Agilite: K19 Plate Carrier

[@tanx20]

Having used the K19 for over a year at for work you pretty much got it on point with all the issues. I'll say it's a fine carrier but it is bulky for what it is. It's built well; thing has taken a real beating from me and aside staining it's in great shape. The admin pouch works great for cell phones, we got issued ATAK phones recently and it works great for a larger phone, but yes small objects get lost at the bottom. You're also dead on about the plates slipping and not staying in place well, especially when running unless you tighten that cummerbund down to uncomfortable levels. The cummerbund doesn't have any real stretch and yes the ability to quickly give it slack when in a vehicle is nice, but a proper cummerbund with elastic works better for comfort. The straps inside are supposed to go over the back face of the plates and through the D-Rings on the closing flap of the plate bag, with the plate resting between the straps and the front of the plate bag. There's enough padding on the back that you don't notice it and it HOLDS the plates solidly in place (Side note, thick polyethylene plates BARELY fit in the K19, and are a ROYAL PAIN to take out). For its price point I think there are better options on the market.

[@cameron3525]

Isn’t it made in Vietnam? A bit of gear I’ve got from them is, but I wasn’t sure about the plate carrier.

[@EODFish]

I believe so

[@LAAM619]

What are the better options?

[@tanx20]

@@LAAM619 It depends on what you need the carrier for. Is it for covert use, duty use, military use, personal use/home defense or some sort of defensive role? Do you want a more slick carrier, one with comfort as a top priority, scalability, etc. I think for the price point of $300 (it's 290, but basically $300) you can get things like Crye JPCs, 5.11 Tac Tec, Palatac SMAC, BCS Aptum, GreyGhostGear SMC, etc. There are dozens of options if you look around at that price point or lower. The K19 is fine and looks very professional, but it is very bulky. While comfortable, it isn't the most comfortable carrier I've used. The Arbor Arms Flex Assaulter and Shaw ARC V2 were both more comfy in my experience.

[@EODFish]

Please never reference the 5.11 outside of CrossFit pages again.

[@McMeatBag]

I've never seen a more controversial plate carrier on reddit, so it's nice to get a detailed look at it. Maybe you'll eventually bless us with a video about your dislike of flat packs too.

[@EODFish]

I discuss that in my Grey Ghost 1-3 Day Pack video.

[@madhatter9861]

Doesn’t have the carrier adjusted correctly to his body but bashes it. Makes sense.

[@EODFish]

Please explain how to adjust it.

[@madhatter9861]

@@EODFish the gclip on your back plate could be moved inwards to the center of your spine helping keep position. You also have (what looks to be an inch of space that can be adjusted in the shoulder pad strips that connect to the front plate carrier

[@steakwilliams4448]

I have this plate carrier and it's the only plate carrier I've ever used. It seems o fit my RMA, bulky and heavy lvl 4 plates well. The straps inside the plate bag took me a bit to figure out when I first got it, but those straps do interface with buckles on the flap for the plate bag. It's nice to hear an opinion of someone that isn't drooling over this plate carrier nor are they shitting on it. It sounds like there are better options out there but this is fine for me, for now. I really do like that placard a lot

[@jae0113]

I'm glad to see your review on this! Now you understand why I am not a fan of it and why I got rid of mine. So the plate carrier does level the front and back with the addition of side plates. The inner straps inside the plate pockets wrap around the plate then through the d-rings, and velcro back inside. This helps raise the plates to the top. My two main issues are the cummerbund attachments. And most importantly, the shoulder straps and the interference when shouldering a rifle. But I agree with the other various low points you went over and I also agree that is more hyped up then it actually is... Thanks for the review again and hopefully you can sell it to someone who really wants one! "Ebay!"

[@ordinary_american]

- Very fair and valid points. Agilite would do well do incorporate the feedback in the next iteration of the K19. They do listen to feedback; the shoulder QD's became optional after they heard people wanted it either only on the weak side or not at all. Unfortunately due to the bulk, it really doesn't have any ability to conceal as a slick civilian carrier, which is what 99% of people buying it would really need. Would love to see a true minimalist scalable PC that would complement the rest of the placard/pouch lineup, while retaining or improving upon the comfort/venting in the right spots without resorting to bulk all across the carrier. - I don't know the design history behind it, but it looks like it took some of the characteristics from the IDF's line infantry plate carrier, which uses LVS style shaped hard armor (the "Chashmonai" Plate) for front/rear plate bags, and so due to their almost complete wraparound nature of the armor, it doesn't have any room for standalone 6x6 or 6x8 side plates and they have a strikingly similar unsuable cummerbund style as the K19. - I'm sure when the K19 was first designed, it was made with the hot weather and middle eastern topography in mind, but fast forward to today, with so much feedback and adoption by users in Europe and the US, it might be time to update the design to better serve the intended audience. A lot of their other stuff is well thought out and useful for most people. Helpful video, thanks!

[@HuckleBerry476]

Been waiting for you to put this overview/review out. Thank you sir!

[@Morningstar_Actual]

The pincer placard is amazing. Been running one for a year now. Even retains AK mags (would definitely lessen service time though). Going prone is really nice with it loaded or empty

[@NightWarp]

For me it came to a choice... the k19, or the fcpcv5 from ferro..... choose the Ferro. I am on the small side and a lot of reviews mentioned the bulk and having a hard time making it work on smaller side guys.

[@ROOSTER-ql5fs]

Hats off to you. Your reviews are NO NONSENSE! I appreciate your time and perspective. I also appreciate that you seem to be reviewing things without the intent of trying to sell me something. There’s a lot to be said for that with all of these “influencers” with hidden (or not so hidden) agendas.

[@mog7814]

I think Arbor Arms does an actual plate carrier with a true maritime release. 🤙🏼

[@chris.t1629]

The review we’ve all been waiting for

[@MILNETDATABASE1207]

I used this carrier for about a year, upgraded to the warfighter cummerbund, I work in Law Enforcement/Force protection and while it is good to wear long term throughout the day, where I am, I get hotspots in the front and back. I just swapped out for a JPC 2.0 and have been running that ever since, eventually I'll just be upgrading to the AVS for better back support. Also, I've noticed Air Force being issued this as standard for some time.

[@EODFish]

No one in the AF is issued the K19.

[@MILNETDATABASE1207]

@EODFish they are where I am. Not sure what the reason is but the SF I work with are mostly wearing K19s now, replacing their T3 Geronimos.

[@EODFish]

Where is that? It’s ripe for Berry compliance violation.

[@MILNETDATABASE1207]

@EODFish I will say I am ignorant of their supply acquisition rules but whatever approval they needed, they must have gotten it. The feedback when I spoke to them about the vest is that it is far superior to their previous one.

[@charlieghague]

Why people hype this up is beyond me. The QD's are extremely excessive and the cummerbund is like early 2000s GWOT style. You have to immediately buy a new one to use it. And these are the same people who bitch about spiritus or ferro having everything separate.

[@RogueShadow937]

Good video! I agree with a lot of your points, but for me personally I love this plate carrier. For my job in the Corps it does everything I need it to do perfectly. It feels good when I wear it over a long period, bit bulky but holds all of my gear attachments, I can fit my plates and soft armor, overall I give it a 8/10.

[@PrayingPanda]

I have the k5 and for me the only downside is the shoulder strap buckle area. Hypalon (jpc) will stretch but its thin and feels like there's nothing there similar to shouldering without a carrier. A padded design will have some teething issues for folks. I think the k5 was better as it was more focused and less generic/1-size fits all. In fact if I wanted to optimize a k5 into a more modern placard style carrier with less material, I'd: 1. Cut the cummerbund overhang flaps on the front and rear platebags allowing velcro placards to be used. 2. Cut 70/30 splits in the shoulder buckles so they can be removed or swapped if desired. 3. Cut the shoulder straps so that only the buckle is used and there is no shoulder strap-to-front plate bag velcro adherence.

[@williamhsteele]

Awesome information sir! I’ve used a 5-11 tactec carrier for about 10 years now and I was thinking about this k19 simply for my smaller body size/frame but after your thoughts, it has me re-thinking. Thanks.

[@MILNETDATABASE1207]

You thread the two straps inside the platebag through the loops then bring it back in on itself, it's to hold the plate in place and prevent sagging.

[@jacobkilman8444]

I think the worst part about its design is how it produces so many k19 fanboys

[@EODFish]

Yeah, it hits a lot of AC1 notes there.

[@BabaNovac792]

Compared to what?

[@fr3d_fly351]

Looks like an nice upgrade for AC1 users

[@Musteredbuttfish]

I lost my favorite pen for mouths and it was in the bottom of that pocket 😂

[@Nothing_141]

I completely agree fish. Agilite is a good company but people have been exaggerating the K19’s overall ability. There are many seasoned plate carriers with a plethora of aftermarket support to tailor them exactly to your needs. Again Agilite is a good company and their placard is very innovative.

[@tagairsoft]

I think those inner straps go to the buckels from the flap because i see 2 rings on the flap and maybe that's how you put smaller plates. Try and let us know

[@aJacksonHoleguy]

They do Am a K19 owner

[@code-dredd]

Some of the criticisms are on point (e.g. issues when shouldering, leveling front/back, the integrated "admin" pouch), but other points were full of, by your own admission, speculation and, frankly, ignorance --both of which could've been avoided. For example, during the video you mention, in quite a few places, that you're "not sure" or "don't know" what something does or is for (e.g. some straps), or can't test it due to some reason, so you just go on to _assume_ that it must be bad or unnecessary, which is just a _bad_ leap in logic. If you don't know what a given set of straps is for, you should've checked and confirmed what it was for instead of just jumping to the evidence-free conclusion that it's just "extra bulk". If you can't test the comfort of the carrier due to temperatures, as you mentioned, then it makes no sense to just leap to the fact-free conclusion that it must get too warm (i.e. as in warmer than what would be reasonable). At least from my experience, using it in the Utah desert in July at 100+F temps for 8.5hrs straight (and getting a medium-rare tan out of it for stupidly forgetting my sun-block), it was fine. Sure, it'll be warmer than if you didn't have it on, but that will apply to any PC you use and, at least I noticed that, I wasn't looking for an excuse to take it off due to a lack of breatheability or anything. At least on this particular point, it was a better experience than my other PC. I think the review could've been better (i.e. better informed and more objective) if the issues mentioned above had been addressed prior to reviewing the gear. *EDIT:* Typos.

[@EODFish]

I appreciate the constructive feedback and you are absolutely right. Thank you.

[@BabaNovac792]

+1

[@WisSota_Boy]

The new warfighter cummerbund should help offset the plates and keep it where they should be and not have the front ride high and back sag low.

[@brandonmartinez9710]

I come from Reddit, genuine quality reviews. Subscribed

[@richardharris5819]

I love the K19 and have been running one for over a year now. Super adjustability and had no issue adjust the plate level... I do consider comfort as I wear this thing all day and have had no hotspots, P.S. I'm sporting the multi curved plates.

[@jaymieharshman1596]

Try putting your butt stock of your rifle into the inner seams of the shoulder strap where your neck is while wearing the k19 might make it easier to aim down your sights

[@hjorturerlend]

All the padding combined with that cummerbund seems all over the place. You'd expect all that padding to be there for supporting the weight of a full loadout, but how are you going to achieve that with only 3 columns of molle on the cummerbund? Those shoulder straps are straight from 2005, not small or non-MMA people compatible. Ironically I'm pretty sure they were marketing it to women at some point lol

[@AirsoftReviewArgentina]

It looks like the shoulder straps are overdesigned - too complicated - and almos the same goes with the cummerbund. I understand the need to design something on your own to work with some other of your products but it leaves no room for - pretty much - anything else.

[@chealtonw.2609]

Like your content for the most part but you not having the rear plate bag adjusted correctly seems like a lazy review with a bit of time you can get it adjusted to ride more level than you have it. Agree the admin pocket is frustratingly useless and if you have a beard it's magnified further. Can't say anything about the cummerbund buckles being shot out have yet to have them shot. Imo it seems more comfortable to wear with a load than some of the other counter parts....use mine for plastic bb warz mainly and I find myself at the staging areas one of the few who doesn't strip a PC off immediately I usually have mine on the whole day I am playing with a amap 3 on the back air tank, large Nalgene, tools, poncho, radio packed in the pack with my rdr placard packed with mags, batteries more tools, and parts and dangler full of snacks. In the end it works extremely well for me but maybe not others and that's ok, I say run what works for you.

[@BabaNovac792]

+1

[@tahoetwin]

I think each manufacturer designs a product according to their own info and criteria and what they think are the end user's needs. Not all products (Plate carriers) in this instance, are going to fit everyone and do everything all people need. Thats why we all have a choice.

[@BrickersInArms]

Please do a vid on the AMAP 3. It would be such a solid assault pack if it wasn't for the shoulder straps which sit far too wide.

[@Danefrak]

It's happening

[@BabaNovac792]

To complete a point you made about the cummerbund and the problem with a radio....you can just use a Spiritus Systems Expander Wing Mk 2,i use it and it works,but only with the pincer placard style,not with mole traded pouches on front, as for the cummerbund, maybe there are options to swap the original one....Agilite is going to change that,one day,as they did until now,about every 6 months, changing little things..kind of annoying. Out of curiosity what would be your preferred load bearing plate carrier?

[@raybensonmiami1]

😅Poor baby! The last thing to worry when wearing a plate carrier is you can't get or reach your pen in a SHTF scenario!

[@TomaszGorniak-nw4uc]

Hi, can you make a review of the new IcePlate Exo Gen2, thanks

[@EODFish]

I’m pretty sure I did.

[@TomaszGorniak-nw4uc]

@@EODFish Hi, thanks for your answer. You only reviewed "Qore Performance Ice Vents and Ice Plate Curve (Gen 2)" which are QorePerformance accessories and not the actual plate carrier named "IcePlate Exo".

[@EODFish]

@@TomaszGorniak-nw4uc ohhhhh. My bad dude.

[@maker_greg]

Have you seen the new hill people gear g-lock for g hooks? It's a little piece of one wrap that closes up a g hook. Kinda changes my opinion on g hooks.

[@EODFish]

I haven’t.

[@apopkared1]

It was easy . Use the loops on the other side and then attach them back on

[@EODFish]

Huh?

[@apopkared1]

@@EODFish pull the tabs on the inside. Place the plates in then you’ll pass the tabs through the loops at the end and Velcro back down. It will keep the plates from moving around and push them forward putting less contact with your body

[@Phantom1188_]

I’ve always been curious what you personally use as far as gear goes for your job fish. Do you think we can get a breakdown video of your own gear?

[@EODFish]

Check my load outs playlist.

[@TheJoeml85]

Do a review on the warrior assault systems recon plate carrier

[@EODFish]

Convince them to send me one.

[@johns9888]

Thank you Interesting but I am not sold on it. Bulk and weight not fond of. Do like the zippered admin access, but weird size interior. Velcro can be a little loud when you don't want it to be ! I feel some times Velcro is over used for " access" , when alternative closures which are quieter could be used. Guess I like being unobtrusive when going for certain items in my kit. Mag/frag pouches then I don't care about the static discharge or noise so much. kzbin.info/www/bejne/boS2eKytjdqll80

[@ROOSTER-ql5fs]

Do you have any experience with Tacticon battlevest elite or the battlevest lite?

[@EODFish]

Nope. Tacticon is well below the cutoff on what I’d bother looking at.

[@ROOSTER-ql5fs]

@@EODFish Enough said. Thank you

[@SolarGeneral]

I have a Battle Vest Elite and while it’s better than nothing at all. I will say it glows like the Las Vegas Strip under nods. It might as well be colored white instead of Ranger Green. I have one because it’s all I have but I’m saving for something else and the Tacticon will get regulated to the tub of extra stuff soon.

[@helikon06]

Do you plan on doing reviews on battle/gun/range belts?

[@EODFish]

You know I have right?

[@helikon06]

@@EODFish no that's why I asked. My bad for asking🫤

[@EODFish]

@@helikon06 I think I have a belts playlist.

[@johns9888]

What mag pouch inverted do you use?

[@mateo1726]

It seems super bulky

[@simonriley8057]

JPC all the way, K19 is just weird

[@LiftedDove]

I used the k19, (the one before this without the stupid ass buckles) when deployed and I loved it, I had it in coyote back when they used to make it, this most recent gen is a big downgrade imo, very disappointed, I sold my agilite when I got out and bought this in green, didn't like it and sold it in 2 months of owning it and built an avs. Still wish I had the k19 god I loved that carrier

[@PrayingPanda]

The k5?

[@LiftedDove]

@@PrayingPanda it was super old don't remember its name but yeah

[@sturmi7991]

The placard is completely useless, if you want an elastic placard you want it because it's flat without anything in it

[@EODFish]

I’ll agree to disagree.

[@PrayingPanda]

I'd also disagree. I don't use this placard but I get the draw. It will collapse if empty and you're up against something like the ground in prone. Otherwise, the mouth will stay open enough for you to easily reinsert mags.

[@sturmi7991]

@@PrayingPanda it won't collapse down Engouh , i used one before and it stays pretty much open , if you want elastic use tenspeeds and if you want a pouch that stays open use a kydex insert

[@PrayingPanda]

@@sturmi7991 if the pouch is empty what prevents it from closing? The soft polymer/rubber material on the opening will bend allowing the mouth to collapse under pressure. When that pressure is relieved it will open up again. That's the shtick. I'd go with kywis for the retention though.

[@EODFish]

These are absolutely more minimal than a kydex insert. I have about zero desire to deal with the bulk of kydex on my chest. Only the mouth of the pouch staying open even if it’s with no flex at all is a much better situation.

[@TheJoeml85]

Do you run trauma pads in your Agilite plate carriers Agilite told me no there’s no wear to put them I thought they go behind your plates lol

[@EODFish]

I put soft armor backers behind my rifle plates in everything. If they don’t fit, I don’t use that PC. Maybe there was a terminology issue there.

[@TheJoeml85]

@@EODFish so they fit well in the k zero and thanks for responding

[@jimjab3631]

There is Velcro on the shoulder straps front and back, it's tour fault for it not being leveled. Admin area is zippered because a lot of people do t like Velcro everywhere. The front is called molle you can add a pouch for your glasses, soi bar, and prius keys. Does this guy even own a firearm?

[@EODFish]

It’s PALS and the Velcro doesn’t level the plates, it tightens the straps. The cummerbund throws it off from being level which is a known issue across a whole range of rigs.

[@Eagle52525]

Firstly, you were using the straps on the inside incorrectly. Secondly, if the cummerbund is one of your biggest complaints, Grim Hunter Tactical Gear released a cummerbund adapter that attaches onto the back.

[@EODFish]

I straight up said that I couldn’t figure out how those straps worked. For a PC that retails at $290, I don’t have much interest in needing to then buy a better cummerbund.

[@Eagle52525]

Idk, I felt like your review was a bit nitpicky on largely irrelevant things like the admin pocket and the straps that you acknowledged that you didn’t know how to use. The straps hoist the plates up so that the plates stay in the appropriate position. It’s a fair assessment on the cummerbund and seemingly the common complaint about the carrier. I just wanted to point out the option in case others were experiencing issues with the cummerbund. Out of curiosity what would be your preferred load bearing plate carrier?

[@scubasteve743]

Do the K zero next

[@EODFish]

Already done

[@Nick-hm9rh]

if "mid" was a plate varrier this would be it

[@TheJoeml85]

Do you like the k19 better then the kzero

[@EODFish]

I don’t like the K19 at all.

[@TheJoeml85]

@@EODFish you like the kzero better?

[@andypena777]

I assume the hate is because Israeli based company. I personally love mine and I have the gen 1. There are some things I would change, some of which have already been addressed in newer versions. My biggest complaint is the cumberbund and the last of space on it.

[@EODFish]

My hate is because they are Israeli? That’s grasping my dude.

[@Apus__]

right…

[@ReconMD]

You should review their site perhaps a bit more. Your review is not well informed. The front top admin pouch is basically for a map. Wasn’t intended to have much in there so it serves the purpose ok. Is it totally necessary, perhaps not. As for the pincer placard, there is an admin pouch specifically made to go in front of this and works very well. Finally, the cummerbund is intended to be a minimalistic approach, which many operators prefer. If you need something more robust, it does not require much at all as you suggested. Simply pick up the warfighter cummerbund on their site. Semper fi. It really is a fantastic tactical plate carrier. That said, I prefer something even more minimal and run the K-zero now.

[@EODFish]

It’s really not fantastic but thanks. The sharpshooting about other products is rad, none of them were even teased when this was published.

[@iankemp5089]

Aglite is the worst lol

[@PC_Drive]

Why? And what do you recommend?

[@dnrfrank]

@@PC_DriveJPC 2.0 with AXL shoulder pads

[@zerofire3172]

Its ugly and bulky so i already hated it

[@BabaNovac792]

Subjective answer ....Out of curiosity what would be your preferred load bearing plate carrier?

[@Taco2therescue]

Agilite k zero is better

[@EODFish]

This is the one Agilite related statement everyone agrees on.