Fake/Training plates for plate carriers

[panzergrenadier]

DS Tactical's website/facebook page.
No idea on pricing yet...

[Eien]

I found these the other day.

https://www.warriortrail.com/

Looks like they ship international? Only checked it from the checkout page.

[panzergrenadier]

Originally Posted by Eien

I found these the other day.

https://www.warriortrail.com/

Looks like they ship international? Only checked it from the checkout page.

They don't... I checked a year or so ago.

[Zack The Ripper]

Originally Posted by panzergrenadier

They don't... I checked a year or so ago.

I checked with them last week and they do indeed ship to Canada without issue and started doing this a few months ago, according to their sales rep.

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.

[MultipleParadox]

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?

[Zack The Ripper]

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:



Can't find them on the site, but a four pack cost me under $15. They are very rigid.

[hot_shot under fire]

Just to give you guys a quick idea of what those foam plates look like once they've been put into a plate carrier...

[Stealth]

Originally Posted by MultipleParadox

Source?
Any mention of a price range?

Most likely around the $150-170 mark.

[MultipleParadox]

I guess I'll give that foam a try and save up for later :P

The carrier cost me a crazy amount already :P

Thanks all

[FOX_111]

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.

[hot_shot under fire]

A heat gun and regular use can solve that issue

[Zack The Ripper]

Originally Posted by FOX_111

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.

When worn for just a few minutes the foam conforms to the curvature of your torso. Looks exactly like when I had the plastic plates in except much more comfortable.

Again, its just a temporary solution until enough monies have been scrounged for some small training plates.

[w1lp33]

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/

[panzergrenadier]

DS Tactical is selling the Team Wendy ones for 114$ a set

[MultipleParadox]

Originally Posted by panzergrenadier

DS Tactical is selling the Team Wendy ones for 114$ a set

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)?