Your combat gear is an essential part of your airsoft loadout, ensuring you not only look the part but are also battle-ready. Tactical vests and plate carriers serve mostly the same purpose but have a few differences that may give you pause when contemplating which one to invest in.
We break down their pros and cons to help you decide which is best for you.
What is a Tactical Vest?
Tactical vests come in all shapes, sizes and styles, especially those designed for airsoft. Their purpose can be twofold: to provide some additional protection to the upper body and to give players an easy way to carry extra ammo, mags and batteries.
Airsoft assault vests have built-in storage pouches to give you plenty of options when carrying supplies out in the field. Many airsoft vests are modelled on real-world military or police tactical vests, ensuring they prioritise the wearer’s comfort and functionality when in combat.
What is a Plate Carrier?
Airsoft plate carriers are a type of tactical vest with additional inserts designed to protect against the impact of BBs. In real combat scenarios, plate carrier vests serve the same purpose as bulletproof vests – airsoft versions are usually not as hardy but have the same concept within the airsoft environment.
Many plate carriers also have webbing and loops for convenience when using accessories or storing spares.
What is the Difference Between Tactical Vests & Plate Carriers?
The main difference between the two is that plate carriers provide increased ballistic protection while tactical vests, with their numerous compartments, are more focused on utility and organisation.
Both are clearly incredibly useful in combat and airsoft scenarios, but is one better for your loadout?
Advantages of Airsoft Tactical Vests
Typically made from Cordura or hardy nylon materials, airsoft tactical and assault vests are robust pieces of kit that offer ample storage space for gear and accessories.
They can be great for longer games when you need to stay fully stocked for the duration of play. Different-sized pouches and compartments placed all over the vest mean you can carry pretty much anything you need on your person.
Tactical vests like this typically have a zip up the front, which makes them easy to get on and off. This may seem like a simple thing, but there are plenty of situations where you may not want to fuss around too much with different gear.
Most airsoft vests will also have additional padding which provides a good protective layer against rogue BBs. All in all, tactical airsoft vests are wonderfully versatile and practical.
Disadvantages of Airsoft Tactical Vests
Because they have so many pockets and compartments for carrying key items and accessories, tactical vests can quickly become bulky. This bulkiness can limit mobility somewhat, so you may not be as agile or stealthy in certain situations.
For some tactical vests, complete protection is not the primary purpose – some will offer a greater level of protection than others, so it’s important to consider how much padding there is. However, in most cases, the durable material used for quality airsoft vests will be more than suitable for skirmishers.
Advantages of Airsoft Plate Carriers
Because of the ability to insert front and rear protective plates into the vests, airsoft plate carriers can provide more considered protection, ideal if you’re particularly worried about being hit by errant BBs.
Plate carriers tend to be brilliantly flexible. Most have buckle systems or other adjustable straps which allow for increased flexibility and practicality when in the field.
With the inclusion of MOLLE webbing panels, you can also easily adjust how things are carried on the vest, ensuring equipment can be accessed with ease and precision. This makes them more customisable so you can adapt your loadout to particular situations.
If you’re after a loadout that will give you that special forces look, this is probably the kind of vest you want to go for.
Disadvantages of Airsoft Plate Carriers
If you’re using real plates in your vest, it can quickly become quite heavy and you won’t be able to move around as quickly as you normally would. Many players prefer to have at least some weight in the vest to make it fit better and provide that extra protection, so they will use dummy plates rather than the heavier real-world ones.
Because of their full chest coverage, some people may find them uncomfortable and not particularly breathable. During warmer weather, they can be particularly uncomfortable, causing wearers to get too hot.
Which is Best For Airsoft?
Both tactical vests and plate carriers can be incredibly useful for airsoft. Which is best is going to come down to what your priorities and requirements are. There are plenty of debates about which is better to use, but most of the time it boils down to personal preference.
Consider things like storage space, weight, mobility, customisability, gameplay style and protection when assessing what you personally need from your combat gear.
Nowadays, you can find some great options for all kinds of budgets.
What About Chest Rigs?
If you’re not too bothered about heavy-duty protection, you might consider an airsoft chest rig instead. These are lightweight and non-restrictive while still allowing you to conveniently carry tactical equipment in pouches and compartments supported by shoulder straps or harnesses.
They don’t provide any protection from BBs but can help you stay more agile.
Whatever you decide is best for you, we stock a range of vests, plate carriers and rigs to ensure you can kit yourself in a loadout that works for your style and preferences.
See our full range of airsoft clothing to discover more protective and tactical gear that’ll see you well on your way to victory.