SAPI vs Swimmers/ Shooter cut

[Wilkie]

Im the market for a new carrier, and the model I'm looking at comes with the option of SAPI plates or Swimmer cut plates.

The angle that Swimmers plates are cut in look to offer a little less coverage, but in turn look like they would create a more comfortable platform for a stock to connect to your shoulder, however I don't have a lot of knowledge of plates.


Anyone have any insight as to what they prefer and why?

[redzaku]

does this help?
https://www.ar15.com/archive/topic.h...&f=10&t=426230

[Wilkie]

Actually yes. I skimmed that earlier but missed the important line I was looking for

With anything, you have to do a risk/reward analysis....are you a gunslinger and need to have the range of motion that the swimmers cut gives you while sacrificing some coverage?

or

Are you more static and want the extra coverage a standard SAPI/ESAPI cut provides?

And thanks

[EOD Steve]

I prefer my swimmer cut 6094a over the standard cut, the difference is subtle but there and allows just that little bit more range of motion.
There aren't that many PCs that are specifically cut for swimmer plates, so unless you actually one of those swimmer PCs, not worth it due to the extra side material.

Your physique also plays a part - if you're less bulky in the chest, you would benefit more from the additional room up top.

[BioRage]

Originally Posted by EOD Steve

if you're less bulky in the chest

you callin me flat m8?

I need a new P/C too. This Condor MCR6 is not legit enough.

[Wilkie]

Yes the physique point is definitely a good one. I see some of the more built people with minimalist carriers that look like they're wearing some kind of bib at the dinner table.


Yes, and because of that I had never considered the differences in plates, but I'm taking a look at the two WAS Recon Plate Carriers, offered in the regular SAPI and also in a swimmers cut option, the latter of which is on sale right now.

[Wilkie]

Update on this.

I've been running my carrier for a little while, enjoy it construction wise, but I'm slightly torn with the swimmers cut plates. On one hand there is a slight bit more room to position the stock on one's shoulder as was said, but as a trade off I find my Adam's apple irritated by the taller cut of plate.

If a lot of movement is involved I have to wear a shemaug around my neck to avoid smashing my throat on the upper most part of the plate, an awkward trade off for slightly more lateral moment.

[Cliffradical]

Does it really rise or is the plate just longer? Asking because I have a long Irish torso.

I just bought a new plate carrier and while I like it, I think I may need something else because I am ☆》~Too Fat~《☆ £££

[Wilkie]

Only slightly taller. It looks like it's much taller but it's just an illusion. I think the rising up is due to the straps being situated closer together due the the carrier's thinness at the tip.