I first became aware of Agilite Tactical almost a decade ago, and what brought my attention to Agilitegear was their marketing campaign. Without a good campaign, many of us would really be without knowledge of some very good products. Agilite offers plenty of useful videos on their YouTube channel and if you sign up for their mailing list, you will get a lot of suggestions sent in the form of emails to your inbox. YouTube and some solid bloggers make learning easier. Lots of good info about the carrier. I’ll add my two cents to the blogging world.
An Agilite representative emailed me a few months ago, asking if I’d like to try their product out, and he offered me the K19 Plate Carrier. It’s a comfortable plate carrier, made so by the generous amount of padding used in the inner-side of the carrier and the areas of the chest, back and shoulders. Agilite seems very committed to delivering high quality products to those in need of tactical gear.
There are many good tactical gear brands selling plate carriers worldwide. While they are known abroad, Agilite isn’t as well-known in the USA as are other tactical gear brands. They are making gains. I brought mine to the Nation’s Gun Show in Chantilly, VA for display on my vendor table (I sell Silencio Coffee and Spotterup apparel), and only two people of the dozens who looked at it knew who made it. The company is well-known, of course, in Israel because many of the IDF’s units are kitted-out with much of Agilite’s gear. Agilite is getting a good foothold in the USA for well-priced gear, that is durable and functional.
The color selection for the K19 is plentiful. Most of their products run from Ranger Green, to Wolf Grey, Multicam, Black, Multicam Black and Coyote Brown. Let’s start with the placard sent along with the carrier.
Agilite sent me the AG3 Placard. It is priced at this moment at $56.00, and made from 500D CORDURA® Mil Spec Tactical Nylon. The placard is meant for triple mag inserts, and it is hook-backed with bungee retention. I love the retention. I like how the placard does not collapse on itself and the pull taps are strong yet pliable. This placard is sturdier than the traditional kangaroo type pouches that tend to sag, and lose retention ability over time after heavy use. Three 5.56 magazines can easily be drawn and re-indexed quickly and easily with one hand. The bungees tabs don’t get in your way, like traditional bungee retention can. Agilite made these HALO jump-level retention capable. You can get the perfect grab with your gloves on or off for draw/re-insertion of the magazine.
The placard can be attached to any capable plate carrier with either G-hooks or placard buckles, and both are included with purchase of the placard. The adjustable ride-height of the placard makes it fit on many carriers as long as they have MOLLE attachments for placards. The AG3 of course works with the K19 plate carrier.
The K19 is able to accept a variety of accessory panels, pouches and panels with both upper attachment points and a new laser-cut loop overlay. It allows you to either add velcro-backed placards instantly, or use the mil spec, bartacked MOLLE underneath to attach regular MOLLE pouches. The use of the G3 and buckles with the hook loop does away with the Pouch Attachment Ladder System (PALS), which had many issues, or the MALICE clips. Users found that the Malice straps would tear and make the pouch. making it essentially useless. As for the PALS, snap buttons could corrode or just snap away, and render the pouch useless too. One thing I would like the K19 to have is an integrated Kangaroo pouch on front panel, for shears, and other items.
Some plate carrier brands offer varying sizes but Agilite has a one-size-fits-all cummerbund and multi-size plate bag absolving the need to make complicated and risky sizing choices when buying. The carrier is made from 1000D CORDURA® Mil Spec Tactical Nylon and includes Mil Spec polymer buckles and hardware. The carrier weighs 2.5lbs.
The first thing I noticed with the K19 is the padding. It is very comfortable. The rear of the K19 plate bags have a triple layer of low profile fusion foam to remain comfortable even when using the K19 with hard steel or ceramic armor plates (no need for a plate backer). I have a Sentry Tactical carrier priced at $399.00 and an AR500 Armor Invictus priced at $225.00 and they are nowhere near as comfortable as the K19. The K19 prices in at $279.00. There is good air flow, and because the sides are skeletonized it can be used with Agilite’s side plate retractors. The entire carrier can be removed from your body easily while sitting in a vehicle. You can set up a wide range of different load-outs and configurations.
The front of the K19 plate carrier uses what they term a proprietary V strap, that supposedly spreads the plate and gear weight over the bag and away from the shoulders. The upper section of the carrier features a front zippered admin pouch. It is large enough for maps and perhaps an iPhone but little else. You will get some extra buckles with your carrier. They toss these into the zippered pouch. The shoulder straps can be adjusted. Once you set you preferred length, they are in place and won’t move!
Agency identifiers, patches and flags will have lots of room for placement, if that is your thing. The space for those is generous unlike some other brands.
The K19 fits all 10″x12″ plates. The one size fits-all will fit any ballistic plates that are sizes S, M or L SAPI/ESAPI plates up to 1.5” thick. Most people between the heights of 5’4” – 6’3” can be protected by 10” x 12” sized plates. I found it to be tricky to get my plates into the carrier. It seemed that the openings were too small. Once I got the plates into the carrier, their were no issues. More snug than I preferred, but not an issue that would make me choose another brand. Always stay away from carriers where use superfluous add-ons, and pile garbage on to sell to an unknowledgeable customer. Look for carriers that are sensibly designed, to protect what is vital to keep you safe in the field.
One of the things that I really like about the K19 is the employment of the Egress™ Quick-release system and proprietary Fast-Adjust™ Cummerbund that can be adjusted and fine-tuned in real time. Decision making is easy. Micro and max adjustments can be made easily with the carrier. Here’s the thing about traditional cummerbunds; they hook and loop portions wear out, and the material degrades so that it no longer holds tightly. Yes, you can by another cummerbund, if you have the funds. I like being able to make adjustments using their hooks, buckle and skeletonized sides. You will get a fit that won’t loosen.
Both left and right quick detach buckles are removable so that you can replace them with minimalist slide buckles (these are included) for an even lower profile better for shouldering your rifle; the (Shoulder Egress buckles are set back and higher than the strap) so they don’t interfere with rifle stock placement. I never have issues with stock placement, some people do based on their height and build. A plate carrier should not sit too high or too low, and your arms should not be restricted in any way.
There is a rear drag handle and the shoulders can run comms and hydration tubes. You can add hydration carriers for water, grenade pouches and more magazine pouches. Run your backside slick for use in vehicles, or with added gear.
The K19 is compatible with the AMAP III Assault pack. I did not test the Assault Pack. There is ample space on the back to add med pouches/bags, or whatever pack you prefer.
For taller guys it would be ideal to have another layer of channels to add more accessories, but that would then change Agilite’s one size fits all intent. Either way, its a good product.
Well priced, and useful. The K19 is sturdy and not flimsy. While some companies offer lightweight carriers, they are too flimsy in my opinion to stand up when attaching gear. 1000 Cordura holds up better to sweat, and heat than brands offering alternative materials. You are going to get a longer shelf-life. If you are looking for a mid-priced model, check out the K19. Models offering less, such as HRT Tactical (which is 1lb lighter) or AR500, simply don’t measure up. This carrier was well thought out. The designers had most missions in mind, and they didn’t just put it together simply to sell low-end stuff to buyers looking for cheap gear to check a box. There is much to like, and little to really change; for the money this is a good carrier. Seems very durable. I’ve used it for 3 months in the late Fall.
- Cost: Carrier $279.00 Placard $56.00 Rated 5/5 mid-range price.
- Comfort (if applicable) 5/5
- Durability: Unsure as I have only used for 3 months. From what I’ve seen this item will hold up; IDF teams use it in lots of desert while sweating in the heat.
- Functionality: 4/5 There are some things they could add to it, but overall this is a solid carrier.
- Weight: 2.5lbs. Lighter weight carriers tend to be flimsy, and don’t have the structure needed to hold different load-outs and configurations.
Let’s get this out of the way, “I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer via Spotter Up so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based on my personal experience with the product. The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.”