JPC vs Shellback Banshee: what to buy?

[wuhduhwuh]

I recently earned extra funds to get a plate carrier.
I'm fairly new to airsoft but I know enough and narrowed my choices down
to basically two types of PCs:
JPC or Shellback Banshee?

Some things I'm looking for to get better suggestions from you guys:
-looks nice
-low profile
-looks nice
-enough molle to slap on at least 3 STANAG mags
-looks nice
-good fit on smaller frame body

Also, I'm not really looking into loadout impressions so I don't really care about arguments for JPC relating to SF/Navy SEALs/PJs wearing them.

I also wanna know which one is smaller in terms of the front and back panels.

Thanks!

[Ricochet]

Well, the JPC is like the poster child for modern low-profile, light-weight plate carriers. Naked it comes in at just under one pound and is ready for versatility. Technically speaking, you won't find a better product right now.

There are other good alternatives and they all have their charms. First Spear, LBT, Mayflower, HSGI, etc, etc. If recommend reading indepth reviews on each and look specifically for what you need. If you're looking for a default option, then I'd recommend the Crye JPC for sure.

I was making a similar choice about a year ago. After doing a ton of research the JPC was definately second on my list, but I went with the High Ground Gear PC. I wouldn't call it better, but it has built in innovations that caught my eye. Naked it comes in at about two pounds, which is twice the weight of the JPC, but it eliminates the need for a few things and does others more intelligently, so it's a trade off. The HGPC features cable routing, internal pockets, kangaroo pouch options, quick release plate feature, interchangeable cummerbunds, plus a few other neat but small features, like looks and vertical webbing in spots. I'm very happy with it and it was exactly what I wanted. If I didn't go with the HGPC ID go to the JPC.

[MultipleParadox]

Haven't owned any of those
But I had the same requirements as you when I bought mine

And like you I got a good amount of cash that I put in the PC budget, and ended up buying the first-spear Strandhogg. It's expensive yes, but the level of comfort is incredible, super lightweight (I might be wrong but I'm tempted to say it's probably the lightest there is), material is real sturdy, and the "tubes technology" is just awesome: no need for cables for quick release, no need to fiddle with velcro adjustment for the cummerbund etc. To remove, just pull the cord on the side, to put back, just slide the tube in its socket

If it's of interest to you but you find it too expensive, know that FS has partnered with SKD to create a cheaper version with the same features and cost around 200$ (search for the SKD STT)

G'Luck

[ditmeus]

I have the banshee and like it but the JPC would be more of a low profile carrier. The banshee is thicker in the front and back because they sew it in a way where the armor pockets expand out. From the JPC's I've seen, the the whole carrier expands out. Also the jpc has built in stanag mag pouches while the the banshee only has a built in admin pouch/section, she if you don't use the admin section to put mags and you add your own pouches it adds to the thinkness. Also because of the design of the shoulder pads they can be too think depending on the way you shoulder your rifle. The buckle system is thick so if you're smaller framed and adjust the shoulder length to the smallest possible shouldering your rifle can be a issue.

One thing to note on the banshee is the width. I'm a smaller guy about 5'5" and the banshee fits great length wise but width wise it's a little big for me with foam plates. When I grip my pistol I have to bend both of elbows or else my biceps push on the sides of the plate carrier causing the whole thing to bend/flex out.

I still think the banshee is a great carrier and like the fact it has a lifetime warranty, plus I got it about 2 years ago for $120 usd when it was on sale.

[AnthonyG]

I recently bought a flyye FAPC Gen2. It's a high-quality repro similar to the Banshee. It's a small carrier which is what I was looking for.

When I made my decision I also considered the JPC. If I had to make the purchase again I'd probably go for the JPC because it seems to allow slightly better movement and airflow around the waist. My only gripe with the JPC is that I dont like the shoulder straps.

[brock0]

I have the SKD version of the First Spear Strandhogg that was mentioned above, the STT. It's super low profile, very light, has the cool laser cut molle attachment system, and the tubes makes for quick on and off. Highly recommended!

[ThunderCactus]

first spear STT

[newyorkairsoft]

I personally like 6094s but, thats just me. IMO you should really think about what you need. What I mean is that if you are doing MILSIM stuff and need a back pack and like 10 mags, a jpc might not be for you.

Also think about your body type. A Jpc is a pretty small PC.

[Treelinesniper]

I own two Shellback banshees, one in multicam and the other in black. I have never owned or try'd on a JPC so I cannot comment on which one is better for your game style or body type. I bought my first banshee two years ago for 135$ to move away from bigger type plate carriers like my mtv and cirus. some features I like about the banshee is the shoulder straps. after getting the right adjustment the padding on both sides of it rests perfectly on my shoulders spreading the weight out. I personally do not care about having the lightest plate carrier since we dont play very long games up here. Shellback does sell shoulder strap pads if your using a heavier load on it. I own a pair but dont use them since it makes it to bulky for my taste. But lend them out to friends who have used them on their PC that needed the extra bulk for other low profile PC. here is how I have set up my shoulder straps.


I also like the cummberbund since it fits my MTV side plate pouch's in it perfectly filling out the sides and giving that extra height to stop the top of pouch's from rubbing against me during our longer games as well goes just low enough to stop the bottom on malice clips from rubbing against me.


It does not unfortunately have build in magazine pouch's in the front like the JPC has which was stated above. I use three taco pouch's in the front and works for how I run it with two fake hard plates to give the stability that I found foam plates just did not give, that is personal preference though.


I do apologize for the bad photos from my S5 phone, I did not want to unpack my better cameras to take these pictures. I hope this helps a bit in for anyone wanting to know a bit more information on the Shellback banshee.