REVIEW: HELIKON-TEX Guardian Military Set

Plate carriers should securely hold the ballistic protection plates in front of your body, and if they are modular as well, that's a real jackpot. That's exactly what the Guardian Plate Carrier from HELIKON-TEX is, a jackpot. Today we want to take a detailed look at the base model "Military Set".

Here is the Guardian Military Set. It consists of the plate carrier, a cummerbund, shoulder pads (not pictured), and a front flap for three assault rifle magazines. You don't necessarily need more. The plates are not included, you will need to purchase them separately. The set comes unassembled.

Front and Back

Here are the front and back plates side by side in the inner view. What stands out is the large Velcro area, which is supposed to improve comfort, but also serves to attach additional padding.

Between the Velcro fabric, there is a stretch material processed, which provides enough stretch to accommodate thicker plates in the Guardian. The Guardian is available in sizes M and L, suitable for M or L plates.

If you have M plates that are slightly thicker, they may no longer fit in the M Guardian. In that case, you would need to switch to an L Guardian. In the image, we have squeezed size M NIJ LVL 4 plates into the Guardian M. The plates are about 3cm thick, which is pretty much the maximum that fits.

The plate pocket is simply fastened with a tab. Simple but effective.

A not too thick plate goes in easily and can be securely fastened.

Once both plate bags are filled, they need to be connected. Here too, Velcro plays a key role.

The hook-and-loop flap of the chest plate must be connected to the loop side of the back plate. Simple in essence, but the devil is in the details.

Who wants to, can simply put the parts together and it will hold. However, over time, it may happen that the hook and loop connection comes loose under load. That's why there are two Hypalon loops on each side through which the hook and loop parts should be threaded.

To do this, it's best to simply fold the hook and loop parts together or place a piece of paper underneath, otherwise wild outbursts of frustration can occur.

If everything was done correctly, the end result should look something like the image. The height of the plates is of course determined by this connection. It can happen that you need to undo this for the optimal fit. It's best if a colleague helps you adjust. Once everything fits, the shoulder pads go over the top.

Cummerbund

To ensure the plates fit well at all times, you need the cummerbund. There are currently no cummerbunds with webbing in Multicam, which is a pity, but not a big deal as Coyote Brown goes very well with Multicam.

The simple hook and loop cummerbund is included in the set. You need to attach this to the back part of the carrier. The hook and loop area is hidden under a layer of MOLLE/PALS loops. This tab also serves as the fixation for the plate, so it's better to only open it while lying down, so the protective plate doesn't fall on your feet.

Simply attach the two sides of the cummerbund with hook and loop. The side with the elastic is at the back. The width adjustment is easily controlled by where you attach the halves on the back side. Once everything fits, fold the tab back over and use it to fix the plate again.

Congratulations, you have successfully assembled your Guardian plate carrier. Now it can be worn.

Comfort and Details

Putting it on works like any other plate carrier. Get it over your head, close the cummerbund. The front of the Guardian offers integrated, concealed buckles, a large MOLLE/PALS hook and loop area with an admin compartment behind it. PTTs fit very well on the Hypalon loops.

The cummerbund is also velcroed at the front. A quite practical option when wearing more or less thick upper clothing, as this closure variant can be easily adjusted in width.

The Guardian is ready to use. What stands out is the apparent minimalism of the system, or in other words, how "smooth" it is. Of course, further customization is possible here, after all, there is a lot of accessories available for the Guardian, both from HELIKON-TEX itself, as well as from other manufacturers.

The back panel offers a total of six MOLLE/PALS rows, each with six loops or columns. Plenty of space for additional equipment. There is no integrated zipper for back panels, but this has the advantage that the construction can be simpler and lighter.

The cummerbund also offers plenty of space for additional pouches. Overall, the Guardian wears very well and everything seems very stable.

Frontflap

One part of the Guardian Military Set is missing, the front flap. This provides space for three AR-15 style magazines, but in a separate review, we will show you what fits and what doesn't.

The front flap can be quickly and securely attached to the plate carrier using the buckles and velcro on the back. A solid solution in any case.

Soon, the presentations of the extensive accessories will follow, as there is so much to show.

CONCLUSION: With the Guardian Plate Carrier Set, HELIKON-TEX has created a truly solid, modular, and yet affordable plate carrier that embodies the right spirit. The workmanship and materials used are very good. With the Guardian, you definitely can't go wrong. Excellent value for money.

The Guardian Military Set is available directly from HELIKON-TEX from 149.90 Euro in a total of six color variants or from all retailers carrying HELIKON-TEX, such as CAMOSTORE.

HELIKON-TEXX on the internet

More HELIKON-TEX Guardian on SPARTANAT:

• First Look: HELIKON-TEX Guardian Plate Carrier Set