We finally managed to get our hands on the DCS DA 5.56 Plate Carrier by Warrior Assault Systems. This highly experienced company has been designing top of the line defense products for years and is used and prized by Special Forces around the world. Based in Hereford in the UK, coincidentally also where the revered SAS are based, this comes as no surprise. But enough of that, let’s get right down to the review. You won’t be disappointed.
Design:
The DCS (Dynamic Combat System), is hands down one of the best designed carriers I have laid eyes on. For those who love additional real estate and customizing placement, this plate carrier is heaven materialized. Covered with molle completely in the front and back, the integrated cummerbund provides 360° degrees of molle. Not an inch goes to waste. This is especially noteworthy, seeing as the carrier itself is extremely compact, and lightweight. Designed to hold standard 10*12″ ballistic plates, and 6*6″ or 6*8″ SAPI side plates. Both the front and back are designed to have the ability to complement the plates with soft armor. The back of the carrier has two separate compartments for these, while the front only has one. As for that design choice, I can’t be sure, but my best guess is that they wanted to avoid unnecessary bulk in the front. There’s a carrier handle in the back, for casualty evac, which can be tied down with a handy velcro strip. On the left shoulder, there’s a clip that allows for emergency release so as to allow removal of the rig without removing one’s helmet (Not to be confused with an emergency strap release system which this version lacks, but is available for purchase). Both the shoulder straps and sides are fully adjustable in just a few seconds. The company uses what they call 3D mesh which feels and looks great.
Material:
The entire plate carrier is made from Mil-Spec 500D Cordura, which makes for fantastic durability and makes it almost completely water repellant. The company boasts that the material is treated to give off a minimal IR signature and is resistant to UV and mildew effects. We reviewed the OD version which is a design of their own but for their other special camo designs they use crye. The OD is one of the darkest that I’ve seen, and I personally love that choice.
Comfort:
Air flow and temperature control is incredible in this plate carrier thanks to its well designed mesh both in the front and back. Wearing this rig in hot and humid desert weather was comfortable and pleasant (or at least, as pleasant as can be expected in those conditions). The shoulder pads are well padded, and sit well. It should be noted however, that the whole shoulder strap is a little stiff at first, but rounds out as you wear it. The well rounded form of the carrier makes it surprisingly comfortable, even when worn extensively for many hours.
Storage:
The DCS really shines when it comes to storage. As mentioned previously, the 360° molle design, offers ample space for pouches and anything else you desire. The rig comes standard with 5 5.56 m4 mag pouches (either with the standard flap or the quick release, which is what I tested), 2 utility pouches and an ifak pouch. I used it with an additional two pistol mag holders, a very handy admin pouch that has an additional pistol mag holder, a small pocket for documents, and a large velcro patch. I also added their proprietary admin pouch on the side and a hydration carrier on the back (as pictured below). Real estate is definitely not lacking on this plate carrier. Backpacks are not included in the standard setup, but W.A.S. has a large selection on offer of those.
Versatility:
Having lots of real estate means you can really easily keep what you want, where you want it. Warrior Assault Systems offers one of the biggest varieties of pouches out of any company out there, so the sky is the limit.
Price:
Definitely one of the most competitively priced rigs on the market, as well as almost everything from W.A.S. The company somehow juggles outstanding and uncompromising quality with prices that are hard to beat. At £135 pound or less than $180, this plate carrier is a complete steal and leaves ample budget to buy whatever extras you might need.
To conclude, there’s really no way to go wrong with this plate carrier. Used by special forces around the world, the DCS has been battle proven and at that price range is impossible to beat. Combined with the experience at design and quality of Warrior Assault Systems, I can only highly recommend it. Definitely give it a try!
This vest, by far, is something else!! You can tell The owners have listened carefully to what the needs of the modern day fighter are for the battlefield and implemented them ALL into this little beast!! The vest boasts quality and versatility for each different user. With its wrap around molle you can move pouches around for your comfort and convenience depending on the mission type. In addition, the padded and raised FRONT and back plates KEEP you vented and reduces sweat build up. Great design!! Thanks for the review. Learned a bit more!!
Appreciate it! Thanks for the support. More review coming soon!
Does the Hashmonai work with this vest or do you have to buy SEPARATELY ?
This plate carrier is built for standard 9*12 SAPI plates, not for the hashmonai.
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