Modular plate carriers and chest rigs are steadily becoming the new hot ticket in tactical gear for airsoft players (and, for that matter, real steel shooters). There are a number of modular systems on the market from companies like Haley Strategic Partners, Velocity Systems, and several others. In this review, we are looking at the relatively new entry into the modular plate carrier field from LBX Tactical: the Armatus Plate Carrier and its M.A.P. (Modular Adaptive Panel) system. Co-designed by famed shooter and veteran Chris Costa, the LBX Tactical Armatus Plate Carrier secures its modular panels in place with two sheathed buckles and a large rectangle of velcro. However, even with the name recognition of both Costa Ludus and LBX Tactical, we were left wondering how the Armatus would stand up to the test of real usage. So, the folks at AirSplat were nice enough to send us a unit over for review. We were able to get one of the Armatus Plate Carriers with triple M4 magazine pouch panel in MultiCam as well as an additional modular panel so that we could attach our own pouches to it.
General Features
- Low profile plate carrier with fast-clip front panel <
- Carrier comes w/ LBX-4020B Triple M4 Panel <
- Built in padded shoulder straps <
- Reinforced drag handle
- Removable elastic cummerbund
- Front zipper admin pocket(4.5″ x 5.75″)
- Loop iD Front(3″ x 5.75″) Back(9.5″ x 3″)
- 500D Cordura
- *M: Standard Medium 10″ x 12″ ESAPI Plate
- *L: Standard Large 10.125″ x 13.25″ ESAPI Plate
The LBX Tactical Armatus Plate Carrier is a high speed solution to being able to wear a plate carrier into an engagement, airsoft or real, while making it easy to change your pouch or MOLLE gear configuration. The Armatus Plate Carrier features a built-in, zip-up admin pouch that, while not very big, is spacious enough to hold a folded-up map or even a small, in-field notebook. Constructed from double stitched, 500D Cordura construction, the Armatus Plate Carrier has both front and rear plate panels with an elastic cummerbund that helps keep the rig snug against the wearer’s torso. The cummerbund is a double elastic band and allows for a great fit, but does not feature any MOLLE webbing at all. In fact, neither does the rear plate panel. The only MOLLE area on the Armatus Plate Carrier is located on the front plate panel’s M.A.P. area. Currently, LBX has a variety of M.A.P. panels – from triple M4 pouch models to medical pouch models. They even have a great set of M.A.P. panels with HSGI TACO mag pouches on them! While this lack of back or side MOLLE webbing seems like an out of the gate “con”, it is really a double-edged blade. While it might not allow the user to make use of added MOLLE space for pouches, it does allow the user’s arms to swing free at his or her sides. If you wear your mag pouches and/or pistol holster on a battle belt, you will love it as you can draw a sidearm or grab magazines without obstruction.
The good news is that, while at the 2015 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, LBX Tactical announced that they would be releasing a MOLLE cummerbund adapter. When this optional accessory is released, it will make the plate carrier just that much more versatile. There is no word yet on an exact release date or pricing on the MOLLE side pads. Another thing worth mentioning is that the LBX Tactical Armatus Plate Carrier is not compatible with the Velocity Systems Swift-Clips, a widely used attachment method for modular panels featured on a variety of plate carriers out there.
It should also be noted that the folks at LBX Tactical and Costa Ludus have created a M.A.P. compatible, full-length rifle bag with easily accessible space for your various panels. Basically, the LBX Tactical Armatus Plate Carrier is really just the tip of a modular panel spear waiting to be explored and put to use in the field. I wore the Armatus Plate Carrier with training E-SAPI plates installed and, while not as heavy as actual armor plates, the whole rig was comfortable and performed great. Despite needing some additional MOLLE space for my preferred loadout, which includes some utility pouches and a rip-away EMT pouch, I loved how fast and unencumbered I was while wearing it.
Overall, the LBX Tactical Armatus Plate Carrier is an excellent choice for a high-speed plate carrier. It is built to withstand both airsoft and real steel usage, so you know you are getting a quality-made product. Also, the mission configurable nature of the modular panels is high flexible and makes swapping loadouts on the fly is a breeze. The LBX Tactical Armatus Plate Carrier retails for $199.95, in either MultiCam or Wolf Grey. The base model includes a triple M4 magazine panel. The optional modular panel retails for $44.99 – both the plate carrier and modular panels can be found at online retailers like AirSplat.com.
[easyreview title=”LBX Tactical Costa Ludus Armatus Plate Carrier Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”4″ ]
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A Special thanks to AirSplat.com for allowing us to borrow this product:
