I have a couple of Class 3 panels removed from a entry type vest that was completely sealed and wasnt able to be upgraded in any way. The panels were sewn in at three or four points with a few large thick thread stitches. I removed those and just cut the vest itself open and took the panels out. The vest i designed and am working on is a design modelled off of this:

So far it is coming along just fine with some early bumps where i went overboard like any man and overdesigned to the point of being totally impractical. I found a nice ACU material at the local Walmart believe it or not and it matchs perfectly quality and pattern with the pants i have. I am wondering if anyone else is this obsessed with making stuff themselves opposed to paying a good amount of money for something they think they can pull off????

PS: I am still out of work with back surgery issues so i have alot of time on my hands and am also on pain meds so this is a late night drug induced thread so take it with a grain of salt and do not flame me too bad. Thanks

Nothing wrong with making your own gear IMO.  Nobody knows exactly what you want better than you!!  I know a few guys that do it.

Where is the handle?

way ahead of you my first design draft had one on there. you never know when the zombies may have knocked me down and my wife who has my back will need to pull me out.

Quoted: way ahead of you my first design draft had one on there. you never know when the zombies may have knocked me down and my wife who has my back will need to pull me out.

Don't forget to be shootin' back as you're being pulled out.

On another note, I commend you on your efforts.  Looking forward to the end result.

If i get a chance tonight i will post a pic of my drawn out design. I made quite a few changes to the general idea. I wouldnt mind some advice or ideas thrown my way before i get too far into the actual sewing.

Quoted: Nothing wrong with making your own gear IMO.  Nobody knows exactly what you want better than you!!  I know a few guys that do it.

IIRC, that is how Tactical Tailor started out. He started modifying his stuff while in the service. Others liked what he was doing so he started doing theirs as well. After he got out he went into business doing it.