Cool armor set up. I do not own the SOHPC, but I have been hearing some good reviews about this thing. Paraclete has always been a name associated with quality, and these guys make some good stuff. Personally I own a CIRAS by Eagle Industries, but there are no side plates on the thing, nor are there pockets for side plates. With today’s armor carriers, you should try to get stuff that at least has built in pockets for side plates. Of course you can always get the plates with MOLLE on them, and just attach it to your carrier, but that is kind of ‘hoopty’ to me.
The way I use armor is I make it part of a layering system. I wear a over vest or harness over the top of my armor, and so the lowest profile armor carriers are what I look for. My CIRAS is a little bulky, but extremely well built. My next purchase would be something a little more lightweight, more low profile, and has side plate capability–like the SOHPC. I also like the PACA low profile soft armor carrier with plate pockets. Oh, and I want something that will not fight my arms, when I tuck in to hold my rifle. I do not have a wide chest area, and armor carriers always get in the way of shooting for me. Also, I like a shoulder pocket that is conducive towards shooting. Some vests are better than others in this department.
My layering system works great, if you wear a pistol on your belt. That way, if you take your vest/patrol harness off, you still have a weapon and you still have armor. I mention this because at some FOBs and remote camps, you might want to wear your vest as much as you can, but not necessarily your full combat load. Or even at the bigger bases, if they were attacked consistently with rockets/mortars, the base commanders would give the order that everyone is to wear their body armor. That means you are are wearing your vest at the chow hall.
For security contracting, good body armor is priceless. I highly suggest you buy your own, and invest in quality when you do so. Do not depend on these companies to provide you with quality stuff, because most do not. Same thing with helmets. For my helmet, I have really tweaked it out with some quality comfort items to make that thing ride like a Cadillac on my head. (right…it still sucks to wear-LOL)
Oh, and one more thing. Don’t just buy this stuff out of the blue, without talking to a sales rep. The sizing of this stuff is very finicky. Large and Medium and Small are all different with these companies. If you ask these guys about how to size for your body, they will totally help you. If anything, go just a bit smaller than what you would think. My rule of thumb for armor, is if I sit in a vehicle for 12 hours straight, will the plates and armor rest on my legs and annoy the shit out of me, or is it set up just right so it doesn’t pinch on my legs.
For me, I bought a Medium sized CIRAS, just for that reason. It fit perfect, and it totally worked out to barely miss my legs while sitting. Plus the thing is adjustable so I can get it off my legs. But if you get a vest that swims on you, your adjustments won’t do much. I learned this the hard way with an oversized TA 50. Like I said, talk it up first with the sales rep. Also, do your research on the forums, like www.lightfighter.net . –Head Jundi
Special Operations Hard Plate Carrier by Paraclete
Product Information
Hard plate carrier with next generation side closure includes integral soft armor side protection and easy-to-position side plates.
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