First and foremost it is more modular than other plate carriers, in terms of it is built basically in layers. The issue with this though is when you go down to the lowest level there is no Molle to use. It fixes an issue with bulkiness in the gen 2. But the trade off just isn’t really worth it in my eyes. The fit overall is pretty good though and definitely more comfortable than the gen 2.

Another issue is the weight distribution. Although it aims to balance the load effectively, the vest tends to slip down during movement, which is frustrating when trying to stay engaged in critical tasks. Constantly adjusting the fit detracts from focus and performance, undermining the intended purpose of the gear.

Durability-wise, it holds up reasonably well under normal conditions. However, as a Combat Instructor at School of Infantry West, my students were constantly having issues such as the zipper holding the plates breaking, the cummerbund clips always breaking, and a lot of the elastic getting stretched out pretty quickly. This can be seen as a somewhat loaded point of view but I think it actually gives a better representation of the durability of gear.

Overall, while the USMC IMTV: Gen 3 does offer protective benefits, it falls short in material and usability. For anyone in need of tactical gear, I would recommend exploring other options that prioritize both performance and adaptability. Though it is definitely steps in the right direction, I think you should still ge your own personal plate carrier over this.

(This is not really available online and I would not trust anyone selling one of these online. Chances are it is stolen and ended up as an extra plate carrier to the seller, and they are just trying to make profit off of something they never owned in the first place.)