Evolution of Zook, Since 2006

[Bazookafied]

Evolution of Zook

Since 2006

This is a "historical documentation" of all the setups I've been through since the OLCA's founding in 2006. I've gone through quite a few changes in equipment since we started and I just thought I should start keeping track of it all so I can look back and see how things have changed and learn from it. I also just thought it'd be interesting to document in general.

Until 2007, I didn't label my setups like you see "Zook 2.0, 3.0" etc. I just got new gear and added things gradually. Therefore, I've decided to attempt to label the earlier years by their respective seasons to distinguish them from the others.

Season 1

When I first started out, "mods" were flashlights and other neat gadgets that were duct taped or electrical taped to your gun. Vest mods weren't happening yet either. I started out with my "Out Patient" OD green shirt, my "Indiana Jones" hat, jeans, and my gear. I had integrated a flashlight into the design of the Ultrawide by cutting a section out of the handle. I used a V1 vest, unmodified at the time with no back vest.

Season 2

Near the end of Season 1, I started experimenting with the idea of recasings after being introduced to the "online realm" of laser tag. Thanks to advice from John Pope of the MGL, I got my hands on a Namco Guncon, gutted it, and recased the internals of a Team Force 2000 pistol. While it didn't see much better performance than a standard pistol, the toggles on lights and sound, plus a detachable flashlight made this gun fun to use. It had many problems internally and saw a lot more time on the workbench than at games. I also started using a V2 front vest and eventually upgraded that into the CVP-01, the first of many vest mods to come.

Season 3

Since the setup of Season 2 was working well for me, I decided to expand upon it. Starting over with a new shell, I built the Super Cobra based off a V2 pistol and construction elements learned from the Namco Guncon recasing. This weapon was a great improvement overall. It also saw my first and only dual wielding setup. Thanks to a holster in the CVP-01, I made a sidearm to compliment the Super Cobra out of a cheap airsoft pistol casing. This season also saw my first crack at camouflage. I bought "night digital camo" pants and a gray shirt to "blend in" with the night setting the OLCA is known for having games in. However, as you can tell from the picture, this didn't work out well for me in the daytime. As a result, I frequently switched back and forth between that and a green shirt and jeans for daytime combat. This still used the same setup. However, near the end of Season 3, I started to think about switching to a different camouflage, as well as upgrading my CVP-01 so it was easier to hit.

Season 4
Zook 2.0
This past summer, I had originally planned to be using the T3 BSR that was slated for completion in time for Season 3. Various aspects have hindered this weapon's progress and as time progresses, I'm led to believe it will probably be dropped. At the end of Season 3, I fielded the M42B Scope Rifle II and it had great success. However, after further off-season exploration and design, I've been able to design another weapon based on the Scope Rifle that promises to be my weapon of choice. It is still an experimental, non-combat tested, in-production unit, but I anticipate it's speedy completion and fielding soon.

Weapons Plan
M43A "Sentry"> Experimental Sniper Rifle
M42B Scope Rifle II> General Combat use/backup
CQB Pistol> Sidearm use

I've not yet decided whether I'll use the Sentry as my main weapon or not. Obviously, combat tests will reveal the Sentry's effectiveness. I think the ideal plan would be to always go out with the Sidearm and either the Sentry or the M42B Scope Rifle II.

Though my Sidearm isn't changing, I'll be starting up a new project to house it. Its not too different from the succesful CVP-01 that I use now. In fact, this new project uses the same idea behind the CVP-01, utilizing a USH as the base harness. Below is the plan for my accessories and gear:

Vest and Accessories Plan
CVP-03
>will house communications, sidearm, and lights
MARPAT camo system

The switch to MARPAT (looks like this) was decided at the very end of Season 3. During Season 3, I felt that the night digi camo that I used stood out too much in early evening matches and was only really effective for the last 1 or two games when night had fully taken effect on the park. However, I noticed that other players using normal woodland camo were blending in just fine during day and night battles. MARPAT is short for MARine PATtern and is used currently by the USMC as their primary camouflage system. This camouflage is easy to come by and there are many optional pouches and accessories produced using this camo.

All this is part of the Zook 2.0 plan, which will continue to optimize the way I play. Use this topic's links to see all the aspects of this plan.

CVP-03 Details
M42B Scope Rifle II Details
M43A "Sentry" Details
CQB Pistol Details

[Bazookafied]

The "Zook 2.0" Project is finally complete. Tweaks and adjustments are expected as the season goes on, but the overall picture is set now. Here's what you can expect from Bazookafied for Season 4.

M43A "Sentry" (Experimental Sniper Rifle)
CQB Pistol (Sidearm)
CVP-03 (Prototype Vest)
MARPAT Camo Pants
OD Green UNSCDF Shirt
Denali Jacket: Black (for cooler weather)
Flexon Combat Gloves : OD Green
PHILIPS SHM2000 Headset
Uniden 14-Mile FRS/GMRS Radio


All the equipment has been battle tested in both large and small scale battles.

Status: Complete