I'll start off by stating that I'm retarded (see pre-year 2000 0311) and that drives a lot of my mindset. I run an esstac Daeodon with a pair of Large SAPI Hesco 4400's and my carrier with water bag, mags, IFAK, radio, etc my PC tips in at around 40lbs. I personally use my gear as a training tool in the rugged area where I live and in the past 2-3 years I have often considered getting lighter plates, but my Jarhead mentality is to keep the heavier plates, as they help me maintain my endurance under load and are, in effect, a training tool. Now, would I like lighter plates? Sure. They would help me move faster, breathe a little easier (my 4400's are curved, but they still suck) and offer the same protection as my 4400's; but, I force myself to keep using them. Has anyone else gone through a similar debacle? I am not AD anymore, I use my gear simply to stay as dialed-in as I can be and it's always good to have gear in case you need it. I appreciate any input.

Doesn't sound crazy . Don't people wear weighted exercise vests as a work out ?

My rma plates are 8 lbs a piece I believe. Heavy compared to other plates out there. Former 0311 also. 05-09. My gear is a mix of infantry/ long term ops and a lighter profile.

I don't mind the weight, am in shape and can assume I won't be forced to hump 20 k for time.

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I use ar500 plates for the weight and don't worry about getting good plates all soaked with sweat and damaged throwing the PC around and keep a good PC all setup the same way as your training one.

I'm poor and was stupid about plates back then, so both my sets are heavy.

One carrier is RMA 1155MC's and 6 pounds of 6x8 side plates, whole thing tips in at 30 pounds with three 30 round mags.

The other is a set of Highcom 17s or whatever, 7 pounds a piece, no side plates.  Feels like a feather to me.

I try and do a three mile walk, in 35 minutes, four nights a week, and bang out 50 rapid squats with that first PC and a 40 to 75 pound kid on my shoulders.  I don't even bring those plates in the house, they sit in the garage waiting on tomorrow's outing.

I'm a totally broken record on this, but moving everything I could to my belt made a world of difference to me.  I may not be carrying a lighter load, but it sure feels like it.

THIS

I'm no operator, nor former .mil, but this is the way.

My setup only adds a little over 20 pounds, but it's better than nothing for my old grey haired self.

That's exactly what I've thought about doing.
Get tbe heaviest steel plate's I can find cheap (  steel capable of stopping some threat rounds just in case ) and use them for workout's.