Plate carriers are an essential bit off kit for anyone operating in a hazardous environment. At some point, you will need the protection – whether in the PMC industry, law enforcement, or the Military. Choosing the right one can be difficult due to the plethora of products available on the market. No matter the price range, they all do the same thing: hold plates that will stop bullets and shrapnel.
From inexpensive to the make you want to cry price-tag, over the next few months I’ll be testing a range of plate carries available in today’s market. The first plate carrier I’ll cover is the Flyye Industries Fast Attack Gen 1 Plate Carrier.
Recently, I came into an unfortunate situation and was using a Polish plate carrier with no name or brand. It was borrowed from a friend but seemed very similar to the FLYYE Fast Attack until while training with my team, it decided to disintegrate. I learned my lesson and knew it was time to move on. At the time, I didn’t have a lot of cashflow, so I needed an inexpensive replacement, and fast. Enter the Flyye Fast Attack.
Due to availability, I got my hands on a Flyye Fast Attack Plate Carrier fairly quickly. As many know, there’s not much difference in the low-profile systems out there. Most come with a light and slim build with no padding on the front or back plates. Also, this style provides zero protection on the sides but does increase speed and maneuverability. It all depends on what you want out of a plate carrier – all-round protection or lightweight speed and agility.
In my line of work, speed is security and having a lightweight plate carrier makes my job much safer and fluid. There are a standard and simple MOLLE system on the front and back to allow attachment of magazine pouches, med-kits, or pretty much any other MOLLE compatible pouch you wish. Also, the top three rows of MOLLE are velcro and allow for the attachment of your blood group patch, call sign, or whatever patch you wish. The side straps connect with a buckle and tighten with a single pull. The shoulder straps are velcro and can be adjusted according to the chest size or layering of clothing worn by the user.
Although very tight, and it does take a bit of work to get them in, the plates slide into the carrier and are closed at the bottom with a strip of velcro. So far, I haven’t had any issues with the side, shoulder, or plate inserts loosening on me while operating in the field. I have been beating this thing up for well over a month. For such a low price, one would think it would fall apart in a couple of days of hard use. I know its only a short period, but in the conditions I been enduring, the durability has been very impressive.
If you are running the Flyye Fast Attack for an extended period of time it can become quite uncomfortable. Also, unless you are going super-light, you may need to run a separate rack or belt due to the lack of room on the carrier. When running, I found it quite lose as it flapped around. It felt as though the plate on the front was slapping against my stomach, which is not a major problem, just rather irritating over a long period of time.
Also, with the straps on the side, you will need to tape them up, tuck them in, or cut them. This can be a bit of problem if you put another layer of clothing and you need to readjust the sides of the carrier. This could just be me be fussing, but I like gear squared away and nothing hanging loose or flapping around.
Overall, the Fast Attack Plate Carrier (F.A.P.C) offers both high mobility and great load carrying capacity. It allows for quick adjustments and modifications and goes with 1/4″ closed cell foam in both the shoulders and upper torso parts to relieve load stress on the operator’s back and shoulders. The vest is made of incredibly durable Cordura Nylon – more resistant to the usual wear and tear than normal Nylon. Moreover, the material is water-resistant and no water will retain on its surface.
- Made to military specifications
- MOLLE webbing straps for attaching MOLLE pouches
- Velcro patches
- Adjustable padded shoulder straps
- Quick release buckles
- Small fits 8″x10″ plates. Medium fits 10″x12″ plates. Large fits 11″x14″ plates. X-Large fits 10″x14″ plates
- Material: Invista 1000D Cordura Nylon
- Water resistant
- Weight: 850g
- Soft Armour plates included
- Manufacturer: Flyye Industries
Overall, this is a good low-price plate carrier for the likes of close protection, PSD, and armed guard type of work. But, for full combat operations, you will need to look some were else and spend some more hard-earned cash.
I give it a 7/10. Well done to FLYY for offering a solid plate carrier at an affordable price.
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