The London Bridge Trading 6094a has become a very
popular plate, both in the real world battlefields and the airsofting skirmish
sites. They have been made famous by the likes of the Navy SEALs and other SF
units around the world such as the Jordanian Special Forces. Anyone wanting to
do an authentic impression or just get a legit, well made PC have all probably
looked at the LBT 6094 in its various configurations at one point or another. I
was lucky enough to have the LBT 6094a run through my radar and made the
purchase. It's been a long timing but here is our first review. After finally getting to run my London Bridge Trading 6094a through
its paces at a few all day games, I would like to pass on my experience with it
and let you decide if this is the right PC for your needs!
PRICING: Over the course of 6-8 months I had been pondering
getting a ‘real’ plate carrier but they seemed just out of reach as far as
price and as much as I wanted one it took me that long to make the leap, and I
mean leap. This PC runs $354.55 on LBTs website, although I got mine for $330
at skdtac.com. After only two games I am very pleased and it is truly money
well spent!
SIZING: The LBT 6094 comes in three sizes, A, B, and C or
medium, large, and extra large respectively. There are also slick, low-vis, and
releasable options available with different letter denotations. This is obviously the “a” or medium size and
it is still widely adjustable for average to skinny body sizes. For example, I’m
6’2” and 150lbs and it can tighten down enough for me and it is also the model
the much bigger built guys like Navy SEALs where and it can fit them as well! The
cummberbund and shoulder straps have a generous amount of adjustment in them
for height and girth. The cummberbund is adjusted when you put the PC on with Velcro
that attaches between the body of the PC and the front mag pouch flap. The shoulder
straps adjust with a Velcro strap. Overall size of the PC is 15.5L x 13.5W
MATERIAL and SEWING: This plate carrier in its basic form
comes in the very strong, yet heavier 1000D cordura and is ready for abuse. This
material has been left behind in the mainstream gear whore arenas for the like
of 330D cordura, which is much letter but not as tough, it is also not
regularly available and hard to find in some cases for the 6094. It is really a
personal preference as to whether one would want lightweight as the main
deciding point or durability. This isn’t to say the 330D is easily ripped and
the 1000D only adding minuscule amounts to overall weight. The type E thread stitching
is top notch from LBT all over the vest with reinforced stitching and bartacked
sewing in high stress points. This isn’t to say it is perfect. When used in conjunction
with the LBT 3x M4 kangaroo pouch the top corners of the mag flap seem to be
stretched. My 6094a suffered a small rip in the top right side of the flap about
¾” long but thankfully doesn’t seem to be growing after a few games. This should
not happen without using the kangaroo insert.
COMFORT: This is a full size plate carrier and it is about
as comfortable as one could be in a full PC. Being a full PC and not a PC built
for lightweight features or to fit better under a parachute (such as the Crye
JPC) it comes with features that make it much more comfortable for long patrols
or just general fighting. The main thing for comfort is the shoulder straps, and
they are very cushiony. They are very think and the top of them sit well above
your shoulders, think comfort here, wearing an assault pack is slightly
difficult but not impossible. One can also remove the outer wrap around sleeve
for less bulkiness and less comfort. The cummberbund does have some cushion on the lower half that helps with the pressure around your midsection. The cummberbund also has elastic around back
where the two sides connect allowing you to breath better even when the PC is
tight with added weight from gear. I should also mention that the 1000D cordura
previously discussed does tend to hold heat and it being a PC and not a chest
rig it can get warm, I recommend wearing a combat shirt underneath to help with
this. The overall weight is 1.265lbs.
OTHER FEATURES: The 6094a has many great features not
previously mentioned such as the internal MBITR radio pouches on the left and
right sides where one can fit various sizes of radios from simple Motorola
Talkabouts up to actual MBITRs. The cummberbunds also have inserts for soft
armor. Also on the lines of armor, the 6094a fits Medium sized ESAPI plates and
fits my Medium Toy Soldier plates great! Another great feature is on either
side of the PC along the shoulder straps and body of the PC there are velcro
loops for routing hydration lines and communication wires. The back of the PC
also has a very strong drag handle for dragging you should you need it. The
last feature I will touch on is the velcro space on the space at the top center
of the front panel. It is about 3” tall by 6” long and great for one of the
huge 3”x5” American flag patches!
FINAL THOUGHTS: Overall this is a great plate carrier and
one that deserves a look as the next PC you purchase. It is a little pricey to
some airsofters but it comes down to you get what you pay for here, and that is
possibly the last plate carrier you will ever need. This thing is loaded with
great features and though I highly recommend this nice piece of kit from London
Bridge Trading, don’t solely take my opinion. Look at any SEAL picture thread
and just think, if it is good enough for them to fight for their country in harm’s
way around the world, then it is surely good enough for me to use for an
airsoft skirmish! Even in saying this, I know it comes down to personal
preferences and hopefully this review does help in the process, thanks for
reading!
