Direct Action, Contour or Full Mission Profile: which plate carrier?
Updated 2026-11-04 · The HAVOK team
Short answer
They differ at the shoulder. The Direct Action mounts its straps over the plate, the Contour mounts them behind the upper plate for a natural shoulder mount, and the Full Mission Profile adds wider straps and shoulder MOLLE for ground force commanders carrying multiple radios.
The three carriers side by side
| Direct Action | Contour | Full Mission Profile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cut | Standard | Assaulters | Heavy Communications |
| Shoulder straps | Over the plate | Behind the upper plate | ½ inch wider, over the plate |
| Push-to-talk placement | Reinforced top loops | Reinforced top loops | 1 row by 3 columns of MOLLE on both shoulders |
| Listed weight | 1 lb 11 oz | 1 lb 11 oz | 1 lb 14 oz |
Which one should you choose?
- HAVOK Direct Action Plate Carrier: the standard cut, with straps mounted over the plate.
- HAVOK Contour Plate Carrier: straps behind the upper plate, preserving a clear, natural shoulder mount.
- HAVOK Full Mission Profile Plate Carrier: built for ground force commanders and anyone carrying multiple radios, with ambidextrous push-to-talk placement on both shoulders.
What all three share
- A 4-row by 4-column MOLLE front panel
- A multi-mission interchangeable placard interface
- Integrated cable management and routing
- J-Hook system for jump applications
- MOLLE cummerbund compatible with side armor panels
- Stretch material for varying plate thickness
- Rear zippers for zip-on panels
Questions
Can I change the front placard?
Yes. All three use an interchangeable placard interface for rapid loadout changes. See the Standard Loadout Placard.