Plate carrier vest Ares II Spider

ARES II Spider – Tactical Plate Carrier with SPIDER Quick Release

The Zentauron ARES II Spider is a modular tactical plate carrier designed to accommodate hard body armor, ARES soft body armor, and additional MOLLE gear. The carrying system combines external plate pockets with a flat SPIDER Quick-Release system on the shoulders and waistband, as well as extensive MOLLE/PALS and Velcro-MOLLE surfaces.

This makes the ARES II Spider an ideal modular plate carrier for users who want to combine ballistic protection, quick-release capabilities, and customizable gear in a single carrying system. Pockets, pouches, protective components, and other gear can be added according to the specific mission profile.

SAPI-format hard body armor, size M

The ARES II Spider accommodates hard ballistic protection in SAPI format, size M. The ballistic protection plates are inserted into the external plate pockets and form the foundation for a modular protection carrier.

For additional protection, the plate carrier can be combined with compatible ARES soft ballistic components. Hard and soft ballistic protection are housed separately and can be configured according to the intended protection concept.

Optional components include soft ballistic protection for the front and back, side soft ballistic protection, shrapnel protection, and supplementary trauma protection. A non-ballistic ARES training insert can also be used for training and instruction.

You can find compatible protective components in the soft ballistics and hard ballistics sections.

SPIDER Quick-Release System for rapid opening

The tactical plate carrier features low-profile SPIDER quick-release fasteners on the shoulder straps and waistband. The quick-release system allows for rapid opening of the plate carrier and facilitates quick donning and doffing.

The buckles can also be operated while wearing gloves. Distinctive pull tabs make it easy to release the quick-release buckles precisely.

Thanks to their low-profile design, the SPIDER buckles protrude only slightly from the carrying system. This reduces the risk of getting snagged on equipment, straps, or other objects. This is particularly important when wearing the plate carrier in combination with backpacks and other strap systems.

The SPIDER buckles are designed for use even under challenging conditions and remain functional in wet, muddy, and dirty conditions.

50 mm-wide shoulder straps and a close-fitting design

The shoulder straps are 50 mm wide and can be adjusted to body size, clothing, and the desired position of the ballistic protection plates.

On the side facing the body, 3D mesh panels promote air circulation between the clothing and the plate carrier. The spacer material reduces direct, large-area contact between the carrier system and the body, enhancing comfort during extended operational and training periods.

Vertical Velcro panels on the inside also allow for the attachment of compatible padding pads. This enables the fit of the plate carrier to be further customized to the user.

Overlapping Front Plate Pocket

The front plate pocket of the ARES II Spider features an overlapping design. This construction provides greater coverage of the ballistic components in the front upper torso area and reduces open transition areas within the intended protection configuration.

At the same time, the external plate pockets facilitate access to the protective components and support a clear separation between hard ballistics, soft ballistics, and the actual carrying system.

MOLLE/PALS for Modular Pockets and Equipment

The front and back of the ARES II Spider feature extensive MOLLE/PALS attachments. This allows the plate carrier to be equipped with various modular pouches and bags.

Magazine pouches, admin pouches, radio pouches, IFAK pouches, and other MOLLE gear can be attached to the plate carrier depending on the mission and personal configuration.

Additionally, Velcro MOLLE panels are integrated. They allow for the attachment of compatible MOLLE components as well as the use of Velcro accessories and identification elements.

The MOLLE layout is identical on the front and back:

• top: 3 × 6 Velcro MOLLE
• Center: 1 × 6 MOLLE
• bottom: 5 × 6 hook-and-loop MOLLE

You can find matching modular pouches and extensions in the plate carrier accessories section.

Modularly expandable with front pouches and protective components

The ARES II Spider is designed as an expandable carrying system. The built-in MOLLE/PALS and Velcro mounts allow the plate carrier to be adapted to different missions and equipment configurations.

Depending on the configuration, front pouches or front flaps, pouch sets, ballistic wings, and abdominal protection, among other items, can be added.

Compatible components from the Zentauron Vulcan system can also be used with the ARES II Spider, depending on the specific accessories.

Cummerbund with MOLLE and side pockets

The sash is adjusted at the back via Velcro and allows for seamless adjustment of the tactical plate carrier to the wearer’s waist circumference. An additional elastic band supports flexible width adjustment while wearing and during movement.

The cummerbund is available in two sizes:

• Short: approx. 95 to 120 cm circumference, with 3 × 5 MOLLE panels
• Standard: approx. 120 to 135 cm circumference, with 3 × 7 MOLLE panels

There are slip pockets with Velcro closures on both sides. Depending on the chosen protection concept, these can accommodate, for example, side soft ballistics or flat gear.

When configured appropriately, the side slots can also be used for maps, flat gear items, or cable management components.

Plate Carrier for Various Operational Configurations

Thanks to the combination of SAPI-M hard ballistics, expandable soft ballistics, side protection options, MOLLE/PALS, and a quick-release system, the ARES II Spider can be configured for various protection and equipment setups.

For example, the plate carrier can be supplemented with medical equipment, magazine pouches, radio pouches, admin pouches, or other modular components. This allows the carrying system to be adapted to the mission, required equipment, and personal setup.

Materials and Construction

The ARES II Spider is made from durable materials. Among other materials, it features Cordura 560 DEN based on polyamide 6.6.

High-stress areas of the plate carrier are structurally reinforced to withstand the strain caused by ballistic components and additional MOLLE gear.

Depending on the color and material variant, IRR/NIR-relevant materials are used that are designed for tactical applications with a reduced infrared signature.

For professional users, operations, and training

The ARES II Spider is designed for users who require a modular tactical plate carrier with a quick-release function, MOLLE/PALS attachments, and an expandable ballistic protection system.

• German Armed Forces and military users
• Police and government agencies
• Security forces and personal protection
• Professional users with modular protective gear
• Training and education
• Airsoft and Milsim

The ARES II Spider is characterized by its flat SPIDER quick-release fasteners, overlapping front construction, compatibility with SAPI-format hard body armor in size M, and the ability to expand the system with ARES soft body armor and modular MOLLE gear.

You can find additional tactical plate carriers and carrying systems in the Plate Carrier category.

Made in Germany

The Zentauron ARES II Spider is designed and manufactured in Germany. Its construction, material selection, and workmanship are engineered for long-term use as a modular tactical plate carrier.

Package Contents

• 1 × ARES II Spider plate carrier vest

Note: Ballistic inserts/plates and the accessories shown are not included and are sold separately.