Captain Australia’s Crime Fighting Journal, Entry#59
I’ve received some excellent advice and suggestions from citizens (a special thank you to Steven) regarding my Version 2 Costume. In advance of my Kings Cross patrol on the 20th of May, I’ve decided to focus on my equipment, as my v.1 Costume can be described as shabby at best, and not the symbol of the hero that you deserve me to be.
Also, based on the research, there are practical issues – I’ve been looking into body armour that can be trauma and even bullet resistant. If you are a supplier that I have approached, hopefully the outline below helps you understand what I am after. If you are a citizen following my Quest, hopefully you can consider the approach below and let me know if you have any advice, suggestions or feedback.
Body Armour
I’ve been looking at high impact body armour used by motorcyclists and car racers (see example to the right), and also armour used by professional security firms and the military. Being an ex-serviceman myself, I know that kind of gear is very expensive and probably unrealistic, so I’m leaning toward the motorcycle gear. Once I’ve selected a suitable version, I will look to either paint it, or attach the suit fabric to the outside somehow.
My Symbol
A number of people have suggested that the @ symbol is confusing, and frankly I am a bit tired of having “At-Man!” yelled at me from the street. To the left is a suggested new symbol, a C and A in the shape of Australia. I quite like it : what do you think ?
Thermal / Low-Light Goggles & Camera
I’ve also been investigated a head-mounted camera and night-vision goggles. Again, potentially quite expensive, but I think there may be cost effective versions suitable to my needs. The primary benefit is as a recording device to better enable collection of evidence, and to provide you with point of view and low-light footage when documenting my crime patrols. I’m hoping to find something that will look like sunglasses, and integrate with my existing Costume without looking too ridiculous.
Miscellaneous: Gloves, Boots & Utility Belt
I’d really value your suggestions on any of the miscellaneous pieces. For Version 1 it was fantastically difficult to source a decent pair of gold-coloured gloves and boots (in fact, one woman who promised me custom made gloves simply took my money and did a runner! – she’s not responding to my communications).
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It’s great to know you are looking to upgrade your gear. Your version 1 costume left a lot to be desired. I have some suggestions if you don’t mind. Cost might be an issue but I found a nifty pair of sunglasses.
http://www.spygadgets.com/undercover-cameras/sunglasses-camera.html
Not exactly night vision but inconspicuous?
Good luck with your quest!
Thank you, Citizen. Regrettably that specific vendor doesnt ship outside America, but it’s definitely a great suggestion. I’ll continue research – ideally I’ll find something just like those glasses but with low-light sensitivity also.
Your friend,
Captain Australia
I’d be hesitant about the motorcycle gear Captain. As a “hero” myself I’ve experimented with all manner of armor and body protection. While the motorcycle armor offers the most protection outside of military grade stuff you lose a great deal of mobility and heat becomes a serious issue. You sweat buckets and nobody likes a stinky hero.
Might I suggest just a light stab proof vest and possibly some motorcycle gloves and kneepads. Also, depending on your budget some military grade pouches, being able to carry more equipment is always a good thing.
Lastly, make sure you save your Version 1 costume for posterity’s sake, I regret not saving all of mine. Good luck out there Captain, you’re not alone.
Thank you for this. I’ve been throwing all the time and energy available to me (left over from my many secret identity obligations) into researching suppliers and possible solutions — your comments definitely give me food for thought.
Your friend,
Captain Australia
Hi Cap, Steve here again. At least one other RLSH seems to give bike armour the thumbs up: https://rlsh-manual.com/Threads.html
The whole site may offer a little help.
I would go for bullet and stab proof armor. I’ve seen some for under $200 (US $) though I would suggest going for something much higher grade. Also… I’d get a helmet. Somebody is going to find it not so humorous to be attacked by a masked crusader, and he’s going to put a bullet in your skull. I’ve known people to spend $2000+ on paintball markers and mountain bikes, so if you are serious about this, you can fork over the cash for it.
For a more realistic take on armor, take a look at WWII Captain America from the Ultimates. The guy wears basically a military uniform, featuring a helmet, body armor and pads; and still looks like a badass superhero.
Many thanks, Citizen
I’ve been searching for local suppliers that match my requirements, but so far not a lot of luck.
I think I may have to turn to ordering online and accept the inherent risks.
Your friend,
Captain Australia
“Ballistic body armour is classed as a catergory E firearm under the Australian Firearms Act. Anyone can apply for a permit however generally only applicants who are members of a police service or the security industry are accepted. Check with your local police service for more information. Note that a permit is not required to purchase a stab resistant vest.”
Go for a stab proof vest if you can afford it. It doesn’t appear you can buy a bulletproof one from what I’ve checked. You probably know more about this than I do though. How common are firearms in Australia? I heard you have a ban on handguns?
Hello Citizen
Legally owned private handguns are rare here, although permits are more common for hunting rifles. I’ve been researching options and lean more toward the impact-resistant motorcycle armour for costume version 2, deferring on the longer term bullet/stab resistant armour until my v.3 costume. (Which won’t be much use for me if I get shot or stabbed in the meantime, its just a question of logistics and cost).
A carry permit only matters if you respect the law, and some of the characters I’m up against definitely do NOT. These organised gangsters in Kings Cross will carry all manner of illegal firearms: sawn off shotguns, modified rifles, SMGs and handguns.
I really appreciate the comment and advice.
Your friend,
Captain Australia
Hi Captain,
I suggest you to look for “night vision goggles” on YouTube.
Understanding how important a ‘symbol’ is, I’d say do away with the CA logo and just go for something like the Southern Cross, placed on your suit over your heart.
I have designed a suit many times over for a fictional character, I will see if I can find some drawings if you would like to see them.
Cheers man, keep up the good work.
Suhv.
I like the new symbol idea Cap. Go for it!
Re- Armour, Ballistic body armour is for some reason- illegal in Oz. You can buy it in Army disposals in the UK! You can however buy cross country riding vests in kevlar (not that expensive) that would stop a small caliber round. Not such an issue in Oz as there are few pistols and when people do use firearms they are often hunting rifles that would go through any ballistic vest…
Hi CA,
Not sure what your budget is, but I suggest checking out the website http://www.legear.com.au as they have some excellent tactical gear.
I recommend getting yourself some good puncture resistant gloves and some decent bodyarmour around the chest area.
I’d expect that you are more likely to be facing perps who carry knives opposed to guns, so make sure you’ve prepared adequately to protect from slashing and stabbing.
Good luck!
Nick