Decimator Hybrid - Outer Fin & Hook Trapping System
Decimator Hybrid LARP Weapon System
Initial Combat Trapping & Hooking Trials with Hook and Fin Reinforcement
The shield system as mentioned is a weapon system in of itself and designed to be ergonomic, comfortably flowing around and sliding the body, partly due to the concave shape sliding over the users body parts like legs and backs.
This is the opposite shape of most shields which are designed to have opponents weapons slide over them and surround the users protectively. The reason for this was that instead of deflecting the opponent’s weapons it is designed to snare them in many ways and then rip and twist them out of opponent’s arms. It is also designed to hook opponent limbs and necks pulling opponents to the ground pinning them so the user can strike them with seconday weapons.
Trapping Systems
The curved shield enhanced the trapping systems on the Decimator, which was developed further with just the central shield layer.
You can see the hooks all around.
The fin boss needed to be adjusted so the rear hook was higher due to the curve on the shield as demonstrated below with the photos and videos.
First Formed Prototype Testing
After initial development a first version was built into the first working high fidelity prototype.
This incorporated the first handling system which was just a strap and plastic door handle. The body was covered and system moved well not catching on legs.
As you can see the system presents the offensive blades without the user moving aside the shield to strike. Thus staying very well protected whilst attacking.
Without moving the blades away from a frontal opponent the user can elbow backwards thrusting the rear hook blades into a rear attacker.
Fin Reinforcement
All this hooking and trapping puts serious tensile twist and shear force stress on the fin and hook extrusions. To prevent ripping and other damage reinforcing rods and mesh patches were added.
Full Design Process Report
Please click on the image for the full detailed design process development report for this project. The bottons cover the various elements that went into the design of the hybrid, the design decisions and project development
This was far more complex than any of the LARP weapons done before and many of the other projects here.
