[Dead Corpse]

Where would you use the steel at? And how much weight would you be adding? If it is only a pound or two, and only on frontal surfaces (chest, upper/lower arms, thighs, shins, backplate), it shouldn't slow you up any.

Are there any limitations to the current design that you wish you had done differently? Places that chafe or bind under certain movements? I'd concenrate on those first.

But that's just me and I've never tried to build my own armor before, so my opinion is pretty much just straight out my behind...

[mware]

come on over here, you we may have a candidate for a new home.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1652952/posts?page=2

[King Prout]

TC,
ALL armor is heat-retentive, unfortunately. However, I make my designs in such a way as to makimize "stand-off" between flesh and padding, so that it breathes well abd pumps air with every motion. It still isn't fun, but it isn't heat-stroke inducing.

DC,
I said "upgrade" when I should have said "replace with a better armor"
Your thoughts on chafing and motion limitation problems are apt. There are a couple of things I shall be doing differently.
I don't know how much the new armor will weigh. Probably about 25 lbs overall. At least, that's the notional upper limit I aim to skin under.