REVIEW: Semapo NCPC

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You could say, this is a "Unicorn". But it's not quite like that, because firstly, this plate carrier is not from Crye Precision, but from the Korean replica manufacturer Semapo. And it's not a one-of-a-kind piece, but part of a small series of carriers produced in the wonderful color "Foliage". What makes this thing even more special: it's not just a regular Cage Plate Carrier, but the Navy version - hence the abbreviation NCPC. The Cage is to Crye what the CIRAS is to Crye, so a heavy plate carrier with modern interior design to be as comfortable to wear as possible. Unfortunately, Semapo only built this version in size Large and it is already sold out. Otherwise, all original materials and some say the quality of craftsmanship is better than that of the Americans. The plates are housed in front and rear plate pockets. The downside of the Foliage color is that there are no compatible backpack parts available for this NCPC. However, there are plenty of color-matching pouches available on the market that will fit this plate carrier. The magic of the Cages is in the interior, which consists of a fabric-covered plastic frame made of two "L"s, with soft Velcro on the inside to hold the pads in place. This results in an incredibly comfortable feel for a heavy plate carrier that can still be fully loaded. The fit is adjusted with the paracord in the middle. There is also a quick-release system made of wire that runs on either side of the spine. Here you can see the loops of the quick-release system: insert fingers, pull, and everything falls to the ground. The shoulder area is ideally padded. For regular removal, there is a buckle that allows you to release one shoulder strap on one side. The regular Cage and the Navy Cage, as used by the SEALs, differ in the Cumberbund area. The Navy version works in layers: a fixed MBITR pocket is attached on the inside, and soft double magazine pouches can be attached. Above that, there is an additional AirLite Cumberbund that can be removed. Here you can see what needs to be attached in the front: the back flap with the black color is secured inside, then the first Velcro (removable) goes under the flap, and the AirLite also goes under the flap, although one of the two may not be necessary. Why so much? The Navy seems to be concerned that something might slip out from the carrier below. The magazine flap can accommodate three M4 or HK416 magazines and secures with Shock Cord. MOLLE provides the flexibility for additional attachments. Velcro on the chest allows for full customization with patches.

CONCLUSION: The Crye Cage is great, the Semapo NCPC even better, excellently crafted and unbeatable in price.

The NCPC in Foliage and Large is unfortunately sold out, it was last available for around $200. On the Semapogear website, there are other versions of the NCPC priced between $260 and $300.

Semapogear on the internet: www.semapogear.com