Considering a new PC setup, also general theory questions (Ukraine)
About a year ago someone posted about the M-TAC Corset Elite and as a wearer of that PC I commented (since deleted) and basically said it worked for me and I was cool with it. It offers a lot of protection, but as some commenters pointed out, it looks hot as fuck. Well, it is hot as fuck.
I'm a drone operator and despite some close calls, fortunately haven't actually had an opportunity to test the protection of my kit in the year I have been wearing it. I don't like the restrictions the wide straps and neck armor impose on shouldering a rifle. I don't like being unable to squeeze through little tunnels into a blindage in a hurry. I really don't like the heat and I also don't like the weight (3.9kg without plates). Also with a backpack my hands lose circulation.
I'm considering a new plate carrier. I will have a pretty basic bitch loadout on it; 3 .556 mags, an admin pouch, a motorola dp4000 sized-radio, PTT, bino nod pouch, 2 TQs and a back panel. I will be sticking with the DSTU 5 plates (SAPI M). We almost never have firefights. The two most likely injury vectors are FPVs hitting near me or mines. Unfortunately because of trees these FPVs can be detonating above or behind me. We also have cases where an FPV with an PG-7 hits the top of a vehicle and causes frag to go through.
My requirements:
-It must accommodate the accessories mentioned above
-It must be compatible with or, even better, already have Ukrainian level 2 or equivalent side soft armor. If the side armor is an add-on, obviously the less bulk the better.
-The two TQs must be reachable with at least one hand with ease, preferably either TQ with either hand, on either side of the 3 mags. This is actually kind of awkward with my current PC.
-It must accommodate a belly flap/groin protector
-It must be multicam, legit multicam.
-It must be easily removable in confined, filthy spaces, in the dark.
-I really would like it to allow for normal stock placement.
I can import it myself from America but I would rather avoid it if possible.
I've heard about the LV120 but it doesn't look like it takes side armor.
I'm also considering the M-TAC cuirass tiger elite fast gen II with level 2 soft armor, it would be much easier to get my hands on and cheaper too. No reviews though and it doesn't have weight information. I haven't had issues with any of my M-TAC stuff (at least the stuff they make; their white-label type stuff seems to suck) https://militarist.ua/ua/catalog/tacticalgear/plitonoski/m-tac-plitonoska-cuirass-tiger-fast-elite-2-klas-zakhistu-rozmir-pliti-m-multicam/
The WAS DCS is recommended a lot but it seems to have fallen out of favor on this subreddit.
I'm 5'11 and wear M sized plates. I'm willing to pay for quality where necessary.
Thanks for reading!