I have been wanting to create a Gambit (from X-Men) costume to use for conventions and Halloween (maybe even CosPlay) but I have been having a few problems with the costume. Actually, only one main one. I have a source to have a Unitard made that is black with the pink squares up the legs that would also include the cowl that covers a good portion of his head. The gloves are simple. The trench coat won't be a hard find. I already have the perfect cards made that are great for throwing. The stafff...I mean come on! It's a metal pole, how hard can it be? 
So, that only leaves the boots, the red contacts, and the breastplate. Now, the contacts, they are just a problem with money. To get ones that look liek his eyes (and perscription, at that) will be quite expensive. but, I'm not detered. The boots are a bit of a hassle but I have a few outlets of folk that think they can aid me in getting a pretty decent pair crafted. So, that just leaves the breastplate. It has been my greatest obstacle.

With any luck, I might have found a solution, with help from suggestions from Rebel Legion folk and some random searches on Ebay. Here is a general photo of Gambit that I'm working my costume from:



Now, here are my ideas and I'd love some feedback. I have found a Roman gladiator brestplate as seen here. With this, I could paint it myself and the only real alteration I would have to make would be to figure out a way to add the tubing that goes around the collar. The same tubing lines the waist but I think I could paint the bottom of the armor and it would have a pretty close enough effect. The flaw: this piece wieghs 20 lbs and that would have to be toted around all day along with a heavy ass trench coat over it. Not to mention that I'm not sure of one of these could be made for a guy my size. But, believe it or not, it's the cheaper option.
The other option can be seen here. With this, I could wear it under the spandex and buy a seperate spandex shirt that I could have a seamstress alter to add spaces around the waist and collar that could be filled with plastic tubing. The flaw to this is that it is more expensive and I don't think it would look as authentic. The only other option I can think of is to buy a crappier muscle mold (this one is made of rubber latex, like for Batman) made from plastic or the like (maybe something from a Superman costume or soemthing) but it may not look near as good or may not last as long. 

Any thoughts?