The StKSS 2.0 is a pair of telescopic polymer struts that connects the back panel of an Ars Arma plate carrier to a load-bearing belt, creating a rigid load path from the carrier system to the hips. Without them, the carrier's weight is carried by the shoulder straps alone. With them, the struts intercept that load and route it down through the belt, reducing cumulative strain over long wear periods.
The struts are built from a special flexible polymer that compresses and extends through the telescopic mechanism without binding. A textile strap and plastic fixator set the working length for each user, allowing for smooth adjustment across different body heights, gear configurations, and transitions between movement modes such as foot patrol and vehicle travel. The polymer's flex characteristic keeps the system from locking up the torso, so the struts carry load without restricting natural movement.
Sold as a pair. Compatible with quick-release systems.
Features
Telescopic Polymer Struts: Flexible special-polymer construction extends and compresses without binding. Routes carrier system load to the belt without locking the torso.
Smooth Height Adjustment: Textile strap and plastic fixator allow stepless length setting for different body heights, kit configurations, and movement modes.
Quick-Release Compatible: The system works with compatible quick-release mechanisms, allowing rapid carrier separation from the belt when required.
Minimal Mobility Restriction: The polymer's flexibility allows near-full range of torso movement while load transfer is active.
Broad Carrier Compatibility: Fits CPC, Skanda, Goliath, and Titan series vests directly. Extends to any MOLLE-equipped vest via MOLLE StKSS adapters.
Sold as a Pair: Both struts included in each unit.
Specifications
Primary Material
Special polymer
Hardware
Textile straps and plastic fixator
Adjustment
Telescopic, stepless via textile strap and fixator
Quick-Release
Compatible
Sold As
Pair
System Integration
The StKSS 2.0 struts are a component in the Ars Arma load-transfer ecosystem. For the system to function, the carrier must have mounting points for the struts, and the belt must be shaped and rigid enough to hold the transferred load.
Carrier compatibility: the struts mount natively to the A-24 Titan 2.0 chassis frame. CPC, Skanda, and Goliath series vests also accept the struts at their factory mounting points. For Skanda and Goliath series vests, the A-22 Half Harness Insert (sold separately) installs into the cummerbunds and provides the structural bridge required for the struts to transfer load effectively.
Belt compatibility: on the belt side, the struts require a belt with built-in StKSS mounting points. The A-19 Atlas and A-24 Needletail belts include these mounting points and are confirmed compatible. For any MOLLE-equipped belt without built-in StKSS points, the MOLLE Adapter for StKSS (sold separately) extends compatibility.
