Body Protection

[Cbump the zombie slayer]

Can it resist shrappnel, and miniature explosions?
How about fire?
Does it ware out?

On a tv show called "future weapons" they took a standard infantry grenade laid a 150 lbs dummy on top and detonated the grenade and their was no shrapnel damage and to answer your fire question not very materials can be shrapnel proof bullet proof and fire proof because the way fire retardent materials are made that when exposed to high heat the fibers expand to form a shield from the flames so it wouldnt be that rugrid so it would be that good for body armor

[Creeping Death]

On a tv show called "future weapons" they took a standard infantry grenade laid a 150 lbs dummy on top and detonated the grenade and their was no shrapnel damage and to answer your fire question not very materials can be shrapnel proof bullet proof and fire proof because the way fire retardent materials are made that when exposed to high heat the fibers expand to form a shield from the flames so it wouldnt be that rugrid so it would be that good for body armor

Da-yum! :lol:
I need to get some of that for Z-Day!

[50 cal]

Plain ol blue jean pants. Light leather jacket and a good pair of boots.

No use in armoring up like an Unreal Tournament character. Doubt Z's can bite that hard, they're dead and rotting. They're jaw muscles would be rotting like the rest of them.

Just minimize your exposed flesh.

[Dave Of The Dead]

I think I would go for as much padding as possible while still trying to be flexible. I'd get some shin guards and knee pads just so I won't be slowed down by a trip or fall that might crack a bone or something.

[Creeping Death]

I think thick layers of leather would do fine.
Not too much though, need to be able to run. :scare:

[Onslaught]

I'd say that dragon skin would be a bit much for zombies. And so far it's not proven effective against bullets. The military has repeatedly refused it on the grounds tha it has frequently failed in their resting. Dragon skin is also a good deal heavier than your standard interceptor body armor. What you gain in flexibility, you lose in weight.

[mattifikation]

I would imagine that the problem with Dragon Skin is that a bullet coming in from an angle would slip between the small armored plates. Front-on shots seem to not stand a chance against the armor. Unfortunately the attacker isn't always in front of you, and that poses a problem.

Also, it's overkill. It doesn't provide any bite protection.

[Onslaught]

I would imagine that the problem with Dragon Skin is that a bullet coming in from an angle would slip between the small armored plates. Front-on shots seem to not stand a chance against the armor. Unfortunately the attacker isn't always in front of you, and that poses a problem.

Also, it's overkill. It doesn't provide any bite protection.

angled shots pose less of a threat than heat, but they are a concern.

when left in high heat conditions for any appreciable ammount of time, the glue holding the plates in place bgins to give. Plates slip out of position and create gaps.

A ceramic plate would be a nice bit of insurance, however, most shooters you'd be likely to encounter would be taking headshots anyway.

Most sporting pads should provide adequate protection from the bites of the dead.

[Dave Of The Dead]

What I don't like about the newer ceramic plates in body armor, is that its a one time use garment. You wear it until you get shot and then you throw it out. That seems a bit too wasteful to be appreciated in the ZPAW.

[Ball Tripper]

I'd have to agree with the people saying just leather or denim. I suppose I could be wrong, if zombies don't feel pain and are as strong as a normal person on a huge adrenaline rush or a pcp craze then maybe they could bite through a leather jacket but I'd probably end up betting my protection on the idea that they can't. Leather would just be the most practical, something like shin guards or forearm guards wouldn't protect your calfs and wrists. Anything more extreem would impede mobility too much.

One thing that I really wish I had were some rec-specs. Goggles would be highly desired to keep zombie blood out of my eyes, but I can't wear any cause I'm fairly blind without my spectacles.

[the_velociraptor]

Well, the only other thing that comes to mind for neck protection is a bomb-squad vest.

Anyway, I'd have to go with Safety goggles (the full-enclosure ones, not the glasses) and a wet rag or surgeon's mask around the mouth. Maybe a gas mask, but those get sweaty after a while

[mattifikation]

I was thinking of a surgeon's mask, too. They're light, cheap now, and probably wouldn't be too hard to find after ZDay.

[Onslaught]

What I don't like about the newer ceramic plates in body armor, is that its a one time use garment. You wear it until you get shot and then you throw it out. That seems a bit too wasteful to be appreciated in the ZPAW.


True. Plates are really only good if you have resupply. Nothing stops a rifle better though (or at all).

Leather should be fine, but you're going to be looking at the thicker leathers. 3-4oz just won't cut it. Maybe something woven from strips of 8-9oz would do the trick, but you're still looking at pressure. Smooth plastic would probably be a better bet considering the fact that teeth would most likely slide off of it. It could also be ventilated without much loss of protection.

[hotlead]

Do we wear cammies when the Zombies rise?

Since they have eyes that pick up color, does the diseased/infected brain of a Zombie recognize color? or if we merely break up our outline will we be undetected? are they only visually attracted by movement?

How about noise? Animals in the wild will get spooked by the sound of nylon gear rubbing, but not always by cotton gear, will Zombies be able to distinguish these sounds? or be fooled by people making animal noises as signals?

Will they smell your deoderant, anti-fungal foot powder, a campfire, or your sweat?

Give us your thoughts on this, and your ideas for solutions. What visual and noise disciplines will you look for and what will you do and use to achieve them.

[mattifikation]

Camo is a must. Zombies aren't your only problem...

[ihateminimumwage]

Give me a leather motorcycle jacket and a pair of double knee Carhartts and I'll be set. Both are thick enough to stop a bite, and allow you to move pretty freely (as long as the jacket isn't brand new:roll:). Also, when you zip up a motorcycle jacket all the way, it covers you neck pretty damn well too.

[CAVU45]

One thing that I really wish I had were some rec-specs. Goggles would be highly desired to keep zombie blood out of my eyes, but I can't wear any cause I'm fairly blind without my spectacles.

Alot of the new goggles can have either prescrition inserts made for them or, as in the case of the WileyX goggles prescription lenses made to replace the factory set. I have two pairs of those. A good anti-fog spray is needed though. The Rx lenses will fog over pretty fast, especially in hot weather.

On a tv show called "future weapons" they took a standard infantry grenade laid a 150 lbs dummy on top and detonated the grenade and their was no shrapnel damage and to answer your fire question not very materials can be shrapnel proof bullet proof and fire proof because the way fire retardent materials are made that when exposed to high heat the fibers expand to form a shield from the flames so it wouldnt be that rugrid so it would be that good for body armor

Take what you see on those shows with a grain of salt. Dragon Skin failed both the Army and Marine tests miserably. Body armor as a whole would be a disadvantage in a ZPAW. The question to ask is what are you really getting for dragging around all that extra weight? Not to mention the wear and tear it places on even the healthiest bodies.

[Bob]

You guys either don't live in the deep South or have short memories.
I have been a proponent of leather for a long time but in the summer you are going to be able to actually wear it for very short periods of time.
While you may be manly men and can take the discomfort the first time you get heat exhaustion may be your last.
In Ga it's hard enough tolerating the heat with light clothing.
Remember no A/C in the ZPAW just a lot of sweaty nights.
I bet a sizable percentage of y'all have not gone without A/C during the summer your entire lives.
Even us old guys are ruined.

That being said lets look at this from a different angle.
What would you wear when it is 100 degrees and 85%+ humidity?
How long do you think you could wear it before you started losing your edge?
Remember no A/C no fans to blow air on you just oppressing heat even at night.

[Birdman44]

I hope to god i would never be in 100 degree weather with 80% humidity. Sounds almost unrealistic for where i live. But the protection i would use here is jeans and a leather jacket in the winter and fall and in spring and summer ill wear a demin jacket. Theyre both light enough for me to run away in if i get mobbed yet they produce enough protection i need from noticing that something is trying to bite me.

[Bob]

100 plus degrees for days / weeks at a time.
Humidity in the 90 percent plus range for days / weeks.
Go work out in the sun and you better know how to survive.
I was always amused by the new apprentices, they would act all macho and tell me I was just old, till after lunch. I have seen more than one of them toss his cookies on a rooftop. I have had to let more than one sit in the shade with a bottle of water while I kept working. Just ask VJ what it's like to work outside in the sun all day. Your urine turns to day glow yellow sludge.

[Exmortis]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBmTL6DGa_k

Not sure if this has been mentioned but the Trojan Exo skeleton. Has bulletproof(which makes it biteproof) armor, has a solar powered air conditioner for those summer days or rarer cases the desert, has a speedometer so it may help with length. and a whole bunch of other stuff.

[Krazymouse]

I don't think we need bullet proof vests. Something that would be very useful however would be bite proof sleeves, since most bites happen on the arm.

[CAVU45]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBmTL6DGa_k

Not sure if this has been mentioned but the Trojan Exo skeleton. Has bulletproof(which makes it biteproof) armor, has a solar powered air conditioner for those summer days or rarer cases the desert, has a speedometer so it may help with length. and a whole bunch of other stuff.


I saw that before. Thank God the guy filed bankruptcy before he came up with any other silly ideas that don't work.

[dudeskis]

The easiest thing to do is to buy up some bulk rolls of kevlar fabric. This could then be used with a sewing machine later to cut open your clothes and retrofit the inside with the kevlar linings. This would be the most efficient balance between mobility and keeping cool.

http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/woeimages/fiberglasscloth/large/58682_1.jpg

This way you could line winter clothes and lighter weight summer clothes with kevlar and be 100% safe from clawing and biting.

[kiltedninja]

Well, I've mulled over it for a while, and decided that since I live in a semi cold place, I could wear my hiking khakis and my coat, gloves and boots for most of the year. As for face protection, I'd cut up my trenchcoat, and make a mask out of that, and wear some goggles. I wouldn't need a trenchcoat anymore, so it's fine.

As for when it's 100+ degrees, I've been dressed in a full BDU when it was 108 degrees, it was during an airsoft tournament, I was wearing a tac vest, boots, a bandanna and goggles, carrying an M4(The airsoft ones are the same weight as the real ones), a pistol, and my ruck, so I know that I can deal with a good deal of heat. So I'd wear the same thing in the summer, maybe lose the coat unless I'm going on a raid of some sort.

You learn to deal with somethings when you have to, look at the soldiers overseas, wearing their uniforms, body armor and helmets in 110+.

Also, just remember that the human bite strength is only, on average 170 psi.

[mattifikation]

Kevlar is actually not very good as a clothing liner. It's too stiff to be word as regular clothing.

Does anyone know if silk can be treated to be waterproof? Waterproof nylon might be good material for zombie armor, too.

[Darkness]

Kevlar is actually not very good as a clothing liner. It's too stiff to be word as regular clothing.

Does anyone know if silk can be treated to be waterproof? Waterproof nylon might be good material for zombie armor, too.

"Yes, as a matter of fact, it can." :)

[CAVU45]

The easiest thing to do is to buy up some bulk rolls of kevlar fabric. This could then be used with a sewing machine later to cut open your clothes and retrofit the inside with the kevlar linings. This would be the most efficient balance between mobility and keeping cool.
This way you could line winter clothes and lighter weight summer clothes with kevlar and be 100% safe from clawing and biting.

Kevlar may be bullet resistant, but it isn't cut proof. It gets its strength from layering and bonding. Ever seen a kevlar helmet produced? Even after molding is complete, scissors are used to trim the excess material. Imagine what teeth could do.

[mattifikation]

Also, I wouldn't recommend ever, ever, ever using the phrase "100% safe" again. Ever. It's just naive.

[homelitexl]

yeah i tried to test my redneck iron man suit thing i made it fell apart it didnt even hold up to me attacking it :x

[Bob]

Silk would be an excellent choice.
If an arrow does not pierce it then teeth should not.

While y'all are out trying to find guns and ammo I am going to be out trying to find hummers. (no not that kind, get your mind out of the gutter)

[kiltedninja]

I think I'm good in the bodily protection area.

D'you think it's possible to crack someone's skull with a single kick to the head with a steel toe boot?

[Dave Of The Dead]

I think I'm good in the bodily protection area.

D'you think it's possible to crack someone's skull with a single kick to the head with a steel toe boot?

Screw that, you'll hurt your toe. Hatchet kick the mother effer.

[kiltedninja]

I was just wondering.

Yeah, attach a steel plate to the back of my boot. Those would be real combat boots.

[Bob]

Didn't crack my skull, all it did was knock out a tooth and split my lip so bad it was stitched in multiple layers.

[mattifikation]

If I were going to reinforce my shoes and/or boots, I'd rather reinforce the heal or the ball of my foot than the toes. Those are the parts of my foot I'm used to striking with. I wouldn't, though. I'd rather have a good, comfortable, rugged pair of athletic sneakers.

As silly as it may look now, I also think Velcro shoes might have their place. Then you don't have to worry about your laces coming untied or getting snagged on anything.

[Dave Of The Dead]

If I were going to reinforce my shoes and/or boots, I'd rather reinforce the heal or the ball of my foot than the toes. Those are the parts of my foot I'm used to striking with. I wouldn't, though. I'd rather have a good, comfortable, rugged pair of athletic sneakers.

As silly as it may look now, I also think Velcro shoes might have their place. Then you don't have to worry about your laces coming untied or getting snagged on anything.

Or you could just knot the shit out of your laces and slip them on and off. Thats what I do now with my Sambas. I swear, those are the best shoes ever. Been wearing mine for 3 years now and they are still my every day work, run, and walk shoes. For other clothing, I think I'll just wear my underarmor, a t-shirt, and my most comfortable jeans. If you're not comfortable when your out in the field, then it will screw with your mind.

[mattifikation]

I think I'd stay clear of jeans. There's no real advantage. They don't offer much protection, they're too hot in the summer, if they get wet then they don't retain any heat in the winter, and they're too thick to allow the range of athletic movement offered by some other pants.

If I was going to wear something restrictive, I'd go with head-to-toe leather for protection. If I was going to wear "fast and light," I'd probably wear athletic pants and a sweat wicking shirt.

[Dave Of The Dead]

Maybe this is just my inner fetish speaking, but I think leather is a very comfortable and breathable form of clothing... and this IS my inner fetish speaking but latex is better. :lol:

[ZedHunter]

I hate jeans. I like my camo cargo pants, though. I prefer stretchy clothing because my fatass hates tight clothes. :lol:

[kiltedninja]

I like jeans, but I'd probably go for some of my black or blue military fatigues in ZPAW. Since I've been soaking wet wearing jeans three too many times. You think I'd get some sense and stop wearing them, but nope. Especially in Portland, where it was raining until last thursday, even though it's supposed to be Summer.

Anyway, I'd definitely go for some of my fatigues, my boots, braces, t-shirt or thermal, my sweater, you know those green commando with the cloth bits on the elbows and shoulders? That's the one. My coat and my hat come too. But the sweater and coat would stay in my backpack unless it's cold and/or raining.

[Dave Of The Dead]

If anyone wants to find me after the outbreak, I'll be rocking my collar, assless chaps, and fishnet shirt. Thats all you got to look for. Of course, this may just be the 5 a.m. talking....... but I think that sounds pretty dependable.

[Engimal]

If I were going to reinforce my shoes and/or boots, I'd rather reinforce the heal or the ball of my foot than the toes.Those are the parts of my foot I'm used to striking with. I wouldn't, though. I'd rather have a good, comfortable, rugged pair of athletic sneakers.

As silly as it may look now, I also think Velcro shoes might have their place. Then you don't have to worry about your laces coming untied or getting snagged on anything.

I'd get the toe and ball reinforced..
I've had years of Taekwondo training, but I'm not gonna risk a spinning heel kick when something safe like a front kick or a jumping roundhouse is available (though a running zed is gonna knock you on your ass with the front kick)..

[kiltedninja]

You should know my opinion of TKD. It's the gay cousin of Karate. I can't tell you how many times I've knocked the shit out of the TKD black belts when they invited us over.

I'm gonna attach a steel plate to the heel of my Dr. Martens. They're already steel toed, so I'm good there.

I also think that some knee pads and a good pair of leather gloves are in order. I have some deer skin shooting gloves. They're a little softer than cowhide leather, more flexible, but definitely not any less protective.

[Evil Joe]

I would wear hiking gear/rockcliming gear it is flexible, resitand and is designed to breath
or one of those suits designed to withstand anything upto a milltary grade UZI but still
look and feel like a normaly suit. with this i would wear a gas mask (one the just covers the
mouth and yes they are real for civilian perposes) heavy duty caving goggles, hiking boots and thin bike gloves.

[ZedHunter]

No bad, EvilJoe.
You probably dont want to be weighed down by heavy protection. If you plan to be walking around, you dont want heavy gear. But, good start!

[Evil Joe]

i think u misunderstand my definition of rockcliming gear.
what im talking about is the stuff that if u put it on a dummy
and rold it down a steep but rocky slop whould still be intact
at the bottem(it is also used for caving)

[Dave Of The Dead]

i think u misunderstand my definition of rockcliming gear.
what im talking about is the stuff that if u put it on a dummy
and rold it down a steep but rocky slop whould still be intact
at the bottem(it is also used for caving)

Any Pictures? Your fragments don't really give hints to what you're talking about.

[homelitexl]

i wonder if anyone will wear a dominatrix outfit for armor:lol:

[mattifikation]

I blame Pink Floyd for this shit, for declaring that "we don't need no education."

[Dave Of The Dead]

i wonder if anyone will wear a dominatrix outfit for armor:lol:

Well shit, I hope so.

[UNDEAD FRED]

This might work against the undead

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss250/LONERANGERZOMBIE/8O.jpg

[homelitexl]

yeah but its missing a spit cup and a beer holder plus it needs a rebel flag on it

[kiltedninja]

Fvck your rebel flag!

No, what it needs is about 3021345321x more mobility.

[UNDEAD FRED]

I would put a pirate flag on it, it is a old time deep sea diving rig.:lol:

[kiltedninja]

I'd put an American flag on it.

I decided my body protection; a Banana hammock and a whole shit ton of grease. That way no zombies can even grab me or my clothes. :lol:

[mattifikation]

That's gross. I'd rather die than wear a banana hammock.

+1 for the Pirate flag. Rebel flags are much too offensive to far too many people, regardless of their original meaning. The U.S. flag would be pointless, there won't BE a United States by the end of the first month.

[homelitexl]

i like the banana hammock so im combining plans a rebel flag banana hamook and alot of grease

[Bob]

Hey!

Whats wrong with a Rebel Flag?

Heritage not hate dudes.


http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/4152/rebelflagbg124859730.jpg

[homelitexl]

nice choice of pictures bob i like it

[kanUsurvive]

I believe the heritage not hate thing. Some people wave it in hatred and that's wrong.

I like the greased up banana hammock idea. Just run right through them and they slip right off.

[mattifikation]

Hey!

Whats wrong with a Rebel Flag?

Heritage not hate dudes.


http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/4152/rebelflagbg124859730.jpg

Well, when you put it that way... :evil:

[homelitexl]

im proud of that flag

[mattifikation]

Heh. If there was ever a good excuse needed to take down the rebel flag, it was having it printed on those girls' bikinis... if you get what I'm saying.

[kiltedninja]

I agree Matt.

It's the generally recognized meaning of the rebel flag, that I don't like. I'm all for Heritage, but you don't see me wearing a sickle and hammer on a red shirt.

Let's take the swastika for example.

An ancient symbol of good luck and well being, the Swastika is recognized all over the world as such, and for a long period of time it was the only cross used to refer to Jesus and the Christian church. which is why the nazi party used it, what army could possibly lose with this ancient good luck symbol on their arm?

But what do we as the modern world think of it? It's a symbol of anti-semitic agression and Socialism, a symbol of hatred.

Sometimes I forget you're from the south Bob.

[Evil Joe]

Any Pictures? Your fragments don't really give hints to what you're talking about.

http://www.magnaera.com/MAGNAERA-BULLET-PROOF-BLAZE.jpg
this is like the suit that i was talkin about but it is
not as good.this 1 is a peice of :poo: compared to what
i ment.

http://www.aventureverticale.com/pictures/medium/caving-suit-avsp63.png

Again not quite what i was talking about but close
the one i ment was tighter, more flexable and had a little more pading (as would be better protection from bites and the like)

i hope this helps u:)

with this i would wear a full length arm pad on my left arm including gloves (to help in melee) forearm protection on my right
tough knee pads and a civillian gas mask(one that covers the mouth only) Heavy duty goggles with leather strap.

[Engimal]

You should know my opinion of TKD. It's the gay cousin of Karate. I can't tell you how many times I've knocked the shit out of the TKD black belts when they invited us over.

True...

However my instructor had a bad habbit of teaching us moves that weren't TKD Moves and during my training period I learnt a lot more than I should have at the time...

Hell, at the time I quit (After it got repetitive) I was almost learing boxing lmao.

[Bob]

Forget I am from the South?
Can't you hear my accent?
Actually I don't have an accent although there are a few words that have a sort of Southern inflection.
It is the result of trying to speak clearly and concisely though.
I dealt with the public for many years and my primary tool was language.
I dealt with the entire public spectrum and had to be able to speak on everyone's level without speaking down to anyone.
You learn to watch peoples eyes, the eyes will tell you when you are being to technical or elaborate in your explanation.


It really is heritage for the people I know personally.
There are some who feel they are being systematically denied their heritage and the history books are being re-written to suit a minority.

I am just a happy go lucky guy living and loving one day at a time...

The thing to take into account when thinking in terms of a protective suit if you live in a hot area is how well will it breath and deal with sweat.

[homelitexl]

hoestyl the speedo withg grease idea sounds pretty good

[bandits1]

Hey, can you "guys" take the Speedo talk to p.m.?


Thanks.

[kiltedninja]

I only said it once. It's everyone else that's kept it up.

In all honestly, I think my current set up would be my ideal one.

[Dave Of The Dead]

I'm conflicted about this. I have two jackets that I would wear. A nice wool coat. Its nice and thick and black. Very warm and, being wool, fire resistant. Then there is my leather jacket. Its thinner and cooler, but it is bright red. Has lots of pockets and has saved me some pain. I wore it in a knife fight once and it holds up pretty well against slashes. I'm not exactly sure on the protective qualities of the wool jacket, but its pretty thick so I would assume its pretty good. What do you think?

SO ****ing high....

[kiltedninja]

I wish I was high.

My flight jacket is more for warmth, and coolness factor.

[Evil Joe]

For those who say mail is to noisy it is quite easy to stay relatively quite (as in sneaking up on people during combat at training) and to reduce the noise u can where a jacket over the top. ur main problem is stoping when at full speed (or turning corners). another problem is that it brings ur center of gravity up and it takes some getting use to (but a few quick training fights and runs will get u up to speed).

[Sammo909]

Summer wear: long-sleeved white shirt with cargoes and work boots.

Winter wear: shirt, suede jacket, (can they be made water resistant? If not I'll need to buy a biker jacket in the future), jeans and work boots.

Not much difference I know, but it's what I have and it's what I've worn for years. I might suffer a bit in the summer months, I'm more of a cool climate person. Although I guess my tolerance can't be that bad since I wear jeans practically all year round, shorts just don't feel right to me.

[homelitexl]

hahah i think that a suit made from pvc pipe would be good

[mattifikation]

You wouldn't be able to move in a suit made of pvc pipes.

[Evil Joe]

You wouldn't be able to move in a suit made of pvc pipes.

Why not???

[mattifikation]

I think that should be obvious.

[Dave Of The Dead]

I think that should be obvious.

Thats why I never posted my input.

[Bob]

I was thinking it would depend on how the suit was made.

[mattifikation]

It would either be made like jointed pieces of armor, which would be mildly difficult to move in and be easy to tear apart... or it would be made out of solid tubes of PVC that would offer no mobility at all...

[homelitexl]

depending on how its layered it could be really hard to tear apart

[Dave Of The Dead]

depending on how its layered it could be really hard to tear apart

Mostly anything you use to assemble this suit of armor, be it screws or studs or hinges, it will most likely be VERY easy to destroy. PVC isn't exactly the most resilient plastic.

[homelitexl]

but it would stand up to bites and scratches

[Dave Of The Dead]

but it would stand up to bites and scratches

Your right, but anyone even zeds could pull it right apart.

[homelitexl]

unless you use that flexible lock toghether pipe they make yes

[Bob]

You could always attach it with screws and wires.
Might hurt a bit though.

[homelitexl]

that and rivets was what i was thinking

[kiltedninja]

Rivets are a better idea.

[mattifikation]

Why not go the fancy route, and make plate armor out of fiberglass or carbon fiber?

[CAVU45]

Seems to me the best body protection would be a sense of ones surroundings, good judgement, and a good pair of LPCs.

[kiltedninja]

Seems to me the best body protection would be a sense of ones surroundings, good judgement, and a good pair of LPCs.

I have two out of three of those, on certain occasions all three. But the LPCs are the most important ones in my opinion.

[3030]

Excuse me if this was already discussed to hell, but I am not about to read 23 pages to find out... What about those motorcycle jackets with the thick padding on the shoulders and neck, plus a flexible plate on the back and elbows to protect your body against wipe-outs? My brother owns a couple for his crotch rocket, and they were very breathable and i felt pretty protected. They fit close to the body as well.

[mattifikation]

:clap:
I think it's been mentioned, but this is an older thread that recently got revived and most people probably haven't read it.

Yes, I think those suits would be excellent.

[Dave Of The Dead]

No doubt. I'm going to be zipped up in leather pretty much head to toe, unless it gets cold, then I'm switching to my wool coat. Best thing to protect against the walking dead is the skin of the dead.

[mattifikation]

The problem I have with leather is that it can't be worn full time on the hot days. I'm sure you can go a half hour or so in 90 degree weather, long enough for nearby scavenging, but you can't use it for everyday wear in those conditions.

As for the frigid cold days, I'm sure you could find time to make a leather suit with wool lining. It would keep you both warm and safe. This is all one benefit to relocating someplace where it's always cold - you can wear thicker protection!

[Dave Of The Dead]

Yeah, thats te downside of Indiana. We have really wet cold winters and humid summers. Thats why I go into a nocturnal pattern during the summer, so I can go out when its cooler and sleep when its hot. Plus my work schedule pretty much forces me to do that.

[CAVU45]

Yeah, thats te downside of Indiana. We have really wet cold winters and humid summers. Thats why I go into a nocturnal pattern during the summer, so I can go out when its cooler and sleep when its hot. Plus my work schedule pretty much forces me to do that.

Nothing like working the backside of the clock during an Indiana summer. Did it myself for twenty years. The downside is during the winter. Damned near live in total darkness then.

[mattifikation]

What about a waterproof nylon jumpsuit?

Would it be strong enough to stop teeth from tearing through it?

[3030]

The thing about nylon is that it is tough, but the pressure from a bite would go through the skin anyways. A layer of nylon isnt going to do much, would need to be padded a lot.

What do you guys think about Fireman's suits? I got 2 complete sets from a dumpster like 8 years back. they are in amazing condition. Im not a volunteer fireman, but i believe it is kevlar on the outside with a liner of a fireproof material padding. The outside coat is heavy but strong as hell. and the padding gives even more protection. The pants are the same way with suspenders. Obviously it would be heavy, but where is the trade off here? maybe have a thick jacket like that on your person, and if you see a high probability of a confrontation then put it on?

[mattifikation]

It doesn't matter if the skin breaks, as long as the nylon can provide against letting infected saliva into your bloodstream. Yeah, bleeding and being generally wounded would be dangerous. Not getting infected is priority number one though.

So what I want to know is, can it do that?

[kiltedninja]

I'd probably go with my Carhartt, which I can wear up until about 80 comfortably. That would be my protective wear.

[mattifikation]

http://www.discount-leather.net/custom/FH8053.html

That looks like it would be promising.

[kiltedninja]

I'm probably gonna stick with my fatigues or some jeans(depending on what I can get at the time) for pants, maybe see if I can get a pair of Carhartt duck cloth coveralls.

[Bob]

Matt

That does look promising.
Now we just need to know where their warehouse is.
Motocross suits are not going to be high on the average hosers list of things to loot.

[Onslaught]

I recently learned something interesting abount leather...
Keep in mind that his is a decently thick 1975ish vintage leather jacket (ie. soft, but above average in thickness for casual civilian leather jackets.)

Anyway, to make a short story boring, my friends and I were drinking and horsing around when a female friend of mine decided that it would be fun to tickle me. As I was restraining her arms, she decided to bite me on the back of my shoulder (through the coat). It definitely hurt and she was drunk enough that she wasn't holding back as much as she normally would have. Upon inspecting the coat in the sober light of day I found that in one small spot, she actually punctured the leather of the jacket with her teeth!

I have no doubt that a zombie, even a small (5'4" 110lbs)female, would be more than capable of biting through thinner, more casual leathers. If leather armor is to be considered, I would stay away from any that is perforated. I would probably look toward thicker "working" leathers, like belts, and horse tack. Motorcycle leathers may work but I've certainly become more leery of the more flexible leathers.

I've found a great place for Pre-Zday leather if anyone's interested:

http://www.brettunsvillage.com/leather/

As far as leather is concerned, I'd go with thick "plates" of 7-9oz leathers either riveted together in the fashion of standard armor, or riveted/stitched to an undergarment. The main advantage that I see to leather is the fact that it can be quieter than metal armors, but it must be oiled unless you want it to start creaking.

[bandits1]

^^^Nice. A real-world testing of an actual human bite on a thick leather garment. You've done more useful anti-zombie "testing" than just about anyone here.

[homelitexl]

well im going to where a combination of whatever ww2 uniforms ive found before zday and a big full face helet

[bandits1]

well im going to where a combination of whatever ww2 uniforms ive found before zday and a big full face helet
It's "wear". And what's a "helet"?

[homelitexl]

a helmet preferably a american or german one

[mattifikation]

Hmm. The whole benefit behind leather was the flexibility. What if the leather was lined with another strong material, like silk or nylon?

[bandits1]

Hmm. The whole benefit behind leather was the flexibility. What if the leather was lined with another strong material, like silk or nylon?
Yes, but if it can't stop the bite of a small, non-infected girl who's not even biting her hardest, then what's the point?

[mattifikation]

Hmm. The whole benefit behind leather was the flexibility. What if the leather was lined with another strong material, like silk or nylon?

My question was the part in bold. :-p

[mega moose]

it's important to remember how hot its gonna get inside those leathers.
depending on the type of invasion is what's gonna decide my armor

more armor = less stealth
more stealth = less armor

with slow stumbling zombies it's not gonna require a whole lot of protection because it's very easy to evade them.

with fast moving zeds your gonna want more then a tee shirt in case of an ambush, but you still have to adapt to your surroundings more then anything

if z day comes adapt and survive is gonna play out armor in any real survivor, chances are if your running around your house trying to assemble your super nylon carbonate leathers and layering up your gonna get killed before you make it out of your house.

its hard for anyone to really say what armor is perfect because the enemy technically doesnt exist. maby zeds primary attack wont be biting, but rather vomiting or brute force punching. leathers wont mean anything then.

[Onslaught]

I'm thinking that thicker leather and/or boiled leather sewn/riveted onto a lighter leather or similar sturdy garment would do the trick. But, it would have to be well designed and more than likely custom tailored, much like real armor. Something like a splinted jacket or maybe even a lightly splinted vest with full out armored arms incuding pauldrons, spaulders, rebrace, cup, vambrace, and gauntlet. You really only need your hands, arms, shoulders, neck, and shins/calves covered. A helmet would be nice, but I'm still unsure of the best design.

Mega Moose: Of course mission dictates equipment. Partial armor for the areas most likely to recieve bites would more than likely not overheat one too badly while still providing protection from the majority of attacks. As for the type of physical threats offered by the undead, while the zombie is hypotheitcal, most of the discussion here revolves around the classic romero/brooks shambling zombie (although faster "28 days later" zombies are brought up from time to time). And so the most prominent threats discussed are grasping hands and bites.

[mega moose]

i did see something on discovery channel about stab proof cloth that would be good for bite resistance. but i doubt it's redly available to the public.:doh:

just something to look foreword to if this stuff is pre z-day

prison's tactics with dealing with prisoners is just like how zombies should be handled imo. who says they wont be capable of using simple weapons.

edit:
link to the vid

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYIWfn2Jz2g

[mattifikation]

Liquid Armor is still a long way off from being feasible, and the groups developing it faced a recent setback when the "Future Force" military project - one of their main sources of funding - was canceled by the DoD.

As for time spent putting together a leather/nylon hybrid, it wouldn't be that difficult. You'd simply need to take regular leather clothing and some nylon fabric and sew it in as a lining. You'd want to get that done beforehand, obviously.

Now I'm tempted to actually *try* to put together zombie armor...

[bandits1]

My question was the part in bold. :-p
I know. I'm saying maybe leather isn't part of the solution since that was the material that failed.

Some hockey players wear cut-resistant base-layers under their pads and jersey that protect their necks down to their ankles: http://www.bauer.com/gear/accessories/baselayer/1489-BAUER ...and check out this stuff: http://www.hexarmor.com/products/

There are all kinds of protective gear and clothing specifically designed for cut/puncture/abrasion resistance. If you're serious about not wanting anything biting through your gear, I'd check out some of these items before trying to cobble up "armor" in your garage out of leather or PVC pipe(lol).

[mattifikation]

That Itech suit looks pretty sweet. The high dexterity gloves from the other company would probably be a good combination with it.

What would be better for the feet, athletic shoes for high mobility or combat boots for extra protection?

[bandits1]

That Itech suit looks pretty sweet. The high dexterity gloves from the other company would probably be a good combination with it.

What would be better for the feet, athletic shoes for high mobility or combat boots for extra protection?
I was just pondering this very same question as I was flipping through my Eastbay catalog whist taking a crap. Perhaps a shoe that combines some elements of both, like something from the Nike ACG line:

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/9473/1108142794d.jpg

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/324/6219524705p.jpg

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/5196/nikeacgblazer05.jpg

[kiltedninja]

I'm going with my boots. Just because I'm comfortable walking long distance in them.

[homelitexl]

my ww2 german trooper boots

[Bob]

Leather or even Denim would offer more protection than a cotton shirt.
Hopefully you would have a team mate who would play pop the Zed so fast there wouldn't be time for a grinding bite.

[autosuggest]

My protection plan seems to differ radically from the suggestions here but I feel i have the ultimate solution.Quite simply i would armor 1 thing MY LEFT ARM either chain mail type material if available or more likely a heavy leather sleeve(studded if possible) and glove with straps sewn on to hold the whole apparatus on, Why you ask? simple when a charging zed gets in my face up goes the left arm, gladiator style. Whats the zed gonna grab and bite? the first damn part of you it get its rotten teeth on,(think of a attacking police dog) the armored sleeve. As its doing this whats the right hand doing you ask? why its holding my pistol and firing in its face.And if it close enough to bite your arm your close enough to put the muzzle of your gun a inch from its head, so your not gonna hit your own arm.Rest of my body lightweight normal clothes so im not weighed down and can run, and im not dying of heat exhaustion to boot.Sorry guys but this is the best of both worlds, the gladiators knew it, I know it and the zeds are to stupid to ever figure it out.

[bandits1]

My protection plan seems to differ radically from the suggestions here but I feel i have the ultimate solution.Quite simply i would armor 1 thing MY LEFT ARM either chain mail type material if available or more likely a heavy leather sleeve(studded if possible) and glove with straps sewn on to hold the whole apparatus on, Why you ask? simple when a charging zed gets in my face up goes the left arm, gladiator style. Whats the zed gonna grab and bite? the first damn part of you it get its rotten teeth on,(think of a attacking police dog) the armored sleeve. As its doing this whats the right hand doing you ask? why its holding my pistol and firing in its face.And if it close enough to bite your arm your close enough to put the muzzle of your gun a inch from its head, so your not gonna hit your own arm.Rest of my body lightweight normal clothes so im not weighed down and can run, and im not dying of heat exhaustion to boot.Sorry guys but this is the best of both worlds, the gladiators knew it, I know it and the zeds are to stupid to ever figure it out.
This plan will probably work fine if you're fighting one zombie at a time, but what if another two attack you from behind? I doubt they take turns and fight fair.

[Onslaught]

My protection plan seems to differ radically from the suggestions here but I feel i have the ultimate solution.Quite simply i would armor 1 thing MY LEFT ARM either chain mail type material if available or more likely a heavy leather sleeve(studded if possible) and glove with straps sewn on to hold the whole apparatus on, Why you ask? simple when a charging zed gets in my face up goes the left arm, gladiator style. Whats the zed gonna grab and bite? the first damn part of you it get its rotten teeth on,(think of a attacking police dog) the armored sleeve. As its doing this whats the right hand doing you ask? why its holding my pistol and firing in its face.And if it close enough to bite your arm your close enough to put the muzzle of your gun a inch from its head, so your not gonna hit your own arm.Rest of my body lightweight normal clothes so im not weighed down and can run, and im not dying of heat exhaustion to boot.Sorry guys but this is the best of both worlds, the gladiators knew it, I know it and the zeds are to stupid to ever figure it out.


I agree http://www.allthingszombie.com/forums/showthread.php?p=379737#post379737

I like the idea of a gorget and or pauldrons of some sort to protect the neck and trapezius muscles of the shoulder, and I'm definitely a big fan of the armored left arm. I also like the idea of greaves to help with crawlers.

I'd probably go with a heavy 8-9 oz bridle/saddle leather cut into plates and riveted together like conventional armor.

[mattifikation]

Like bandits said, partial armor fails if there are multiple zombies. Another point I'll add is that if there is only that one zombie, why let it get that close to begin with?

[kiltedninja]

Because Matt, then you can trip it and kick it in the head repeatedly until the skull collapses.

[Onslaught]

Like bandits said, partial armor fails if there are multiple zombies. Another point I'll add is that if there is only that one zombie, why let it get that close to begin with?


At some point, everything fails. I would make the argument that armor may be the only thing to save you if there are multiple zombies in close proximity. It's protection could give those precious extra seconds that save your life.

Let's say that you are clearing a suburban home in order to loot it for supplies. You enter a room and there are 10 active Z's in there. (the living were storing them out of pity/ignorance.) You fire at, and take out 5 before you limp-wrist a shot and your pistol jams, or your shotgun runs empty. You back away from the door to create space to grab a secondary weapon when another zed, attracted from the noise, comes at you from the side. You push it away with your armored arm while drawing the secondary weapon and finishing the rest of them off.

You won't always have a choice. The guy sniping from his well stocked fort isn't going to be wearing armor. Armor is there for those times when you have to do urban cleanup or house to house scavenging in unfamiliar buildings. You aren't going to know the layout or the number of zeds in a place until you're inside. The armor mitigates the danger of surprises.

Often it seems as though many* of the posters here think of fighting zombies as something that will only happen on their front lawn or in an open parking lot. Planning only for the best case scenario never got anyone very far. Plan on being outnumbered and surrounded in the confined space of a hallway or root cellar.

I understand that everyone has a different plan and a different style, and that's great. But I figure that at some point, most suburban/semi-rural survivors will have to raid abandoned houses for supplies. This I feel is a very dangerous task, maybe the most dangerous, and many of my gear choices are based around this kind of fighting.

For me, cities are out of the question. First, because there aren't many real "cities" near me and second, because I feel that they are too thick with the dead to bother with. Suburbia on the other hand, will probably be less densely populated and better stocked with the needed goods. The ammount of work required to get at the goods will be more, but the stores in the cities and towns will have been picked dry in the initial panick anyway. Most of those supplies will be stored away in residences.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating the raiding of other survivor's compounds, only the stockpiles of those who didn't make it.

I know that this is a bit off-topic, but I feel it neccesary to give a bit of context for my choice in body protection.


* added because I'm not picking on anyone in particular.

[kiltedninja]

Y'know, when it comes to body protection, I've got an unfair advantage were I to become a zombie. I have honest to god fangs, they're longer and sharper than average, so watch out for a kilted zombie, it won't be a good day if I get my teeth on you. Even through my Canvas Carhartt I left bitemarks in my hand.

Anyway, I'd probably use my feet and common sense as my armor. I don't know what I'd do for my hands, but for my shins, thighs, chest, and head, they'd be covered as best as I could do from my local sports store, since stuff like Motocross pads would be relatively low on the list of stuff people would want to get.

A ways back someone said something about a smaller woman biting them through their coat. I know from experience now not to underestimate human teeth. Send me a PM if you want the story, I'll not be posting it publicly.

[mattifikation]

What I'm saying, Onslaught, is that if I were in that house-to-house scenario I would want my whole body protected at least a little bit, not just one arm.

[homelitexl]

exactly something like iron man armor

[8ball]

http://www.aurorahistoryboutique.com/products/C000445_L.jpg

[autosuggest]

To answer the question bandits1 what if the zombies are attacking more than 1 at a time..the answer seems simple to me..you shoot the one coming from behind while the other one is busy gnawing on your protected arm, the unavoidable fact is..if multiple zeds are swarming you NO amount of armor is gonna stop the inevitable pig pile at which point, your dead.unless your wearing iron mans armor, which unfortunately dont exist..how did peasant mobs beat a single armored knight in the middle ages for example? they swarmed him pulled em off his horse and pig piled him. Your strength to break free is hampered by the weight of all your armor and eventually they find/make a hole.Which brings me back in a pleasing circular way to your original flawed criticism of my idea. What do you do if theirs more than one zed coming for ya? best answer: YOU RUN, at the very least til you secure a more tactically sound place to make your stand. Something you cannot do if covered in a 100 pounds of metal, leather...etc..partial armor give you chance when the preferred method of shooting them from 100 yards away fails..full armor always fails because even if they cant bite you right away they can drag you down, like bandit pointed out in the one thing he got right in his post, they wont fight fair. And all armor is good for is buying you a few precious seconds of time to get back to your car, behind a door...etc.... my armor idea based on a left arm greave works because it gives you those few precious seconds of protection to get to safety.Ill end with this illuminating fact: the only heavy "armor" worth anything in a zed outbreak is this, a window reinforced CAR OR TRUCK combined with the mobility to get back into its precious interior. Try doing that with a horde of zeds on your tail while you waddle like a penguin in your giant homemade armor suit... wear one of those and you just turned yourself into a giant fortune cookie with your intestines playing the part of the fortune.

[homelitexl]

i can not make another suit anymore because my father has disowned me and the fact that im no longer allowed on anyone elses welder or his anymore im screwed guess ill sit back and enjoy the enivetable with my gf in my arms she really all i got left at this point.

[bandits1]

To answer the question bandits1 what if the zombies are attacking more than 1 at a time..the answer seems simple to me..you shoot the one coming from behind while the other one is busy gnawing on your protected arm, the unavoidable fact is..if multiple zeds are swarming you NO amount of armor is gonna stop the inevitable pig pile at which point, your dead.unless your wearing iron mans armor, which unfortunately dont exist..how did peasant mobs beat a single armored knight in the middle ages for example? they swarmed him pulled em off his horse and pig piled him. Your strength to break free is hampered by the weight of all your armor and eventually they find/make a hole.Which brings me back in a pleasing circular way to your original flawed criticism of my idea. What do you do if theirs more than one zed coming for ya? best answer: YOU RUN, at the very least til you secure a more tactically sound place to make your stand. Something you cannot do if covered in a 100 pounds of metal, leather...etc..partial armor give you chance when the preferred method of shooting them from 100 yards away fails..full armor always fails because even if they cant bite you right away they can drag you down, like bandit pointed out in the one thing he got right in his post, they wont fight fair. And all armor is good for is buying you a few precious seconds of time to get back to your car, behind a door...etc.... my armor idea based on a left arm greave works because it gives you those few precious seconds of protection to get to safety...
Lol...you don't take questions or criticism too well, do you?

Anyway, like Onslaught pointed out, you won't always have the option of running away to "a more tactically sound place to make your stand". If you're clearing out a house, there's always a chance you'll get cornered, and you won't always see the one coming up behind you while you're busy with the one chewing on your left arm. Several of us have posted links to places that sell very lightweight puncture/slash/abrasion-resistant clothing and gear. Of course, they aren't even close to being 100% zombie-proof, but I'd rather wear them than not wear them. No need to build a giant "100 pound" anti-zombie suit in your garage, but I'd want something more on my body than "lightweight normal clothes" when seaching confined spaces.

[hotlead]

I have always figured that targets not knowing I was around was my best armor, distance and time earned 150grs at at a time was the next best armor, after that LPCs and fast thoughts.

I'm not too hip on some of this armor stuff being mentioned here, seems like some folks spend a little too much time at renaissance fairs, but I can tell you that wearing this stuff takes some getting used to.

When I first started welding and blacksmithing, I had to take a few little 2-3min breathers every hour, untill I could work through the day. The jackets, gloves, and aprons don't even cover my whole body, mainly just my arms and my front, and I still sweat through everything even in the winter, much less in the summer when it's one hundred and too freakin' hot outside. It's a good thing my eyebrows look like mutant caterpillars, otherwise sweat would be stinging my eyeballs all day.

Try it with top to bottom, front to back "armor" and you're fighting balls out with Zs that don't get hot or tired.

[mattifikation]

http://www.aurorahistoryboutique.com/products/C000445_L.jpg

thats a bit much i think./


but i'd sure love to show up at my old boss's house in that.

whwatttt the ****s up nowwww SON!!!?

[kiltedninja]

Matt, you should use my tactic for dodging the stars, and use a V instead of a U.

But it would be great, instead of a sword, you have a shotgun.

[Dave Of The Dead]

OMG, I read this amzing bok calld the zombie survival guide by max books! He says that the best armor is tight cloths and short hare! That Mahn is no smat!

:x:x:x:x:x

But seriously, the best armor is whatever you have that works well for you carrying load and build. Seriously, if you're a 130 lbs and 6'2" like me, you probably won't last long in a full suit of armor. Guys that are 130 lbs and 6'2" (me again) will probably be wearing their favorite jeans or maybe their leather pants depending on the time of year, a T-shirt and an underarmor long sleeve shirt. Hell no, I'm not cutting my hair, so I'll wear my lucky hat or maybe a bandanna. Other than that, the best way to stay alive is to not get caught off guard, stay out of tight spaces, and keep your ears and eyes open for anything. Ever walk around your house at 4 a.m. and hear a noise outside, then wrestle with the idea of grabbing your shotgun and or ignoring it? Well, always grab your shotgun is what I'm saying.

[autosuggest]

Lol...you don't take questions or criticism too well, do you?

Anyway, like Onslaught pointed out, you won't always have the option of running away to "a more tactically sound place to make your stand". If you're clearing out a house, there's always a chance you'll get cornered, and you won't always see the one coming up behind you while you're busy with the one chewing on your left arm. Several of us have posted links to places that sell very lightweight puncture/slash/abrasion-resistant clothing and gear. Of course, they aren't even close to being 100% zombie-proof, but I'd rather wear them than not wear them. No need to build a giant "100 pound" anti-zombie suit in your garage, but I'd want something more on my body than "lightweight normal clothes" when seaching confined spaces.

Allow me to point out your error sir:Example of a more tactically sound place in a zed infected house or structure:a doorway or any other chokepoint,so you DO have a place to run to to make your stand,if your smart about it anyway, next point, i never said wear "lightweight normal clothes" i outlined a armored left arm system combined with a weapon wielding right hand.So if your gonna quote my post in your reply, kindly at least get my plan accurately represented.The recent posts Ive read dealt with full body suits, which was the genesis of my hybrid armor contribution.I however did not read all 25 pages of posts so if someone has found a lightweight yet puncture resistant fabric,I didnt read about it and it sounds good. Ill finish with a healthy dose of common sense for you. If your gonna clear/explore a structure make some noise at the entrance to draw them to the chokepoint(theres that word again! your really learning new things today bandits1)...example: roll a can in something like that..you may want to armor yourself and outfight the zombies, bandits1, but thats just part B of a good survival plan..you left out part A....outsmarting them:) I recommend you factor that in next time you post.

[hotlead]

That's the problem with these 27 page mega-threads, the FNGs don't spend two weeks going back to the beginning and reading all available threads, then a post shows up with an idea that was covered 15 pages ago.

Do your best to go through the archives, and read up a little, some folks come down tight about it.

Like i said, staying undetected, distance, time, and fast thoughts are the best armor for me.

[Onslaught]

That's the problem with these 27 page mega-threads, the FNGs don't spend two weeks going back to the beginning and reading all available threads, then a post shows up with an idea that was covered 15 pages ago.

Do your best to go through the archives, and read up a little, some folks come down tight about it.

Like i said, staying undetected, distance, time, and fast thoughts are the best armor for me.

All of those are must haves in a well rounded survival plan. As far as I see it, the armor is there for when murphy strikes. I'm not talking about a full suit, much more along the lines of our current military's philosophy: armor the most vital/vulnerable areas against the most probable threat. Our soldiers don't go out in full bomb suits, they wear a few judiciously placed plates and call it good. Just enough to take care of the odd accident.


I agree about the archives. I really mourn that some of the older threads/posts (pre-lockout) weren't saved. There was a lot of good info there between the nuggets of homocidal insanity and the mall ninja blathering.

[bandits1]

Allow me to point out your error sir:Example of a more tactically sound place in a zed infected house or structure:a doorway or any other chokepoint,so you DO have a place to run to to make your stand,if your smart about it anyway, next point, i never said wear "lightweight normal clothes" i outlined a armored left arm system combined with a weapon wielding right hand.So if your gonna quote my post in your reply, kindly at least get my plan accurately represented.The recent posts Ive read dealt with full body suits, which was the genesis of my hybrid armor contribution.I however did not read all 25 pages of posts so if someone has found a lightweight yet puncture resistant fabric,I didnt read about it and it sounds good. Ill finish with a healthy dose of common sense for you. If your gonna clear/explore a structure make some noise at the entrance to draw them to the chokepoint(theres that word again! your really learning new things today bandits1)...example: roll a can in something like that..you may want to armor yourself and outfight the zombies, bandits1, but thats just part B of a good survival plan..you left out part A....outsmarting them:) I recommend you factor that in next time you post.
Here you go, sir: http://www.allthingszombie.com/forums/showpost.php?p=418610&postcount=375
My protection plan seems to differ radically from the suggestions here but I feel i have the ultimate solution.Quite simply i would armor 1 thing MY LEFT ARM either chain mail type material if available or more likely a heavy leather sleeve(studded if possible) and glove with straps sewn on to hold the whole apparatus on, Why you ask? simple when a charging zed gets in my face up goes the left arm, gladiator style. Whats the zed gonna grab and bite? the first damn part of you it get its rotten teeth on,(think of a attacking police dog) the armored sleeve. As its doing this whats the right hand doing you ask? why its holding my pistol and firing in its face.And if it close enough to bite your arm your close enough to put the muzzle of your gun a inch from its head, so your not gonna hit your own arm.Rest of my body lightweight normal clothes so im not weighed down and can run, and im not dying of heat exhaustion to boot.Sorry guys but this is the best of both worlds, the gladiators knew it, I know it and the zeds are to stupid to ever figure it out.
...and lol @ you thinking you can fully control every situation and completely eliminate unexpected occurances by "outsmarting" 10984823408239 zombies. Eventually you and your left arm are going to miss one, and it's going to bite through your "lightweight normal clothes". I'm just saying that, personally, I'd rather go in with a little more protection than just a padded left arm, a pistol, and a soda can.

[homelitexl]

ii dont care what yall use at this point i aint using armor im gonna get on top of a water tower somewhere and just pick of zeds with my gf sitting eside me then im set ive got her ive got my gun what else do i need

[bandits1]

Food? Covered shelter? Punctuation?

[mattifikation]

A spell checker? :-p

I think there's a problem with having one of your hands/arms armored strong enough to serve as a shield. It would limit mobility of the armored hand. That would prevent you from effectively using two-handed weapons like rifles.

[autosuggest]

Here you go, sir: http://www.allthingszombie.com/forums/showpost.php?p=418610&postcount=375

...and lol @ you thinking you can fully control every situation and completely eliminate unexpected occurances by "outsmarting" 10984823408239 zombies. Eventually you and your left arm are going to miss one, and it's going to bite through your "lightweight normal clothes". I'm just saying that, personally, I'd rather go in with a little more protection than just a padded left arm, a pistol, and a soda can.

Well i happen to think the best weapon and defense against a zombie horde is your brain first, weapons second and armor third...however feel free to armor up a giant rolley-polley pickachu suit or whatever you had in mind.Ought to be fun to watch for the 15 minutes you live on your first excursion for food :) I mean you make my point for me, though i suspect you dont realize it.If there are 10984823408239 zombies as you say no amount of weapons or armor means squat..only the foresight to make a good plan and the speed to get what your after and get back in your armored car/truck..etc...highlight that in 1 inch red underlined letters why dontcha? or better yet tattoo it on your chest, the better for the zeds to read when they give you slow armored butt a "Rhodes Special" if you catch my meaning.

[mattifikation]

A lot of what we suggested offers plenty of mobility. The hockey suit in particular must have been designed to allow people to fight like crazy. :lol:

[Onslaught]

A spell checker? :-p

I think there's a problem with having one of your hands/arms armored strong enough to serve as a shield. It would limit mobility of the armored hand. That would prevent you from effectively using two-handed weapons like rifles.

Fighting men of ages past used two handed weapons like axes, polearms, swords, etc. while wearing full mitten gauntlets. I think holding a rifle stock or vertical grip will be quite manageable. Even mag changes and weapon stoppages shouldn't provide too much trouble if the gauntlet is designed correctly.

It seems that you (and many, many, many others) forget that armor was and is designed to protect the user WHILE THEY ARE FIGHTING FOR THEIR LIVES AGAINST ARMED AND MOTIVATED HUMAN BEINGS. Just because max brooks has it in his head that armor was heavy to the point that men couldn't get back on their horses or even move effectively doesn't make it true. Go watch any full armored SCA event and tell me that those guys have any trouble moving. While not Ideal for the proposed threat of zombies, the precedent set by full plate armor gives us a good idea of just what is and isn't possible.

[Darkness]

"A Knight, in FULL BATTLE ARMOR, had to be HOISTED on to his horse, by a rope and pulley type rig. It was Extremely heavy and akward. Those that fought on foot wore lighter armor."

"I have been a Member of the SCA for many years, and they will tell you themselves, that they aren't wearing TRUE Battle Armor, in the games."

[mattifikation]

It might not be true battle armor, but would it work to stop a biting zombie?

[Onslaught]

"A Knight, in FULL BATTLE ARMOR, had to be HOISTED on to his horse, by a rope and pulley type rig. It was Extremely heavy and akward. Those that fought on foot wore lighter armor."

"I have been a Member of the SCA for many years, and they will tell you themselves, that they aren't wearing TRUE Battle Armor, in the games."

Of course they are not wearing the full armor of mounted cavalry. Since we are talking about fighting unarmed zombies on foot I had assumed that this was implicit. I mentioned the hoisting of armored men onto their horses because many do not know the difference and plaster that bit of info onto every suit of armor they see, footmans armor included.

[Darkness]

It might not be true battle armor, but would it work to stop a biting zombie?

"Yes, I feel it would, quite well." :)

Of course they are not wearing the full armor of mounted cavalry. Since we are talking about fighting unarmed zombies on foot I had assumed that this was implicit. I mentioned the hoisting of armored men onto their horses because many do not know the difference and plaster that bit of info onto every suit of armor they see, footmans armor included.

"Yes, which is why I pointed it out. That was not directed at anyone in particular, just the topic of armor in general." ;-)

[mattifikation]

I think a gauntlet made of thick, hard leather would probably be sufficient for the "one armored hand" idea. I doubt clanky, clunky metal would be needed.

It would also be easier to replace and fix, since pieces of leather are a fair bit more common than pieces of armor.

[homelitexl]

arm leg and neck armor is all you really need

[Dave Of The Dead]

Ever try and pull the trigger of a gun with a gauntlet on? Unless you're a child, your finger probably won't even fit through the trigger guard.

[mattifikation]

I agree. But if people really want to use their own arm as a shield... *shrug*

[bandits1]

No need to build arm guards -- just head on down to your neighborhood lacrosse equipment dealer:

http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/2879/lacrosseelbowguardrbk9k.jpg

[mattifikation]

You're gonna need something on the hand, too. That's probably the easiest part to bite!

[1337ZM613HN73R]

And shin guards for the zombies with no legs? I found a way to fix our problem with armours... Just implant lasers in everyone's eyes... Then armour won't be able to get in the way unless it was over your eyes, even then though, if you need glasses... you are lucky due to the fact that it will magnify the laser's affect. Problem solved. :D

[homelitexl]

and metal boots

[kiltedninja]

I'm gonna wear boots, a groin cup, gloves, a pair of goggles, and a mask.

[bandits1]

You're gonna need something on the hand, too. That's probably the easiest part to bite!
Yup, I already posted what I think would be a decent solution for hand-protection a few pages back: http://www.hexarmor.com/products/ ...puncture/cut-resistant gloves or glove-liners. Not going to do much as far as crush-protection, but I don't think crush-proof gloves are very practical.

And we'd better install winter trigger guards on our rifles, because like Dave Of The Dead mentioned, we might not be able to easily fit our protected fingers inside of the standard guards.

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/7629/m4magpulcopy.jpg

[Dave Of The Dead]

Chainsaw operator gloves are by far the best gloves for these find of situations. These (http://www.amickssuperstore.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Husqvarna+Leather+G loves) look the most comfortable and most dexterous than some of the others ive seen. There are some that are thick mittens with a trigger finger so that may work well too, but they kind of look like boxing gloves.

[bandits1]

Chainsaw operator gloves are by far the best gloves for these find of situations. These (http://www.amickssuperstore.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Husqvarna+Leather+G loves) look the most comfortable and most dexterous than some of the others ive seen. There are some that are thick mittens with a trigger finger so that may work well too, but they kind of look like boxing gloves.
The only problem with the model you posted, and a lot of other models of chainsaw gloves, is that the extra kevlar/ballistic nylon/whatever padding is only on the back of the left glove, since that seems to be the hand that gets into almost all of the accidents.

[autosuggest]

The only problem with the model you posted, and a lot of other models of chainsaw gloves, is that the extra kevlar/ballistic nylon/whatever padding is only on the back of the left glove, since that seems to be the hand that gets into almost all of the accidents.

yeah the left hand bandits,,like i been saying in my posts, thanks for making my point for me again...:)

[bandits1]

yeah the left hand bandits,,like i been saying in my posts, thanks for making my point for me again...:)
I don't think we're discussing your idea anymore. Suprisingly enough, in a thread titled "Body Protection", you weren't the first person to suggest protecting your arms and hands from zombie bites.


...and I'm left-handed.

[Dave Of The Dead]

The only problem with the model you posted, and a lot of other models of chainsaw gloves, is that the extra kevlar/ballistic nylon/whatever padding is only on the back of the left glove, since that seems to be the hand that gets into almost all of the accidents.

Very true. By the way, Autosuggest, he was talking about the chainsaw accidents. I'll look around some more and see if I find anything to post up here. Surely there have to be come gloves that fit the standards for both dexterity and protection somewhere out there on the internet.

[kiltedninja]

Well as far as I know, most chainsaws aren't made for us southpaws. But I'm sure you could find some sort of hand protection that works for the situation of the undead.

[Darkness]

"What about something like this?......."
http://www.barneysleather.com/store/gloves/armored-kevlar/prod_135.html

"......Or maybe one of these?"
http://www.hexarmor.com/products/high-puncture-dexterity/

"Something on this site...."
http://www.silentsports.com/store/category/22/170/Gloves/

"....Might work too." :)

[Noc]

Living near the beach I have access to many full body wetsuits AKA "Steamers" but I don't know if the movement restrictions, and rapid rise in body temperature, would be worth the protection. I'd just go with sturdy coveralls, some good durable boots and woodsmans gloves, and maybe swimmers goggles:)

[bandits1]

"What about something like this?......."
http://www.barneysleather.com/store/gloves/armored-kevlar/prod_135.html

"......Or maybe one of these?"
http://www.hexarmor.com/products/high-puncture-dexterity/

"Something on this site...."
http://www.silentsports.com/store/category/22/170/Gloves/

"....Might work too." :)
Nice. Looks like motorcycle/motocross gloves might be the ticket. Carbon fiber and/or kevlar used on back-of-hand and knuckles and double-thick palms.

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/1402/pinneygloves.jpg

...or for those of you truly into "armor", you might like the look of these titanium-plated ones:

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/7449/icon20timax20long20glov.jpg

...I believe someone suggested motocross body-armor as a lightweight and flexible option many pages back in this thread. Good call.

[Dave Of The Dead]

Not only do they protect you from zombies, they give the most painful pimp slap you've ever had!

Yeah, I'm a big fan of these motorcycle gloves that are being posted. Carbon fiber is ridiculously strong. I beat the shit out of somebody when I had a broken arm because my cast was made out of carbon fiber. This brings up another option I was thinking about. If you got your hands on some carbon fiber rolls, you could easily make your own armor.

[homelitexl]

yeah and put some light wieght metal plates in between a layer and your also bullet proof

[mattifikation]

I kind of like the thinner gloves than the armored ones. I think that hexarmor site was the one that had the kind I like. I need my dexterity. I'd be willing to take my chances...

[homelitexl]

yeah makes sense but i just need a stick and a roll of duct tape to replace my dexturitiedy

[Dave Of The Dead]

yeah makes sense but i just need a stick and a roll of duct tape to replace my dexturitiedy

I don't get it...

[homelitexl]

duct tape the throttle down on my saw and use a stick to pull the trigger on my guns any?

[Bob]

Those are some bad ass looking gloves.
You would probably need to cut the index finger off though.
Trigger guards are only so large ya know.

[homelitexl]

why didnt anyonelse think ofthat tat solves the dxteritry roblem

[bandits1]

They make fingerless armored gloves, for those of you who want to trade a little protection for more dexterity and feel:

http://img79.imageshack.us/img79/2707/maskevlar.jpg

[Dave Of The Dead]

They make fingerless armored gloves, for those of you who want to trade a little protection for more dexterity and feel:

http://img79.imageshack.us/img79/2707/maskevlar.jpg

That would be nice. There are also gloves out there that only have the endex finger and middle finger cut off so you have a little of both feel and protection. You mostly touch and feel things with those two fingers anyway.

[mattifikation]

You could protect the exposed parts of those fingers by making a fist if you needed to.

[bandits1]

That would be nice. There are also gloves out there that only have the endex finger and middle finger cut off so you have a little of both feel and protection. You mostly touch and feel things with those two fingers anyway.
I tried looking for that type, but it seems they don't make 'em in armored motocross gloves.

[autosuggest]

That would be nice. There are also gloves out there that only have the endex finger and middle finger cut off so you have a little of both feel and protection. You mostly touch and feel things with those two fingers anyway.

yeah if you look close you see that Riley in Land of the Dead is wearing a pair of exactly those on the supply raid at the start of the film.

[Dave Of The Dead]

I tried looking for that type, but it seems they don't make 'em in armored motocross gloves.

Yeah, they're not for moto-x but I usually see them at hardware stores

[mattifikation]

You could always just get the motocross gloves and cut the finger out yourself, like somebody suggested.

[kiltedninja]

I think the best way to protect your fingers, is to not stick them near a zombie's mouth.

[homelitexl]

dont stick any of your appendges near a zeds mouth is commen sense

[kiltedninja]

Which is why it surprises me that you know it.

[Bob]

Yea you would not want to wind up like that guy in the movie Grub.

[detpat]

a prudent person never puts their fingers anyplace that will make them not want them back!

[homelitexl]

then dont go near y ex girlfriend youwont et it back and i mean th one i dated2 years ago:lol:

[mattifikation]

^ Weak.

Zombies like to bite necks. How would you protect your neck?

[homelitexl]

a piece of liht wieght metal plating

[Darkness]

Zombies like to bite necks. How would you protect your neck?

"I'd go for some form of a Gorget." :think:
http://www.schmitthenner.com/neck.html

[detpat]

oddly i just happen to have several, including one in blackened steel with decorative brass rivets. matches my steel bonnet!

[bandits1]

"I'd go for some form of a Gorget." :think:
http://www.schmitthenner.com/neck.html
How 'bout one made of ballistic nylon? http://revival.us/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=173

It's pretty neat how everyone here thinks in different ways. I noticed when a lot of you read "body armor", you seem to immediately think of leather goods and more AD&D type of stuff. Me? I think of sporting goods.

[kiltedninja]

On the Interceptor vests that soldiers are wearing, most of the neck is protected. If you can get your hands on one of those, you'll be set.

[JakAttak]

When i own a digital camera I'll take a picture of these my friend and i made these kickass almost elbow length leather gloves no fingers on first two fingers and thin pieces of scrap aluminum on forearm and steel on the back of the hand to give more weight to a punch and smackin' power.

[detpat]

bandit that was an interesting approach, but i like steel better. what makes you think i was talking about D&D? i meant the real articles and have them. I'll take some pics this week.

[hotlead]

What's AD&D and D&D ?

Best armor for me, distance and time, and a thin layer of copper over lead.

[Dave Of The Dead]

How 'bout one made of ballistic nylon? http://revival.us/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=173

It's pretty neat how everyone here thinks in different ways. I noticed when a lot of you read "body armor", you seem to immediately think of leather goods and more AD&D type of stuff. Me? I think of sporting goods.

We have plenty of sports out there yes, but all of them have specialized protection. Soccer, pretty much all you have are shin guards. American football, we have helmets and shoulder pads. But no sport, or even all combined sports will give you the protection you need. Thats why we choose the more conventional definition for armor, because it gives us more protection than you're idea of body protection.


Hotlead, Its Dungeons and Dragons.

[hotlead]

Oh, I thought it was another renaisance fair thing, or something related.

Thanks.

[bandits1]

Hey guys, just to be clear, I didn't mean anything insulting about the AD&D stuff. I used to play it myself in middle school. I just meant that I noticed a lot of you use leather and metal as go-to materials and like to try to craft custom pieces by hand. I don't possess leatherworking skills so I go straight to online sporting goods sites for ideas.

Good ideas everybody. Carry on.

[kiltedninja]

I'm actually good at crafting stuff from other stuff, a leather punch, some leather, a knife, and some strong upholsterer's thread and I can make about anything.

[homelitexl]

well with duct tape beer cazy glue and denim i cAN make a mask

[kiltedninja]

I could do it without the glue and duct tape. Beer is an essential ingredient to any creation.

[Hitman Monkey]

On the Interceptor vests that soldiers are wearing, most of the neck is protected. If you can get your hands on one of those, you'll be set.

you might have something, there. of course i'd remove the plates...but if you have the neck piece on, and the throat protector (ugh...hate wearing that thing, though), you'd be in a pretty good shape. if you're wearing the DAPs, too, your upper arms would be bite-proof. the groin protector would be worthless, so i wouldn't wear that (zeds don't really produce much shrapnel). and it would give you lots of options for attaching magazine pouches and other gear.

although, you also have to consider a few things...having worn an interceptor for extended periods of time (thanks, army), they trap heat even without plates. so you'd need to make sure you stayed well-hydrated. they don't restrict movement too bad, but it all depends on what you're planning on doing.

as for me? i'd probably go with my motorcycle jacket (sturdy, got some padding, good ventilation, doesn't restrict movement, and good protection from the elements). come to think of it, a motorcycle helmet would provide good protection from your head from bites or tumbles. good cargo pants (5.11 makes good stuff), good boots (i'm partial to converse stealth combat boots), and possibly some sort of lower leg protection (riot gear?). and of course, good gloves are a must - i like the wiley-x kevlar gloves with the hard knuckle protection

although, if i it was up to me, i'd be up on the rooftop in pajama pants and a bathrobe with a case of beer and my rifle :drinking:

[Dave Of The Dead]

Found a great jacket at Goodwill yesterday. Standard army jacket with mag pouches. You can't beat a $5 deal like that!

[Onslaught]

Hey guys, just to be clear, I didn't mean anything insulting about the AD&D stuff. I used to play it myself in middle school. I just meant that I noticed a lot of you use leather and metal as go-to materials and like to try to craft custom pieces by hand. I don't possess leatherworking skills so I go straight to online sporting goods sites for ideas.

Good ideas everybody. Carry on.

I definitely consider sporting gear for some applications. Especially elbow and knee pads. Elbow cops are the hardest part of metal armor to do and with modern plastics, there is no longer a need. Vented plastic armor can solve many of the problems with metal armors (heat and weight) when used properly. Spme of the sporting gear turns out to be ill-suited for zombie uses however because much of it is designed for impact protection rather than abbrasion/puncture resistance. Good call nonetheless.

[kiltedninja]

Another thing, if you layered it properly, do you think you could make 'plates' of multiple pieces of duct tape of gorrilla tape? I've seen wallets made of tape that are pretty stiff, I've even made one, but as ridiculous as it would look, if you did it, that could probably cover your arms fairly well with the tape gauntlets.

[Onslaught]

They would be puncture resistant to start, but they would soften over time. Duct tape does not wear well. Not to mention that they would be heavy. Repairs would be easy, but i have better uses for duct tape.

[Dave Of The Dead]

I have a feeling that most of us would look like a bunch of extras from a Mad Max movie when the times comes to gear up.

[kiltedninja]

I'll look like I'm going camping. I'm not going to wear armor, I'm going to wear my kilt, boots, and shirt.

[Dave Of The Dead]

You should invest in some tights or something. Then you'd be rockin! :rock:

[mattifikation]

Or at least some tighty-whities to keep the crawlers' junk access to a minimum...

[kiltedninja]

I'm gonna go with neither. I'll take some boxers, because I doubt I'll feel like wearing my kilt all the time, and as such I'll need pants to go over those boxers.

[homelitexl]

id want to look like a exta for a mad max move

[mattifikation]

Never saw that movie. Were there a lot of drunken rednecks in it?

[Bob]

Well I am going to wear pants.
Y'all can run around half nekid if you want just stay away from me.

[Dave Of The Dead]

Well I am going to wear pants.
Y'all can run around half nekid if you want just stay away from me.

Yeah, jeans or canvas pants are probably your best bet

[Sammo909]

Never saw that movie. Were there a lot of drunken rednecks in it?

Rednecks are an American subculture, in Australia we have Bogans. Pretty similar.

And maybe for makeshift armguards a couple soccer shinguards with the plastic strips replaced with thin metal rods. Not waterproof but should take bites okay, still have to deal with bruising though.

[hotlead]

Stop by your nearest Carhartt distributor and warm up the credit card, you'll probably see some other stuff you'll like.

I've been wearing Carhartts for ten years or more, I have Carhartt jeans on as I type (well, hunt and peck), the best stuff ever.

[kiltedninja]

I have my Carhartt coat, and that's probably what I'll be wearing if I had to get close to civilization, otherwise it's my flight jacket.

[ZEDcommand004]

go to the army navy surplus stores and they have some really good body protection stuff if you dont mind spending money!

[kiltedninja]

Andy And Bax doesn't have much in the way of that stuff. That's the main one around here. they have coats out the ass, boots, and uniforms but not any protective to my knowledge.

I think I'll be fine though, I'm great at avoiding death, and injury in general.

[ZEDcommand004]

see i live in one of the smaller towns around a big city so we have lots of surplus stores we have a few army/navy surplus...which is where ima buy me a night stick soon.... and we have police surplus stores

[kiltedninja]

I live in Portland. We don't get much call for stuff like that, but I'm sure I could find it if I looked hard enough. I do know where the SWAT armory is though.

[Dave Of The Dead]

I just ruled out my discount leather jacket today. Dropped my knife on it and sliced right through. DROPPED! Going to Good Will that shit. So now I'm just going to wear my good ol' wool coat.

[mattifikation]

A dropped knife *should* go right through a leather jacket, if it's anything worth having. It seems though that leather can be discounted after all.

How about hockey gear? That looks pretty thick, pretty heavily armored, and I'd imagine it lets a person remain mobile considering how agile you have to be to play hockey.

[Bob]

Matt
Can we leave off the skates and wear boots though? :lol:

[mattifikation]

I was thinking we could wear inline skates with rockets on them.

And for headgear, I had an idea. I want to take a metal helmet, and weld a weedeater upside down to the top of it. Then I want to tie a katana blade to the weedeater chain so it spins around my head in a circle.

That way any zombie that gets near me will instantly be scalped by the katana!

[50 cal]

^^^

That mental image made me laugh, a lot.

[mattifikation]

I just hope homelite doesn't read that and try to actually do it... I'm sure the family of whoever he killed in the process would be less than thrilled with me.

[kanUsurvive]

I don't know if he would kill somebody with that thing or himself. Somehow I see it slipping down and going around is neck. Then the blade takes his scalp off.

[Darkness]

"I think this conversation is getting too close to a certain No-No topic." ;-)

[Bob]

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/7636/8775010017214436.jpg

I like the idea of a motorized Katana.
But it should be a Latina Katana...

[Dave Of The Dead]

I've said this before I think, but a rugby helmet would be ideal.

[mattifikation]

I think somebody with photoshop skills should put together a good weed-eater katana helmet image. I just want some clarification for the image in my head.

I swear it's for zombie protection.

[kiltedninja]

I can picture Matt doing it, and I think it's hilarious.

[mattifikation]

I wouldn't actually do it. Well... I might... but I wouldn't be brave enough to turn it on.

[kiltedninja]

PANSY!!:lol:

No, I probably wouldn't either.

[Dave Of The Dead]

And not just any katana, but a double bladed katana at that!
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/5158/pwnedo.jpg

[ZEDcommand004]

what if someone wove wires through the sleeves of jackets and other places? do any of you think that would work?

[kiltedninja]

I doubt it. Even the thicker gauge wires won't be pliable and also strong enough to allow freedom of motion and protection.

[ZEDcommand004]

true but what about this suit?

http://www.crunchgear.com/wp-content/pbucket/071d_1.jpg

[kiltedninja]

That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen. It would be so cumbersome, heavy and probably hot that it would be more trouble than it's worth.