2011Vests forum
Combining a Mini vest with a Merlin arm through custom modification
15 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- A Mini vest can be retrofitted to accept a Merlin docking block by removing the original arm mount and fitting the Merlin mount to the vest's centre spar.
- The Merlin vest's plastic stiffener panel can be trimmed and installed behind the centre spar of a Mini vest to maintain structural integrity during conversion.
- Adding a leather arm-keeper on the shoulder that uses the arm's spigot prevents unwanted movement and eliminates noise compared to velcro retention during handheld operation.
- Securing unused release clips with cable ties eliminates creaking sounds.
- A leather grab-tab attached to the hip pad strap aids quick identification and removal of the vest.
- A converted Mini vest with Merlin arm becomes functionally equivalent to a Flyer vest and can accommodate Scout or Flyer arms and sleds due to standardized socket blocks.
Depends on
- The conversion requires fitting the Merlin mount snugly onto the Mini vest's centre spar, which may not be straightforward for all users.
- This is a custom modification done by someone with leatherworking skills; general feasibility for users without such skills is unclear.
- The long-term durability and performance of this specific hybrid configuration is not documented.