Testudo vs. Valkyrie Plate Carriers

At first glance, the Testudo and Valkyrie plate carriers appear to be the same, and while their designs certainly have overlapping features, there are differences worth noting. But to start, let’s look at the similarities and then move on to the differences.

Similarities

• They both can accommodate 10”x12” plates
• They’re both made of 500D Cordura with MOLLE webbing for mounting pouches
• They both feature a removable cummerbund and side-strap stabilization system with impact-resistant buckles, allowing you to run the carrier independently of, or in conjunction with the cummerbund. 
• Both have back-side reinforced drag handles and removable shoulder pads
  

Differences

The Testudo Gen 2.0 and Valkyrie are full-size plate carriers with broad-spectrum features that make them excellent for home defense, duty usage, and battlefield applications.

Plate Size

The Testudo is the only carrier in our line that can accommodate the larger 11”x14” plates and trauma pads. In addition, the carrier can accommodate the standard 10”x12” plates and trauma pads when using the internal support straps to keep the 10×12” plates from moving in the plate pocket. So, if you are running larger plates (or plan to), then the Testudo is the only way to go.  

The Valkyrie can only hold 10”x12” plates. This means the plate pockets are smaller, making the Valkyrie slightly smaller overall than the Testudo.

NOTE: While on the subject of plate size usage, we recommend users between the height of 5’4” – 6’3” to use 10”x12” size plates. This allows you to get the maximum needed vital organ footprint coverage you need while allowing you to stay mobile and as lightweight as possible. 

Padding

The Testudo features 3D mesh padding on the inside of the plate pouch. This padding has a large cellular void structure, increasing airflow and venting. This adds additional comfort and helps keep you cool.

The Valkyrie’s plate pockets are not padded.

Admin Pouches

Both feature an upper admin pocket and a lower kangaroo pocket, each with Hypalon® pull tabs, but because the Testudo is designed to hold larger plates, the upper admin pocket is also larger (about 12”x5.5” for the Testudo versus 9”x3.5” for the Valkyrie).

Cummerbund

As stated earlier, both carriers come with a removable cummerbund with three rows of MOLLE webbing. 

The Testudo all-Cordura cummerbund has three rows of MOLLE webbing that is covered in loop Velcro on the outside. Its cummerbund is slightly taller (about ½”) than the Valkyrie’s to accommodate the integrated side plate pocket.

The Valkyrie’s lightweight, mesh cummerbund has three rows of MOLLE webbing, with loop Velcro on the inside of the mesh. This facilitates the placement of the optional Padded Side Plate Pouches. The mesh cummerbund also aids in venting heat better. 

Weight

Because the Testudo Gen 2.0 is larger, has padded plate pockets, and uses an all-Cordura cummerbund with integrated side plate pockets, it weighs about 50% more than the Valkyrie, approximately 3.6 pounds for the Testudo versus 2.2 pounds for the Valkyrie. If you add in the optional side plate pockets for the Valkyrie, things even up. Keep in mind when selecting a carrier, the weight differences in most carriers are marginal and the majority of your overall weight will come from armor selection, and how much gear you attach to your kit. 

Quick-Release Buckles

Both carriers have quick-release buckles located on the shoulder straps if you need to get out of them quickly.

Because the Testudo is a larger carrier, the position of the buckle is on the backside of the strap to keep your front strap connection area free of clutter so as to enhance the weapon interface.

The Valkyrie’s buckles are on the front as this tends to be a more comfortable location and allows you to reconnect the buckle while wearing the carrier.