Direct Action Spitfire or Spitfire QR?
Direct Action is a Polish brand, and the Spitfire is named after the aircraft Polish RAF pilots flew in the Battle of Britain. Both versions use laser-cut laminate, Cordura 500D and softshell, so they stay light without feeling flimsy.
The Spitfire Plate Carrier (from 289,90€) is the base model. The front flap can be a kangaroo pouch, a MOLLE panel or nothing at all. The rear takes Crye AVS-compatible zip-on back panels, and the front works with Mayflower and Velocity Systems chest rigs.
The Spitfire QR Plate Carrier (from 329,90€) adds Duraflex QRS buckles on the shoulders and cummerbund. You can get the carrier off fast without undoing every strap. That matters when someone needs access to an injury, or when you're climbing out of a vehicle.
Pick the Spitfire if you want the lighter, simpler carrier. Pick the QR if you train for casualty care or spend your days in vehicles.
Both come in size M. The Spitfire comes in Ranger Green, Multicam and Multicam Tropic, and the QR adds Adaptive Green.
Haley Strategic Thorax Incog: The low-profile option
The Thorax Incog Plate Bags (169,90€) are for when you want the plates and not much else. There's no front MOLLE. Haley's TABLOC system attaches placards straight to the carrier without webbing or bulky hardware.
The Incog Triple Rifle Mag Placard (119,90€) locks onto the front and keeps the profile flat. Add the Thorax Elastic Cummerbund (74,90€) for a little storage under your arms. Both are sold separately.
Spiritus Systems LV-120
The LV-120 Plate Carrier Kit (659,90€) is the complete kit, and the Reactive Cummerbund comes in the box. Its rigid composite keeps your pouches from sagging, but the shock cord still lets you breathe.
The shell is X-Pac X50 and nylon laminate, so it doesn't hold water. In size Medium, the carrier weighs about 920 g. The plate bags are cut for US SAPI plates, and Medium takes 9.5 × 12.5-inch plates.
For side protection, the Side Armor Bags (109,90€) hold 6 × 6-inch hard plates. They need a MOLLE cummerbund like the MOLLE Tubes Cummerbund (179,90€).
Placards and accessories
A placard carries your magazines on the front of the carrier and comes off as one piece. That makes it easy to switch between a full load and a slick carrier.
Cummerbunds, panels and the rest are in plate carrier accessories.
Ballistic plates
CPE makes its plates in Finland and tests them in its own ballistic lab. Both plates here are stand-alone, so you don't need a soft armour backer behind them.
- CPE NIJ III+, 1.3 kg (359,90€): UHMWPE, waterproof and light enough to wear all day. It stops common rifle threats, including 7.62×39 MSC.
- CPE NIJ IV, 3.0 kg (349,90€): a ceramic strike face for the higher NIJ IV threat level, at more than twice the weight.
Because of export restrictions, we can only sell plates to customers in Finland.
FAQ
Do the plate carriers come with plates?
No. Plates are sold separately. Check the plate size against the carrier before you order, because a plate that's too big won't fit the bag.
What's the difference between the Spitfire and the Spitfire QR?
The QR adds quick-release buckles on the shoulders and cummerbund. Pick the Spitfire for a lighter, simpler carrier. Pick the QR if fast removal matters for casualty care or vehicle work.
Can I use my own chest rig with a plate carrier?
On the Spitfire and Spitfire QR, yes. Both work with Mayflower and Velocity Systems chest rigs. Many placards and chest rigs also clip onto other carriers with G-hooks or buckles.
Do you ship plate carriers across the EU?
Yes. We ship carriers and accessories from Helsinki to the rest of the EU, VAT included and with no customs charges. Ballistic plates are the exception, and we can only sell them within Finland.
