Guardian Chest Plate or Kenai?

[CB4]

Anyone have any feedback on preference between running a pistol on a Guardian Chest Plate vs a dedicated holster like the Kenai?

Currently using JC Custom holster that mounts on the bottom of the bino harness. Debating switching to one that sits behind.

 

[MT_Wyatt]

I found the guardian plate works well but puts a lot of weight on the bino harness. It’s not terrible by any means but noticeable for days on end. Obviously depends on the suspension of the harness on comfort. Takes a bit to get used to binos sticking out from that plate but again not terrible. I ended up going to the invader 3-point chest holster for the separate suspension after trying one out.

 

[CB4]

I found the guardian plate works well but puts a lot of weight on the bino harness. It’s not terrible by any means but noticeable for days on end. Obviously depends on the suspension of the harness on comfort. Takes a bit to get used to binos sticking out from that plate but again not terrible. I ended up going to the invader 3-point chest holster for the separate suspension after trying one out.

Thanks for sharing. Part of why I want to try something out was the overall weight of the bino harness after adding a 10mm to it. Do you mind the extra straps of the dedicated holster?

 

[bigbassfish]

I use a Kenai holster for a Glock 29 behind a marsupial gear bino pouch and I love it. The extra straps have never been in the way, although I did slightly modify the Kenai buckles to use paracord instead to prevent stacking the buckles of the holster and the binos. It works really well, quick and easy to draw, and I love the versatility of my handgun not being tied to wearing binos, such as back at camp.

 

[MT_Wyatt]

Thanks for sharing. Part of why I want to try something out was the overall weight of the bino harness after adding a 10mm to it. Do you mind the extra straps of the dedicated holster?

It’s a tad “busy” but the pistol rides really close. Bino harness over the pistol harness has some buckle noise. Haven’t used enough to have an opinion yet.

 

[mtnbound]

Anyone have any feedback on preference between running a pistol on a Guardian Chest Plate vs a dedicated holster like the Kenai?

Currently using JC Custom holster that mounts on the bottom of the bino harness. Debating switching to one that sits behind.

I have both, and have run other versions of behind-the-bino harnesses pistol setups. The main reasons I chose the Guardian are that it reduces the number of straps going over and around my body, that it is much easier to adjust layers when I just have to take off the bino harness, and that the harness is not sitting against my chest, which helps me run a little cooler. The Guardian also provides an easy way to add a knife or a spare mag, if desired.
I have used some of the bottom-mounted holsters and hate them, as they move too much for me.

 

[IdahoJoe29]

I switched to the guardian from the marsupial holster that attaches to the bottom of my bino harness. I was a little bit skeptical just looking at it it looked uncomfortable. I was wrong I don’t even notice it. It did take a bunch of adjusting to get my 10 mm to sit right to where all the weight wasn’t out my right side but once I got it dialed I am loving it. I didn’t like the flopping around of the marsupial holster and it sucked while riding horses cause it was constantly slapping me in the nuts haha. I haven’t used the kenai but so far am loving the guardian.

 

[MT Freezer]

I just switched to the Gaurdian from the Razco under bino holster. I prefer the gaurdian pistol placement vs having it hang down low near the belt area.

 

[Dioni A]

I'd weigh in but I'm obviously a little bit biased. If you have any specific questions about the guardian or need help with anything feel free to reach out. I will say that having a good shoulder strap set up mitigates most the weight discomfort issue. Not all binocular harness suspensions are created equal. I've been prototyping the new harness suspension that EXO mountain gear is making and it's incredible. You don't notice the weight at all with that setup.
Really appreciate you considering my product. Thanks.

 

[Billogna]

I'd weigh in but I'm obviously a little bit biased. If you have any specific questions about the guardian or need help with anything feel free to reach out. I will say that having a good shoulder strap set up mitigates most the weight discomfort issue. Not all binocular harness suspensions are created equal. I've been prototyping the new harness suspension that EXO mountain gear is making and it's incredible. You don't notice the weight at all with that setup.
Really appreciate you considering my product. Thanks.

Will this new suspension system be compatible with AGC gear?

 

[Dioni A]

Will this new suspension system be compatible with AGC gear?

That's what I'm running it on right now. It'll fit pretty much anything that takes 1-in buckles. Should be good on AGC, marsupial, FHF and most others. Some of the kuiu and eberlestock run 3/4 inch web but they're the minority.

 

[IdahoJoe29]

I'd weigh in but I'm obviously a little bit biased. If you have any specific questions about the guardian or need help with anything feel free to reach out. I will say that having a good shoulder strap set up mitigates most the weight discomfort issue. Not all binocular harness suspensions are created equal. I've been prototyping the new harness suspension that EXO mountain gear is making and it's incredible. You don't notice the weight at all with that setup.
Really appreciate you considering my product. Thanks.

What is this new harness suspension you speak of?


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[Dioni A]

What is this new harness suspension you speak of?


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EXO mountain gear is working on their own. Steve made one for himself a few years ago and got a few of his friends. It's much better than anything else I've seen on the market and he's talked about selling it for people to upgrade their bino pack.

 

[IdahoJoe29]

EXO mountain gear is working on their own. Steve made one for himself a few years ago and got a few of his friends. It's much better than anything else I've seen on the market and he's talked about selling it for people to upgrade their bino pack.

That sounds awesome I’ll keep my eye out


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[realunlucky]

I got the Deadfall Guardian plate at the expo this year(thanks @Dioni A) and this thread motivated me to mount it up.

Super simple to setup only took a few minutes after watching the video using my current holster. I've had my rangefinder pouch on the right side forever so I left it. Here I normally carry a PMR30 so it's really a non issue. If I was worried about Grizzlies I'd likely need to move it.

Honestly I wasn't sure how comfortable it would be but don't really notice it. I'll report back after wearing it a bunch.