External Carriers

[Fury]

Do any of you use external vest carriers? I'm looking for the kind that looks like a uniform shirt, that has 2 shirt pockets, and a tab to hold a badge. I found one that was too expensive at $189.00, and another that does not have a price listed. Anyone have experience with them, or know where to get one at a decent price?

[qpd158]

My dept has just went to these carriers, but if you don't need a new vest, you don't get one. I think we order ours from Ray O'Herron in Danville, IL. No idea of the cost or brand that we use.

[RT302]

Google Turtle Tracks in Anchorage, AK. (no web site available) Kinda pricey ($250+), but she custom makes them in her shop based on tracings of your panels and pockets/ holster requests. Anyone I have ever talked to that has one swears by them for comfort, ease of movement and versatility. Seems to be the new "in" thing in the federal land management agencies.....

[mcsap]

If I had one , I would be tempted to not wear it in the summer.

[Fury]

If I had one , I would be tempted to not wear it in the summer.

I know what you mean. But it would be great to be able to take it off in the squad room, and throw it back on when your on the way out the door.

[Cat_Doc]

There is a local seamstress who makes one out of one of your uniform shirts so that it matches damn near perfect. I do not know if you have to be present for a "fitting" but I can check on it for you if you wish. (She probably needs to measure the vest panels?)

I think she does it for under $100. Quite a few of the guys in my region are wearing them.

If you want me to look into details, send me a p.m.

[Cat_Doc]

There is another company, just started in the Phoenix area, that makes a custom exterior vest cover, matches uniform color, in which you can customize for your particular needs.

The name tag and cloth badge attach on velcro (military style) and a Taser holster, Stinger flashlight holster, two breast pockets with velcro fasteners for the flap (ink pen slot built into left pocket), and either two cuff pockets or magazine pouches (your choice, your dimensions) sewn onto lower left or right side.

It fastens with quick release buttons on the lower "love handle" areas that have adjustable tension straps.

You get the impression it would look bulky, until you see it. It’s pretty slick.

The Sheriff just authorized it and they are about six to eight weeks behind on back orders.

This one runs around $160.00

These things are getting extremely popular in Arizona because of the heat and how they allow more "breathing" room.

Again, it might be a disservice to even mention this as I think you have to go in for a custom fitting with the seamstress. Sorry.