Are there any other Silhouette Vest sources out there other than Hardscrabble? I am in the market for one and would like to look at all the options. I have heard there is someone in Canada as well.

Kevin

Hi Kevin
For the Canadian source you may be able to get the suppliers name
and contact from either of the following
Kathy Oler [email protected]
Wade Chipman [email protected]

There is or was a supplier out of Mexico. I have seen the vests worn
I believe by a few people, I believe Dennis Martinen and Eric Boos
who shot at the Conard this year and you may be able to get a contact
through that match co-ordinator.
Cheers
Andrew Patchett

Kevin,

Check this link

http://www.get.frogged.net

Jeff

What did you want that isn't met by use of a standard "shotgun" vest? For me, I'd get the mesh versions to keep cooler. YMMV.

I have a shotgun vest. I am looking for something more stable and heavier.

Hi Kevin
I have a Hardscrabble vest and I have owned a Frogit vest. I couldn't
remember their name when I posted earlier. By far Chris Winstead
makes a better vest and basically for the same in US$. If you go with
a Hardscrabble/Winstead the break-in time will be longer but the vest
is much more substantial.
Cheers
Andrew

Thanks for the suggestion andrew. Looks like they are about the same money. Does hardscrabble make a slick front as well? I will give them a call.

Kevin
Mine is suede all over. The smooth or shiny front may not give the same
support as the solid suede. I am not sure if Chris will make that. Your
inquiry will tell you soon enough.
Andrew

I second Andrew's advice. The plan to get something stable and heavy is a good one. You're highly unlikely to beat the Hardscrabble in that feature.
Theoretically, the support arm relaxes naturally onto the side of the body and does not tend to slide to one side or the other. Real world, you'll probably appreciate a non-slip surface while you're refining the position, a process which never ends, actually.
The Hardscrabble vests are popular for practical reasons in addition to the Winsteads contributions to the sport. The price is most competitive and the vest lasts forever. I really regret using a cloth shotgun vest for so long.

Kevin,
I am on my second Hardscrabble vest after a zipper blowout last year just before the Sunshine Classic. I will eventually get around to having the zipper replaced but I have no complaints about the vests except that my sons (he is larger than I am) is much heavier and throws the weight of the luggage of 50# when packed with the other vests and ammo on flights!!!! So it is always in the carry on bag. Great vest and the suede at least on front will help with the the 'nonskid' issues. I have seen smooth backs on them.

Do not be afraid to mix colors, when I needed a new one due to the zipper, Chris didn't have time to recieve, repair and return so he built me one out of any pieces he had left, it is beautiful and has been copied several times.

Mary

Go with a non-slick side where your arm will touch your body and a light color on the back so it doesn't suck all the hot summer sun into your back. The white back is hot enough, I can't imagine what a dark color would be like.

The suede is deffinately a plus......Absorbs all the funky sweat, bullet lube, priming compound, and gunpowder smells better than slick leather.....

Kitty

You might think about leather from Hardscrabble. They do make a leather vest, same liner as the suede, same pockets but there is a extra piece of suede where your support elbow would contact your six pack(in my case a pony keg ha ha). They are a little more expensive than the suede vests. $285.00 is the cost but its worth it. I didn't know Chris made a leather vest and bought a suede one, then a couple months later at the Conrad cup he had a all black leather vest on display. My dad bought my suede vest and I proceded to lighten Chris's load back to Montana. Had to have it. I know "all black isn't that hot" yes but when you ride a harley youve got to have black leather, and besides it's Washington and it rains all the time

Gee Kevin I didn't think your question would turn into such a thread
or is the thread supposed to be in the vest. Or maybe it was missing thread that caused the zipper to blowout. We probably all have a vested
interest in this or at least we should make the investment.
Ok I'll stop there I think the permafrost finally melted from my brain
Cheers to all
Andrew