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Fake/Training plates for plate carriers
Now I know this has been discussed before, however I can't find the thread I want to Necro using my search function so I figured I would start a fresh discussion. If someone want to point me to said thread(s) and toss this to the trash bin, by all means I would welcome it as to not clutter the forum.
I just acquired a brand new puurdy Multiglam Mayflower APC. It is a S/M with medium cummerbund; the max size plate this can accept is a 10x12". Now, I own a TMC JPC with TMC hollow plastic fake "medium" ESAPI plates; being 10x13" they are not, to my knowledge, true medium sized plates. They are slightly taller and thicker than the real deal. This said, they barely fit in my APC and when put-on and strapped-up it is much too tight, and the first bend I make deflates/crushes the hollow plates. Details of my angst aside, I am looking for options outside of dropping $200 on purchasing/shipping some WarriorTrail or TeamWendy training plates to my front door as for $200 there are many other things that seem more important to buy (here come the "The cost of being legit is high" comments). Cardboard creaks, the hollow plastic ones are a no-go, and from what I hear the foam fake plates people make or the ones you can buy are rubbish. Is there another method of making fake plates I haven't come across? Are there better options available for purchase? Hoping the ASC wizards can help a brother out. Thanks, Zack |
Have you considered filling your hollow fake plates with sand or plaster. Or Heros sells real plates I'm sure if you get Viper yapping about pink guns lol you could take some measurements and make your own from scrap steel.
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EVA Foam mats from Canadian Tire/Wal-Mart. Dirt-cheap, very comfortable, and rigid. Still flexible but they are by no means garbage. I run them in all of my plate carriers and love it!
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Fill the hollow plates with spray foam insulation for sealing door and window frames from a home reno store and that will keep them from crushing, just do not overfill or they will break, unless you want the added weight of plaster etc. |
In what section you found the EVA foam at walmart/canadiantire?
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I used corrugated plastic presentation board.. 3 sheets laminated perpendicular for strength... and then wrapped it in that anti slip mat you put in drawers... super light weight, lots of airways for airflow and the antislip stuff prevents it from moving around much, on top of creating space between me and the plate/vest for additional airflow.
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Is Viper even capable of stopping yapping, for long enough periods that you feel the need to start him again? :P
I run cardboard (folded into three layers) in my plate carriers for rigidity, and I don't find they creak. I run a little 6094, so it rides high like a Mayflower, and I find that it's rigid enough to not bend or creak when I bend over. I fold the cardboard in on itself for a little added strength - so instead of making a Z shape with the folds, it forms more of a triangle shape...If that makes sense? |
Zack. I fit those same plates into my LBT 6094a, took a little TLC :)
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Team Wendy Training Plates.
http://store.teamwendy.com/esapi-non...raining-plate/ Buy it once, never look back. EDIT: Whoops. Re-read your entire post. The cost of being legit is high. :P |
Made some with cardboard too. 3 layers also. Even when I put all my weight on the board with my back on the floor, it doesn't do anything. I needed to shape it with my knee. And a lot of gorilla tape.
It doesn't fold even with a CA M249 hanging in front. |
I bought some dummy plates at Airsoft Depot and filled it with plaster. Very heavy though :( Pretty sure its more than 5lb a plate. The only downside I had with that is that I have to redo one of the plates as the plaster didn't fully dry, I might consider the foam soon.
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Am in the same boat
Been searching aggressively for a few weeks and couldn't find anything really satisfying or actually affordable Team Wendy seems to be the only sensible option but it comes to more than 250-280$ with sipping for a set... :/ I think I'm going to try and find some thick rubber mats (the aggregated recycled tire kind, or similar) and try this out. I think it's going to be stiff enough |
Filled mine with plaster.
I posted a "How to" with pictures here. Unless shelling money for trainning plate, my mod is the best I've seen to date. You are still stuck with the original dimentions, wich are based on the old SAPI and not the new ESAPI that most recent PC use. |
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I did see your tutorial FOX_111, very nice work. Wish I could get mine to fit correctly or that would have been my first step. Stealth, shh. The Warrior Trail training plates are of the same quality and after shipping is just under $200. Maybe I'll bite, eventually.. would prefer not to right meow though. |
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Didn't he mention the Team Wendy? Not the Warrior Trails That said,when I checked, warrior trails weren't shipping in Canada. or... Was it the other way around? Can't remember now :P |
I have Point Blanks.
Try contacting Hero Army Surplus to see if they have any training plates in your size. |
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as they are less expensive than the Team Wendy ones. I checked with Warrior Trail myself and the person who emailed me said they ship to Canadian customers without issue, supposedly. Quote:
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My bad, I overlooked that apparently That said, I looked at HeroOutdoor PointBlank's plates (thanks for the tip btw, I'm surprised to see a Can Retailer carrying these!), and it'd go at around 240$ for a pair. At that price might as well go for the Warrior Trail ones that are supposed to replicate the RS SAPI "perfectly". Shipped it'd cost me just under 200$ (however, plus eventual importation taxes and what not I suppose) According to HeroOutdoor's site, the PointBlanks are 10x12", just above half a pound in weight, while the real Medium Sapi plates should be 9 1/2" x 12 1/2" (at about 4lbs each) Because of the apparent size discrepancy I'm not even sure they'd fit in my PC... |
Yeah, the WT version in small seems to be best for most PCs, unfortunately. I guess I'll save and buy some like a manly man.
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Plates
Zack
SAPI plate sizes... Extra Small - 184 x 292 mm (7¼ x 11½ in) Small - 222 x 298 mm (8¾ x 11¾ in) Medium - 241 x 318 mm (9½ x 12½ in) Large - 260 x 337 mm (10⅛ x 13¼ in) Extra Large 280 x 356 mm (11 x 14 in) I take it you are after Stiffness, not a considerable weight gain? If so, get the fake hollow plates that will fit your PC, fill them with an expanding foam from Rona or Home depot. You must apply a little pressure to the front and rear of the plate so you keep the pre curve. This will most likely give you the required stiffness. If you are after weight as well then sand in the plate works. You must however tape the top hole for obvious reasons. Third option is to use a fabrication shop and go for 11 Gauge 44W metal plates rolled and pressed as per your existing fake plates. On the rear of the plate put foam backing on with Velcro. Around the edges use car door edging seals. These will then fir perfectly into the Plate Pocket. To have these plates made you should be looking at about $35 to $45 from the fabrication shop. Michaels will have everything else you need to do the job. I have the drawings for the plates - your angles from sides to top cutaway is 57 Degrees. The fabricated plates will run at 5.4 lbs all up per plate. I know all this because I built some in exactly the same manner.. Good luck. Pete. |
Hmm having them made out of metal like that does sound interesting, didn't think of this
I guess it's time to call a friend! You wouldn't have accurate schematics by any chances? |
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Draw a rectangle, then cut off the top corners as per the below: THESE ARE 44W PLATES - They WILL NOT stop live rounds! You need AR500 to do that!! :) Front / Rear Plate Dimensions: (Large SAPI) 13.25" Total Height. Before Forming. 10.125" Total Width. Before Forming. The cut off angle is 57 degrees from the sides to the top. Work this out on your drawing and you are good to go. Roll the plates to R16 (32" Diameter) if you have a 44" Chest. Without a Die for the clavicle indent, pressing will not be possible. At the roll radius you do not really notice it sticking in your face. If you want to go to the expense of making a die it is easily with small piece of pipe welded to a base then filled with sand. If you want the side plates, then roll to R10 ( 20" Diameter), the same material thickness: Width 7" Height 6.75" If this answers the questions then cool if not I will take a pic of the pic and post up! Pete |
Hey Pete, many thanks this looks great info
I'll have to talk with my friend who work in a metal shop first, as this doesn't really help *me* but I'm sure it'll be invaluable info for him, assuming he accept to take the job :p Thanks |
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At one point I had one in the wrong size, as did he, so we swapped. |
DS Tactical will have the Team Wendy plates at some point this month.
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Source? Any mention of a price range? |
DS Tactical's website/facebook page.
No idea on pricing yet... |
I found these the other day.
https://www.warriortrail.com/ Looks like they ship international? Only checked it from the checkout page. |
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Thought I would note: while I will be getting some training plates down the road, I have done a substitute for the time being. I used hot_shot's method using some Best Step EVA foam mats for material; they are water resistant and antimicrobial. I must admit that for $13 this is possibly the best substitute for training plates I have seen for anyone who's on a budget (aside from the plaster filled plastic SAPIs, which unfortunately don't fit in my APC). I doubled up on layering and after making a perfect sized cardboard template for my APC, cut out four sections; two for the front and two for the rear. They fit like a glove and to my utmost surprise are VERY rigid, and very comfortable while filling out the carrier to the max. Took me 45 minutes to do, most of that time being for sizing the template to the precise size and correct angles. I will post photos in detail of how it can be done. I had many doubts about how it would feel and look, but it looks legit and feels great. Even when knocking knuckles on my chest it feels very solid. Now, in the meantime, saving for some training plates. |
Thanks for the input
I was going for a similar solution but with rubber mats or something, thinking any sort of foam wouldn't be rigid enough Do you happen to have a link to the foam you used by any chances? |
I was going to go the recycled rubber route too but this was dirt cheap. I got mats like these: http://m.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/best...-0686171p.html
Not the same pattern though. I used these: http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/07/dedagyha.jpg Can't find them on the site, but a four pack cost me under $15. They are very rigid. |
Just to give you guys a quick idea of what those foam plates look like once they've been put into a plate carrier...
http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps9f167e0d.jpg |
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I guess I'll give that foam a try and save up for later :P
The carrier cost me a crazy amount already :D :P Thanks all |
The problem with foam plate, is that they are straight. They also won't have the right feel.
It will just give your rig rigidity so it don't crumble down when loader. |
A heat gun and regular use can solve that issue
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Again, its just a temporary solution until enough monies have been scrounged for some small training plates. |
Just thought I'd mention for anyone looking for foam plates, you can order a set from these guys: https://www.facebook.com/JTacCustom. They're cut to the proper size/shape of real plates, and they're supposed to be good. So if you want something a little nicer than homemade stuff, but not "$200 training plate" level, maybe check them out?
I first heard about them from this review on The Reptile House if you want more info: http://thereptilehouseblog.com/2014/03/10/j-tac-custom/ |
DS Tactical is selling the Team Wendy ones for 114$ a set
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Aaaarrrff!! And you tell me this less than a week before I place an order with DST! Damn my girlfriend's gonna hate me! :P But thanks ;) Sidenote: there's no shipping fee mentioned anywhere/anytime during checkout process with them, do you have an idea of what I should expect (ballpark)? |
Depends on the order...
They ship with fedex, when I ordered a TT Extended range ruck from them a few years ago the shipping was only about 20$. |
Thanks
Hopefully I won't be ass raped on that one for a change |
As there seems to be a lot of interest in training plates this season;
http://i.imgur.com/acu8u4n.jpg Going to come in way, way, way under Team Wendy prices. |
OOOOO, now will they come in different sizes?
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Of course; more info to follow.
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Yeah.
S&S Precision is making training plates now as well. |
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Cool Nakes thanks
It was me indeed that inquired about your plates Kokannee, so when is summer 2014 exactly? I was about to place an order for DST but a might just use foam pad and wait for these :P |
No later than July.
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Why rubber trims?
I never grinded on the edges of mine. |
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ok, nice.
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How about ESAPI profile and/or swimmer cut plates?
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they do all different plate size and offer them in 3 différent thickness 20-15-10mm Around 60$ for Two plates shipped to Canada. Will od the review when they Will come in Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
Just received a pair of Team Wendy training plates. Here's a couple pics comparing them to the Toysoldier swimmer plates I was using before. Obviously, the Team Wendy ones are much much thicker and heavier.
http://i.imgur.com/zR9aArel.jpg http://i.imgur.com/B5fms0ql.jpg |
Nice shit man. How do they feel in the PC?
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They feel pretty good. The weight difference is very significant though especially when holding it, which is nice for that realism factor. I tried them in both my 6094 and CPC and it's less noticeable in the CPC.
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Ok summer is at an end now :P
How/when is your fake/training plate project coming out Kokanee? :D |
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Post up, discussion is active on Arnies Airsoft also.
Pent up demand = $$$$$$ if you can churn them out. |
Closed foam-laser cut rock!
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My next pair of plate will be molded cast alluminium. A little project I'm preparing.
I just need a few more things so I can start. Rigidity, curvature and solid feel of a real plate, but with a fraction of the real weight. The alluminium part will be much thinner, but I'll "boost" it with a layer of foam I think. I'll see when my prototype is done. |
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