ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about the Ultralight Minimalist Plate Carrier from Qore Performance
We are thrilled to unveil the ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3, the latest evolution of our groundbreaking plate carrier that has redefined operational performance since 2019. Built on invaluable feedback from elite end-users, the Gen 3 pushes the boundaries of innovation and effectiveness even further. In this FAQ, we address the most common questions about the ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3, providing insights into its enhanced features and unparalleled advantages.
1. What is the ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3?
The ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 is the ultimate tool for elite armed professionals, created by Qore Performance. As the latest evolution of the ICEPLATE EXO®, a plate carrier that has revolutionized the field since 2019, this advanced performance and survivability tool surpasses traditional plate carriers by enhancing physiological capabilities and protecting end-users from environmental hazards such as heat exhaustion, becoming heat casualties, and hypothermia.
The ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 weaponizes temperature, allowing operators to go on the offensive and significantly expand their operational capabilities, providing unparalleled competitive advantages. It integrates patented ICEPLATE® and ICEVENTS® thermoregulation and hydration technologies, enabling maximum endurance and effectiveness in any environment. This unique capability makes the ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 the only choice for those seeking to dominate the battlefield. Join us in Building A Superhuman Future® and equip yourself with the ultimate tool for performance and success.
2. What is the difference between the Side Strap and AXL Cummerbund variants of the ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3? Which should I buy?
This will depend on your use case, simply put:
Side Strap - Buy this if you want the slimmest, lightest, faster variant or if you want to use a different cummerbund.
AXL Equinox Cummerbund - Buy this if you want a turn-key, out of the box load-bearing cummerbund with adjustability and quick-release capability.
Above: ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 Ultralight Minimalist Plate Carrier Side Strap variant (left) and AXL Cummerbund Variant (right).
3. What is different between the ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 2 and ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3?
Previously known simply as 'ICEPLATE EXO®', the Gen 2 has been completely reimagined based on years of end-user feedback to create the ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3. The major changes are:
Shoulder Architecture
Thinner and more flexible shoulder straps make for a comfortable fit, and all-new geometry for maximum anatomical optimization.
Improved ATAKS / Tactical Communications Systems Usage
With the increasing use of devices in the field, we have optimized the ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 for chest mounting of ATAKS and similar tactical communication systems.
Armor Closure Flap
Reengineered to seamlessly adapt to the ever-evolving armor market, our algorithmically generated laser-cut pattern and strategic relief cuts ensure a superior fit for an expanded array of plates.
Plate Bag Lacing
The front and rear plate bags of ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 can be cinched tighter with shock cord to better accommodate ultra-thin armor options.
PTT / Radio Mounting
Mounting communications equipment on the ICEPLATE EXO® has never been easier. The ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 features laser-cut holes on the front of the shoulder straps for mounting PTTs with shock cords. Additionally, the numerous laser-cut slits provide versatile options for mounting smaller radios with belt clips.
Expanded IFF
Generous Velcro panels on the front and rear plate bags allow large identifying patches to be attached with ease. Laser Cut Negative MAPS throughout mean MOLLE pouch attachment goes uninterrupted.
For more information, head on over to the 'Features' section on the ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 product page, or check out these Instagram reels covering features:
4. How do I add cooling, heating and hydration to my ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3?
Adding thermoregulation capability to your plate carrier has never been as seamless as on the ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3. For the most dramatic cooling / heating effect, use the IMS Pro Combo for conductive thermoregulation. Simply mount IMS Pro via its Velcro® hook to the interior Velcro® loop field of the ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 rear plate bag. Route your Source 90 drink tube through the shoulder shroud and insert your ICEPLATE® Curve filled with frozen water for 2-4 hours of cooling, hot water for 3-5 hours of heating, and 50 fl oz / 1.5 L of water for hydration.
From here, ICEVENTS® Classic Plate Carrier Ventilation Pontoons can be attached to the front plate bag's internal Velcro® loop field, similar to the IMS Pro, to enhance convective cooling by improving breathability and airflow for rapid drying of water and sweat. If you are using the AXL cummerbund variant, ICEVENTS® Classic Plate Carrier Ventilation Pontoons can also be added to the inside of your cummerbund for stand-off ventilation.
Additionally, on the shoulder straps, ICEVENTS® Classic or ICEVENTS® Aero Shoulder Pads can be added to help evenly distribute the load of your armor and equipment. Stay tuned for our upcoming redesigned ICEVENTS® Shoulder Pads. Subscribe to our LaunchPad email list to be among the first to hear about all new products and innovations.
Check out our Instagram reel below on incorporating IMS Pro into your ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 setup:
5. What armor should I use in my ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 plate carrier?
ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 is optimized for Medium Shooter, Swimmer or ESAPI cut armor plates (9.5” x 12.5” x 1.1”), but can accommodate 10x12's also (10" x 12" x 0.75").
Our favorite option is the DFNDR line of armor plates, which is why we stock DFNDR Level III + C, DFNDR Level IV and DFNDR RF1 Elites. These can be purchased on our website as stand-alone armor pairs or as ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 armor packages:
- ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 DFNDR Level III+ C Armor Package
- ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 DFNDR Level IV Armor Package
- ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 DFNDR RF1 Elite Armor Package
Check out our Instagram reel below on armor for ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3:
6. The color of ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 I want is unavailable, what can I do?
Demand for ICEPLATE EXO® has seen a dramatic rise in recent years, and that is no different for ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3. As a result, some colors may be out of stock for short periods in-between manufacturing runs. What can be done about this?
Firstly, we would advise signing up for restock notifications on the ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 product page to be first in line when the variant you are after is put back in stock to make sure you don't miss out!
Secondly, be sure to subscribe to our LaunchPad email list for additional restock notifications and product releases.
Alternatively, if you cannot wait for a restock, grab the gear closest matching your intended use and pair with pouches and equipment that better serve your color / pattern needs.
Finally, there is the age old solution of the rattle can (spray paint) or Rit Dye for your gear. Purchase any color ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 and change the color when you receive it. Dye will be most effective on Coyote or other lighter color variants while spray is a universal option that can recolor even black gear. Spray paint gives you the additional option to break up solid colored gear's silhouette by spraying paint through mesh fabric or foliage. Some tips on this: Start small, somewhere not in plain view to make sure you are satisfied with the color change. Also, be sure to tape up Velcro® fields to protect them from becoming saturated with paint and losing adhesion and consider removing hardware such as buckles so that you may reach all areas of the ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 body material. Be sure to go slow and not coat the carrier in so much paint that the material loses flexibility.
Check out our video on spray painting ICEPLATE® Curve for a quick overview on how to go about painting gear:
7. Do you make any other sizes for ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3?
As of August 2024, we only make ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 is size medium because per data provided to us by TRADOC, size medium ESAPI armor plates fit 80% of the military age population in the United States. In other words, size medium fits the most number of people. Click here to see what size plate carrier you wear. We plan on releasing new sizes of ICEPLATE® EXO Gen 3 starting in early 2025, exclusively to LaunchPad email subs.
We hope this FAQ helps answer your questions about ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3! If you still have queries not answered here or on the ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 product page, please comment below and our team will be sure to get back to you with an answer.
Click here to return to the ICEPLATE EXO® Gen 3 product page.
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