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1/19/2017 7:03:40 PM EDT
I'm not sure if you can resurrect an archived thread, so we'll try a round 2
For some reason I can't post a link to the archived thread.
I just talked my wife into getting an eagle MARCIRAS for me.
This is the description.

" The Eagle Industries Maritime CIRAS (MAR-CIRAS) is designed to allow the end user to rapidly jettison the armor platform. This aids in ease of
use during WMD Decontamination, access to a wounded officer, as well as
Maritime Operations.
  • Heavy-duty, abrasion and water resistant #1000 denier Cordura® nylon exterior construction
  • 1” Mil. Spec. webbing cross straps for mounting MOLLE pouches
  • Detachable shoulder pads
  • Rear drag handle
  • Internal and external cummerbunds for tight, secure fit
  • Fully adjustable for height and girth
  • Compatible with detachable ballistic accessories "
I paid a good price, and it is new, tho I could have saved a few bucks by getting a used one.

So the next step will be to start saving for armor.

A few questions as to armor.
Do you put soft and hard at the same time?
Ceramic plates are better?
Is it normal to put a pistol holster on the vest and where?...I'm a lefty

Also, please give any other advice, suggestions and so on.

Full disclosure, I am no operator, SEAL, wanna be, or poser.
I want the armor just in case.
I posted in the original thread and talked about why to get it.
1/19/2017 7:20:48 PM EDT
[#1]
I used that same plate carrier when I was in the Coast Guard. Made sense for us, and hey it was a great plate carrier. But why do you want the Maritime version?
1/19/2017 7:21:27 PM EDT
[#2]
If you want to stop rifle rounds you will need plates, if pistol only, you can get by with lighter soft armor.
As for the handgun whatever works for you, will you have only the PC or a belt as well?
You can wear the belt only and at least have a pistol, spare mags, IFAK, etc with you and it is lighter than the PC.

I am not an operator or a SEAL,  just taken my ex mil buddy's advice.
He told me he has spent thousands getting a set up that works and I believe him.
1/19/2017 7:28:47 PM EDT
[#5]
Just don't fall for steel.
No reason to waste money on them when ceramics are going for such low prices.
1/19/2017 7:34:39 PM EDT
[#6]
LOL it all depends on what you buy.  Some plates require soft armor to be fully effective (Level IV), some plates are Level IV without soft armor, some are heavy, some are incredibly light, it all depends how much you want to spend.
1/19/2017 7:35:34 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote History
Quoted:
I used that same plate carrier when I was in the Coast Guard. Made sense for us, and hey it was a great plate carrier. But why do you want the Maritime version?
View Quote
If I read it correctly, the Maritime version has the quick release......just for ease of getting off.
I wish we had that kind of stuff when I was in the CG!!!!
1/19/2017 7:38:45 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote History
Quoted:
If I read it correctly, the Maritime version has the quick release......just for ease of getting off.
I wish we had that kind of stuff when I was in the CG!!!!
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
I used that same plate carrier when I was in the Coast Guard. Made sense for us, and hey it was a great plate carrier. But why do you want the Maritime version?
If I read it correctly, the Maritime version has the quick release......just for ease of getting off.
I wish we had that kind of stuff when I was in the CG!!!!
If I am not mistaken the quick release essentially disassembles the carrier and it needs to be put back together in a not too easy process. It involves cables and threading things back together with and ability to mess it up. Might want to look at the thread posted above and rethink that method of taking it off.
1/19/2017 7:48:43 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote History
Quoted:
If I am not mistaken the quick release essentially disassembles the carrier and it needs to be put back together in a not too easy process. It involves cables and threading things back together with and ability to mess it up. Might want to look at the thread posted above and rethink that method of taking it off.
View Quote
Thanks for the info.
This is a bit of a learning curve for me. I'll make mistakes,hopefully not expensive ones!!
1/21/2017 9:03:26 PM EDT
[#10]
I have been looking around for the spear/balls soft armor.
The best price I found was $350 for XL size

Anyone know of a better price anywhere?
1/21/2017 9:24:07 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote History
Quoted:
If I read it correctly, the Maritime version has the quick release......just for ease of getting off.
I wish we had that kind of stuff when I was in the CG!!!!
View Quote

The Maritime CIRAS is a DOG/DSF issued item for PSUs, TACLETs, and MSSTs. Although I'm fairly certain they're shopping around for something more modern.

The rest of the force is using the standard soft armor carriers.
1/22/2017 10:07:24 AM EDT
[#12]
Quote History
Quoted:

The Maritime CIRAS is a DOG/DSF issued item for PSUs, TACLETs, and MSSTs. Although I'm fairly certain they're shopping around for something more modern.

The rest of the force is using the standard soft armor carriers.
View Quote
This is a no shitter..................when I started doing boardings in the CG, we used WW2 flap holsters for our 1911's. No round in the chamber, and no body armor. We did D7 Ops like that.
It wasn't until 81 or so, that we bought some Second Change level III {IIRC} vests, the Captain bought them from his operating funds.
1/22/2017 10:30:31 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote History
Quoted:
Just don't fall for steel.
No reason to waste money on them when ceramics are going for such low prices.
View Quote


Yo Casval, I'm happy for you, Imma let you finish, but steel is the greatest armor of all time!



In all seriousness, look up AMI TAC3S. Shit's impressive.
1/22/2017 11:09:53 AM EDT
[#14]
Its 2017. The CIRAS isn't what you should seek. First spear, crye, lbt, all have much better more modern (ie lightweight) designs. Like someone else mentioned the pull tab on the CIRAS is for an emergency.
1/22/2017 11:16:35 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote History
Quoted:
If I read it correctly, the Maritime version has the quick release......just for ease of getting off.
I wish we had that kind of stuff when I was in the CG!!!!
View Quote


Also had a one when I was in the CG, but the quick release is only for emergency use. It is a PITA to reassemble it after you have used it to ditch.
1/22/2017 11:24:35 AM EDT
[#16]
I bought an Esstac Daeodon PC with a 3 mag carrier front panel and mesh cumberbund from SKD during their black friday sale for 235.  So far, I like the way it feels.   I kinda wish it had a troop strap on the back of it because the shoulder straps are held with velcro and I worry that If I were to get dragged by them they might come undone.  

I bought a set of Prevail level IV ceramic plates from Shellback tactical during their black friday sale for about $200.  The plates are thinner than the ESAPI plates i was issued in the USMC, Im not sure if they're any lighter or not.  However, I was bummed that the cloth covering on the plates had holes in the corners when the plates arrived.  Im not sure if i need to get soft armor backers for these plates to be a true level IV armor system.

Now iver got to get the PC set up with more pouches and stuff.  I think Im going to be getting a Belt system to mount my IFAK and pistol to.  
1/22/2017 11:29:23 AM EDT
[#17]
I'd lean towards the AWS OCPC or Shellback Banshee, myself. With a First Spear QD cummerbund, if you really need QD.
1/22/2017 11:38:33 AM EDT
[#18]
You can wear both plates and 3A kevlar/dyneema inserts/backers at the same time. It's up to you how much protection you want (though arguably backers can mitigate spall/backface deformation). Stuff like side plates, collars, shoulder pads and groin protectors kill comfort and maneuverability more noticeably and quickly, but if your mission/purpose has a threat that calls for them, go for it.

Also lend careful consideration to the pouches/accessories you will attach to the carrier. I just use a detachable chest rig on mine.

I have plates, backers and cummerbund inserts on my setup.
1/22/2017 12:21:31 PM EDT
[#19]
Quoted:
I'm not sure if you can resurrect an archived thread, so we'll try a round 2
For some reason I can't post a link to the archived thread.
I just talked my wife into getting an eagle MARCIRAS for me.
This is the description.

" The Eagle Industries Maritime CIRAS (MAR-CIRAS) is designed to allow the end user to rapidly jettison the armor platform. This aids in ease of
use during WMD Decontamination, access to a wounded officer, as well as
Maritime Operations.
  • Heavy-duty, abrasion and water resistant #1000 denier Cordura® nylon exterior construction
  • 1” Mil. Spec. webbing cross straps for mounting MOLLE pouches
  • Detachable shoulder pads
  • Rear drag handle
  • Internal and external cummerbunds for tight, secure fit
  • Fully adjustable for height and girth
  • Compatible with detachable ballistic accessories "
I paid a good price, and it is new, tho I could have saved a few bucks by getting a used one.

So the next step will be to start saving for armor.

A few questions as to armor.
Do you put soft and hard at the same time?
Ceramic plates are better?
Is it normal to put a pistol holster on the vest and where?...I'm a lefty

Also, please give any other advice, suggestions and so on.

Full disclosure, I am no operator, SEAL, wanna be, or poser.
I want the armor just in case.
I posted in the original thread and talked about why to get it.
View Quote


If you want really awesome plates that don't require a soft armor backer, Midwest armor sells a plate that will stop 30 rounds of M193, 20 rounds of 7.62 NATO, is ultra thin, and floats.  

Just don't get shot by something with a steel core or yer fecked.
1/22/2017 3:52:36 PM EDT
[#20]
How much are you paying for the CIRAS?

Might be able to get sobering more modern for the cash.
1/24/2017 6:36:27 PM EDT
[#21]
Received the plate carrier today, assembled it and adjusted the sizing for now.
Next step with be the either buy the spear/balcs soft armor or go stand alone plates.
I've been watching some videos on load out and the common theme on late carriers is....what you need and not a lot of shit!
1/24/2017 11:20:02 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote History
Quoted:
Received the plate carrier today, assembled it and adjusted the sizing for now.
Next step with be the either buy the spear/balcs soft armor or go stand alone plates.
I've been watching some videos on load out and the common theme on late carriers is....what you need and not a lot of shit!
View Quote


Get stand alone plates.  Believe me, I wear armor a lot.  Stand alone is what you seek.

And yes, keep as low a profile on your armor as you can without sacrificing necessities.
1/24/2017 11:26:36 PM EDT
[#23]
Quoted:
I'm not sure if you can resurrect an archived thread, so we'll try a round 2
For some reason I can't post a link to the archived thread.
I just talked my wife into getting an eagle MARCIRAS for me.
This is the description.

" The Eagle Industries Maritime CIRAS (MAR-CIRAS) is designed to allow the end user to rapidly jettison the armor platform. This aids in ease of
use during WMD Decontamination, access to a wounded officer, as well as
Maritime Operations.
  • Heavy-duty, abrasion and water resistant #1000 denier Cordura® nylon exterior construction
  • 1” Mil. Spec. webbing cross straps for mounting MOLLE pouches
  • Detachable shoulder pads
  • Rear drag handle
  • Internal and external cummerbunds for tight, secure fit
  • Fully adjustable for height and girth
  • Compatible with detachable ballistic accessories "
I paid a good price, and it is new, tho I could have saved a few bucks by getting a used one.

So the next step will be to start saving for armor.

A few questions as to armor.
Do you put soft and hard at the same time?
Ceramic plates are better?
Is it normal to put a pistol holster on the vest and where?...I'm a lefty

Also, please give any other advice, suggestions and so on.

Full disclosure, I am no operator, SEAL, wanna be, or poser.
I want the armor just in case.
I posted in the original thread and talked about why to get it.
View Quote


Your money and stuff but I would have gotten a different system especially for "civilian" use. That carrier is quite cumbersome with limited movement and range of motion. MUCH better options especially for the price.

YES on soft and hard
YES on holster, but I would go with a better vest and a nice "warbelt" setup for holster and some spare mags.
1/26/2017 6:47:26 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote History
Quoted:


Your money and stuff but I would have gotten a different system especially for "civilian" use. That carrier is quite cumbersome with limited movement and range of motion. MUCH better options especially for the price.

YES on soft and hard
YES on holster, but I would go with a better vest and a nice "warbelt" setup for holster and some spare mags.
View Quote
Well, Ive gone down the MARCIRAS road, so I might as well make the ride as good as I can!
Part of the reason I went with the CIRAS, was It appeared to give greater coverage of vital areas.
I don't expect to be humping around doing any high speed low drag stuff, just want protection if things go south.
The issue I see with a war belt is keeping the thing in place with a bunch o stuff on it.............suspenders under the armor.........