5.11 Tactical PT-R 8.75 lb Steel Weight Plates
Last tested:
On this page: Verdict · The Good · The Not Good · Product Description · FAQ
Verdict Good: Tough, rust-free steel plates that ride snug in his 5.11 TacTec vest through years of regular training.
Will trains for tactical fitness competitions, and since the competition weight is typically lower than what he carries day to day, he uses the black 8.75 lb 5.11 Tactical PT-R steel plates to overweight his training. He runs them in his 5.11 TacTec vest, and he says it “fits great.” The cummerbund Velcro is “plenty adjustable,” and the plates fit snugly inside the carrier pocket without shifting around during activity.
These plates have been in his vest for a lot of training, with years of regular use behind them. They’ve gotten wet over and over without any rusting or other moisture-related issues. His favorite perk is a little less technical: at the end of a workout, he can toss his vest on the floor and the metal plates make “a great and satisfying clank sound.” His one-word verdict: “Good.”
The Good ✅
- Snug, Shift-Free Fit: The plates fit snugly inside his TacTec’s carrier pocket and don’t shift around during activity.
- Pairs Well With the TacTec: The vest fits great with the plates loaded, and the cummerbund Velcro is plenty adjustable.
- No Rust After Years of Use: After years of regular training and getting wet over and over, they’ve had no rusting or other moisture-related issues.
- Built for Overweight Training: At 8.75 lbs each, they let him train heavier than the typical competition weight.
- That Satisfying Clank: Tossing the vest on the floor at the end of a workout comes with a great and satisfying clank.
The Not Good ❌
- Rigid Steel, No Flex: Will didn’t have a complaint of his own, but it’s worth knowing these are solid powder-coated steel plates, so they don’t bend with your body. If you want a softer feel, 5.11 also sells PT-R Flex plates with an EVA foam shell over steel that bend to move with you.
Product Description
The 5.11 Tactical 8.75 lb PT-R® Weight Plate Pair is a set of powder-coated steel training plates designed for weighted vest and plate carrier workouts. 5.11 gives them an ergonomic compound curvature and low profile for mobility and comfort, integrated grab handles for stand-alone strength and conditioning work, and 2″ tie-down slots that help keep them stable inside compatible carriers. They are labeled fitness use only and are not body armor.
Each plate measures 12.5″ H x 9.5″ W and 7.6 mm thick and weighs 8.75 lbs, for 17.5 lbs per pair. This weight comes in black, and 5.11 lists the 8.75 lb pair as compatible with its TacTec™ Trainer Weight Vest and TacTec™ Plate Carrier.
The 8.75 lb pair sits in the middle of the PT-R lineup, between the 5.75 lb and 13.75 lb pairs, and all three share the same footprint, so you can move up or down without changing carriers, as long as your carrier’s weight limit allows it. Looking for a lighter starting point? Andrea reviewed the 5.75 lb PT-R plates on her 5’1″ frame.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the 8.75 lb PT-R plates fit the 5.11 TacTec?
Will runs them in his 5.11 TacTec vest and says it “fits great.” The plates fit snugly inside the carrier pocket without shifting, and 5.11 lists the pair as compatible with its TacTec Trainer Weight Vest and TacTec Plate Carrier.
Do the 5.11 PT-R steel plates rust?
Not Will’s. After years of regular training and getting wet over and over, they’ve had no rusting or other moisture-related issues.
Why use 8.75 lb plates for tactical fitness training?
Will uses them to overweight his training, since the competition weight is typically lower than what he carries day to day.
How big are the 8.75 lb PT-R plates?
Each plate measures 12.5″ H x 9.5″ W and 7.6 mm thick and weighs 8.75 lbs, for 17.5 lbs per pair. This weight comes in black.
Do the 5.11 PT-R plates flex?
No. They’re solid powder-coated steel, so they don’t bend with your body. 5.11 also sells PT-R Flex plates with an EVA foam shell over steel that bend to move with you.
This review comes from Will, the founder of GoodNotGood. A big thank-you to everyone who visits. GoodNotGood was built on one idea: authentic opinions from people who actually use the products they review. If you have thoughts on this review, the site, or something you’d like to see reviewed, leave a comment below. We read every one.
Welcome to GoodNotGood.
Every review on this site comes from an actual person who has owned, used, and lived with the product. No spec sheets. No press kits. No ghostwritten fluff.
We don’t pretend to be perfectly objective or subject matter experts. We don’t chase stars or clicks. We just tell you honestly what we thought — the good, the not good, and everything in between.
In the age of synthetic content, the most valuable thing we can offer is simple authenticity.
One real person. One real experience. Take it or leave it.
Leave a Comment