Plate Carrier Review (Technical): AGILITE K19 Overview

[@ordinary_american]

Subscribed and now binge watching these reviews. Really enjoying the analytical and innovative metrics used to compare PC's. Very interesting series. Each of them was fair and empirical, and looking forward to the 2023 contenders. As far as Agilite and manufacturing, I do see that they offer Berry Compliant K19's for batch orders of 50+. Which makes me think that they have a TDP for the K19 that theoretically could be given over to any shop to run, but they decided to go with Vietnam for whatever reason. I do wish they would move the production entirely to the US, since that's anyways their largest customer base, would help streamline any repairs/returns, and because American jobs matter. Or make it all in Israel (no shame in that), and grow their home economy. Lastly, anyone who thinks this is some sort of agenda against Agilite for being based in Israel...Qore literally uses the Source Tactical Hydration tube system for their Iceplates. Source Tactical manufactures out of Israel.

[@ordinary_american]

Additional note: Agilite should write the country of origin somewhere, because otherwise people mistakenly think they are getting Israeli *manufactured* tactical soft goods. The Israel tactical soft good market is an interesting discussion for another time. In general they are respectable and of durable quality for years of infantry service, however much like many other countries outside the US that don't have a SOF/citizen training populace that pushes innovation, when it comes to infantry kit, they can be behind the times and are always catching up to US trends. Agilite is unique in that it keeps up with what the domestic citizen tactical community wants, has come out with some very nicely developed pouches, but in the opinion of respected reviewers in this space, needs to do some internal design changes to their flagship K19 product and hopefully bring production over the US. Due to a variety of other factors and nuances, unless something radically changes or improves, the American buyer is better suited with American offerings when it comes to plate carriers.

[@mission7tactical]

Let me start off by saying I have 2 iceplates and love the design and functionality. They fit nicely in both the HRT Hydromax back panel and K19 Amap III backpack. This wasn’t really a true review of the K19 in terms of its features and functionality but a comparison of whether it works well with the qore performance product line. The K19 was not designed to be a minimalist carrier which is why it weighs what it does. It’s pretty obvious it won’t have the same thermal transfer of those other PCs. But reality is that no army or civilian for that matter travels with a portable freezer to keep swapping out for a fresh plate. And on a long hot day that ice won’t last very long anyway so it’s really about using it to keep you hydrated. And if I’m not mistaken, don’t most ceramic plate carrier manufacturers warn against extreme cold or heat? I could be wrong but placing a SAPI ice cube against those types of plates may be a bad idea. And from a protective standpoint, putting the iceplate between your body and your plates is a no go at least for me. You want the plates as close to your body and vital organs as possible so they can do their job. Pushing them out another inch or more away from you leaves you more vulnerable from a front or back angled shot. I may be just overthinking things. Like I said I love the iceplate but the title of this review was a bit misleading and unfair to ask if the K19 lives up to the hype. It does but not specifically when it comes to ice plate integration. Still a huge fan of your products. Keep innovating.

[@QorePerformanceUSA]

First, thanks for being an IcePlate customer! Thank you for the thoughtful comment! We felt some points were worth clarifying: 1. We used IcePlates to demonstrate Thermal Transmittance since they are consistent: same shape, powerful enough to show contrast for contextual illustration. same size, same fill (water). However, Thermal Transmittance shows how efficient the plate carrier material(s) are when it comes to heat transfer. The source of the heat transfer could be anything: an IcePlate or a human body. Either way, the Thermal Transmittance rating shows how well that particular substrate can deal with heat. Additional details: www.qoreperformance.com/blogs/cbrne_hazmat/the-methods-of-heat-transfer-the-science-of-ppe-cooling-heating?_pos=1&_sid=50fb670e9&_ss=r 2. The inspiration for the invention of IcePlate actually came direct from Conventional, SOF and SMU end-users operating in Afghanistan and Iraq who were already freezing bottled water and jamming it in their PCs/pants pockets etc. before going on mission. Also, IcePlate functions more like rocket boosters on Falcon Heavy: designed to put the payload into orbit with a full tank of gas rather than last the entire mission. More details can be found here: www.qoreperformance.com/blogs/military-insights/iceplate-faq-a-deeper-dive-into-the-why-the-science-and-the-design-of-the-worlds-most-capable-water-bottle?_pos=10&_sid=a4bb8e5e5&_ss=r 3. Duty-grade body armor is designed to work in all operating environments. If body armor couldn't withstand temperature extremes, it couldn't be worn in the Arctic Circle, any base in Alaska, Norway, Sweden, used in GWOT, etc. This is similar to the misconception about "exposed plates". Here is an article from our INSIGHTS blog with more details: www.qoreperformance.com/blogs/military-insights/plate-carrier-design-and-engineering-are-exposed-armor-plates-bad?_pos=1&_sid=46babe7ab&_ss=r 4. Oblique Angle Exposure is something we covered with TRADOC when we developed IcePlate in 2016. TLDR: the additional risk from moving the armor plate away from the body by one armor plate increases exposure from an extremely small number of angles from which risk was largely already present. There is practically no change to the exposure profile from the angles for which hard armor plates are principally designed (i.e. 90 degrees). Hope that helps, but let us know if you have any other questions! #StayFrosty

[@Scarab324]

@@QorePerformanceUSA 3:53 I see here 1 big problem. The 4 hooks from the cummerbund on the back are made out of plastic and they will break fast.

[@slowmo7500]

Aren’t the other carriers designed to be slimline, more minimalist carriers whereas the K19 is designed to be a more load bearing carrier? It seems like an apples to oranges comparison.

[@cuervo.legado]

This has to be the best most in depth review I've seen. Subscribed

[@Steve-O_462]

I'm gleaning a lot from this review, but have some serious (to me) Qs -and they'll come and I continue to watch/think about what your saying: 1. Did the Other Carriers have Trauma pads inserted? (The argillite k19s Back plate bag has that 'Foam' to serve a number of functions. One of which is for Trauma. The other is to absorb the brunt of unrefined or rough edges on Steel or Ceramic plates.) Which of the Other PCs had Trauma pads, I'm sure there would a significant difference in the overall values you mentioned regarding: Heat dispensation or retention, and Weight (wet/dry). Am I wrong?

[@MrWilliewonka69]

Love my k-19 can wear it all day with no issue. I love the adjustability of it in wearing a t-shirt in the summer and jacket in the winder here in canada. I have no need to change or upgradewhat so ever

[@jimjab3631]

He just said it was the heaviest one.... that's like 1 million more pounds on a 12 hour shift. He never mentioned the most aerodynamic one. Really needed to wind tunnel test these

[@MrWilliewonka69]

@@jimjab3631 I mean ya it might be the heaviest one but what I'm saying is if it's the most comfortable one out there. As well when you order it it comes complete and for the price that say everything. Also it's made by aglite and they are the plate carrier of the idf witch correct me if I'm wrong arent they in the desert ? I haven't heard of the idf going on missions in Russian or Canadian winters lol

[@richardharris5819]

I love my k-19... Very functional for my needs.

[@richardharris5819]

And the customer service has been top-notch.

[@dukecleve4008]

Yeah got one couple weeks ago ran it All day yesterday felt Great no neck or back pain 👍

[@Steve-O_462]

Q-2, Re. Minimalist Shoulder Straps: I understand that each load-out relies on the mission, and that can vary considerably from one to the next. However, what other Pros can you specify for the minimalist straps, over the Full 2" ones that this PC has? My concern, and reason for my question, comes from decades of carrying light-medium load-outs of 25#-45?50# with the typical 1½" shoulder straps, and I've always hated the SOBs after only a few (3-5) miles, because they dig so hard into my shoulders. So, in my mind, the Pros of going with a minimalist strap, would really have to be significant.

[@davidjadi2020]

It's time to review PC product from Warrior Assault System (UK) and Tasmanian Tiger (Germany) It's very famous and widely used in Europe

[@henryg8075]

I would love to see you review the Spiritus Systems LV119. I've found a lot of cool tricks you can do to route hydration tubes completely inside of the plate carrier

[@QorePerformanceUSA]

LV119 video is in the works.

[@Mo0kie]

Man, getting a lot of flack for putting out your research. Great job guys, I own a K19, and love it. But, that being said it's also good to know where it falls short and things to look for when I want/need to get a new one!

[@QorePerformanceUSA]

Right on. Couldn't agree more. We are just here to provide the data so everyone can make the decision that is best for them!

[@dethtour]

My only issue is the buckle gets in the way of the buttstock. It was a learning curve to learn to shoulder further away. Other than that. It's a solid battle proven carrier. Especially if you get the backpack with it

[@Mo0kie]

@@dethtour I don't seem to have an issue with the buckle maybe it's just cos I'm a smaller dude so it sits on me different. But I could totally get how that would be really annoying.

[@coreya151]

Seems to me low heat transference would be an asset in colder environments.

[@kogarashi1994]

Feel like most of the reason to even run a K19 is to integrate with the AMAP. Which is funny because they actually sell a universal adapter kit for other carriers on their website. I would like to know your thoughts on another aspect of the shoulder straps. Years ago I had heard that they were angled in so that you can carry weight on the carrier easier?

[@QorePerformanceUSA]

When it comes to heavy loads, the K19 falls well short of the AVS. The data in the video tells the rest of the K19 story.

[@BigShark700]

Really cool review and technical points but I believe that the K19 is designed and made with the highest quality materials to last on the field of battle. So another way to look at it really is who it was made for.. People who are in shape and a few ounces I believe would be sacrificed for comfort, durability and functionality.

[@QorePerformanceUSA]

The importance and the impact of weight on performance is covered in the Weight (Dry) and Weight (Wet) sections of the video. The materials quality is also covered empirically in the Thermal Transmittance section of the video.

[@BigShark700]

@@QorePerformanceUSA ok

[@BigShark700]

To your point exactly, these types of tactical equipment aren't made for airsoft guys so in my opinion SF guys who needs low drag high speed would choose to go with the lighter gear depending on mission sets.I would be happy to have any of these carriers if I was ever tasked with such. But if you have to ruck a ton of weight on your shoulders for long periods of time then you might want something built for comfort, durability and fluid. SF guys train under extreme stress with little to no room for error. My absolute respect for all these brave men and women 💯

[@Michael-lv8gt]

i love how detailed this video is. awesome job

[@QorePerformanceUSA]

Thank you

[@Wlvrtnjm]

They are called roc buckles. They are second in popularity only to the 1st spear tube. One could say that they are an industry standard.

[@SkyDrifters1]

My comment is to the ethics of the company. Five stars from me as they fixed a tracking number issue that resulted in my order being stolen at the mailbox. They sent me new gear at their expense. This kind of ethics is rare in todays business community.

[@mikebuckley2332]

Same exact thing happened to me and I had my new carrier in 4 days after the email was sent.

[@jasonrad9332]

I’d be interested to see thermal transmission test on an HRT LBAC.

[@Icejones00]

Nice video, but a correction is that all the qd’s can be fully removed on the 3.0 version which looks like what you have in the video

[@QorePerformanceUSA]

Thanks for the info!

[@quickdraw881]

Yes you can, I just got one in, not a fan of the cummerbund but I’ll change that

[@andypena777]

I enjoyed this review. My thoughts on the K19 are the load bearing capabilities are better than the JPC, which is more of a slim line carrier anyway and the AVS which is honestly in a league of its own and may very well be one of the best carriers on the market today. I also hate the cumberbund of the K19 and am looking at getting some things to use other cumberbunds. I don't have any of the ice plates, but I like the idea of it simply because you can have water on your back without making it awkward to sit down against something.

[@QorePerformanceUSA]

Awesome! Glad it was helpful. AVS competitor video in the pipe for next month. Stay tuned and #StayFrosty 👊🏻

[@christopherbarto9554]

Would yall consider doing a review of the Tacticon Battle Elite Plate Carrier?

[@TacticonArmament]

mmmmmm hmmmmmm, yep. I second that! :)

[@dannynguyen2050]

diggin the LV strap on the handguard, used for sling storage?

[@jackm9732]

gotta say pretty weird that a company that makes plate carriers is making reviews about other companies that make plate carriers on their channel and is totally trashing them.. Im sure none of this is bias at all am I right? Like Nike making a review about adidais and trashing them

[@QorePerformanceUSA]

Actually, the opposite is true. Our primary mission is enhancing performance and survivability using thermoregulation...primarily for other plate carriers (IcePlate EXO is less than 1% of our revenue and we are fine with that). That is why this series was started, as noted in the video. If anything, we show how awesome designs like the Crye Precision SPC, JPC 2.0, and Ferro Concepts FCPC V5 actually are. This is demonstrated in the data presented in this video (the FCPC V5 in particular is a wet weight ninja). If we may, we'd also refer you to timestamp 1:34 and our note of Format. Hopefully that helps, but our apologies if this was in some way unclear! #StayFrosty

[@jackm9732]

@@QorePerformanceUSA ok boomer.. you should rename this video series then because it is super misleading

[@QorePerformanceUSA]

Done. Thanks for the suggestion. We really appreciate the help and feedback!

[@saharafox8209]

That is a valid point you are making. I would respectfully disagree though, these videos are nice to find out what qore add ons are compatible to plate carriers that are not from qore, i will say i dont own a qore plate carrier and probably never will as i dont like the style with the open plate bags but ilke the ic plate its really the best hydration system there is i wish it was around when i was still in the marines 10 years ago

[@beardedbehr4105]

Sounds like someone is salty that they wasted money on an Israeli plate carrier that performs objectively worse to its Canadian and American counterparts. Pull your nose out of agilite’s crev just cause you think it’s cool.

[@JWard2]

Great data

[@QorePerformanceUSA]

Thanks!

[@mugene]

the weight might be a little more for the k19 but for the comfort you dont even tell you have it on and i have scoliosis /s shape spine and iv not had one that worked better for me

[@opsaboteur1524]

Great video btw but i wanted to ask i bought the HRT RAC recently and i wanted to know if the qore performance ice vents would fit on the plate bags?

[@QorePerformanceUSA]

Yes. IceVents Classic Ventilation Pontoons will work on the RAC as long as it still has loop strips on the body-facing side of the plate bag. www.qoreperformance.com/collections/body-armor/products/icevents-pontoons

[@Murphturf408]

Just when you thought your K19 was about as good as it gets with the new cumberbund option. Now they have some 2023 intros so maybe they are addressing cons.

[@cliffords2315]

Air Conditioned Warriors, not a problem

[@-Belshazzar-]

how come the SPC has dry a weight of 22.9 but saves more than the FCPC v5 that weighs only 21.6?

[@revengeofhades]

Why K19 is much more weight from other plate carrier?

[@QorePerformanceUSA]

Materials selection, construction techniques, design decisions

[@Michael_OBrian]

Can you guys do a video on the PC18 plate carrier from Varusteleka?

[@tiger9764]

Can you review the new K Zero next?

[@QorePerformanceUSA]

In the pipe.

[@Anarcho-harambeism]

ive seen a lot of heated debate on this carrier, luckily theres a guy on my campus that owns one, so i can try it out, now, if only i could remember his dorm #... for me im gonna either buy the k19 or jpc 2.0, also, which would be better for load bearing? i know you can change the qd on the k19 and make the comberband more load bearing witha 3rd party replacement.

[@QorePerformanceUSA]

That is definitely consistent with our experience/research. Hopefully the data we presented in this video helps bring some objectivity to this debate. As the data shows, the K19 underperforms the market in every category compared to the competing plate carriers from Crye Precision and Ferro Concepts. In high consequence environments, details matter. Here is a link to our JPC 2.0 video for your comparison research: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z57ddH-MnNqsgtE However, if you want our recommendation, you should check out our video on the Crye Precision SPC: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2e6oYN5isynm80

[@Anarcho-harambeism]

@@QorePerformanceUSA thank you

[@QorePerformanceUSA]

Our please. We definitely recommend checking out our Plate Carrier Weight Calculator Tool before you making your final purchasing decision. It is linked in the show notes above and also here: www.qoreperformance.com/blogs/military-insights/iceplate-exo-weight-calculator?_pos=1&_sid=b6fbe4b93&_ss=r

[@AK_Avalanche]

How about the Thorax PC from Haley Strategic ??

[@QorePerformanceUSA]

This question has been asked on our "Best Plate Carriers of 2022" video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKTbgouQn9Gin6M We considered including the Thorax. It uses more traditional construction techniques and commonly available materials (nylon, foam, etc.) already used by others like Crye, Spiritus, Velocity and Ferro. A good PC to be sure and like all things HSP makes, it is high quality and you can trust it. It just isn't the most high-tech, isn't the lightest, isn't the cheapest, etc. It isn't #1 in the world at anything.

[@gabrielfelixmunoz739]

review the dfndr plate carrier!

[@charlesmarshall3193]

Too bulky around the shoulder pocket, otherwise extremely comfortable

[@QorePerformanceUSA]

Per the data: bulky, heavy, hot.

[@killjoy117007]

You can remove the excess shoulder area where it’s thinner

[@Anarcho-harambeism]

i know you like to stick to numbers but, have you ever thought about finding people with different body types to see about comfort or add gear to test how different persons fee in comfortability, again i know you like numbers, but those can be "measured" as well, with a population pool.

[@QorePerformanceUSA]

We already do this. Multiple team members run each carrier we test. Generally speaking, we are all 5-8 to 6-2, 165-200. Most of athletic backgrounds, including D1 college sports. However, comfort is extremely subjective and would create an opportunity to introduce bias into our otherwise objective format. We do present empirical data that reflects “comfort” especially Thermal Transmittance: if a plate carrier makes you hot, you will be less comfortable. Hope that helps!

[@thethicprince]

any1 know the intro visual song??

[@avishai7830]

The National Anthem of Israel, Hatikvah. Placed over a trap beat 🤣

[@coreywatson5272]

I think you’re entirely missing what agilite is selling? It’s about comfortabilty, reliability and all the features it offers. They have the k-zero which is more of a minimalist carrier for being cooler and more maneuverability. I don’t think you meant to be so condescending towards it but it just sounds like your shitting on it bc it’s not compatible with your products 😂 We should all play a drinking game and take a shot for every time they bring up thermo heat

[@QorePerformanceUSA]

As noted in all of our tech overview videos, we are agnostic as to what companies are selling. Our goal is merely to provide objective testing data and transparency. Here is our 2024 video + INSIGHTS article with data for every carrier we’ve tested to date so you can make the best decision for your application: www.qoreperformance.com/blogs/military-insights/the-best-plate-carriers-of-2024?_pos=1&_sid=2c6657fd0&_ss=r

[@0bserver416]

Yes!!!

[@ronilocarillerojr.1641]

K19 is best actually of all the plate carrier

[@QorePerformanceUSA]

This video and INSIGHTS article has all of the testing data from our BEST PLATE CARRIERS 2023 comparison to see how the K19 stacks up against the leading plate carriers on the market: www.qoreperformance.com/blogs/military-insights/plate-carrier-reviews

[@WisSota_Boy]

Naw, hard pass! Really love my Shaw Concepts ARC and worth every dollar spent!

[@coolbeenes8308]

I bought a K19 and decided to return it right away brand new. Agilite made such a hassle and they try to drag it out. This is a side of the brand that you don’t see. They also give you the appearance that it’s Israeli made.

[@motorboat3478]

huh, i’ve had the opposite experience. part of my AMAP III was wearing and i contacted them. a few days later they sent me a tracking number for an overnight shipped brand new AMAP, didn’t ask for my old one back either(which is still perfectly functional)

[@coolbeenes8308]

@@motorboat3478 I’m glad they took care of you. My situation was a return that was stated as 5-7 business days. After over 15 full business days I emailed for an update and miraculously got refunded a half hour after my email. The guy apologized in an email back to me for missing it. I understand that the customer department is probably staffed by one person. Happy New Year!

[@PunaJussi]

They are 2M Quick-Release Buckles. 2M is an Italian manufacturer.

[@starwarsfan7740]

Sounds like you are bashing the k 19

[@QorePerformanceUSA]

As noted in our Format section, we don’t offer opinions in the videos. We merely present data.

[@525Lee]

Look how far outboard he has to mount that rifle. Jeebus. No thanks.

[@joeblow9284]

Wow, the hate is strong on this one. 😂 Funny, since this was designed in the Middle East, normally a very warm region of the world. 🤔 Maybe because it’s not compatible with your cooling system?? 🤔🤔

[@QorePerformanceUSA]

See time stamp 1:34 for note on format. We intentionally keep our opinions out of the videos and simply report empirical facts. If data is interpreted as "hate" or "love" it is only because the data itself indicates a negative or a positive performance in that particular field. That said, it is logical to question how and why a plate carrier designed in the Middle East is built with materials and techniques that trap heat, especially more than competing products designed in non-desert environments like New York (Crye Precision) and Canada (Ferro Concepts).

[@motorboat3478]

so what it looks like it is underperforms on paper, but in practice it outperforms most other plate carriers in its use case(carrying ~30 pounds, too much for a minimalist carrier to be “comfortable” but not worth a crye AVS). i have a spiritus LV119 alongside a K19 and my K19 regulates my temperature much better than my LV119 as the high amount of foam gives heat a way to escape the body quickly compared to the LV119 which is solid fabric that retains a lot of heat. sure your testing shows the K19 retains heat but i think that’s misleading

[@QorePerformanceUSA]

Raw data, by definition, cannot lie. Foam is an insulator, not a dissipator. That is why it is used in cooler, Koozies, etc. As the testing data shows, the K19 performs poorly when it comes to Thermal Transmittance and the LV-119 performs well: www.qoreperformance.com/en-gb/blogs/military-insights/plate-carrier-reviews

[@tacolord4782]

Linked your own article and said raw data never lies? You do realize there are like a billion forms of error in any experiment, and nothing can be 100% because of entropy and shit? Not sure you measured the right thing in this case, and you should maybe back the claims in the video with others findings instead of saying your data doesn’t lie…

[@garrettgibson9571]

Less of a honest review and more of a “this doesn’t interface with our products.”

[@jeffreyfales7343]

Would like to see the other ones hold up like the k19 does.... real world is the best testing ground. And Israel has been testing for years. So i will take my k0.... and the k19 way better and doing one thing protecting and being the best tool for the job. . Hate companies trying to bash agilite to sell their product. Geuss agilite doing good the getting haters. Way to go #agilite 4 life

[@11bangbang84]

Weight saving calculation seems misleading. Look up the difference between sprung and Unsprung weight. In short weight on something like your feet or tires on a car makes much more of an impact than the same weight on your back or say in the door panels of a car

[@QorePerformanceUSA]

Unlike your feet, tires are connected to the ground at all times.

[@jimjab3631]

Well he didn't mention how many strands in the stitching material. Other wise pretty much too much Info. I just don't think you need all this stuff. Your still gonna buy what you like despite it being 10 ounces more. Crye is untouchable for most, it's just name recognition. Same quality exists many other places. Same with trijicon, they have been riding their name for a while and not really innovating spectacular, Same as Apple, ever since jobs died the femboi running the place just puts bigger batteries and charges more while people chance the phones. Jobs was an innovator.

[@QorePerformanceUSA]

"Truth - or, more precisely, an accurate understanding of reality - is the essential foundation for any good outcome." - Ray Dalio Timestamp 17:31 lists the prices of the K19, JPC 2.0, and SPC. Also, great call on Trijicon, Apple and Jobs vs Cook. Couldn’t agree more! Cook is just manning a helm that Jobs, and later Ive, built.

[@Mister_Juntao]

This was a hit piece and more so an indirect excuse to try to push your own product agenda. Nice try, This is coming from the not so ordinary infantry.