How to Choose between Battle belt vs Plate carrier? • PC Planet

Many fine combat folks have failed to choose between either belt kits or chest rigs. This years-long debate has left many amateurs in great confusion. The truth is there is no simple answer to the question of Battle belt vs. plate carrier. However, in this article, I will try to guide you about the benefits of each of these contestants and let the selection up to you.

When deciding between a battle belt and a plate carrier, it ultimately comes down to your intended use and personal preferences. Here are some factors to consider:

Features	Battle Belt	Plate Carrier
Armor plate	No	Yes (x2)
Throwables pocket	No	Yes
Sidearms	2	4(+ assault)
Max load	15-20lbs	40-60 pounds
Weight distribution	Hip and legs	Body

Purpose: Are you using it for recreational activities, such as airsoft or shooting at the range? Or are you planning to use it for tactical purposes, such as military or law enforcement operations? The purpose of your equipment will determine which option is better suited for you.
Comfort: Both battle belts and plate carriers can be heavy and bulky, so consider your comfort level with each. Battle belts are typically lighter and more streamlined, while plate carriers offer more protection but can be heavier and more restrictive.
Mobility: Consider the amount of mobility you require for your activity. Battle belts tend to allow for greater mobility due to their lighter weight and lower profile. Plate carriers can limit movement due to their added weight and bulkiness.
Protection: Plate carriers offer greater protection than battle belts due to the ability to insert plates, but they also add more weight and bulk. If protection is a top priority, a plate carrier might be the better choice.
Customization: Battle belts can be customized with various pouches and attachments to suit your needs. Plate carriers also offer customization options, but typically require more effort and time to set up.
Budget: Battle belts tend to be less expensive than plate carriers, but this can vary based on the quality and features of each option.

Load carriage:

Let’s start with a simple question, how much weight should an average soldier carry? According to former US marines, your payload weight should never exceed 30% of your total body mass. For example, if you weigh 176 pounds, it would be best to carry no more than 40-50 pounds on you.

This answer helps you narrow down your preferences. If you are carrying 15 pounds or less weight, a battle belt is best for you. Equipment weighing 30-40 pounds requires a plate carrier. Last but not least, if you are going full commando, you need a combination of both belt and chest rig on your body.

Mobility:

Human anatomy suggests that the hip and legs are the strongest muscles and bones in the body. This is the reason why most effective tracking kits shift all the weight on the hip region, and military equipment is no exception. Up until the ’90s, battle belts were among the most commonly used military equipment. However, as most military action takes place through vehicles, the trend is shifting toward chest rigs and plate carriers.

In general, if you want better mobility while on foot, you should get a battle belt. Vehicle-based missions allow you to carry larger weights without straining your muscles. So, in that case, the plate carrier seems to be more of a more suitable option. Finally, if your mission consists of a mixture of vehicular action and ground combat, you should get a combination of both a belt and a rig.

Advantages of a battle belt:

Easy access to all your essential gear like magazines, sidearms, and throwable gadgets at any moment.
It offers a lot of mobility in-ground as you can bend your torso in any direction and crouch without any problems.
The battle belt is closed tightly on your waist and doesn’t interfere with your movements.
It offers a batter manageable access to your equipment as you know exactly where everything is held.

Disadvantages of battle belt:

It doesn’t have enough room for heavy equipment and multiple sidearms.
The belt is only suitable for carrying 15 pounds or less, so you have a limited choice.
It doesn’t have space for an armor plate.

Advantages of plate carrier:

There is more than enough room for all your gadgets, sidearms, throwables, ammo, and first aid kits.
The X-strap equally distributes the weight to key points on your body.
There is room for a body armor plate at both sides of the plate carrier.
You have the freedom to take your favorite gadgets to the battlefield.

Disadvantages of plate carrier:

Plate carriers put a lot of strain on your spine as there is no weight at the back to counter the weight of equipment on the front.
The more the pockets, the more you will be confused about where to look for a specific gadget.

Conclusion:

In the war of battle belts vs. plate carriers, everyone is the winner. The usefulness of any of them depends on the circumstances and the number of equipment that you want to carry.

Author

Robert Bennett

Robert M. Bennett is an author and military enthusiast with a passion for tactical gear and equipment. He has extensive experience in the field of military and law enforcement and has worked closely with soldiers and law enforcement officers to design and develop equipment that meets their specific needs.

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