Need some reviews-DBT Fast Attack PLate Carrier

[Ghostsequel]

Hey all, I've been playing airsoft now for a few months as often as I can, and I'm using a chest rig from JT right now.  It's great, but I'm starting to use more mags, want to add some grenades, blah blah, and was looking around at different gear suppliers online, searching these forums, stuff like that, and I'm looking at picking up a FAPC from Diamondback Tactical (honestly, I also want one just because I think they look friggin cool as hell) sometime in the next month or two.  I know some of you guys have experience with the thing, I was hoping you could give me some input/commentary, pros and cons, stuff like that.  One slight concern I have when looking at it with all the pouches and stuff on is that it appears it has a small surface area, meaning less space to mount pouches.  Anybody experience that, or is it just the pics?  Thanks.

[studdermonkey]

If you want it mainly because it looks cool, you're being dumb. I like it alot, but I'd only use it with the FAR, as well. Also, there are TONS of other threads talking about exactly this, so I won't type it all again. Do a friggin search.

[Ganef]

If you are hoping for more pals realestate you will not find it on the FAPC. The only way to roll with it is with the cumberbund and that has some problems mounting to the back panel without taking up too much pals area. azsarge rolled with one for a while, I am sure he will give you the lowdown in a moment...

[Ghostsequel]

If you want it mainly because it looks cool, you're being dumb. I like it alot, but I'd only use it with the FAR, as well. Also, there are TONS of other threads talking about exactly this, so I won't type it all again. Do a friggin search.

Not looking to buy it just because it's cool, chief.  Looking to buy it mostly because from what I've seen and heard of it, it seems like it could work for the layout I intend, and I hear it's pretty damned comfortable.  And yes, I'm also influenced by the looks of it...tell me that's not a factor behind the decisions you make on guns and gear.  :?

I've been doing some research on this carrier for a few days now, looking at old threads and such.  Just thought it'd be nice to lure out some more (constructive) opinions and commentary.  Always good to see there are such helpful guys out there willing to counsel a new player  :roll:

Ganef, thanks for the headsup on the cumberbund.

I'd still love to hear any useful reviews and opinions on this thing any of you guys have.

[Airsofter1]

If you want it mainly because it looks cool, you're being dumb.

Well if thats the case, then I should stop playing airsoft so I won't  be dumb.
 [smilie=armata_pdt_28.gif]

[Victor3]

I HAD one. Its functional, but It definately does NOT have enough Pals real estate. I sold mine and bought an Eagle PC w/ cumberbund. I like it a lot better.

[studdermonkey]

If you want it mainly because it looks cool, you're being dumb. I like it alot, but I'd only use it with the FAR, as well. Also, there are TONS of other threads talking about exactly this, so I won't type it all again. Do a friggin search.

Not looking to buy it just because it's cool, chief.  Looking to buy it mostly because from what I've seen and heard of it, it seems like it could work for the layout I intend, and I hear it's pretty damned comfortable.  And yes, I'm also influenced by the looks of it...tell me that's not a factor behind the decisions you make on guns and gear.  :?

I've been doing some research on this carrier for a few days now, looking at old threads and such.  Just thought it'd be nice to lure out some more (constructive) opinions and commentary.  Always good to see there are such helpful guys out there willing to counsel a new player  :roll:

Ganef, thanks for the headsup on the cumberbund.

I'd still love to hear any useful reviews and opinions on this thing any of you guys have.

If I was influenced by looks, I wouldn't have gotten a Wasatch or Ealge Chest Rig. I just was trying to say that there is hardly any PALS space on JUST the FAPC. You'd need the FAR to do anything at all, just as Ganef said. And if you're skinny, the FAR might not work that well. But that, right there, is just an educated guess. You'd still need to ask AZSarge on that one. Curiosity wants to ask, what color would you want it in? There was one for sale a while ago. Might still be for sale.

Ed, welcome to the Eagle Plate Carrier club! Sadly, feel free to take my spot.. as I'm leaving it :-(

[Ghostsequel]

Curiosity wants to ask, what color would you want it in? There was one for sale a while ago. Might still be for sale.

Ranger green.  I think it was Victor that had it for sale on the boards here, but it's sold already.  Besides, between tuition and christmas shopping, any purchase will have to wait until after New Years.

[Gantaliano Hoff]

Curiosity wants to ask, what color would you want it in? There was one for sale a while ago. Might still be for sale.

Ranger green.  I think it was Victor that had it for sale on the boards here, but it's sold already.  Besides, between tuition and christmas shopping, any purchase will have to wait until after New Years.

My kinda guy!  [smilie=armata_pdt_34.gif] Ranger green all the way!

[TimW]

I have the Eagle rig in OD and Khaki (w/cummerbund) in stock...one of each left.

Tim
yo friendly neighborhood gear pimp

[azsarge]

All those posts, and only ONE from anyone with first-hand knowledge. :roll:

I had one aw well.  Actually, I had two.

Like Victor3 pointed out, there is not much real-estate.  This is easily fixed by adding the armor cummerbund, but that takes it up to over 200 dollars.  

In addition to lack of space, it is floppy as hell unless you fill the plate pockets.  I used open-cell foam, but fake (or real, say "HEAVY") plates would work as well.

The Eagle PC with cummerbund is the way to go for a Plate Carrier, hands down.  I've never owned one, but they have tons of room for pouches and are comfortable and useable without plates.

If you just want a modular rig, try something like a RACK or MAV.  I have an Eagle RRV (this is my second one), and while a bit expensive, it is very versatile and comfortable.

[studdermonkey]

I wasn't aware you needed first hand knowledge to point out the real-estate blows from looking at pictures and fooling around with two or three beforehand.

But I second Christians comment, about getting a rack or mav. I've got no first had knowledge with the MAV, so sorry Christian. But, it's obvious by the pictures it's got plenty of room. And on the Rack, seeing a few in my day and wearing similar platforms. it's another way to go.

I just personally think, if you want modular space and mag capacity, get a woosatch. But, it's the kind of rig that you get and after a month, you downright hate. Ask about everyone here.. AA is the current ballcap and former satch club.

Edited to add: The Eagle plate carrier is an awesome rig, IMO. It's a "love it or hate it" thing. For example. Ian was set on getting one till' I told him exactly what Matt had pointed out to me: The cummerbund cover. It's 6 rows instead of 4. Meaning you need to center some mag pouches, which is something I've never done. But. I love the Rig. Ian is an example of someone who disliked it mainly for that and how small it is (s/m). I love it for both reasons. But, the CIRAS is better, and hence why mine is for sale.