When it comes to police gear, every piece is vitally important. Trying to designate just one item as the most crucial piece can be difficult. While some argue that a good offense is the best defense, suggesting a sidearm is the most important piece of gear, we’d argue that having a strong defense is key.
That’s why we’d pick the outer carrier as the most crucial part of a police officer’s uniform. If you’re in the market for one or think it’s time for a replacement, this brief list of tips for choosing the right outer carrier will be invaluable to you.
Consider the Size
One thing that makes outer carriers so crucial is the fact that most of them have adjustable shoulder and waist straps. You can adjust the equipment to fit your personal proportions. However, that doesn’t mean these pieces of equipment are a one-size-fits-all item. These straps still have their minimum and maximum limits.
Of course, that’s not even considering the size of the vest itself. If you buy an outer carrier that suits smaller individuals and extend the straps all the way to make it fit you, the front and back of the carrier will barely cover the parts of your body that you’re trying to protect. If you get something too big and tighten it up, the carrier will simply feel too awkward. That’s why you need to make sure you get something appropriate for your size range.
Decide on an Armor Plate Type
However, these sizing considerations are for an empty vest. You must also consider the types of armor plates you plan on using in your outer carrier. The thicker it is, the more protection you’ll have. However, any additions will make the vest thicker and heavier. If you go with extremely thick plates, the plates could make a vest that normally works for someone of your size feel too restrictive.
Ideally, you would decide on a plate type before buying your new police outer carriers. Finding the perfect balance between protection and usability is a fine line, and what’s best varies for everyone.
Look Into Additional Features
Even though the main things you want to look for when choosing an outer carrier are the size and potential protection, many other features can make one carrier vest stand out to you compared to the others.
Some officers prefer to wear a vest with lots of built-in pouches for magazines, radios, and any other gear they might carry on them. Others prefer a clean look since they like to keep most items on their duty belt. If you ask us, the best option is the customizable outer carrier. This choice allows users to attach whichever pouches they want to the outside, making it fit their specific wants and needs.