Defense Mechanisms MEPC Plate Carrier Setup & Review

[@krisgee9553]

Defense Mechanisms have their own site or just sell third party sites?

[@Hoplopfheil]

DefenseMechanisms.com

[@krisgee9553]

@@Hoplopfheil Thx bro... Wraith Defense site kept coming up

[@mboudreaux94]

@@krisgee9553 Wraith is good people too

[@OMGiTzSpAnKy]

Wraithdefense(cheaper) and apexarmorsolutions(no tax outside of WA)

[@LarpingSupply]

@@OMGiTzSpAnKy Ordering Direct from DM is faster as they do stock and backstock items as apposed to buying from their drop shippers (I used to sell the crap out of their gear!). You will save money buying. 3rd party and they absolutely will honor their warranty regardless of how you come into their products. But if you want your items as fast as possible ordering direct is a tad more expensive but faster. Just a heads up.

[@stranglehold4713]

"blow the elastic out goatsie style" I launched my morning coffee at my screen. Thanks Hop

[@donewithmodernlife]

I had a good chuckle at that one too. The mental image I had shortly after not so much. 🤢

[@denvercyclist]

Me too

[@simply_based]

@@donewithmodernlife you dont like goatsie Hop?

[@southpawluke]

MEPC is fantastic. Quality is stellar. I’ve met the DM guys and they are super solid. They actually are running the kit they make and the design and quality reflects that.

[@akompsupport]

But are they made in the US or are they Chinese resellers??? 🤔 Frauds that need to be in prison just like ferro concepts.

[@seejayshoots]

@@akompsupport American made to order, pretty legit

[@akompsupport]

@@seejayshoots That's what they say but I am skeptical for various reasons. No one has ever actually seen them make anything. They are a Chinese re-seller with mark ups IMO and until proven otherwise.

[@odsttrooper3724]

@@akompsupport okay fudd

[@BabaNovac792]

@@akompsupport can you point me out to an article or something like that ,that supports what you are stating? I'm asking just because i thought of going for Ferro products, but if that's the casse I'll look elsewhere

[@JustIn-op6oy]

Made this suggestion on one of hop's slickster videos but I figure more people will see it here - throw an emergency poncho in your hydration bladder pouch or perhaps that admin pouch. An emergency poncho (along with an emergency mylar blanket) makes a negligible impact on weight and bulk but you will be thrilled to have them if you get stuck out in the rain/cold. My preferred setup is a poncho in a catch-all pouch and a blanket in my med kit pouch.

[@simply_based]

I had a mylar blanket in my belt medkit, it added the perfect amount of bulk to make sitting impossible. When I get a hydro carrier for my PC ill probably put it in there

[@JustIn-op6oy]

@@simply_based how big of an emergency blanket do you have? I have one nearly big enough to make a lean-to shelter with, but folded down it's approximately 4"x6" and about half of an inch thick. That seems to do well stacked up along the inside of the pouch closest to my body.

[@simply_based]

@@JustIn-op6oy not sure on the exact size, but well bigger than I am, maybe 6'x8'? Its probably 3"x5" folded. It just doesnt work well small of back. I have probably half a dozen between packs and my car, and can always throw one in my back pocket if shits getting weird

[@JustIn-op6oy]

@@simply_based how do you like just the medkit in that position? In the past, I don't usually like setting up a rig where I have small pouches low on my back. I can never seem to get them to ride comfortably regardless of what I stuff in them. Though that's definitely a me problem and not anything inherent in the gear (at least as far as I can tell).

[@simply_based]

@@JustIn-op6oy I've got the LTC Responder, and with a plate carrier on it's perfect. Still not amazing without a plate carrier, but still do-able

[@Nighttimeduck]

You can reverse the knobs on your acog mount if you want. They work on either side. Makes it more comfortable to have the rifle slung without a plate carrier, a little less likely to snag. Irrelevant to the video but I just noticed it so I’d thought I’d mention it. Great review

[@georgekoribanic2524]

"Blow the elastic out, goatsy style." had me cracking up, haha good times my man, good times

[@alfredknubble1958]

Uhhh, Goatse. Not goatsy. You don't actually know what that is, do you?

[@A_Qwynide]

I've been supremely impressed with not only the quality of the gear DM has been putting out, but also the rate they are putting new gear to market (again, without sacrificing quality).

[@colemangreene2079]

Hop.... Just wanna say that your product review vids are FAR superior to literally any other 2A content creator. I actually learn something watching ur vids and can actually trust your evaluations. You're doing the Gun Lord's work my friend. Much appreciated

[@TonberryShuffle]

I have one of these and love it. Not that I've got an extensive list of plate carriers I've tested but this one's been my favorite so far. "Velcro is limited use. It's a consumable item" FUCKING THANK YOU! I'm glad I'm not the only person saying this.

[@Don-wq7hc]

I bought this plate carrier after watching this review. It’s a massive upgrade from my bulky, awkward fitting Condor. Hugs my body well, feels comfortable, and construction looks great. I did go with your recommendation with the elastic cummerbund, which is also cheaper than the elastic 5 inch molle. The quick detach is a great feature; faster, easier, and quieter to remove. I really only need to unhook one side to remove the carrier from my person. Additionally, I also went with the G hooks over the GTSR latch for my placard, which does make the front “flatter.” I purchased my MEPC during their Black Friday 15% off sale and it arrived a little over 5 weeks later. Thank you Hop for the review!

[@ThinLineDefenseCo]

Great video! We did the placard system from Defense Mechanisms (releasing today)... Now I want to see their carrier. I've definitely been impressed. Too funny we both have one from them this weekend. Take care!

[@bofeity]

Never thought I’d hear a Goatse reference in 2021 and yet here we is

[@KidCorporate]

Goatse is eternal.

[@kylemurphy6467]

Those Eagle M4 Pouches are a great item. Very cost effective. You can cram two PMags in there, get it wet, then let it dry and it should stretch out to be able to fit two mags with a little force.

[@molonlabe5090]

Just talked to one of the guys at DM over the phone an hour or so ago. Good Customer Service too, answered all my questions and even shot the shit for a bit.

[@MTMILITIAMAN7.62]

I really like your presentation. Everything you say is well thought out and presented in a manner that is reasonable and easy to comprehend. You have opinions, but you present them as such. I appreciate good information in a concise format with all opinions supported. It also helps that you have reviews on all three of the plate carriers I was considering. Thank you.

[@gruntgearreview6490]

Nice to hear you sounding like you don't actually hate everything

[@MrJangleo]

Hop, have you ever tried using a sewing machine? Sometimes the best additions are things you can add yourself. Pull and attach old parts/material from old broken or never used equipment or even just reinforcing a weak/loose spot in the stitching with a couple extra threads can help some things.

[@almostontimehero5415]

Knuckles please stop peddling your sewing skills. Not everyone wants to go all in on the craft.

[@felinor693]

@@almostontimehero5415sometimes it pays to be a stitch bitch

[@Texan_American]

Running their MEPC v2 and a V1. Good quality. I tried their buildible placard, Good idea, but found it to be a velcro hell hole so ended up moving down to a slicker setup with a simple 3 mag placard with a slick wrap and a slim zipper pouch in-between them. Works well. Their belt is also AMAZING. Love DM.

[@LeifyGuy]

"I had the ranger green mepc before it was cool" -Me (a cz hipster kinda guy) I do use mine with the ferro cummerbund though

[@PandaOnParole]

Love my MEPC, anyone on the fence should feel confident this thing is high quality.

[@BanditBents]

Kind of wish you could buy half of the cummerbund instead of having to buy both sides together. Could run a QD on one side and no QD on the other side. It's easy enough to get the PC on and off by only undoing on side and then you get the added bonus of a pouch close to the front instead of a 2nd QD that's not really necessary.

[@mytuul736]

Yo hop, would you consider doing a review on a brn-180 or a Kp-15 lower. Also how well does the rt-6 work with night vision.

[@BigMikesHobbyChannel]

Nothing but good stuff and great people from a local Made In the USA company. The design and thought that goes into there stuff is really top notch. I highly recommend checking them out if you are looking to upgrade gear or get started putting kit together. /end commercial.

[@AcePilgrim]

I love the bonus review there at the last 5 seconds 😂

[@Zoraxon]

The QD clips are top notch. I've got a First Spear which has those by default, and it's phenomenal. Quick don/doff, but as you say, it pushes your foremost pouch options a bit farther back

[@E.Chang.]

The Defense Mechanisms Cummerbund QD's are slightly different than First Spear Tubes. The ones in the video are ROC Quick Detach. The ROC's are slightly more annoying to attach than FS Tubes. On the ROC QD you have to align the middle buckles than turn in. FS Tubes are way easier, you can just slide them in from bottom to top, or top to bottom.

[@curgunner]

Good to see the Hoplite love

[@EOTechN9ne]

I have Slickster with the defense mechanism elastic qd cummerbund. Really like the qd ability.

[@EOTechN9ne]

@@komomando no they are to the sides of the plate carrier.

[@kksan]

Was brainstorming my carrier lately and your video helps greatly!

[@morgannordahl4355]

I want to see a video on the shoulder plates. Why you prefer those over side plates. I didn't even know shoulder plates were an option.

[@AndyE30]

You had me at Ranger Green

[@Sparkfly88]

MEPC gang. Got mine in tropic!

[@bolawdean]

Been waiting for a sale to grab a mepc, but may just grab it after your review 👌🏼

[@MyLonewolf25]

DM is a great company I love their kangaroo molle plackard for work when I’m wearing my hard vest. I run it slick front because I’m not running rifles at work but it allows me to not have to dig through pockets and keep important shit close.

[@sullygtx9350]

Thanks for the review. I'm looking into my first carrier to use on the range but also for competing in the Tactical Games. Looks like it's slick enough to not be cumbersome when dry but can easily be scaled up for range days. It's either between this or the Rogue 3.0 from Hoplite. Leaning more towards the MEPC for it's scalability.

[@mabs9503]

mmm yes hop video 😤

[@Hoplopfheil]

mmm yes Mabs comment

[@Stigstigster]

The goatse reference just dropped in there all quick and casual like. 😂 I remember when that first gaped onto our screens a long time ago now.

[@spaceisalie5451]

Just got one. 100% the greatest minimalist plate carrier. I love this thing. I bought a large which basically feels like a medium for other carriers. Not bad on neck rubbing on the large and I also have a pretty thick neck. But I can see where it could become a minor issue if you're turning your head a lot and raising your shoulders. I'm waiting on the shoulder sleeves which will fix that minor concern.

[@xsleezerx2083]

I’m thinking about ordering own but I like to carry 5-7 mags on my carrier at any given time. Is there options for carrying more mags on the side or will the elastic do fine?

[@spaceisalie5451]

@@xsleezerx2083 Depending on the cumberbund you buy, sure. It'll accept most cumberbunds.

[@peachfuds]

Just bought this exact setup for work. I hope I like it!

[@AKGirthQuake]

Mine should be coming in today and i too switched from a slickster

[@Oberkaptain]

I like my shellback SF PC. Has 3 mag holders built right into the carrier and is super slim and minimalist. also has a builtin radio pouch in the cumberbund.

[@Irishspartan1337]

Enjoyed the video, can't wait for more!

[@jpk9171jpk]

You could try soaking it in warm water then try putting the plates and backer in it. Personally I’ve found that the multi curved plate is only really needed for the front and I don’t use a backer. For the back I use a single curve with a backer. (might depend on your build though for this preference)

[@OrdnanceTV]

"Blow it GOATSE style." I had gone ten years without thinking about that horrific image. Thanks for reminding me.

[@themightybacon7304]

lol my rig ended up being a DM/Ferro hybrid too - glad to see I'm not the only one

[@generalbakedpotato6150]

I was wondering a bit about this pc after buying an hrt rac. Good to know I can trust the brand

[@michaelblacktree]

LOL at the goatse reference. 🤣

[@Highway9mm]

@@rifleshooterchannel208 I dare you to google it. Lol

[@Highway9mm]

@@rifleshooterchannel208 I hope those people found out what goatse was.

[@aidancabrales7794]

Just ordered this carrier, more than excited now.

[@MrRyryrose]

I'm running this same setup, I agree the curve makes the weight a non issue

[@0rion016]

Ferrense Machaniconcepts Slission Essenster

[@foxxoboxxo1611]

I have a similair set up, but I'm using the OEM 4AR/AK mag placard and in m81 Woodland for that Camo A e s t h w t i c. Currently works pretty well, though I am admittingly using some fairly budget plates. (Lapg IV's which are more likely about 3, 4 ICW from my understanding.) Using an old Russian booboo pouch and 4 pistol/tool/etc pouches in the VSR 98 pattern, and a gp pouch in m81, and a few additonal mag pouches and a radio pouch in Japanese flecktarn. I also run some heavy af 6x8 side plates which while comfy do make me feel pretty strained after a few hours wearing. Its ment for home or local area, not to mention the larping; But not sure if I'd be able to use right now unless I swap for more lighter plates and ditch the side plates in general.

[@Token_Black_Guy]

Also have lapg lvl 4 but just bought some hoplite lvl 4s

[@davidzanelli6847]

Based Hoplopflite

[@multicam_goth]

I upgraded my FCPC with a Defense Mechanisms elastic cummerbund cause the option for tubes and quick donning and doffing outweighed the gucci factor of the tegris assault cummerbund. Don’t regret it at all.

[@MM-kv8ly]

That disappointed face! I have so much gear that I've rejected, so I know the feeling.

[@Jason-lr4dj]

Was waiting for this!

[@HUNTER-ve3iw]

this seems like a hybrid between a ferro FCPC V5, a TREX Arms AC1, and a Mayflower APC, and I love it

[@borkwoof696]

That ACOG tho😍

[@rybaneightsix5085]

Was already gonna sub, but now I'm doing it even harder for the goatse reference.

[@jackusmc2542]

Thanks Hop. Good information.

[@JARG]

Dude your hippy look. Awesome!

[@LilFuniAZNBoi]

I picked up their magazine pouches for a new belt setup. They are very tight fitting and are kinda hard to reindex mags for all those cool Instagram tac reloads. I left my mags in there to hopefully expand the elastic a bit but I’m probably gonna see if I can return them or resell them on GAFS and just stick with Kywis instead.

[@Zawfee]

Really digging the rig and the shooty

[@DET_C0RD]

Dude your videos are top notch. I love it. Keep it up.

[@CPLBSS88]

good deal, have had my eye on them for ages but the lack of reviews caused me pause... getting order in ASAP

[@anasiangirly]

I love my mepc however I switched out the front with a spirritus. Multicam spirritus front and mepc back with mepc side cummerbunds. It actually looks sick

[@valiant545]

Been waiting on this one!

[@BenTheThird]

Been waiting for this vid thanks for uploading.

[@D00MerJohn]

Great video Hop!

[@nicholassiwek3990]

If you get a direct placard to cumberbund system like the shaw concepts arc or a and a tactical seacu you can probably get that spare mag closer towards the front of your torso.

[@trippinghazard2]

Dang, I was worried about the QD bund putting the molle too far back. I could go one QD bund and one regular with a double mag pouch as far forward as possible but then that would throw off where I like having the radio on the QD side because I'm not trying to deal with all of those cables every time I put it on. I'm glad you posted this, I hadn't considered these things previously I might have to completely reconfigure my setup if I switch to one.

[@charlieghague]

I didn't go with the QD cummerbund on my LV-119 for the reasons you stated. I'm skinny like you so the extra spaces of molle make a big difference. I run a couple things on the side and hate the feeling of stuff mounted right underneath my arms. So I need to run things far forward for comfort. And with the Spiritus you also lose the ability to use a wing pouch since the QD attaches directly to the carrier instead of front loop.

[@mattbrattain]

Can we please have the deltoid/side plate conversation? Ive had to wear both for work and found them equally uncomfortable.

[@JARG]

I recommend Defense Mechanisms. No affiliation

[@guitardaddy6]

I think you got me sold on this. I have my setup exactly like you.

[@zhongligaming3734]

You said “if I were going to be using this for multiple days I would have set it up a different way”. Could you elaborate on that a bit? What specific changes would you make to the carrier, or would you even choose this carrier in the first place? Thanks

[@kilroy5166]

Can you make a video on plate carrier basics sometime? The mess of fabric and velcro that stacks on top of itself just confuses me.

[@blodus4521]

On most 'modular' slicker carriers the cummerbund attaches by a hook velcro on the side facing your body and then with a loop on the outside which allows you to attach a placard, chest rig, etc. You can then add additional hook/lop pouches between the layers. They also commonly use clips to affix the top end of the placard so you can rip it off without having to place completely reattach it everytime. Now when it comes to MOLLE theres a whole debate over which attachment method works best and thats a conversation people devote entire threads to.

[@pcarrierorange]

@@blodus4521 When you say “attachment method” are you referring to standards pals vs laser cut vs negative space types of molle webbing, or are you literally referring to how people thread the vertical straps through the horizontal straps? Just curious cause I can’t imagine there’s much debate over how the second.

[@tacktiician4978]

Good to know i can fit the trex backers in my slickster with some highcom plates

[@Argentum7756]

Have you noticed any issues with the MEPC carrier holding unto water when you use it in the rain? You get more out in Western Oregon than I do for sure. I have the Spiritus Covert and for it's design intent it's super good. However I am looking for a more overt carrier for wearing outside of a jacket. Thinking about the Spiritus Over the Beach stuff for extended outdoor wear but the MEPC intrigues me as a cost effective alternative.

[@johnadams7538]

hoplite because of their open support of liberty

[@andyyanchan]

Great review! How comfy are the shoulder straps? Do they cut into your neck? How do they compare w slickster and jpc 2.0? Does the pc distribute weight well? Thank you!

[@Boa796]

Until you do a vid on shoulder plates I'm gonna assume it's Hop cannon that you like them because they look cool.

[@d1nonlymontezzy348]

🤙 dope load out brother… Cruzin’ the tube getting ideas for minimal carry tired of the grunt gear ammo mule load out lol

[@name-k7t]

Excellent review.

[@exploringechos6540]

Because of my disabilities, I cannot have a strap around my leg for a pistol holster. Furthermore my plate carrier is set up for quick grab, short term, indoor defense. Point is I am experimenting around with putting a pistol holster on the carrier. Any suggestions? Right now I just have kydex because I can’t find a holster I can zip tie to the carrier. I have a G19X with a Streamlight TLR 7A. Thanks

[@Hoplopfheil]

Possibly the Blackhawk T-series holster for G19 w/ TLR7. I think it would attach to the standard Blackhawk molle holster plate.

[@exploringechos6540]

@@Hoplopfheil Thank you much Hops!

[@plmkoo6772]

ZOWIE WOWIE the acog is so cutsie!🥰

[@Hoplopfheil]

Glad to see you're still completely crazy.

[@VioletPrism]

uwu

[@MCG55555]

Not really a comment relevant to this video but I saw a recent article in TFB TV stating that you dislike the Smith and Wesson 5906. I'd love to see you do a video on it and/or other Smith and Wesson metal frame DA/SA guns.

[@heathrandolph4321]

Hi, I came across your channel while trying to find a good PC setup for a 9mm PCC. Can you tell me what the 9mm placard you’re using on that PC and is it compatible with Glock magazines.

[@jizzlemack9927]

I like my MEPC, but my only issue with it is, the front loop panel is sewn in off center, and covered half of the right side vertical laser cut molle. I was able to dig up underneath the loop and muscle a QASM buckle in, but it’s a QC issue that just shouldn’t have happened in the first place.

[@simply_based]

have you asked them for a replacement?

[@zatoby6705]

Call them and ask for a replacement.

[@defensemechanisms6765]

Contact customer service and we will gladly get you squared away.

[@tired6919]

Hey man, what jacket/pants are you running? Issue I seem to have is uncomfortable slings rubbing my neck and that looks like it would help

[@gundude82]

Just about any surplus field shirt works in my experience. Hoodies can work too if you have the hood up

[@Hoplopfheil]

Helikon gris fleece jacket for at least part of the video. Pants are usually 5.11s or something from Duluth.

[@ajbrown0117]

How would you say this compares to say the Velocity Systems LEPC? The seem almost identical except for the back panel isn’t complete Molle on the LEPC

[@martinandrews8496]

Hey man do all plates from them have that bad ass multi curve? Or just that level 4? I've bought 2 different plates from places that said multi curve and it was single curve. So hearing about a nice curve is nice .

[@AK47Uprising]

Well your video led me to order one to replace my WAS that glows under IR in a very foul way. Hope yours is still holding up well.

[@nickpowell7432]

You could run the first Speer tube on your shooting Side and have weak side standard Velcro and never undo it. If u want pouches on weak side. That’s what I’m gonna try on my scarab. I want quick release

[@bowlerhatguy72]

Hop did you get them in a medium or a large I’m 5-11 and 170 I don’t know if to get a medium or a large I’m am scared to order it and have to return it over sizing issues

[@TheJoeml85]

I was thinking about getting this plate carrier over the Agilite kzero you think it’s a better option and will the cummerbund sag if your use side plates?

[@wastedallmysucc788]

Whats the shirt being rocked at 6:11? It goes hard in the paint.

[@MatterMadeMoot]

Digging your setup hop. Would love to hear your thoughts on the "plates won't save you in a civil unrest situation" school of thought, some of my buddies will die on that hill and it just doesn't make sense to me.

[@TheJoeml85]

I heard the medium size plate bags are really tight with 10x12 plates should I get a large?

[@TheJoeml85]

I kinda want to get the hybrid cummerbund because it’s stretches a bit will it hold side armor without sagging?

[@PHIllip324]

How fast did you get your Hoplite plates? There's been a lot of buzz about their lead times and customer service (most of it not exactly good).

[@Hoplopfheil]

I've bought two sets of plates from them, both were in-stock when I ordered and were shipped quickly. I think a lot of people bought backordered plates during the wave of panic buying. You couldn't get plates for love nor money then, so it wasn't really Hoplite's fault.

[@The_kookclub]

I ordered the krydex knockoff version of it. It’s super good.