A new plate carrier is being offered by the Colorado-based SOF-owned US company RE Factor Tactical. Designed in conjunction with Canada’s own Ferro Concepts, the PC is modular and can be worn for both low-visibility and “overt” missions.
Most of the following description comes via a REFT press release:
A modular, GWOT-tested Plate Carrier
REFT’s plate carrier, which is called the “Advanced Slickster”, is the result of a collaboration with Ferro Concepts. It is substantially lighter than many current military PPE options and boasts a number of features that could (at least in some estimations) make it a contender for best plate carrier.
â–ªFerro Concept’s tested Slickster base
â–ªPTT Loops on front of vest
â–ªIntegrated Kangaroo pocket for magazines/essential equipment
â–ªElastic comms wires
â–ª2 x integrated radio pouches capable of fitting up to a PRC-152 Radio
â–ª4 x 6″ Zipped admin pocket capable of holding a passport or similar sized item
â–ªElastic cummerbund with 4 x magazine carriers
â–ªAdded elastic retainers to cummerbund carrier for magazine retention
â–ªMOLLE Laser cut back panel
 Crafting a Unique Plate Carrier
According to a recent release from RE Factor Tactical, the Advanced Plate Carrier was designed after, “…years of frustration of wearing plate carriers that were good, but not quite good enough.”
They explain further:
“This plate carrier went through extensive testing overseas with individuals actively participating in the war on terror. We continued to develop the plate carrier based on the actual current needs of combat. Our goal was to set out and create the best plate carrier on the market with features that could: maintain current comms systems, carry multiple magazines, attach equipment to the back, hold standard PTT systems, hold important documents and maps, fit in both a high vis environment and a low vis environment and most importantly be worn comfortably for long periods in a multitude of environments.”
Multi-Mission PC: Low Profile and Kinetic Operations
RE Factor says the Advanced Slickster can be stripped of its equipment to maintain a “smaller footprint,” making it easier to conceal. REFT’s Luke Peelgrane says, ” Our goal was not just to create the best plate carrier available, but to create a low profile/slick plate carrier that could adapt to fit any individual mission need without sacrificing functionality. While this isn’t the lowest profile system on the market it is the most low profile carrier that can still be adapted for use in high vis kinetic environments if needed.”
Regarding traditional “overt” tactical use, the Advanced Slickster plate carrier fully accommodates several different comms systems. This includes dual radio pockets for those carrying multiple radios and numerous elastic loops to route radio and antenna wires. A flap on the front of the carrier is intended to accommodate and secure several different PTT (Push-To-Talk) radios currently in use.
The new low-vis/high-vis plate carrier is currently available in MultiCam, Coyote, Black, Ranger Green, and Wolf Grey. REFT is online, www.refactortactical.com and on Instagram @refactortactical. They also maintain a blog that addresses a number of topics, from questions like “What is VGLI” to more traditional military topics such as Range Estimation.
