Agilite K19 3.0 Plate Carrier

"I’ve been using the Agilite K19 3.0 plate carrier for about a year now during patrol as a full-time police officer in a major city in the Los Angeles area, and I can confidently say it’s one of the most comfortable plate carriers I’ve ever worn. As someone who works long hours, I’m always on the lookout for effective gear that can also provide greater comfort—and the K19 checks both boxes.

I initially purchased the K19 to replace the Diamondback carrier I had been using, and the difference was noticeable from day one. The comfort of the K19 stands out, thanks to its superior padding and ventilation. These features not only reduce pressure points but also help manage heat during extended wear, making it an excellent choice for long shifts in various conditions.

Having worn several different plate carriers in my career as both a police officer and a military contractor—including brands like Blackhawk, Eagle, Spartan, 5.11 Tactical, Diamondback, and many others—I have a solid frame of reference for what works and what doesn’t. While the other brands I’ve used are functional and reliable, the K19 is the most comfortable carrier I’ve ever worn. Its ergonomic design makes long shifts and intense scenarios much more manageable.

In conjunction with the K19, I used Agilite’s Pincer Placard Multi-Caliber Triple Mag Pouch, which worked exceptionally well. The pouch’s versatile design allowed me to fit different items into it depending on the mission, adding another layer of adaptability to an already modular setup.

One issue I encountered with the K19 was the quick-release buckle on the right shoulder, which sometimes interfered with shouldering a rifle or shotgun. To address this, I removed the quick-release buckle from the right shoulder (see picture). This adjustment worked well for me and made the carrier more functional. However, when Agilite introduced their K-zero plate carrier, I made the switch. The K-zero addressed this issue entirely while maintaining the comfort and versatility I appreciated in the K19.

The K19 is packed with features that enhance its versatility, durability, and comfort:

• 1000D CORDURA® Mil Spec Tactical Nylon for rugged durability.

• Mil Spec polymer buckles and hardware for reliable performance in harsh conditions.

• The Egress™ Quick-release system allows for rapid removal in emergencies, and the proprietary Fast-Adjust™ Cummerbund lets wearers make real-time adjustments.

• It features laser-cut Velcro MOLLE overlay panels for modular customization.

• It fits any S, M, or L SAPI/ESAPI plates up to 1.5” thick, as well as all 10”x12” plates.

• A lightweight design at just 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) ensures mobility without sacrificing protection.

Additional features include:

• Fusion foam shoulder padding for prolonged comfort during extended use.

• An integrated front zip admin pocket and placard compatibility for enhanced storage options.

• A proprietary 'V' design that distributes weight evenly across the shoulders and torso to avoid pressure points.

• Skeletal shoulders for accommodating comms and hydration tubes.

• Rear drag handle and front and rear laser-cut hook and loop panels for identification patches or additional accessories.

One of the standout features of the K19 is its ease of use. It’s simple to put on, adjust, and remove, thanks to its multiple quick-release options. This is crucial for those in high-stakes environments where every second counts.

Conclusion:

The K19 is a solid carrier and, for the price, is a great value. Even though I’ve switched to the K-zero, the K19 remains the most comfortable plate carrier I’ve worn. One of the great things about Agilite gear is that most of their accessories are interchangeable. This allowed me to transfer nearly all the accessories I had on the K19 over to the K-zero, making the transition seamless. For those interested, keep an eye out for my upcoming review of the K-zero, where I’ll dive deeper into how it compares to the K19 and why it has become my new go-to plate carrier.