REVIEW: Mayflower Assault Plate Carrier

The Assault Plate Carrier (APC) by Mayflower has long been a hidden gem for people looking for an excellent plate carrier at a reasonable price. The classic views: the APC reminds us a bit of a Crye CPC crossed with an LBT-6094A. This may be due to the shape of the plate pockets, which are spacious: SAPIs and Swimmer Cut plates fit in there, available in two sizes S/M and L/XL.

The shoulders consist of straps, over which padding with mesh is pulled and velcroed.

The padding is very wide and greatly enhances comfort. The length is adjusted classically via velcro.

A special feature of the APC is that it has integrated storage space at the top of the front plate pocket, with one large (above) and one smaller (below) compartment.

Plenty of room for maps, pens, compass – everything you want to take into the field with you.

Opening is very classic: lift the flap (left) and then pull the cummerbund up on one or two side(s) and you can exit.

The APC has the great advantage that the front kangaroo pouch does not lie in the flap and get jammed when opened and flipped up, but it leads into the front plate pocket and thus lies behind the closing Velcro. This is extremely practical. Why not everyone does it this way, we wonder.

Also noticeable are the vertical MOLLE strips in the front upper half, where buckles can be attached to which a Chest Rig can be clicked, which is then worn over the plate carrier. Then, instead of a kangaroo pouch, a small Chest Rig like the D3CR by Haley Strategic can be integrated. Of course, the great rigs from Mayflower also work perfectly.

The cummerbund laid out. It comes in several sizes so that everyone fits in the APC. It is not held together with tape or cables, but velcroed into the carrier on the back. Inside, 4-Way Stretch allows for the insertion of additional magazines.

And it is also prepared for Soft and Hard Armor.

Here is the rear plate pocket. It is closed (left) by the folded flap, which also secures the cummerbund with Velcro. Fully opened, you can see how the cummerbund is velcroed in (middle). The firm stretch at the corners to the cummerbund shows signs of wear, but is far from disintegrating.

The plate pocket, also available in different sizes, is very flexible in what it accommodates. The velcro strip that holds the SAPI plate – whichever one – in the plate carrier is a good idea. This allows you to open the carrier without the plate falling on the ground. Ideal, for example, to pack the Phokus Trauma Kit as an IFAK freely and easily accessible, while the plate stays where it should be.

CONCLUSION: The Assault Plate Carrier by Mayflower is a small, affordable all-rounder. It can be used standalone, but can also be expanded into a heavier system with a Chest Rig. It has some great, practical features (large integrated admin compartments, kangaroo pouch not in the closing flap of the APC) that make it very versatile. Made of 500D, it is lightweight and solid at the same time. An extremely good carrier that we would trust at any time.

The Mayflower Assault Plate Carrier costs $255 directly from the manufacturer in the USA. The Padded Shoulder Pieces are an additional $28.

GEARMANIACS on the Web: www.gearmaniacs.de

OP Tactical has shown in the image what can be clipped onto the APC.