REVIEW: VGC X FFI 6094 Type A Plate Carrier Vest ( AOR2 )

The plate carriers of the 6094 series are the hardest to find in special colors. The originals in AOR1 and AOR2 - the modern SEALs patterns - are traded for up to $1,000. It's no wonder that there are people hoping for good replicas. Today we introduce you to the VGC X FFI 6094 Type A Plate Carrier in AOR2 from Vulcan Gear Company, which is only available directly from J.K. Army (Click on all images to enlarge).

The 6094A from the front and back: not a reinvention but a solid copy of the original by London Bridge Trading. One plate in the front, one plate in the back, held together by the shoulder straps (the padding is included here) and the cumberbund that stretches around the midsection. VGC believes they have copied a 6094A here. We would say, this armor tends to be a 6094B. The A takes medium SAPIs in the original. Here, we have a good amount of play in the front and back pocket, so a large SAPI would likely fit as well.

Opening is a classic: lift the flap (which is not always boring if the magazines are stored in the flap), then pull off the velcro cumberbund and remove it. The color of the velcro is reminiscent of foliage and is very well matched.

Nice detail on the side that shows a manufacturer who thinks ahead: a magazine pouch can be velcroed into the kangaroo pouch. However, velcro on velcro is a pain to put in. The usual trick is to wrap the pocket with a piece of paper and pull it out when the insert is in. Here the manufacturer has already provided a paper separator that can be pulled out after inserting the magazine pouch.

Look inside: solid work here as well. A logo patch from VGC marks the manufacturer. The flap that holds the SAPI in the pocket (right) is slightly smaller than in the original, but it doesn't affect functionality.

The plate carrier and in front a sleeve made of real AOR2 fabric. The color of the VGC FFI 6094A is very well matched. Originals usually have a more vibrant color on the MOLLE fabric, but that's just a side note without being critical.

CONCLUSION: AOR2 is a good camouflage. The pattern is green and fits better in our regions than the desert pattern AOR1. And yet it has an arid touch, blending into the green-dry summer. Those who wanted to treat themselves to gear in AOR2 could previously rely on moderately good copies or spend a lot of money. Here we have an affordable carrier that delivers very good quality. It is great in terms of color (see comparison with original sleeve) and very satisfying in terms of workmanship. Not every seam is perfectly straight, but the plate carrier is well sewn and durable. How much does this piece cost? $118? - A real bargain. Or as the Americans say: Bang for the buck!

You can get the VGC X FFI 6094 Type A Plate Carrier Vest (AOR2) directly from J.K. Army for $118 (excluding shipping).

You will have to remember the name of Vulcan Gear Company. The company's website already announced some matching pouches in AOR2.