The CRYE Precision Jumpable Plate Carrier (JPC) is a minimalist, lightweight plate carrier. I used the first generation for about a year before it was destroyed by a combat medic and a pair of scissors during an operation. I wore it through a brutal training regimen and a combat deployment. It is the best kit I have personally used — lightweight flexible, adaptive, and incredibly user-friendly.
It uses shock cord to attach the cummerbund to the kit. The shock cord system allows the kit to flex and stretch as the wearer moves, while also keeping the kit snug. The JPC has a built-in three mag pouch sewn into the flap on the front of the kit. Another nice feature of the kit is that it uses Hypalon (a synthetic rubber, click the link to see what Wikipedia has to say about it) material for the shoulder straps. Hypalon is a robust and lightweight synthetic, that can stretch and flex without losing rigidity.
The CRYE JCP is an all-around solid kit, and the JCP 2.0 has all of the same features but with a lot more flexibility. After the loss of my original JCP, I purchased the 2.0 to replace it. Starting at the top of the kit, the 2.0 has a much better design for the shoulder straps. The original JPC has a Velcro system that attaches the front and back plate carriers and is held together by an elastic sleeve, that covers the Velcro. The JPC 2.0 has the same system but instead of a slider it is a Velcro sleeve, and it also has a quick pull detachment system if needed.
On the front of the carrier, the significant change is that the front flap is optional and removable. This gives the wearer the option to have either a slick front, triple mag pouch, or a molle system on the front. This is great if a shooter has a variety of kit needs. They are making it easy to switch the kit up without spending hours fighting pouches onto and off of a molle system.
There are two significant changes on the back-plate carrier, a drag handle, and a zipper system. Having a built-in drag handle is an excellent option for casualty care. Getting dragged around by the arm is a lot less painful and taxing than being grabbed by the kit. The zipper system allows the optional back panels to be zipped on or off. This is a much faster option than, again, spending the time weaving pouches in and out of a molle system.
The overall setup of the kits is very similar to a couple of useful improvements to the JCP 2.0. The JCP costs $210.20 MSRP on the CRYE website versus the 2.0 which is $241.90 MSRP. If the additional flexibility and convenience is worth $40 then, by all means, get the 2.0, if not then the JCP original is just as good. Both kits are great lightweight options for anyone looking for a quality kit.
Author – John Gobby is a member of 2nd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment. He has served with them for eight years and seven combat deployments. He has experience with both tactical direct action, tactical reconnaissance and covert operations. Recently he has started participating in competition pistol shoots and has a passion for long range shooting.
