This model was lacking the buckles when it first came out, they were added as a way to "modernize" the system if my memory serves. Velocity carriers were the rage in the private sector during peak gwot and they are very aesthetic.
This was a very good carrier. It added some functionality, while slimming slightly in comparison to the BALCS carrier King at the time, the Eagle CIRAS. I wanted one, but it didn't really do anything better than my CIRAS, so I couldn't justify it. I'm not, nor have I ever been, a placard user. I either run/ran my CIRAS with mags, medical and water attached, or a plate carrier and chest rig or LBV setup. In my opinion, that plate carrier is great because it had what we had been using up to that day, but made an attempt at future-proofing itself in that it was designed as a BALCS carrier, that could be run as just a simple plate carrier and be run with placards, if the user's needs changed, without having to buy another armor system. Sure, it will be bulkier than everything in vogue today, what with its extra thick cumberbund and 1000d cordura, but I would submit that it is still 100% serviceable. BTW, I like the fact that it has two built-in admin/map pouches. MOLLE admin pouches around that time went from a basic pocket with a flap to gusseted and sometimes even compartmentalized units that were thicker than a magazine. While not perfect by any stretch, Velocity Systems/Mayflower put some thought into it,as opposed to what the industry typically throws at us. Good overview! I look forward to the rest of the series.
Out of curiosity, since I don't see myself buying a legacy Mayflower/Velsys vest any time soon, but how do the quad placards size and lock up on the velcro?
This model was lacking the buckles when it first came out, they were added as a way to "modernize" the system if my memory serves. Velocity carriers were the rage in the private sector during peak gwot and they are very aesthetic.
I've always loved the legacy velocity systems carriers
I still run a LPAC. I love the old line of mayflower/velocity kit.
This was a very good carrier. It added some functionality, while slimming slightly in comparison to the BALCS carrier King at the time, the Eagle CIRAS. I wanted one, but it didn't really do anything better than my CIRAS, so I couldn't justify it. I'm not, nor have I ever been, a placard user. I either run/ran my CIRAS with mags, medical and water attached, or a plate carrier and chest rig or LBV setup.
In my opinion, that plate carrier is great because it had what we had been using up to that day, but made an attempt at future-proofing itself in that it was designed as a BALCS carrier, that could be run as just a simple plate carrier and be run with placards, if the user's needs changed, without having to buy another armor system. Sure, it will be bulkier than everything in vogue today, what with its extra thick cumberbund and 1000d cordura, but I would submit that it is still 100% serviceable. BTW, I like the fact that it has two built-in admin/map pouches. MOLLE admin pouches around that time went from a basic pocket with a flap to gusseted and sometimes even compartmentalized units that were thicker than a magazine.
While not perfect by any stretch, Velocity Systems/Mayflower put some thought into it,as opposed to what the industry typically throws at us.
Good overview! I look forward to the rest of the series.
Out of curiosity, since I don't see myself buying a legacy Mayflower/Velsys vest any time soon, but how do the quad placards size and lock up on the velcro?
Nothing locks up very well with the way they did the Velcro.