If you’re looking for a durable, well-build, and affordable plate carrier, then you’ve likely come across brands like 5.11 Tactical or Condor. Both of these companies have been around for years and are known to make some decent tactical gear that is made well and budget friendly. I’ve personally owned and used both 5.11 and Condor gear and have been very satisfied with them.
5.11 Tactical and Condor have a plate carrier system that utilizes a quick-release system which is excellent for getting a plate carrier off quickly in an emergency. The 5.11 quick release system is called the QR Plate Carrier, and the Condor quick release system is called the RS Plate Carrier.
As I said, I’ve been very pleased with both, and while they each use a quick-release system, the two carriers are built very differently. Hopefully this article helps you determine which is best for you.
Table of Contents
5.11 Plate Carrier Pros & Cons
Pros
Budget-friendly
Lightweight
Laser Cut
Padded Shoulders
Inner Padding
Durable Materials
Cons
Not the best QR system
Condor Plate Carrier: Pros & Cons
Pros
Affordable
Comfortable
Quality Build
Form Fitting
Quick Release System
Made In USA
Cons
No inner padding
Price Comparison: Value for Money
| Brand | Plate Carrier | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 5.11 Tactical | QR Plate Carrier | $210.95 (Black or Coyote) $230.95 (MultiCam) |
| Condor Outdoor | Cyclone RS Plate Carrier | $220.00 (Ranger/Black/Kangaroo) |
Both the 5.11 QR plate carrier and the Condor RS plate carrier are competitively priced at around $210-230. If you need something less expensive, Condor has a ton of other plate carrier options between $100 – $180.
Discount code for Condor gear
Use my discount code on your Condor order TGG15 and get 15% off your entire order.
Build Quality and Materials
Both the 5.11 Plate Carrier and Condor Plate Carrier are well-built with durable materials and excellent stitching. I’ve had no issues with the quality of the build.
The 5.11 QR Plate Carrier uses laser-cut system and I was pretty rough on it to get some of the attachments through the slots, and it held up very well. I would say that this carrier is a bit more rigid than the Condor plate carrier.
The Condor RS Plate Carrier is made in the USA, and it shows. The stitching was excellent, and the 500D Cordura is both durable and comfortable.
Comfort and Fit
How comfortable is the 5.11 plate carrier?
The 5.11 QR Plate Carrier is definitely more of a rigid carrier system compared to the Condor Plate Carrier. The 5.11 cummerbund has very little stretch to it. That said, I didn’t have any problems with comfort when it came to the cummerbund. The shoulder straps are padded, which offers a great deal of comfort for those long days in the field or in training exercises.
How comfortable is the Condor plate carrier?
The Condor Plate Carrier used an elastic cord which allows the cummerbund to stretch and form around the user.
MOLLE and Attachment Options
This is a close matchup between 5.11 and Condor. Both companies offer a ton of attachment options for their plate carrier systems, such as magazine pouches, or admin pouches, and more. I would say that Condor has more selection when it comes to their accessory attachments, including a 6-magazine pouch.
Keep in mind that the Condor RS Plate Carrier doesn’t come with the padded shoulder straps, so if you want that added comfort (I highly recommend it) then you’ll have to add those to your order.
Durability in the Field
How durable is the 5.11 plate carrier?
The 5.11 QR plate carrier is extremely durable. At first, I was worried about the shoulder straps break, but there’s been no issues with them. Even the laser cut material is incredibly strong. I was so rough on the carrier when putting the magazine and admin pouch on that I thought I was going to rip the material, but it held up.
How durable is the Condor plate carrier?
The Condor RS plate carrier is well-built (made in USA) and there’s been no sign of damage from my time using it. If you’re using the Condor plate carrier on an occasional basis, say once a week or month, then this will last you for a very long time.
What size plates will they take?
| Brand | Plate Carrier | Plate Size |
|---|---|---|
| 5.11 Tactical | QR Plate Carrier | – Small to Medium SAPI/ESAPI Plates, 10″ x 12″ Plates (S/M) – Large to Extra Large SAPI/ESAPI Plates (L/XL) |
| Condor Outdoor | Cyclone RS Plate Carrier | 10.25″ x 13.25″ |
I had the 5.11 QR plate carrier in size Small/Medium, and the 10″x12″plates did fit, but it was super tight. Unless you’re above 6’2″, I don’t recommend getting the Large/XL size of the 5.11 QR plate carrier. I’m 5’10” and the Small/Medium fit perfect.
The Condor RS plate carrier on the other hand fit my 10″x12″ plates no problem.
If you’re looking for some decent Level IV plates, check out my review of the MIRA Safety Level IV plates here.
Should you buy the 5.11 plate carrier or the Condor plate carrier?
After wearing both of these carrier systems my preference of the two was the Condor plate carrier. Although the 5.11 QR plate carrier was still very well build, durable, and felt comfortable, I enjoyed the Quick Release system on the Condor RS plate carrier, and I found the traditional MOLLE webbing easier to work with than the laser cut system on the 5.11 QR plate carrier.
So really, it all comes down to personal preference. Both carriers were very well-build, tough, durable, modular, and affordable.
Thanks for reading this article on the 5.11 plate carrier vs Condor plate carrier. I hope it’s been helpful to you in making your decision on which carrier system you buy.