ARES II Spider Plate Carrier

German-made modular plate carrier with SPIDER quick-release hardware, dedicated armor compartments, and extensive MOLLE/PALS integration.

The Zentauron ARES II Spider is a modular plate carrier developed for professional users, training environments, and demanding tactical setups.

Its design combines a low-profile SPIDER Quick-Release System at the shoulders and cummerbund with external plate bags, an ergonomic fit, and a continuously adjustable cummerbund.

The carrier can be configured from a streamlined training setup to a fully equipped armor platform using compatible hard armor, soft armor, pouches, medical equipment, communications gear, and additional Zentauron accessories.

Made in Germany.

SPIDER Quick-Release System

Low-profile SPIDER buckles are integrated into both the 50 mm shoulder straps and cummerbund, allowing the carrier to be released quickly when required.

Key advantages include:

• Fast and controlled release
• Glove-friendly operation
• Designed for reliable use in wet, muddy, and dirty environments
• Low-profile construction reduces snagging
• Comfortable underneath backpack straps and additional load-bearing equipment
• Large pull tabs for intuitive operation

Armor Compatibility

The external plate bags are designed around SAPI Size Medium hard-armor plates.

Separate compartments allow compatible hard and soft armor components to be carried independently.

The ARES II is designed specifically around Zentauron's compatible ARES II soft armor system, which is available separately.

The overlapping front plate-bag construction provides increased coverage across the front of the torso and helps reduce exposed transition areas between protective components.

Armor inserts and plates are not included unless specifically stated.

Internal Comfort & Ventilation

The inside of the plate bags features 3D mesh to improve airflow and comfort during extended wear.

Vertical hook-and-loop areas allow optional padding to be installed, giving the user additional control over fit and ventilation.

This becomes particularly useful during extended training, warm-weather use, or when the carrier is heavily loaded.

MOLLE / PALS Configuration

The ARES II Spider provides extensive MOLLE and hook-and-loop MOLLE surfaces across both the front and rear plate bags.

Front Plate Bag

• Upper: 3 × 6 hook-and-loop MOLLE
• Center: 1 × 6 MOLLE
• Lower: 5 × 6 hook-and-loop MOLLE

Rear Plate Bag

• Upper: 3 × 6 hook-and-loop MOLLE
• Center: 1 × 6 MOLLE
• Lower: 5 × 6 hook-and-loop MOLLE

These areas can be configured with:

• Magazine pouches
• Radio pouches
• Medical pouches
• Utility and admin pouches
• Hydration systems
• ID and unit patches
• Other MOLLE/PALS-compatible equipment

Modular Zentauron Compatibility

The ARES II Spider is compatible with selected Zentauron Vulcan accessories, including:

• Front flaps
• Modular pouch sets
• Ballistic wings
• Lower-abdomen protection
• Additional compatible carrier accessories

This allows multiple equipment configurations to be prepared and adapted to different requirements.

Cummerbund & Fit

The cummerbund is continuously adjustable at the rear using hook-and-loop attachment.

An additional elastic section provides flexibility when switching between clothing layers and helps maintain a close fit during movement.

Each cummerbund also includes an internal hook-and-loop compartment for compatible side soft armor or other flat equipment.

Cummerbund Sizes

Short

• Adjustment range: approx. 37.4–47.2 in / 95–120 cm
• MOLLE: 3 × 5

Standard

• Adjustment range: approx. 47.2–53.1 in / 120–135 cm
• MOLLE: 3 × 7

Key Features

• Modular professional plate carrier
• Low-profile SPIDER Quick-Release System
• Quick-release buckles on shoulders and cummerbund
• 50 mm shoulder straps
• Designed for SAPI Size M hard armor
• Separate hard- and soft-armor compartments
• Overlapping front plate-bag design
• 3D-mesh interior
• Hook-and-loop mounting areas for optional padding
• Extensive MOLLE/PALS coverage
• Hook-and-loop MOLLE surfaces for patches and equipment
• Continuously adjustable cummerbund
• Elastic cummerbund adjustment
• Compartments for compatible side soft armor
• Compatible with selected Zentauron Vulcan accessories
• IR/NIR-oriented materials and components
• Reinforced high-stress areas
• Durable Cordura® 560D
• Made in Germany

Technical Specifications

Material: Cordura® 560D Polyamide 6.6
Armor Plate Compatibility: SAPI Size Medium
Attachment System: MOLLE / PALS
Country of Origin: Germany

Important Armor Notice

The ARES II Spider is an armor carrier, not ballistic protection by itself.

Its protective performance depends entirely on the specific hard-armor and soft-armor components installed in the carrier.

Always verify the dimensions, compatibility, certification, and protection rating of any armor inserts used with the system.

Mission Frontline Take

The ARES II Spider is one of the more sophisticated carriers in the Zentauron lineup.

What stands out is the combination of quick-release functionality, extensive modularity, and dedicated hard- and soft-armor integration without turning the carrier into an unnecessarily bulky system.

The SPIDER buckles are particularly interesting for users who want a low-profile release system at both the shoulders and cummerbund, while the large MOLLE surfaces provide plenty of room to build anything from a streamlined setup to a heavily equipped carrier.

We also like that Zentauron has treated the carrier as part of a larger modular ecosystem. Compatible Vulcan accessories, side protection, front panels, and additional armor components allow the platform to evolve with the user's setup rather than forcing a completely new carrier.

For users looking for a serious German-made modular plate carrier, the ARES II Spider is a highly capable platform.