AR500 Armor Cummerbund Kit Review

First Impressions of AR500 Armor Cummerbund Kit

The AR500 Armor Cummerbund Kit promises a seamless integration with the Veritas plate carrier platform and compatibility with other carriers using a kangaroo pouch design. As someone deeply immersed in the tactical gear world for over a decade, I’m always searching for equipment that balances functionality, durability, and comfort. The AR500 Armor Cummerbund Kit, with its promise of added support and potential for side plate integration, immediately piqued my interest.

I was particularly drawn to this cummerbund kit due to the limitations I’ve experienced with minimalist plate carrier setups. The lack of weight distribution and side protection on many minimalist carriers can become problematic during extended training or operational scenarios. The AR500 Armor Cummerbund Kit presented itself as a potential solution, promising improved comfort and the option to add vital side protection.

Upon unboxing, my initial impression was positive. The materials felt robust, with the Hypalon pull tabs lending a reassuringly durable touch. The Cordura Nylon felt substantial, hinting at a product built to withstand demanding use. The AR500 Armor Cummerbund Kit felt lighter than I anticipated, a welcome surprise given my past experiences with bulky, uncomfortable cummerbunds.

Compared to other cummerbund options I’ve used, like the Condor Lightweight Cummerbund and the Crye Precision AVS Standard Plate Pouch Set, the AR500 Armor Cummerbund Kit stood out due to its minimalist design and focus on seamless integration with AR500’s Veritas carrier. I chose this kit over the Condor due to perceived higher quality materials and the Crye due to the lower price point for the ability to add side plates. My initial feeling was cautiously optimistic. I hoped the lightweight design wouldn’t sacrifice durability and that the kangaroo pouch attachment system would prove as secure and functional as advertised.

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Real-World Testing: Putting AR500 Armor Cummerbund Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

My first field test of the AR500 Armor Cummerbund Kit involved a full day at a local shooting range, incorporating dynamic drills and prolonged periods of static firing. I paired it with my Veritas plate carrier, loaded with Level III+ lightweight plates. The range conditions were typical for a Southern summer day – hot, humid, and dusty.

The immediate improvement in weight distribution was noticeable, even with just the plates in the carrier. The cummerbund helped to distribute the weight across my torso, reducing pressure points on my shoulders. However, the heat quickly revealed the limitations of the material’s breathability, with noticeable sweat accumulating under the cummerbund after a few hours of exertion.

The installation and adjustment were straightforward, taking only a few minutes to get a comfortable fit. I initially encountered a slight issue with the Velcro closure on the front admin flap, finding it slightly difficult to align perfectly while wearing gloves. This was quickly overcome with practice, though it remains a minor inconvenience.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, including weekly range sessions and a weekend-long force-on-force training exercise, the AR500 Armor Cummerbund Kit has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear on the Cordura Nylon or Hypalon pull tabs. The stitching remains intact, even after repeated adjustments and exposure to harsh conditions.

Cleaning the cummerbund is a breeze; a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dust and sweat. I did notice a slight discoloration in areas where sweat accumulated, suggesting that more thorough cleaning might be necessary with prolonged use in hot environments. Compared to my previous experience with the Condor cummerbund, the AR500 Armor Cummerbund Kit surpasses it in both comfort and durability. The AR500 Armor Cummerbund Kit feels more robust and supportive than the Condor, while being significantly lighter than the Crye AVS.

Breaking Down the Features of AR500 Armor Cummerbund Kit

Specifications

The AR500 Armor Cummerbund Kit is constructed from durable, laminated Cordura Nylon and features Hypalon pull tabs. It is designed by AR500 Armor to integrate seamlessly with their Veritas plate carrier platform. The kit is adjustable in size, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit for a wide range of body types.

The accessory attachment system relies on Velcro, allowing for quick and easy attachment and removal of the cummerbund. The materials are chosen for their balance of weight, durability, and resistance to abrasion. The Velcro attachment system allows for rapid adjustments and customization, a critical feature for tactical gear.

Performance & Functionality

The AR500 Armor Cummerbund Kit performs its primary function of providing additional support and weight distribution effectively. It significantly enhances the comfort of wearing a plate carrier for extended periods. The ability to add side plates is a valuable feature, offering increased protection to vital organs.

The AR500 Armor Cummerbund Kit’s strengths lie in its simplicity, durability, and ease of use. Its weaknesses are its limited breathability in hot environments and the slightly fiddly Velcro closure on the front admin flap. The AR500 Armor Cummerbund Kit largely meets my expectations, offering a solid balance of comfort, durability, and functionality.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the AR500 Armor Cummerbund Kit is excellent. The materials are top-notch, and the stitching is clean and robust. The cummerbund is surprisingly lightweight, adding minimal bulk to the overall plate carrier setup.

The design is simple and functional, prioritizing ease of use and compatibility with the Veritas platform. The Velcro adjustment system allows for a customized fit, while the Hypalon pull tabs provide a secure grip, even when wearing gloves. The minimalist design minimizes the learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The AR500 Armor Cummerbund Kit appears to be built to last. The Cordura Nylon and Hypalon construction can withstand considerable abuse. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service.

Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. More intensive cleaning may be necessary if exposed to excessive sweat or grime. The robust construction minimizes the need for repairs.

Accessories and Customization Options

The AR500 Armor Cummerbund Kit itself doesn’t come with any additional accessories. However, it is designed to be compatible with a wide range of MOLLE-compatible pouches and accessories. This allows for extensive customization of the plate carrier setup.

The cummerbund is specifically designed to integrate with AR500 Armor’s side plate pouches. However, it is compatible with most standard side plate carriers that utilize a MOLLE attachment system. This versatility allows users to tailor their loadout to specific mission requirements.

Pros and Cons of AR500 Armor Cummerbund Kit

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Who Should Buy AR500 Armor Cummerbund Kit?

The AR500 Armor Cummerbund Kit is perfect for tactical professionals, law enforcement officers, and responsible armed citizens who prioritize comfort, durability, and the ability to add side protection to their plate carrier setup. It’s an excellent upgrade for anyone who finds minimalist plate carriers lacking in support or who needs the option to carry side plates.

Individuals operating primarily in hot environments or those who prioritize maximum breathability may want to explore alternative cummerbund options with enhanced ventilation. Those looking for a cummerbund with integrated pouches or more extensive MOLLE webbing may also find this kit too minimalist. A must-have accessory is a set of high-quality side plate pouches if additional protection is desired.

Conclusion on AR500 Armor Cummerbund Kit

The AR500 Armor Cummerbund Kit offers a solid balance of durability, comfort, and functionality at a reasonable price of $79.50. It’s a well-designed and well-executed piece of kit that significantly enhances the wearing experience of a plate carrier. While the limited breathability and slightly fiddly Velcro closure are minor drawbacks, they are outweighed by the numerous benefits this cummerbund provides.

The price is justified by the quality of materials and the noticeable improvement in comfort and weight distribution. I would personally recommend the AR500 Armor Cummerbund Kit to anyone looking to upgrade their plate carrier setup with a durable, comfortable, and versatile cummerbund system. Upgrade your plate carrier today and experience the difference!