Oh boy, it’s finally time, Wizards!
We’re diving back into one of my favorite topics with another plate carrier review. I teased this one a lot in the Ready or Not loadout video, so I’m really excited to finally break it all down for you.
The plate carrier we’re looking at today is the Dynamic Plate Carrier (DPC) from Dynamic Principles. We also have an exciting giveaway featuring the exact Ready or Not carrier I wore! While it won’t include all the cool extras, you can enter to win it by checking out the link in the description.
Quick note: I don’t have a discount code yet, but if you’re watching this in the future, try using code TLDCO—it might save you a few bucks!
From the smart design to the variety of options, I think you’re going to love this carrier. I see it as similar to the Shaw carrier, but with a bit more badassery, so you won’t feel like you need to pair it with chinos or blazers. I’ll explain more about that shortly, but first…
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Transparency: My Biases
Let’s talk about my biases—because, let’s be honest, I probably have some.
Dynamic Principles did send me the DPC to review, and I do think the owner is a great guy. We’ve trained CQB together and talked gear in our free time, so that could make me a little biased. That said, I like to support good people, and Dynamic Principles fits the bill.
Still, don’t take my word—or any YouTuber’s word—as gospel. Do your research, watch other reviews, and be an educated consumer.
Current Plate Carrier Rankings
It’s been a minute since we last updated our rankings, so let’s take a look:
- Load-bearing Side: K19 and Shaw Arc lead the pack.
- Slimline Carriers: K0, Javelin, AJCK, and MEPC hold the top spots.
- Hybrid Carrier: The APOC remains king of the hill.
The DPC falls into the direct assaulter style of carrier, so I’ll rank it more against the Slimline side. While you could load it up heavily, it’s designed to excel as a fast and light option.
DPC: Options and Fit
Dynamic Principles offers a ton of options when configuring the DPC. Let’s break it down:
- Plate Bags: You’ll need both a front and rear bag. These feature a specialized 3D fit around the plates, rather than a simple sleeve.
- Pay attention to your plate sizing and cuts—this is critical since the bags are tailored to your specific plates.
- SAPI Plates: These are standardized, so their sizes are consistent.
- 10×12 Plates: These can vary, so contact Dynamic Principles if you’re unsure what size bag to get.
This custom-fit design plays a significant role in how the DPC performs, so take the time to ensure everything matches up.
Selecting and Assembling the DPC Components
Once you have your front and rear plate bags, the next step is selecting a cummerbund. Dynamic Principles offers a variety of options, including elastic, structural, and hybrid cummerbunds. I have all of these, and I’ll show them up close when we assemble the plate carrier, so you’ll know exactly which one suits you best.
I’m currently using the hybrid cummerbund, and it’s seriously chef’s kiss awesome.
The cummerbund connects into the plate bag, but if you prefer not to use that method, you can grab Velcro adapters instead. If you’re wondering, tactic buckles can be swapped out for other hardware like First Spear Tubes. Personally, I prefer First Spear Tubes and will probably switch to them eventually—they’re just my favorite. But the beauty of the DPC is that you can use whatever hardware you like.
Choosing a Placard
To take your setup to the next level, you’ll also need to select a placard.
- Micro Placard: Holds three mags.
- Wide Placard: Holds four mags (better for .308 mags or those who prefer four mags up front).
I have both options and will show you each, so you can make the most informed decision. Dynamic Principles also offers cool insert designs for their placards, allowing for additional customization, which I’ll also showcase.
What You Need to Assemble the DPC
At this point, the full list of required components includes:
- Front and Rear Plate Bags
- Cummerbund
- Placard
Now, let’s put it all on the bench, break it down, and take a closer look. I’ll also assemble the Ready or Not loadout for you to see everything come together.
Unique Features of the DPC
Looking at the front plate bag, the first standout feature is its 3D-formed fit around the plate. Unlike standard carriers, the shoulder straps come off the rear of the bag, eliminating the gap between the strap and plate.
This strap design lays flat along the chest, providing a more consistent cheek weld for your rifle—at least in theory. We’ll see how it holds up during testing.
Another notable feature is the angle and spacing of the shoulder straps, which are optimized for comfort and mobility. This avoids the common issue of straps digging into your neck, unlike other carriers that can feel more like medieval torture devices. The DPC accommodates athletic builds, proving it’s more than just Instagram bait.
Smart Features for Customization
At the top of the front plate bag, you’ll find smartly placed loops for routing comms, chem lights, hydration hoses, or medical gear. The front panel includes a standard loop-backed MOLLE section (3×4), allowing for admin pouches, ID markers, or additional gear.
For this setup, I used a Juggernaut mount for my phone. While Juggernaut doesn’t even support this mount anymore (and I wouldn’t recommend it), alternatives like the SNS Flipboard Light seem like a much better option.
Dynamic Fuzz also makes some fantastic covers for the SNS Flipboard that I plan to try out.
Elastic Sections and Hardware Flexibility
Moving to the sides of the carrier, you’ll see elastic sections covering the top of the Quasm buckles. These elastic areas allow for a clean integration of comms gear, whether you’re running a PTT or something else.
Instead of vertical MOLLE slots, the DPC has two slots for the Quasm buckles, which can also be replaced with G-hooks. Personally, I prefer G-hooks here as they streamline the setup and provide a cleaner fit for comms and gear. That said, I kept the Quasm buckles for now since they came with the carrier.
Placard System Integration
Finally, at the bottom of the front plate bag, there’s a large hook-and-loop field for attaching your chosen placard system. I’m using the Dynamic Principles Micro Placard with a two-mag, two-pistol insert. This setup lets me carry tools and a flashlight alongside my mags for maximum versatility.
Placard Features and Configurations
The Micro Placard on the DPC is ideal for CQB setups. It features split buckles that can easily be swapped for First Spear Tubes or other connectors, depending on your preference. The placard also has a fully MOLLE front, allowing for additional pouches like the Cannable Mag Pouch, and MOLLE sides for side tool pouches.
I personally use the elastic sleeves on the sides for chem lights, but they won’t interfere if you decide to attach MOLLE items instead. At the bottom of the placard, there’s more MOLLE space, where I added a tourniquet pouch for quick access.
The main advantage of the Micro Placard is its clean and compact design, making it incredibly easy to access your gear. Unlike many other placards, it isn’t just a “version five of a laser-cut open pocket.” It’s thoughtfully engineered with reinforced inserts, eliminating the need for flimsy elastic setups.
In terms of configurations, you’re not limited to just my setup. Here are a few examples:
- Standard Three-Mag Insert
- Pistol and Two AR10 Mags
- Five SMG Mags
If you need something larger, you can opt for the Wide Placard, which retains all the features of the Micro but offers more space. It supports setups like:
- Three AR Mags and One Pistol Mag
- Six SMG Mags
- Three AR10 Mags
- Two Pistol Mags and Two AR10 Mags
This versatility, combined with the excellent design of the inserts, gives you an incredible range of options.
Cummerbund Connection and Hidden Features
When connecting the cummerbund to the placard, two key benefits stand out:
- It helps secure the placard in place.
- It creates a small hidden pocket in the front, perfect for additional pouches or tools.
In my setup, I added a magazine wing to hold my radio and routed all cables cleanly. I also connected the placard to the front bag, ensuring everything stays organized.
For added utility, I included an S&S Precision Dagger Wing, which holds a rescue tool for a more civilian-focused role. Let’s be honest—a $400 knife might look cool in photos, but a practical rescue tool is far more useful. If you’re like me and own expensive knives you’ll never actually use, do yourself a favor and opt for something practical that you won’t mind replacing.
Front Plate Bag Features
Moving to the front plate bag, you’ll notice slits at the bottom that allow for routing cables, attaching gear, and achieving a better fit around your plates. Opening the bag reveals a 3D-molded space designed specifically for your plates, eliminating excess material.
Dynamic Principles’ philosophy is to create plate bags that fit plates perfectly, rather than accommodating a wide range of sizes with extra bulk. While this approach requires more effort to configure if you swap plates frequently, the result is a sleek and clean setup.
I’m using RMA SRT plates, which are incredible at only 2.12 lbs. These are a great option for those seeking a lightweight and high-performing setup. We’ll dive deeper into plate performance during the testing phase, but a quick note: the RMA website often offers discounts that can save you money.
Interestingly, there’s no inside strap in the plate bag, but the precise fit of the plates makes it unnecessary.
Rear Plate Bag Features
The rear plate bag mirrors the front in design, with smartly angled shoulder straps and elastic sections along the sides for routing comms or equipment. It also features a 3×4 loop-backed MOLLE section, where I added pimp flashbang pouches for my Ready or Not configuration.
The rest of the rear bag is full MOLLE, providing ample space for additional gear or packs. For my setup, I routed comms and antenna equipment using Cattail Antennas.
Dynamic Principles uses the standard Crye zipper system on the rear bag, making it compatible with a wide range of zipper-based packs. This is a refreshing change from other brands that create proprietary systems just to lock you into their ecosystem (if that’s you, we hate you).
That said, while the Crye zipper is functional, it’s not my favorite compared to some newer systems on the market.
At the bottom of the rear bag, the cummerbund connects using a covered hook-and-loop system, making assembly straightforward and secure.
My impressions
Thankfully, the DPC avoids gimmicks like bungee lashing, which is common on less thoughtfully designed carriers (and yes, we hate that too). This setup is solid, functional, and versatile, making it a fantastic option for anyone looking for a high-performance plate carrier.
Cumber Bun Options
Dynamic Principles offers several types of cumber buns, each designed for different levels of comfort and load capacity:
Elastic Molly Cumber Bun:
- Includes three mag sections and a smaller fourth section for a tourniquet or tools.
- Prioritizes comfort, making it ideal for minimal setups.
Structural Tegris Cumber Bun:
- Sacrifices some comfort for rigidity, allowing for heavier loads.
- Features a stretchy rear section for flexibility under stress.
Hybrid Structural Cumber Bun:
- Combines a Tegris section for rigidity with an elastic section for comfort.
- Allows for front mag or tool pouches and provides the best balance of rigidity and comfort.
- Recommended for most users unless you’re carrying a particularly heavy load.
Shoulder Straps
- Made with breathable, padded mesh for comfort.
- Version 2 straps include horizontal and vertical MOLLE slots for attaching QD rear packs (e.g., Recondite by Defense Mechanisms).
- Low-profile but wide straps reduce pressure points and are modular, allowing integration with Dynamic Principles’ chest rig.
Tests and Adjustments
Cumber Bun and Shoulder Strap Adjustments:
- Both require removing the carrier to adjust.
- The hybrid and elastic cumber buns reduce the need for frequent micro-adjustments due to their flexibility.
Size Adjustment Range:
- The DPC fits larger frames exceptionally well but struggles with smaller or petite frames, especially for women.
- Smaller plate bags and shoulder straps are recommended for users with smaller builds.
Plate Insertion and Compatibility:
- The bags are custom-molded for specific plate sizes (e.g., RMA SRT plates).
- Thicker plates fit well, but incorrect plate sizes can create issues.
Expansion and Compatibility:
- Highly modular, with options for placards, pouches, comms routing, and rear panels.
- Compatible with Crye zippers for standard rear bags.
- Offers unmatched expansion capability compared to many other carriers.
Rifle Cheek Weld Test:
- Shoulder straps sit close to the body, allowing for an unobstructed rifle stock position.
- Provides a consistent and comfortable shooting experience, particularly in CQB scenarios.
Prone Comfort Test:
- Sleek and minimal design avoids discomfort when lying prone.
- The hybrid cumber bun further enhances comfort during dynamic movements.
Final Thoughts
Strengths:
- Innovative, modular design with excellent comfort and functionality.
- Offers Berry-compliant quality at a more affordable price point compared to other premium carriers.
Challenges:
- Requires careful planning for plate compatibility and setup.
- Less suited for users with smaller frames without additional modifications.
Recommendation:
The DPC is a standout choice for users familiar with tactical gear who want a versatile, high-quality carrier. While it may not be the best option for beginners due to its setup complexity, experienced users will appreciate its thoughtful design and functionality.
For additional savings, use the discount code TLDco and explore customizable options through Dynamic Principles’ custom shop. Don’t forget to consider Canable mag pouches for even greater functionality!