A new plate carrier is being offered by RE Factor Tactical. The PC is modular and can be worn for both low-visibility and “overt” missions. We’ll relay what REFT tells us below.

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. Based on the Ferro Concepts  Slickster, it is somewhat less low profile than its predecessor but remains substantially lighter than many current PPE options. The rig has a number of features.

▪Ferro Concept’s tested Slickster base

▪PTT Loops on front of vest

▪Integrated Kangaroo pocket for magazines/essential equipment

▪Elastic comms wires

▪2 x integrated radio pouches capable of fitting up to a PRC-152 Radio

▪4 x 6″ Zipped admin pocket capable of holding a passport or similar sized item

▪Elastic cummerbund with 4 x magazine carriers (standard M4, not drum)

▪Added elastic retainers to cummerbund carrier for magazine retention

▪MOLLE Laser cut back panel

Designing and Deploying a Unique Plate Carrier

According to REFT’s release, 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. One REFT representative, taking a few minutes out from shaving his drag-scarred knuckles and watching hentai, told us, “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 accommodate 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 PC is available from REFT 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 discussions about more traditional “tactical” topics like Range Estimation.

Is this thing hands down the best plate carrier? No, at least not in a universal sense. That evaluation is (or should be) entirely contingent upon your mission, conditions, and anticipated threat.

Also available on Amazon: http://bit.ly/REFT1

and at Brownells: http://bit.ly/REFT2

and on Optics Planet: http://bit.ly/REFT4

RE Factor Tactical is a part of the Tactical Buyers Club (i.e. House Morningwood).