The Ace Link Armor Patrol Vest Carrier is an overt tactical vest shell built for law enforcement, corrections, and security professionals who need a full-duty platform without the bulk of a military-style rig. Constructed from Nylon 6.6 500D, this carrier accepts front and back 10x12" hard armor plates and is purpose-built to pair with Ace Link's A13 Level IIIA soft armor panels — sold separately. It ships in sizes Small through 4XL to accommodate chest measurements from 30" to 58".

Who this is for

• Law enforcement officers: a full-shift overt carrier with MOLLE load-bearing, ID badge grommets, and shoulder attachment points for radio mics and body cameras
• Security and corrections personnel: a comfortable zip-on platform that moves gear off the duty belt and keeps it organized across a 12-hour shift
• Armed civilians and hunters: a versatile shell that accepts standard 10x12" plates and Ace Link soft armor panels for a scalable protection setup

Plate compatibility

Front and back plate pockets sit underneath the first layer of the carrier and accept standard 10x12" hard armor plates. The pockets are sized for this footprint only; plates in other dimensions are not specified as compatible. Soft armor panels from the Ace Link A13 Regular, A13 Flexcore, and A13 Level IIIA Anti-Stab lines are all dimensionally compatible when ordered in the matching carrier size. This carrier provides no ballistic protection on its own — panels and plates must be purchased separately.

MOLLE coverage and capacity

The exterior features full MOLLE/PALS webbing rated to hold maximum load-bearing equipment pouches without sagging. An additional tab between the upper pockets provides a secondary attachment point for a radio or camera. Shoulder attach points on both sides accept a radio mic, clip-on LED light, or body camera. Built-in metal grommets on the front panel accommodate pin-on clasp-back metal badges — a practical detail for patrol and corrections roles where badge placement is mandated.

Sizing and adjustability

The Patrol Vest Carrier runs in eight sizes from Small (30–34" chest) through 4XL (54–58" chest). If your measurement falls between sizes, size up. Measure around the fullest part of the chest, tape flat across the back and close under the arms. The carrier closes with a full-length 2-way zipper for fast donning and doffing. Elastic side straps provide lateral adjustment. A free initial size exchange is available through Ace Link's customer service.

Comfort and construction

The outer shell is Nylon 6.6 500D — a balanced weave that holds its structure under accessory load without becoming excessively stiff. The interior uses a space mesh lining that promotes airflow and provides antimicrobial protection, reducing odor and moisture buildup during extended wear. Four zippered external pockets handle day-to-day duty needs: two 5x6" pockets sized for ID cards, traffic templates, and keys; two 7x6" deeper pockets for handcuffs, pens, or duty gloves. The full-length 2-way zipper allows partial opening for ventilation or rapid removal. The carrier carries a 2-year warranty.

Specifications

Fit and carrier compatibility

This carrier is sized to pair directly with Ace Link soft armor panels — order the panel in the same size as the carrier for a proper fit. Standard 10x12" hard armor plates from other manufacturers fit the front and back plate pockets. Buyers between sizes should size up. If you need help confirming a fit with a specific plate or panel combination, contact us before ordering.

Frequently asked questions

What plate sizes fit in this carrier?

The front and back plate pockets accept 10x12" hard armor plates. No other plate footprint is specified as compatible with this carrier.

Does this carrier come with plates or soft armor panels?

No. This is a bare carrier shell only and provides no ballistic protection on its own. Hard armor plates and soft armor panels must be purchased separately. Ace Link's A13 Level IIIA Regular, Flexcore, and Anti-Stab panels are the specified compatible soft armor options.

What is the cummerbund and size range on this carrier?

The Patrol Vest Carrier uses elastic side straps rather than a rigid cummerbund system. Lateral adjustment is provided by the straps. The full-length 2-way zipper is the primary closure. Eight sizes from Small through 4XL cover chest measurements of 30" to 58". If your measurement is between sizes, size up.

Is there room for soft armor backers behind the hard plates?

The plate pockets are sized for 10x12" plates. Soft armor panels from the Ace Link A13 line are compatible with this carrier when ordered in the matching size. Whether a panel and a plate can stack in the same pocket simultaneously is not specified — contact us if you need confirmation for a specific layering setup.

How much MOLLE real estate is on this carrier?

The full exterior features PALS webbing described as capable of holding maximum load-bearing equipment pouches without sagging. An extra tab between the upper pockets handles a radio or camera, and both shoulders have attach points for a mic, camera, or LED light. Exact row and column counts are not published.

Can this carrier be shipped to my state?

This is a carrier shell with no ballistic panels included, so standard body armor shipping restrictions do not apply to the carrier itself. Once you add ballistic panels or plates to your order, those items cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut under state body armor restrictions. Under 18 U.S.C. § 931, any person with a federal felony conviction for a crime of violence is prohibited from purchasing or possessing body armor.