I tested the Banshee Elite 2.0 Gen2 plate carrier in real-world drills and daily carry. I want to keep this short and practical: this is a rugged, low-profile rig built from 500D Cordura with heavy bar tacking at stress points.
The model (SKU SBT-BANELT) fits 10×12 plates and accepts Level III/IV ESAPI-style plates and optional soft backers. It has padded, hidden quick-release shoulders, a venting 3D mesh interior, a six-pocket cummerbund, and a gusseted admin pouch for mission gear.
Commercial facts: price runs $319.99–$349.99 (MSRP $399.99), rated 4.88/5 from 25 reviews, American-made with a Lifetime Warranty, and colors usually include Black, Coyote, Ranger Green, and Multicam. Select items ship free from U.S. stock.
This carrier balances protection, comfort, and modularity (PALS front/back/shoulders, hydration sleeve, flat drag handle). If you want the straight answer on Shellback Banshee Elite best deals, buy the Shellback Banshee 2.0 Elite Plate Carrier (SBT-BANELT) at pivotalbodyarmor.com—priced right, made in the USA, and ready to ship.
Key Takeaways
- One-size-for-most 10×12 plate pockets; fits common Level III/IV plates.
- Built from 500D Cordura with reinforced stitching for long life.
- Comfort-forward design: padded shoulders, 3D mesh, and low profile.
- Mission-ready features: admin pouch, kangaroo pocket, PALS real estate.
- American-made, Lifetime Warranty, 4.88/5 rating from user reviews.
- Price range $319.99–$349.99 vs. $399.99 MSRP; select items ship free.
Looking for Shellback Banshee Elite best deals right now? Here’s the top pick and why to buy it at pivotalbodyarmor.com
I tested this 2.0 carrier in drills and daily carry, and I keep coming back to the same recommendation: buy it at pivotalbodyarmor.com for value and service.
Price and stock: The unit runs $319.99–$349.99 (MSRP $399.99). Colors usually include Black, Coyote, Ranger Green, and Multicam. Select items ship free and ship fast from U.S. stock.
Trust signals: American-made construction, a Lifetime Warranty, and a 4.88/5 rating from 25 user reviews make this an easy call for duty or range work.
Fit and compatibility: This platform accepts 10×12 plates and works with Level III/IV hard plates or optional IIIA soft armor backers.
- Support and checkout are responsive (we answer fit and upgrade questions fast).
- Add-ons like RMA trauma pads and Plate Carrier Shoulder Pads improve comfort and reduce backface.
- Returns and warranty are straightforward—this is long-term protection, not a one-range purchase.
Bottom line: If you want a rugged, American-made plate carrier with quick shipping and strong service, pivotalbodyarmor.com is the straightforward place to buy.
Shellback Banshee 2.0 Elite Plate Carrier: model specifics, fit, and mission-ready features
Shellback Tactical Banshee Elite 2.0 (SBT-BANELT) is American-made, ships with a Lifetime Warranty, and earns a 4.88/5 from 25 reviews.
The build is 500D Cordura with heavy bar tacking for stress points. The low-profile, lightweight carrier uses a 3D mesh interior for airflow and comfort.
Plate pockets load bottom and accept 10×12 ESAPI-style plates (Level III/IV) and optional IIIA soft armor backers. Hook-and-loop closure locks plates in place.
Shoulders are wider and padded with Hypalon and hidden quick-release for fast removal. Four Hypalon slits route hydration and comms cleanly.
The front has a gusseted admin pouch plus a hook-and-loop kangaroo pocket. Nylon vertical strips accept QASM buckles (buckles not included) for quick chest-rig attachment.
The longer cummerbund holds six interior pockets for .223/5.56 mags or radios. Rear space fits a 2L hydration bladder; PALS fields run front, back, and shoulders.
Note: The carrier itself is not NIJ-rated—armor plates provide protection. Offered in Black, Coyote, Ranger Green, and Multicam; one-size fits most 10×12 setups.
Shellback Banshee Elite best deals, pricing, and availability on pivotalbodyarmor.com
I checked current pricing and stock at pivotalbodyarmor.com to confirm which configurations ship from U.S. stock and when.
Price and savings: The carrier runs $319.99–$349.99 (MSRP $399.99), so you can save up to $80 off list price. Colors commonly shown are Black, Coyote, Ranger Green, and Multicam. (Inventory moves—check the product page for live stock.)
Shipping and policy: Fast U.S. fulfillment with select items that ship free (example: Ranger Green at $336.00 Ships Free). These carriers are American-made and come with a Lifetime Warranty, which makes returns and support simple.
Why buy here
I trust the ratings and real-world notes: 4.88/5 from 25 reviews, clear checkout, and responsive support. Add RMA trauma pads or plate carrier shoulder pads for comfort right away.
- Bottom-loading plate pockets load from the bottom and bottom accept 10×12 ESAPI-style plates and soft backers.
- Nylon vertical strips accept QASM buckles (buckles not included) for quick chest-rig swaps.
- Hydration routing, an accessible front admin pocket, and a stout drag handle round out the practical features.
Conclusion
Put simply: this carrier delivers the right mix of durability, comfort, and mission-ready details for daily use. I ran it in drills and long wear cycles; the 500D Cordura shell and 3D mesh interior stand up to heat and movement.
Key purchase points: American-made (SKU SBT-BANELT), 10×12 bottom-loading plate pockets that bottom accept Level III/IV ESAPI plates, Hypalon shoulders, QASM-ready vertical strips, and a Lifetime Warranty. Pockets and front admin spaces keep your loadout tidy.
Remember: NIJ ratings apply to plates and armor, not the carrier chassis. If you want pads and comfort upgrades, shoulder pads and trauma pads bolt on easily.
Ready to buy? Gear up at pivotalbodyarmor.com for the Shellback Banshee 2.0 Elite (SBT-BANELT), or read our guide on plate carriers for tactical everyday use to match plates and pockets to your mission.
FAQ
Q: What sizes of plates does the carrier accept and how do the plate pockets load?
A: The carrier accepts standard 10×12 plates (ESAPI-cut and comparable Level III/IV plates). Plate pockets load from the bottom and include internal hook-and-loop to secure plates and plate backers for a snug fit.
Q: Is this carrier compatible with soft armor or is it plate-only?
A: It works with both. The design fits over soft armor and under uniforms, and pairs well with dedicated soft armor panels and RMA trauma pads for layered protection.
Q: How does comfort and mobility hold up during long missions?
A: Expect padded shoulder pads with Hypalon reinforcements, a 3D mesh interior for airflow, and wider shoulders that distribute weight. The hidden quick-release keeps mobility high without snagging.
Q: Can I run hydration and comms through the carrier?
A: Yes. There’s a rear pocket sized for a 2L hydration bladder and shoulder slits designed for routing comms cables and hydration tubes cleanly.
Q: What kind of webbing and attachment options are available?
A: PALS webbing is present on the front, back, and shoulders for modularity. Nylon vertical strips let you mount a chest rig quickly, and loop fields accept morale patches and identifiers.
Q: Are there built-in admin pockets or magazine storage?
A: The carrier includes an integrated admin pouch with a gusseted zipper and a kangaroo-style pocket up front. The cummerbund houses multiple interior pockets sized for AR mags, radios, or medical gear.
Q: How tough is the construction and what materials are used?
A: It’s built from 500D Cordura with heavy-duty bar tacking at stress points. Expect low-profile, lightweight construction designed for rugged use and long service life.
Q: What quick-release or drag features does it have?
A: A low-profile drag handle sits on the back and lays flat when not in use. A hidden quick-release system allows rapid doffing in emergencies (practice before field use).
Q: Which colors and sizing options are available?
A: Common colors include Black, Coyote, Ranger Green, and Multicam. The carrier is offered as a one-size-fits-most 10×12 plate carrier with adjustable cummerbund for a wide range of body types.
Q: Are QASM buckles included for quick attachment of chest rigs?
A: The carrier features vertical nylon strips compatible with QASM-style systems, but QASM buckles themselves may not be included—check the product listing or add-on options at checkout.
Q: What warranty and after-sales support come with purchase?
A: The carrier is American-made and typically ships with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. Shipping is fast in the U.S., and return policies vary by retailer—confirm policies at pivotalbodyarmor.com before ordering.
Q: How does the cummerbund perform for load carriage and concealment?
A: The longer, adjustable cummerbund provides good lateral coverage and modular pockets for mags or comms. It balances secure load carriage with a slimmer profile for concealment or layering over gear.
Q: Can I add RMA trauma pads or other upgrades?
A: Yes. The carrier is compatible with common add-ons like RMA trauma pads, extra shoulder pads, and admin inserts. These accessories improve blunt-force protection and user comfort.
Q: What should I check before buying to ensure proper fit?
A: Measure chest circumference and compare to the retailer size chart, confirm plate dimensions (10×12), and decide if you’ll wear soft armor underneath. Also verify color availability and in-stock status.
Q: Are there any care instructions for longevity?
A: Clean with mild soap and cold water; avoid harsh solvents or machine drying. Inspect bar-tacks, buckles, and PALS stitching regularly and store away from prolonged UV exposure to preserve materials.