make it easier to match your tactical gear and blend in with the environment, making it a versatile and useful addition to your kit. The fact that the HRT Tactical Gear Maximus Placard is available in multiple colors contributes to its popularity among tactical enthusiasts.
The HRT Tactical Gear Maximus Placard is a high-quality, well-designed, and constructed product. The placard’s small size, durability, and ease of use make it an ideal addition to any tactical equipment set. The triple M4-style magazine inserts, two handgun magazine pouches, and general-purpose zipper pockets make this a great option for those who need rapid access to their ammunition and other equipment. We would strongly recommend the HRT Tactical Gear Maximus Placard to anyone in the market for a durable and versatile placard.
Pros
- 500-denier cordura and reinforced stitching make for a durable construction.
- Triple M4 magazine inserts and two handgun magazine pouches with polymer magazine inserts for quick ammunition access.
- Integrated Duraflex buckle attachment system for simple attachment to HRT, HRAC, and RAC plate carriers or Duraflex buckle systems.
Cons
- Exclusive compatibility with particular plate carriers and buckle systems.
4. HRT Tactical Gear Triple AR Placard
The HRT Tactical Gear Triple AR Placard is a premium accessory designed to improve the usability and comfort of your plate carrier or vest. This placard is well-designed and constructed, with three M4-style magazine pouches secured by bungee retention and polymer inserts. The placard is constructed of durable 500 Denier Cordura fabric and includes an integrated Duraflex Buckle attachment system for simple and secure attachment to your carrier or vest.
The HRT Triple AR Placard is notable for its compact and lightweight construction. The placard’s dimensions of 9.25 by 7 inches make it an ideal size for individuals who need quick access to their ammunition without sacrificing mobility or comfort. The placard’s lightweight design ensures that it will not add unnecessary bulk or weight to your carrier or vest, allowing you to move quickly and in comfort.
The compatibility of the HRT Triple AR Placard with the HRT HRAC and RAC plate carriers, as well as the Duraflex buckle system, is another great feature. This means that the placard can be easily attached to your existing gear without the need for additional hardware or equipment. Even during intense physical activity, the integrated Duraflex Buckle attachment system ensures that the placard remains securely in place.
The HRT Triple AR Placard provides an abundance of storage space for your essential gear and equipment. The three M4-style magazine pouches are large enough to hold standard AR15 magazines, while the polymer inserts and bungee retention system keep the magazines securely in place. Additionally, the placard has two zippered general-purpose pockets on the front, providing ample storage space for smaller items such as first aid kits, tools, and personal items.
The HRT Tactical Gear Triple AR Placard is constructed of high-quality materials designed to withstand heavy use and harsh environments. The 500 Denier Cordura fabric is extremely resistant to abrasion, tears, and punctures, ensuring that the placard can withstand even the most challenging environments. The placard is a dependable and long-lasting addition to your tactical gear collection due to its reinforced stitching and Duraflex Buckle attachment system.
The limited storage capacity of the HRT Triple AR Placard is a potential drawback. While the three magazine pouches and two general-purpose pockets provide ample storage space for essential gear and equipment, larger items such as hydration bladders or larger first aid kits may require additional storage space. The HRT Triple AR Placard is, however, an excellent option for those who need quick access to their ammunition and smaller essential items.
Black in color, the HRT Tactical Gear Triple AR Placard is versatile and tactical. Although it may not be the most attractive or flashy color, it is a sensible option for those who prioritize functionality over appearance.
The placard’s black color allows it to blend well with a variety of plate carriers and tactical configurations, making it a versatile option for those who frequently switch between different loadouts. In addition, the placard’s black color reduces the visibility of any dirt or wear and tear it may acquire over time, thereby preserving its clean and professional appearance.
Overall, the HRT Tactical Gear Triple AR Placard is a high-quality and well-designed accessory that is ideal for those who need quick access to their ammunition and other essential equipment. The placard’s small size, light weight, and usability make it an excellent addition to any tactical equipment.
The durable 500 Denier Cordura fabric and integrated Duraflex Buckle attachment system ensure that the placard can withstand even the harshest environments, while the ample storage capacity and practical design make it a versatile and dependable accessory for any circumstance.
Pros
- Bungee retention and polymer inserts hold three rifle magazines of the M4 style securely.
- 500 Denier Cordura is a resilient and lightweight material.
- Equipped with an integrated Duraflex Buckle attachment system for simple connection to HRT HRAC and RAC plate carriers.
- Hooks on the back of the placard mate with loops on the front of a carrier or vest to keep it firmly in place.
Cons
- Those who need to carry more than three M4-style magazines may not find this bag suitable.
5. Raine Tactical Gear MOLLE Placard
The Raine Tactical Gear MOLLE Placard is intended to improve the functionality of plate carriers by adding MOLLE compatibility to carriers with Hook/Loop front flaps. The MOLLE Placard is an adaptable accessory that is compatible with any plate carrier with a Hook/Loop front flap. The placard integrates into the RTG Plate Carrier System, allowing the user to carry additional gear or equipment with a variety of customization options.
The MOLLE Placard is attached to the plate carrier using a hook and standard buckles, ensuring a secure and dependable connection. The placard is made from a durable laminate material that is both rugged and lightweight, providing a balance between durability and functionality. The laser-cut MOLLE fields feature a sleek, low-profile design that reduces the placard’s overall weight while still providing ample space for personalization.
Versatility is one of the primary benefits of the Raine Tactical Gear MOLLE Placard. The placard is compatible with any plate carrier setup with a Hook/Loop front flap, making it a great option for those who already own a plate carrier but wish to improve its functionality. The placard provides a variety of customization options, allowing the user to add additional gear or equipment to their plate carrier based on their particular requirements.
Durability is another advantage of the Raine Tactical Gear MOLLE Placard. The laminate material used in the placard’s construction is designed to withstand the rigors of harsh environments, making it an ideal choice for those who require their equipment to be tough and durable. Additionally, the laser-cut MOLLE fields are durable and provide a secure attachment point for additional gear or equipment.
Additionally, the MOLLE Placard is extremely lightweight, making it an excellent option for those who must move quickly and efficiently. The placard’s sleek design reduces the overall weight of the carrier while still allowing for ample customization space. This is especially useful for those who need to carry a great deal of gear or equipment on their plate carrier but don’t want to be overburdened.
The fact that the Raine Tactical Gear MOLLE Placard is only compatible with plate carriers with a Hook/Loop front flap is a potential drawback. This may restrict its utility for owners of plate carriers without this feature. However, for those who possess this capability, the MOLLE Placard is a versatile and durable option with a variety of customization options.
In conclusion, the Raine Tactical Gear MOLLE Placard is a versatile and durable accessory that adds MOLLE compatibility to plate carriers, thereby enhancing their functionality. The placard is designed to function with any plate carrier with a Hook-and-Loop front flap and offers a variety of personalization options. Its durable laminate material, laser-cut MOLLE fields, and lightweight design make it an excellent option for those who demand tough, dependable, and effective equipment. Even though it is limited to plate carriers with a Hook/Loop front flap, the Raine Tactical Gear MOLLE Placard is a great option that provides a great deal of functionality and customization options for those who own this type of carrier.
Pros
- Versatile and customizable, allowing users to add MOLLE-compatible gear to their plate carrier setup.
- Durable laminate material ensures long-lasting use and can withstand harsh conditions.
- Laser cut MOLLE fields provide a secure and organized attachment system for gear.
- Compatible with a variety of plate carriers that use Hook/Loop front flaps.
Cons
- May not be compatible with plate carriers that do not feature Hook/Loop front flaps.
- Only adds MOLLE compatibility and does not provide any additional storage or functionality on its own.
6. MAYFLOWER TRIPLE 7.62 PLACARD
The Velocity Systems Mayflower Triple 7.62 Magazine Placard is one of the best placards for plate carriers that you can get for quick and easy access to your 7.62 NATO-chambered battle rifle magazines. It is a versatile option that allows you to customize and adapt your loadout to different situations due to its lightweight and compact design. This placard is a dependable option for keeping your magazines accessible in the field or on the range.
The placard features a quick-attach and quick-detach system based on the company’s SwiftClip attachment system, which makes exchanging magazine carriers quick and easy. This feature is particularly useful for those who plan to use firearms of different calibers, as the magazine carriers can be quickly adjusted to meet their needs.
The Velocity Systems Mayflower Triple 7.62 Magazine Placard provides a good balance between carrying capacity and weight by holding up to three magazines. It also includes three accessory pouches for storing additional equipment, such as a flashlight, first-aid kit, or multi-tool.
The center panel of the placard is equipped with hook-and-loop, making it ideal for attaching ID patches or other identifying marks. This feature is especially useful for law enforcement and military personnel who must be easily identifiable in stressful situations.
The dependability and durability of the Velocity Systems Mayflower Triple 7.62 Magazine Placard is one of its primary advantages. It is made entirely in the United States, ensuring high manufacturing standards. The sign is constructed from tough and resilient materials, allowing it to withstand heavy use and abuse in harsh environments. This makes it an ideal option for law enforcement and military personnel who require reliable equipment for life-or-death situations.
The Mayflower Triple 7.62 Magazine Placard from Velocity Systems is also highly customizable. The placard is easily adaptable to different body types and features a variety of attachment options for additional equipment and accessories. This makes it easy to tailor the placard to specific circumstances or needs. It is also compatible with a variety of plate carriers, allowing for simple integration into existing systems.
The Velocity Systems Mayflower Triple 7.62 Magazine Placard is a high-quality and dependable option for those seeking a compact and customizable magazine carrier for their 7.62 NATO-chambered assault rifle. Its quick-attach and quick-detach system, as well as its durable construction and customizable design, make it an excellent choice for law enforcement or military personnel who require gear they can rely on in challenging situations.
Pros
- Easy access to three additional magazines for 7.62 NATO-chambered assault rifles.
- Utilization is optimized through the use of a design that is both compact and adaptable.
- With the SwiftClip attachment system, magazine carriers can be quickly attached and detached.
- Includes accessory pouches and a hook-and-loop panel for ID patches in the center.
Cons
- Specifically designed for 7.62 NATO-chambered assault rifles, limiting its compatibility with other firearms.
7. HRT Tactical Gear Shotgun Placard
Shotgun enthusiasts will find the HRT Tactical Gear Shotgun Placard to be a highly functional and durable accessory. This placard is designed to work in tandem with the HRAC and RAC plate carriers, as well as any vest or carrier that is compatible, to provide an efficient storage solution for shotgun shells. The placard is made from 500 Denier Cordura of the highest quality, ensuring its durability even in harsh and demanding environments.
A notable characteristic of the HRT Shotgun Placard is its shell capacity. The placard can store up to 21 12-gauge 2-3/4 shells, making it ideal for shotgun enthusiasts who require easy access to their ammunition. Three rows of seven elastic sections hold the shells securely in place, ensuring that they remain in place even during vigorous physical activity.
Another notable feature of the HRT Shotgun Placard is its Duraflex Buckle attachment system. This integrated attachment system enables the placard to be easily and securely attached to the HRAC and RAC plate carriers, in addition to any vest or carrier that is compatible. Male and female attachments are included with the placard, making it an easy and convenient addition to your tactical gear.
The size of the HRT Shotgun Placard is an additional factor that makes it useful for any tactical setup. The placard measures 9.25 by 7 inches and is compact and streamlined, allowing for easy maneuverability and adaptability in high-pressure situations. In addition, the back of the placard has a hook face that mates with the loop face of the front of a carrier or vest, ensuring that the placard stays securely in place while in use.
In addition, its compatibility with HRAC and RAC plate carriers, as well as its Duraflex Buckle attachment system, make it a convenient and effective addition to any tactical setup. The HRT Tactical Gear Shotgun Placard is an excellent option if you’re looking for a reliable and sturdy shotgun placard.
The HRT Shotgun Placard is a highly functional and adaptable accessory for shotgun enthusiasts that provides a convenient and easily accessible storage solution for shotgun shells. To further improve the user experience, it may be necessary to add magazine pouches to the plate carrier or vest in order to carry additional ammunition or other accessories.
MOLLE, velcro, and snap-on pouches are among the various types of magazine pouches available for attachment to a plate carrier or vest. The type and size of mag pouch chosen will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the user. Combining the HRT Shotgun Placard with compatible mag pouches will provide an optimal storage solution for shotgun enthusiasts who value both convenience and functionality in their tactical equipment.
Overall, the HRT Tactical Gear Shotgun Placard is an outstanding accessory for shotgun enthusiasts who require easy access to ammunition. This placard is designed to withstand the rigors of intense tactical operations due to its 21-shell capacity, three rows of elastic sections, and rugged construction.
Pros
- Up to 21 shotgun shells can be stored, providing ample ammunition for extended use.
- The shells are held in place by elastic bands, allowing for easy access and preventing them from falling out.
- Produced from 500 Denier Cordura, a durable and resilient material capable of withstanding harsh environments.
- Compatible and compatible with HRT HRAC and RAC plate carriers, allowing for seamless integration.
Cons
- Because it can only accommodate 12-gauge 2-3/4 shells, it may not be suitable for all users.
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How to choose the best placard for a plate carrier?
When selecting a placard for your plate carrier, there are two really important things to consider. First is what type of placard attachments your plate carrier has and what type of placards it accepts. If your plate carrier doesn’t accept certain types of placards, then you won’t be able to use them.
The second factor is your mission and what pouches you need on your placard. Different placards can offer various kinds of pouches, so it’s important to consider what your needs are and pick the best one for you. Here you should think about your overall loadout, the type of gun you use, and any other gear or equipment that you may need to carry.
In addition to the two important factors above, there are also some other things you should consider and features that you should look for in a placard:
- Profile: You should look for a placard with a low profile that won’t make your plate carrier bulky or impede movement.
- Durability: It should be made from robust, durable materials to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use and long-term storage in harsh environments.
- Compatibility: Ensure that the placard you select is compatible with your gear and other accessories.
- Pouches on it: Make sure the placard you select comes with the pouches and compartments that are best suited for your mission.
- Color: Choose a placard that is available in colors that match or complement your plate carrier and other gear.
Overall, choosing the appropriate and the best placard for your plate carrier will depend on your specific needs and mission.
Key takeaways
- Placards are mission-critical equipment storage accessories that attach to the front of a plate carrier.
- Choosing the right placard for your plate carrier is essential for comfort, functionality, and meeting specific requirements.
- The market for placards is vast, but you can find the ideal placard for your needs by focusing on what you really need.
In conclusion, the best placard for a plate carrier will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Whether you are looking for something lightweight and low-profile or something with more capacity to store mission-critical gear, there is an option available that can meet your requirements.
We hope this article has provided helpful insight into some of the top options on the market today so that you can make an informed decision when it comes to choosing the right placard for your plate carrier setup. With careful consideration of these factors in mind, selecting a placard should be easy!
