# Direct Action, Contour or Full Mission Profile: which plate carrier?

> 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.

Published 2026-11-04. Updated 2026-11-04. By The HAVOK team.

## 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](https://havoksolutions.com/shop/kit/havok-direct-action-plate-carrier-standard-cut): the standard cut, with straps mounted over the plate.
- [HAVOK Contour Plate Carrier](https://havoksolutions.com/shop/kit/havok-contour-plate-carrier-assaulters-cut): straps behind the upper plate, preserving a clear, natural shoulder mount.
- [HAVOK Full Mission Profile Plate Carrier](https://havoksolutions.com/shop/kit/havok-full-mission-profile-plate-carrier-heavy-communications-cut): 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](https://havoksolutions.com/shop/accessories/havok-assaulter-zip-on-panel)

## Questions

### Can I change the front placard?

Yes. All three use an interchangeable placard interface for rapid loadout changes. See the [Standard Loadout Placard](https://havoksolutions.com/shop/accessories/havok-standard-loadout-placard).

## Products

- [HAVOK Direct Action Plate Carrier](https://havoksolutions.com/shop/kit/havok-direct-action-plate-carrier-standard-cut)
- [HAVOK Contour Plate Carrier](https://havoksolutions.com/shop/kit/havok-contour-plate-carrier-assaulters-cut)
- [HAVOK Full Mission Profile Plate Carrier](https://havoksolutions.com/shop/kit/havok-full-mission-profile-plate-carrier-heavy-communications-cut)