Both are designed to hold Level III or Level IV plates with the protection level specified by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) 0101.6 testing standard. In the unit we tested, Level III protection was specified, but the plates alone are not Level III rated. They are “ICW” or “in conjunction with” plates that offer the Level III protection when paired over a soft panel. Make sure that if you purchase the Rack or the Carrier, you know what plates you intend to put in it or order with it for the protection level you desire.

In the Plate Carrier system, the shoulder straps and cummerbund also hold soft armor panels for additional protection. Both systems are designed for easy-on/easy-off wear. In today’s world of potential active assailant response, getting it on fast matters, and if you ever fall into water wearing it, quick off becomes immediately imperative.

The cummerbund on both systems is easily adjustable using G-Hooks, and the shoulder straps are easily adjustable as well. As with any wear test, the first thing we had to do was make the Plate Carrier fit comfortably. We wore the system over a combat shirt and, after the first few hours of wear testing, were thankful for the removable Eurus ventilation panels front and rear. Our Editorial Director commented on how that was one of his favorite features. Not only did the Eurus panels make it more comfortable but they also provided ventilation to make the Carrier cooler to wear for extended periods of time, and he commented that if you were wearing it and got hit in the plate(s), that padding would have to help lessen the felt impact as well (his observation; not a published feature). The option of ventilated padding was considered a good design feature all the way around.

While the Plate Rack comes with a slick front (still covered with laser-cut Tank Track for mounting pouches, etc.) the Plate Carrier comes with a magazine pouch designed to hold three AR-15/ M4 (or similar) magazines. The front of that pouch and above it on the front of the Carrier is also cut with Tank Track for additional mounting.

After adjusting for fit, the Plate Carrier was worn for two full days of training to include a Range Day, building clearing, tracking and other courses. On range day, the mag pouch on the front was used as designed, carrying three 30-round magazines. The primary observations made after that wear testing were comfort attributed to the shoulder straps padding and Eurus panels, and the balanced feeling despite the added weight of loaded magazines on the front.

The Plate Carrier was worn for an additional three days that could be considered “routine,” removed when inside to stay cool in the air-conditioning, and put back on every time the testing officer went back outside on his shift. The ease of taking the Carrier off and getting it back on made the in- and out-of-the-station transitions easier, according to his comments.

Taking all of the above into consideration, OFFICER Media Group is pleased to award the Point Blank FAS G4-PC system the “Tested-Field Rated” Seal of Approval.