So currently I am un-masked and just patrol in my street "combat" gear which is a hoodie with a leather jacket and my small assortment of tools. But I need something to be recognized by, a symbol and a look. I am currently having trouble deciding on gear since I dont know if i should go the lighter path and wear color, stand out more and be more "public friendly" I dont want to come off as a vigilante but my so called style would black and to stay out of sight while investigating and stopping crime.

Dressing in black and dark colors would be more efficient and I can have a larger assortment of true combat gear, but I dont want to scare people either or seem too much like a crazy person running around in full armor. Oooooh but the advantages of full armor. Mostly because if i get into a physical altercation I want the psychological fear in the aggressor after they shoot/stab/hit me and nothing happens. Demoralizing is better than giving the old 1 - 2 KO.

Not to sound dreamy or childish, but sort of like with batman, if they think the hero is invincible why would the criminals go out in the night. But like with many other heroes letting my presence be known with a showy colorful suit might be better to the public and for my cause. Either way I do not want my identity known so a mask is a must.

Any one have any info, stories, tips, or useful websites. And please dont say herogear lol

If you cant tell I'm very efficient oriented, my dad wears stuff like benchmade pens with the stabbing/glass breaking point, utility vests, leatherman tools, galco gun belts, you know tactical multi purpose stuff. i very much like the idea of an armor suit and like being prepared for anything. Even if 99/100 times ill just be giving the homeless food.

Thanks for replies

When I first started out, I wore my ballistic vest under a hoodie and shin guards under my jeans. Worked pretty good for me. I also used to wear a half mask pushed down around my neck, so if anything happened, I could just pull it up over my lower face and get to work. When it was a down, a passerby would easily mistake it for a turtle neck shirt. Currently I wear no mask and wear a ranger vest under whatever coat or hoodie I am wearing, and that I change up frequently. I'm one of those guys who loves hats and coats, so I've got plenty to choose from.

I actually love the whole suit and mask thing but I see many others love it too. I don't want to look like everyone else. But whats more badass than fighting crime in a nice suit. Stylish and tough lol. I actually thought about just wearing some street clothes with like pads and impact clothing underneath but then I don't want to wear the same street clothes later like to the movies with some friends and have someone recognize the clothes and put 2 and 2 together. Most people aren't completely retarded, especially if you the drug dealer or tag "artist" I chased off the other night.

That's why you don't simply stick to one specific type of uniform. Wear generic clothes and keep switching them up. Also, if you change your patrol patterns constantly, it lessens the likelihood of being "made."

personally i go with brighter colors because cops or citizens are much less likely to think your up to no good if your in colors apposed to all black. cops will probably still stop you to talk to you but hopefully it wont be because someone saw you sulking around and called them.

as for a symbol or look, i wish rook was still around. he was always awesome at coming up with stuff.

me, I have 2 outfits. my patrol uniform which is tactical boots and pants, a duty belt with gear on it, a bullet/stab proof vest, and a t-shirt over it with my symbol on it. patrol is always more about function then form for me.

my 2nd one is my outfit for charity events or anything where i know the odds of finding trouble are slim. i'm still working on this one but it will consist of yellow boots blue pants or some sort, blue top with symbol, probably some kind of yellow utility belt, yellow gloves, and the razorrook mask mounted on a blue hood.

function for patroling. form for apearences. rule i go by.

My sidekick and I are planning to use the old atom symbol and a lightning bolt, respectively. They reflect our names (Mega-Rad and Dynamo) and are the most iconic superhero symbols I could think of that weren't copyrighted.

Maybe you could think of something along those lines? The "power" symbol for computers looks cool, but I think it's been overused a bit.

A "V" is always sort of iconic looking... if you can think of a "V" related name to call yourself. "Verdad"? "Veracity"?

It obviously means truth... I think using red paint on a black suit would give it an awesome look

even if it was just on your shoulders

just be damned sure thats actually what it means.

dont be like oh so many drunk college girls who now have "hippopotamus" tattoo'd on there ass.

I like that story Tengu. I would probably do the same if I were in his shoes. LOL

yeah, much better than 8's. he'd love it if only his said sock monkey. isn't that character Truth grows out of child? like how woman is part of friendship... you know, and door and ear make listen.

Is that the Chinese symbol for truth? If you have it in Japanese that could be quite the icon. ... I'm not one of those kids who thinks Japan is "just the coolest". I'm half Jap. in case you wonder, sorry it's a soft spot cause unless you look at my eyes I look caucasian.

And what do you all think about the color cyan?

Champion-- the two types of suits is a great idea, a more user friendly one for the folks during the day and a more combat ready one for patrols. I would like the look of a knight though...so much to figure out.

Here is the kanji (japanese) for truth

I like what All-Star is suggesting, the Asian symbols and characters for Truth would be very awesome way to go, especially if you go red on black, like me!

but I say so because it will imply that you know martial arts, and maybe you do! that is a little threatening and scary to some criminals, they dont want a broken bone and they dont want to black out!
but they get what they deserve right?

I think you should go the color way, enough color that you are approachable, put together and looked at as a super hero rather than a vigilante, because you can go the way of the hero when it comes to meeting the kids, and helping the community in other ways and being recognized, but you will still look badass enough to be a vigilante crime fighter.

still try to wear as much armor as you can...just in case, and still get some good gear, Mase Pepper spray is a good thing to have, found this pepper spray gun that is coolm shoots from quite a distance. arm yourself with armor and knowlege to help in any way possible.

Red Voltage

"electrifying for good"

i'd ask yourself some questions first. . .

1. what is your goal as an rlsh
2. what message do you want to convey
3. using washington dc as an example. . .gangs can make names for themselves by taking out aggressive looking individuals. . .so your outfit. . .what are you projecting
4. different areas have laws. . .even about armor. . .have you checked them out for your area
5. replacing parts. . .if you are activly patroling. . .how often will you have to replace parts. . .and don't forget the costs associated with it

just some thoughts

dc