Hello everyone.

I’m trying to put my uniform together. I know it’s not the uniform that defines us, but it will be how others will perceive me, so I think it’s the first step I need to take. I’m hoping that by posting this thread I’ll be able to draw upon all of your knowledge, experience, views and opinions and hopefully make some good decisions on my uniform and gear.

I posted a design of my uniform that I drew up several years ago in another thread on the forum (link here) and I’ve also recently put this together too:



Could I perhaps get some opinions on it so far? I know it looks very similar to the Flash, which is a concern of mine.

should be out of focus

blur-out of focus



well I thought it was funny

first off, you have to think about what you wish to represent, opposition to corporate tyranny, ecological awareness, the winged scourge that nests in the eaves of evils estate....

secondly, it's what people perceive; have you managed to convey the proper response? did any children children hide behind their mommies when you passed? did "Slimy" Sal Sykes soil himself adequately when you interrogated him last Tuesday?

finally; are your utility belts/pouches/packs light/sturdy enough, compact enough to not impede motion, have enough room for the incidentals ie; Tommy "the Talker's" hand when you find it outside the pizza place.... next to his crumpled, sobbing form?

anyway, that's my pov.

also, simple is cool and all..... but you should throw more into that if it's the way you go. less isn't always more. just me

What the hell is that? A sheman with a mangina?

Very constructive Tothian >_> haha.

I want to put forward a friendly, approachable image with this uniform. It needs to be a uniform that the public can look at without feeling out-off of scared. Intimidation is vital in certain situations, but I feel that my actions and mannerisms can do that just as effectively; right?

I was looking at a skin-tight uniform for easier, flexible movements. I also thought it would be somewhat more aerodynamic when I run too, which is something I wanted to aim towards. I’ve also been looking into turtleskin stab-proof vests to go underneath and d3o (thanks for the links Ghost). I need protection, especially in my local area, but I don’t want it to hamper my movements; to be honest my speed and movements are my strongest asset.

Ok the running shoes are bad enough but are those boobies on your chest? That was bad enough on Batman Robin Nightwing and Batgirl but please No Boobies on RLSHs throw on a vest or something unless you are actually going out shirtless

>_<

I can't likely run properly in boots. They would really slow me down - unless someone knows of some nice boots that are very easy to run fast in? And don't blame me for the boobies, that’s just how the generator made it look haha

I do the same with my outfit. patroling with the mask and gloves in my pocket allows me to put them on lquickly and 'just appear' or disappear just as fast.
I wear the armor underneath the clothes and with the long coat no one knows until it's too late.

That's an extremely good point Tothian, about the fictional superheros not walking around patrolling - i mean i supposed Batman did at times, but the point it still very valid. Perhaps its something I can take into account if and when i begin to patrol - going out in normal clothes, only changing into my uniform when the need arises.

But I suppose the main point of this thread is to get some suggestions on how I could improve the uniform but still maintain the friendly, and speed image i'm going for.

Batman didn't (from what I know) unless he was looking for someone or something specific. Not just randomly walking around for no reason. If he did that it was as Bruce Wayne.

And really it's whatever works for you. You could always go and test it out, experience will be your best teacher.

basically, you have four options as I see it;

go with the full gimmick and draw attention to yourself (possibly from a perpetrator ie; he sees you coming for blocks.) and garnering either the "Wows!" or the "Freaks!".

go without, functional wear that suits your purposes but let's you move inconspicuously.

hybridize; Thanatos is a wise man. the pocket gimmick is a great idea.

do both. move about on patrol as a civvie-clad guy (with or without an easily concealable mask) but when you go to functions that and will interact with the public, have a costume that reflects who/what you are and is approachable.

Just a thought. I love the blue and orange combination.

the perfect outfit for the blur.......

Haha. Something blurry?

Well so far I’ve had three version of a possible uniform put forward:


Minuteman.


Razorhawk.


My design.

What does everyone think? I’m thinking in terms on hindrances that uniforms may possibly have, etc. I know ultimately it’s my decision to make, but I would still like to hear as many different opinions and pieces of advice before I come to a final conclusion (I know the running shoes didn’t go down too well haha).

Blur,

I understand it's always good to hear the opinions of others, you learn things about what is cool, effective, and you see how others think. And it can create some interesting discussions.

But, truthfully, you have to go not just with the coolest design, because your perception of what is cool can change over time. You have to go with what you feel personally connected with, and what feels right for you.

That's not to say that over time, with experience, that you won't want to make some changes or upgrades, but it would be for the right reasons, not just to look cool. Or perhaps have different versions of your uniform.

Another little tip I believe will be useful for you and also for anyone in your position: Before you can design/define your self/look, first enlighten yourself to understand and define your inner qualities. From there, you should be in a better position to see the answers you seek. And once you accomplish that, then you have to remember that this is not about you, but about those you are out to help, protect, and save. Allow the importance of your duty to them drown away any thought of image or pride. Substance is the key to what I'm talking about here.

I like mine. But Tothian has a point. The look has to be something that you identify with. I have many versions of my suit but they all have that beak and eyes that tie them to one another. The funny thing is that was kind of a fluke for me to go with that design, but once I had the jacket done, it was definitly the right look for me. I have changed up the colors on occasion, but the overall look is always the same.

I think that perhaps you are both right. I want my uniform not just to suit my needs, or for the image it portrays of me to the public, but to also be part of who I am. In all fairness I’m not too bothered if it’s deemed as “cool”, though I suppose there is a small part of me that’s striving for perfection – it’s a habit of mine I can’t shake. With all of your help I have the design pretty much finished, and I am also working on a cheaper alternative that I can use in the meantime (unfortunately I’m not as rich as Tony Stark!).

I’m now starting to put together of list of other things, like equipment, protection, adequate footwear. Which leads to a question that I wonder if anyone can answer: is it possible to re-colour boots? For example I was looking at a pair of 5.11 tactical boots, but it will be almost impossible to find a pair in the orange and blue I’ll be after.

There are leather and vinyl paints that you can get at most auto shops, duplicolor makes some good paints like that. You may have to touch them up on occasion, but I used some on my daily use sneakers and it lasted pretty well, even in the wet and snow. Might be hard to find the exact color though. I have some links for an online shoe repair place that also sells some nice paint.