Ok so I'm a major newbie to this. I figured out my a basic look I wanna use but I have some questions.

Below is a version of the look I was going for in the 3 different colors I was considering. The only thing missing is that the strap across the torso is going to have additional pouches for gear and the gun on the belt is gonna have a taser there instead along with more pouches for other gear along with military elbow pads on the arms.



I was wondering if anyone knew were I could get tactical style boots that come halfway up the calf instead of the shorter ones I keep seeing around? Also I was wondering if anyone who practices martial arts has or knows anyone who has the custom tabi boots in the link below and if so how well do they hold up under use?

http://www.ayyawear.com/store/footwear/tabi/spiral-tabi

For the mask under the hood I was thinking of going with something similar to the Foot Soldier masks from the 90's TMNT movies minus the head band and mouth holes with thinner breathable cloth in that area and some kinda of bullet resistant helmet incorporated in underneath. I was wondering if anyone could point me toward some good helmets/masks to use and if anyone has used a mask with mesh or wire messh over the eyes at night and how much it may or may not have inhibited sight? I'm also open so any suggestions on other ways to produce the " bug eyed " look of the mask below.




Also what is the best place to get Level 3 armor for the most reasonable price? Wht is the best route to go for a utlitly belt with decnt sized pouches and a way to make some of the crush proof? Is it better to let the public come up with your name if you're not 100% sure on it yet ? Also of the 3 looks if I go with the name Mantis which do you think would be the best color choice? I'm open to any information and criticism given and I apologize for my long post.

I'd message Praying Mantis and see if you guys can work out the name thing first.

It's not same as the hard, domed mesh in the mask you posted, but you might consider contacting Hero Gear about a mask (he can put mesh over the eyes to conceal them) and just have them do the eyes oversized to mimic the bug-like look.

Yeah, dude, I'd check with Praying Mantis before calling yourself Mantis.

The Mantis name idea was suggested by a friend. At the time I didn't know there was someone already going by Praying Mantis let alone someone in the same state and in a city that isn't to hatefully far especially if I were to take a trip there in the future to try a team up if they wanted. Once I saw that while browsing the forums I started trying to come up with a different name idea. Originally I was going to try something related to ninja or samurai but when I've been looking through some other sites it looks like most of them have already been claimed. I thought about Shadow SKill but that's to close to the guys who calls himself Shadowkill. I also thought about Shadow Strike but even though I've yet to see anyone listed anywhere with it I get a nagging feeling it's claimed. So I guess I gotta add getting a name that ain't already claimed to my list of things to be done. SO does anyone got any suggestions that relate to ninja that I could use that ain't takin' already?

For the mask, try hero gear.
Also, you could try another bug theme, such as beetle, shadow scarab, or something like that,

The whole bug theme was only because of the friend's suggestion of Mantis. I figured it would go with the look since Mantis is a style of kung fu. I actually don't mind having to change the name. My only problem is coming up with one that meets the following qualification:

1. It isn't already taken or similar to an existing alias in use
2. It doesn't directly state a color in the name or imply a certain color ( This is because it kinda limits what the main uniform's color is in my mind which doesn't work well for me since I was thinking about making the summer version white possibly or some lighter color than black and possibly ditching the chainmail during the summer so as to avoid overheating )

I would really rather use and alias with some kind of roots in martial arts if not ninjutsu specifically. I thought about going with Byakko based off the idea of the chinese and japanese White Tiger of the West but since the name implies the color white which would make me a nice bright visible target in a dark alley.

I was considering Tengu since they're suppossed to be skilled in swordsmanship and if my local laws on noon-lethal martial arts weapons such as training gear doesn't outlaw it I was going to be utilizing the Cold Steel Bokken made of polypropylene do to it's non lethal nature and the fact that it's nearly unbreakable. If not then I'm gonna look into the laws regarding batons since there is a style out that mimics the shape of the manji type so theoretically they could be wielded similarly.

I just looked at the mask without really reading anything and thought, they that looks like a foot soldier!

do yoiu know what a Tengu is?

have a look at them and I'm sure you will get a good idea from that.

I would not advise the use of guns and/or swords. Though they may not be dangerous in your own hands, it's been proven that the police may shoot or arrest any person in possession of what may look in any way like a dangerous weapon.

hahaha, CA ain't so bad... sometimes

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/waisgate?WAISdocID=98184324853+1+0+0&WAISaction=retrieve

this specifically mentions the only "illegal" swords are cane swords or other things that disguise a sword (umbrella and the like)

As far as I know, swords may be open carried since they technically fall under the category of "dirk or dagger". In other words, if you have it strapped to your back it would be legal.

However it IS illegal to use it in any action that even could be mistaken for being aggressive. They can be used in self defense if I recall.

Bokkens are legal to carry, since usually they're above the length of a "baton" as the legal definition in CA states. I'd use one, but I'm currently using a walking staff as my self defense tool...

Walking sticks are great.

@ Thanatos : I've seen a bunch of various pics of tengu. I always prefered the way the kotengu a.k.a. karasu-tengu are depicted as more bird-like than the daitengu a.k.a. hanatakatengu are often pictured in a more human-like form with their long noses. I'm probally gonna try to have a feather type pattern airbrushed on to the pants, shirt and mask. I've also opted to go with yellow colored lenses in my mask instead of the mesh domes and I'm trying to figure out what material to use to make the jaw area look like it has a beak like mask similar to the design of the Mortal Kombat ninjas mask.

I may go with a custom set of the tabi below since I figure the would be more bird like in look due to the split toe plus tabi are very comfortable.


@ the sword/gun comments : I never planned on having a gun on the suit. The generator I used had no way to remove it from the pic. Below is a better representation of the look I'm going for.



I wasn't going to ever use an actual sword. I WAS thinking about using the Cold Steel Bokken made out of polypropylene but I've more or less opted away from that idea due to the fact that:
A) It isn't very concealable
B) It looks more aggressive which will give off the wrong idea
C) I would say it's pretty safe to say I'd be stopped and arrested for having it with me at night downtown while wearing a mask due to the fact that I was stopped once and question about carrying a bokken during the middle of the day while walking to a dojo for practice and the cops still didn't like it and contemplated arresting me for carrying it even with that legitimate reason.

I've instead opted to go with a pair of the batons below since they keep with the martial arts type vibe I'm going for and the hand guards allow for them to be used like a pair of sai as well.


The main problems I have now are picking a color that will make the suit look less aggressive than the black does and finding out what Ohio's mask and body armor laws are. I haven't anything online yet and really don't wanna ask a cop since I don't need them getting the wrong idea.

also make sure that batons are legal in your area.

Tengu, I've got to say I love your theme, but you need to rock the mask with the nose. That, his wings (which could be printed on the back of your jacket) and his super tall gata sandals are his trademarks, but tabi are equally cool and far more effective/efficient. Still, awesome idea.

I suggest blue and not trying to emulate that eye effect at all. Do you need corrective lenses? If anything I would just get some clear eye protection... maybe a slight yellow tint? Sunglasses or impaired vision at night don't work very well. And fogging can be a huge problem if you're wearing a mask that covers your mouth and nose.

Yellow or green tinted sunglasses or goggles can also help you see better when patrolling at night, just so you know. Sort of like really cheap night vision goggles.

awesome


Of the three original images, I like the black and blue most. If you go with thee all black, you will want to ditch almost ALL of your weapons or cops will stop you and give you crap on like every patrol.