The SDS/BAE Systems Releasable Body Armor Vest (RBAV) is hands down the best armor carrier you can buy for the money; especially when purchased from eBay seller, Defense Acquisitions. The RBAV generally runs upwards of $350 when purchased from a typical distributor. However, Defense Acquisitions sells this carrier as government surplus for $150. While it may be surplus, it still comes brand-new in the plastic complete with tags and instruction manual. This killer deal puts it right in competition with Condor’s and AR500’s offerings. But really it’s no competition because the quality and the fact that it is made right in the U.S.A. blows Condor and AR500 out of the water.
The RBAV is not just a plate carrier, it is a full armor carrier that gives the user the ability to tailer their protection level to their specific needs. The RBAV accepts standard Level III or Level IV plates as well as Level IIIA SPEAR/BALCS soft armor. It also has multiple attachment points for deltoid, groin and neck armor (DAPS/MSAP).
The main benefit that this carrier provides is its emergency doffing system. There are multiple reasons why you might want an integrated emergency doffing system, but the primary reason is to allow medical personnel the ability to remove a patient’s armor without having to cut it off or otherwise waste time and ruin the carrier. The doffing system consists of a pull handle located at the top of the sternum and a single, vinyl-coated steel cable. The cable is routed over the left or right shoulder and connects all the components of the armor carrier together. One quick, easy pull of the release handle and the entire carrier falls apart.
At first glance, reassembly seems like an intimidating task. However the RBAV’s one-cable system makes it quite simple. Each component has grommets its attachment points, and there are nylon loops stitched into the carrier. You simply slip the grommet over the nylon loop and run the cable through the loop to secure everything in place.
There are a whole host of other features packed into this carrier that make it more than worth the money. The back panel serves as an integrated hydration bladder carrier leaving the MOLLE paneling free for other accessories. Also in the back is a drag handle that velcros away when not in use. There is an inner, elastic cummerbund that does a great job at stopping the carrier from shifting around and it pulls the side panels of the soft armor in tight against your body. The outer cummerbund accepts standard 6×8 side plates and has plenty of MOLLE real estate.
There are a few minor drawbacks, however, with the RBAV. While it is capable of carrying soft armor, the SPEAR/BALCS armor that it’s designed to accommodate is prohibitively expensive and difficult to find. The same can be said for the DAPS/MSAP. The shoulder, neck and groin carriers can be readily found, however the armor that goes with them isn’t so readily found. The final drawback is the RBAV can only be purchased in Ranger Green. I have seen it in multicam and AOR1/2 but never in stock. This wan’t an issue for me but I can see where it might be one for some.
Eagle Industries and Condor both produce quick-release plate carriers; the Eagle Industries CIRAS (Combat Integrated Releasable Armor System) and the Condor QPC. Eagle Industries is also excellent quality but you are likely going to end up paying full retail price. The Condor QPC is slightly cheaper than the RBAV but doesn’t come close to the quality of the RBAV. The QPC’s release mechanism is also based on a nylon webbing strap as opposed to the steel cable in the RBAV. To me this seems like a foolish way to try to save some pennies. Especially since the selling point of the QPC is it’s quick release. I’m not sure why they wouldn’t put more money into the highlight of their product.
Unlike many other plate carriers, the RBAV is cut very slim at the chest and shoulders. This makes it easy to fully extend your arms when shooting pistol. The stitching is fair, I expected a lot more from a company as sizeable as Specialty Defense Systems. The MOLLE webbing is all double stiched, and the Velcro panels are box stitched. Most of the carrier is single stitched, but it’s held up to moderate abuse so far. It’s constructed of heavy-duty nylon that’s closer to being canvas than nylon.
When used with the inner cummerbund, it’s much more comfortable than other plate carrier that I’ve worn. The inner cummerbund does a great job at minimizing the movement of the carrier when running, jumping, climbing trees, etc. The shoulder pads are fairly thick and I can wear this carrier for a longer period of time before getting fatigued than other plate carriers. In fact, I had a Condor plate carrier that would leave bruises because the shoulder pads were so flimsy.
So if you are looking for a high-quality, versatile armor carrier but don’t want to break the bank, head over to Defense Acquisitions on eBay and pick up the SDS/BAE Systems RBAV. Don’t trust your life to an inferior product.
Liberty Defense Concepts 
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