Designed by the West Coast Frogmen over at Trident Tactical Technical (T3), the Geronimo 2 Plate Carrier is an evolution over its predecessor in that it offers T3’s flexibility and comfort, while improving on the previous generation’s functionality. Combined with traditional fabrics and hardware, the plate carrier can be used in practical, competitive, or professional roles for long-term durability regardless of the environment.
Introduced in 2015, the Geronimo 2 (G2) is designed as a low-profile plate carrier with extensive MOLLE/PALS webbing for increased functionality with the mission/task at hand. This makes it ideal for concealed situations, or as a base kit on which to add desired packs, pouches, or holsters.
Made from 500D, solution-dyed Cordura the front and rear carriers accommodate full-sized SAPI/ESAPI/AR500 plates or any soft armor (sold separately). Both carriers have (female) hook-and-loop fields at the top for identification or morale patches, as well as extensive vertical and horizontal MOLLE/PALS webbing.
The front carrier has a kangaroo pouch stitched on top of the traditional flap securing the front cummerbund. The interior of the kangaroo pouch is lined with hook-and-loop fields that can be used in conjunction with the provided removable rifle magazine pouches (that accommodate three 5.56 magazines or two 7.62), or secures the pouch to allow for mounting of a preferred chest harness or other pouches.
The rear of the carrier has a drag handle made from SCUBA webbing that is secured via hook-and-loop to the top of the carrier itself when not in use.
The backpanel of the G2’s front and back carriers feature closed-air foam padding for improved comfort, as well as a 4” band of (female) hook-and-loop for mounting lower plate carrier accessories (not included). The attached hook-and-loop flap inside the front/back carriers enable for ballistic plates, regardless of sizing, to be securely held.
The G2’s cummerbund system involves the traditional two-part banded system with interwoven shock cord on the rear to adjust spacing, with the rear carrier’s overlapping hook-and-loop panel securing it.
The front of the cummerbund is secured under the front carrier’s overlapping hook-and-loop panel.
The cummerbund’s sides have pouches for side plate armor, three extra rifle magazines per side, and multi-purpose pouches that can double as a pistol holster or for single/dual radios.
For shoulder straps, the G2 has wide Hypalon bands anchored into the front/back carriers via metal hardware, which are themselves anchored with reverse/bartack stitching. Each strap is wrapped in removable shoulder pads that are secured by hook-and-loop.
Specifications:
- Small……For individuals circa 5’9”, 140 pounds, 32” belt
- Medium…For individuals circa 5’10”, 155 pounds, 34” belt
- Large…….For individuals circa 6’, 190 pounds, 36” belt
- XLarge….For individuals 6’3”, 220 pounds, 38” belt
The G2 is available in OD Green (featured), Black, Coyote Tan, Multicam, Desert Digital, and ABU Tiger.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Good (4/5): At $315.99 the G2 is an all-inclusive plate carrier (unlike many other designs that do not include magazine holsters) that gives its user the functionality to use it immediately. While it does not include are newer quick-release or tube buckles, cummerbund styles, or other hardware found in more recent plate carrier designs, such as by First Spear’s Strandhogg Plate Carrier ($486), it did make up for that by capitalizing on the materials to be a solid system. For comparison, alternatives to the G2 would be Shellback Tactical’s Banshee 2.0 ($325), Mayflower’s Assault Plate Carrier ($259), and Spartan Armor’s Leonidas Plate Carrier ($229). Again, it should be noted that in all these market alternatives, none featured an included magazine and sidearm holster system that the G2 does.
- Comfort – Excellent (5/5): In comparison to the market, the G2 was very comfortable—one of the most comfortable tested to date in fact. Weather it was the connection between the shoulders and front plate carrier, or the padding itself, shouldering a carbine was very comfortable and the buttstock easily found the shoulder pocket. Often other vendors overlook that element in design and carriers/plates will actually hinder proper buttstock placement. The adjustability of the cummerbund ensured proper fitting to the point it was tested during regular 2 mile runs without any adverse effect to comfort. During stressor drills (sprints/pushups) at the range, the G2 neither shifted nor limited freedom of movement.
- Durability – Excellent (5/5): Throughout the G2, extensive bartack/reverse stitching was evident at all key stress points to include; all MOLLE/PALS webbing, carrier/shoulder connections, and cummerbund. These factors, and the use of 500D Cordura ensured the G2 had a high degree of abrasion resistance and longevity. A lot of thought went into reinforcement of the carrier and regardless of plates used (we ran both AR500 steel and UHMWPE plates), the G2’s hook-and-loop held the varying sized ballistic plates in place. All this gave the G2 high marks for durability.
- Functionality – Average (3/5): From a functional aspect, the G2 is a bit of a legacy design, one with a proven field record. Without any of the newer quick disconnects at the shoulders or cummerbund it was difficult to doff the plate carrier quickly, such as in an emergency situation. Otherwise the included function of the cummerbund’s radio/pistol holsters, and the included holsters to accept both 5.56 or 7.62 magazines were bonuses over other market competitors (though the pistol had some play in it). The cummerbund was comparable to other legacy designs, and offered the user the ability to customize the amount of tension to the torso. The backpanel design and method in which the G2 secured ballistic plates were a welcome change over others that tuck the securing flap up inside the carrier without any pull tab, sometimes making it difficult to access. A potential alternative for T3 to consider is making the exterior of the kangaroo pouch (female) hook-and-loop rather than MOLLE/PALS webbing to accommodate an increasing number of chest rigs that are similarly designed, such as the D3CRX by Haley Strategic or Spiritus Systems. It may also be of interest for T3 to consider laser-cut nylon over the traditional MOLLE/PALS webbing to cut down on weight while having minimal loss to function or durability.
- Weight – Average (3/5): At 3.0 pounds (without plates) the G2’s weight is to be expected given the quantity of 500D Cordura material involved. It also places it on par with market alternatives that use a similar design. The Banshee comes in at 3.2 pounds, the Leonidas is 2.3 pounds, and the Mayflower APC is 1.9 pounds. As the market has moved to more minimalist designs in recent years, newer materials like laser-cut nylon, polymer nylon, and other lightweight hardware have kept the MOLLE/PALS functionality while drastically reducing the weight of plate carriers in general. As such this put the G2 at a disadvantage given its legacy design.
Overall Rating – Good (20/25)
Product Link: https://www.t3gear.com/t3-geronimo-2-g2-plate-carrier/
I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.
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