CVP-01, V2 Vest + USH

[Bazookafied]

Bazookafied's Custom Vest Project
Integrating LC vests with military harness systems

This is my newest project for Laser Challenge modifications. In the past I have mainly focused on weaponry modifications, but now I am turning towards making better vest systems. These new systems will be designed to not only make things more fair in terms of hitting your opponent, but also create a way to store other gear that players often use (radios, flashlights, spare batteries). The Custom Vest Project (CVP) is my step towards creating a tactical vest that can benefit both the wearer and its opponents.

CVP-01

This CVP combines the high-tech specs of the Laser Challenge V2 vest with the simple Universal Shoulder Harness (USH).

The USH is a simple way for military and law enforcement to hide a sidearm. While they can vary in design, most USH's are simple enough that they can attach to your belt around your waist. The USH I am using has two triangle light pads on the back side of each shoulder and two pockets, one on the right and left, for storage, until it connects to your belt. On the right are two slim pockets with velcro covers. They would normally be used to store extra pistol magazines. Since we don't have that, I am using them for flashlight storage. On the left is a small holster. Its too small to fit my NPC-103 in, but I am working on developing a small enough pistol to fit in there that would be used for Close Quarters Battles (CQB). Until that weapon is done, its simply an empty space.



The V2 Vest has been affixed between the left triangle shoulderpad and the left holster. It sits on my upper left chest. In this location, it is easy for me to hear and see when I'm getting hit, easy to activate and hear the Blast Shield, and an easier target for opponents to hit when I am firing in my normal stance. The location of the vest does make it harder to hit if you are on my far right, but in normal combat situations, it has worked very well. I know, it seems strange to relocate my vest in a way where it is harder to hit me, but making the game more fair is never a bad idea.







This project, entitled the CVP-01, is the first of what I hope to be many successful vest modifications. If all contines to go well with this vest system, others will be developed for other players.

[Bazookafied]

Through the rest of the Summer Season, my CVP-01 got a few complaints that I had hoped I would never hear. "Mike! I can't hit you when you hold your gun like that!" ...damn...

However, instead of trying to revamp the project, I simply started holding my weapon differently and keeping my new vest location in mind. Its in a nice easy spot to hit the shields and has worked well for me in MANY situations! I've worn it for every game since I developed it. I store two flashlights in the magazine pockets and the holster is left open for when I actually develop a close range weapon.

Here are some shots me with my CVP-01.

[Bazookafied]

Since the CVP-01's introduction, it has made a name for itself and is by far the most unique LC vest in the game. It's design makes it more comfortable to wear than other vests, the placement of the V2 vest makes it easier to activate the Blast shield, the storage capacity for the 2 flashlights I carry on it makes using lights in combat easy, and for the most part, it has been an easier target to hit.

Still, issues arise with the CVP-01. There are still certain instances where hitting the vest is nearly impossible. The wearer still has to keep his vest in mind when firing, which was supposed to be a problem that the CVP-01 addressed. Because it is only a V2 front vest, it still can take hits faster than older LC vests, but it is still hard to hit at times. The vest is also awkward in the sense that the wearer has to attach it to a belt on the pants. I found that attaching the loops to the belt near the waist caused wearing problems and that in order to wear it without those issues, one would have to attach the loops closer to the front.

Awhile back, I was thinking of making the CVP-01 also have a back vest feature to make it more fair, but seeing how easily opponents are killed with back vest V2s, I was weary to make this modification. However, testing and battles with this vest have given me new ideas for the next project: the CVP-02A

[Bazookafied]

With progress on the CVP-02A... well... ok I'll admit it. No progress has been made to the CVP-02A. It looks as if the CVP-01 will continue to be my vest of choice for Season 3. With this in mind, I have been rethinking some of its systems. Recently, the promise of a new weapon, the T3 BSR Project, has caused me to reconsider my loadout. This includes plans to upgrade the CVP-01.

If successful, the T3 BSR will serve as my main weapon in future battles. This leaves my newest successful test model, the Super Cobra, out in the cold. Even though the promise of a 1100ft range with the T3 BSR, the compact firepower of the Super Cobra and its close-range capabilities tell me to keep the Super Cobra as part of my equipment. However, the CVP-01's holster is not big enough to accommodate this large pistol. Because of this, the CVP-01's current holster will be enlarged and modified to store the Super Cobra.

The CVP-01 will also be making itself more vulnerable. In a recent Beta test with some Miles Tag gear with Eleri, I realized how tough its going to be to use a back vest all of the time. However, I cannot think of any other way to make things more fair for other players than to handicap myself with a back vest. This means that the original V2 Front vest on the CVP-01 will need to be replaced with a full V2 Vest. While a full V2 vest is installed, the original V2 front vest internals will be transferred to an empty shell V1 vest. A button mod will have to be made on the exterior of the V1 Vest to accommodate the Blast Shield button, but this should be simple to do. As for the CVP-01's new full V2 vest, the back vest will need to be incorporated into the design.

With these two modifications, the CVP-01 will likely be in full swing with the new season as my continued vest of choice. I will need to undergo pre-season training to work out new tactics with the addition of the back vest. No more turning and hiding!

[Bazookafied]

This CVP-01 has officially been upgraded with a working V2 front and back sensor. Mounted much like Mike Yates' custom vest. I attached it to the ring] you see connecting the two shoulder pads.

I'm talking with Pilot about something I can do for the holster on this, but I don't have any solid plans for that mod just yet.

[Bazookafied]

New Images of the CVP-01 with the full V2 vest. The V2 modules have not been painted yet.



And some shots of it being worn.

[Bazookafied]

Today the CVP-01 got its new V1 front and back vests painted black in anticipation of the OLCA's first game of 2008 coming up on March 1st.

The CVP-01 will be loaded up with its two usual flashlights in the pouches on the right side and it will also be housing a sidearm pistol in the holster to support the Super Cobra in combat. The Sidearm pistol is a product of the Radar Extreme Restoration project. It is a fully functional Radar Extreme pistol with the lens removed for an increased spread/shorter range. It is the perfect companion for the Super Cobra, as it can unload its magazine of 25 rounds exactly as fast as the Super Cobra's V2 internals can. Its small size fits nicely in the holster on the CVP-01.

With no forseeable additions to this project, I can now call the CVP-01 fully operational and complete. This project is finally finished.

Status: Complete