REVIEW: Ferro Concepts Plate Carrier (FCPC)

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From Ferro Concepts (FC), a Plate Carrier (PC) has just hit the market, characterized by being extremely lightweight and exceptionally modular. Its abbreviated name simply describes who the thing is from and what it is supposed to be, so an FCPC. We have exclusively taken a look at and tested this plate carrier for you worldwide. Above you can see the individual parts as we received them from Ferro Concepts. (Click on all images to enlarge.)

The back and front side of the FCPC unfolded: the back part (left, called ARP - Assault Rear Panel) has MOLLE loops and a handle for emergency dragging. The ARP is actually just one variant of the rear plate pocket, there is also a Slick version (SRP - Slick Rear Panel) without MOLLE, but with a small IR flag-sized Velcro field. The front side (right) is called FCPC-AFP (Assault Front Panel) and has a lot of Velcro to attach the cummerbund. Here, the Slick variant is laid out in front of us. It is up to the carrier to decide whether and which magazine flap will be attached. At the top, the panel also has a small admin pocket, on the right and left respectively a loop for antenna or hydration tube, and at the very top the loops for attaching the shoulder straps.

The interior shines with mesh fabric that has been incorporated to allow more air to reach the carrier. Cordura 500D was used for Multicam or Coyote, while the FCPC in Desert Digital comes in 1000D Cordura. In terms of plates, the FCPC is an all-rounder: ESAPI or Swimmer Cut Plates fit inside. For Ferro Concepts, modularity also means that these parts can be integrated into the plate carriers of other manufacturers, for example, a 6094K front panel from London Bridge Trading with an FCPC-ARP back. Everything here is designed for interchangeability.

Here are the components of the mounting material for the front and back panels. The two straps come with the purchase of the AFP. They are looped through the back plate and Velcroed according to the required length. They are attached with G-hooks at the front plate. Below are the optional shoulder pads for the FCPC. The Shoulder Pads each have a cable tunnel and are designed for 2" straps, so they also fit other manufacturers.

The MOLLE Kangaroo Flap (MKF) is just one, and probably the most conventional of several flaps that are intended for the FCPC. It is Velcroed at the top of the AFP, and otherwise functions very traditionally like the flap of a 6094. However, there are different Kangaroo Pouches available specifically for it: one for three M4 magazines, one for 2 M4 magazines, one for four MP7 magazines, one for a radio. Other models are on the way, including a very minimalist Kydex design, which we hope to introduce to you soon.

The Airflow Cummerbund (AFC) is the heaviest and most traditional of its kind on the FCPC: mesh makes it very breathable, while also having full-length MOLLE. A lot can fit on it. The length is adjusted with elastic in the middle (bottom right), and Velcro is used at the ends (top right) to attach the cummerbund between the front of the plate carrier and the lowered flap. It also has built-in plastic strips (bottom right) for center reinforcement.

Assembly: First, we inserted our Swimmer plates, then we inserted the MOLLE Kangaroo Flap: Female Velcro awaits Male Velcro under a cover. Simply slide it in (left) and the flap is in place. We already attached the shoulder straps to the back panel (ARP) beforehand, and at the front, we fastened them with G-hooks (top right) on the AFP. It sits firm and secure but still allows for quick escape and discarding of the FCPC in an emergency. Finally, the cummerbund is slid in and centered at the bottom of the rear plate pocket. In the opening, a Velcro strip awaits various other cummerbund solutions, which are lighter and can be easily attached.

Here is the shoulder area with the standard straps (left), with the pads (middle), and then flipped over and from the inside (right). For those who want extra comfort, investing in pads for the shoulders is recommended. It can be done without them, but it is much more comfortable with them. The shoulders bear all the weight of the equipment attached to the FCPC.

This version of the FCPC is complete! This is a classic configuration that most resembles a 6094 but is lighter than this. With other components, the FCPC could look completely different: less MOLLE, side straps made of elastic, but overall always minimalist and modern.

CONCLUSION: A Plate Carrier is a Plate Carrier is a Plate Carrier … It serves two purposes: it holds plates and equipment. All of this is done in exemplary fashion by a CIRAS, an LBT-6094, or a Crye JPC. So why a different plate carrier? Ferro Concepts doesn't reinvent the concept of PCs, but they take it to an extreme. The FCPC is the most modular plate carrier we know of. It is so modular that it is intended for the consumer to use each individual part of the FCPC series with a plate carrier from another manufacturer, from the plate pockets to the cummerbund to the shoulder pads. We suspect that we haven't seen the most exciting parts of the FCPC series yet, and that there are still some exciting and innovative solutions coming from the small Canadian gear forge. The FCPC we have is an extremely light, well-made alternative to classic plate carriers with plenty of storage space across the upper body. The modularity can be a game for collectors, who can now buy each piece or an opportunity to modify a plate carrier for specific tasks, covering a wide range of uses. We will continue to report on what Ferro Concepts brings to the table...

The FCPC is available directly from Ferro Concepts: The Assault Front Panel costs 95 dollars with shoulder straps (another Slick and a pure MOLLE front panel are announced); the Assault Rear Panel costs 70 dollars (the Slick Rear Panel 50 dollars); the MOLLE Kangaroo Flap is available for 35 dollars (a Slick Flap is announced); the Airflow Cummerbund costs 80 dollars (alternatives include a Carry Elastic Cummerbund, a 4" Elastic Cummerbund, a 2" Elastic Cummerbund, or side straps for attaching); Shoulder Pads for 38 dollars complement the FCPC. Wingman Gen II Radio/Magazine Pouches expand storage space, as do the 6x6 MOLLE Side Plate Pouches to increase protection for the wearer.

The FCPC from Ferro Concepts being tested by Navy SEALs. There are photos of this, but none reveal which team it is. On the left, in a helicopter, and on the right, on a SEAL with boarding gear.