Materials that went into the makings of that vest were most likely bought at the best possible price! Shrewd and well done David.
How Ever, the time spent (IE: researching materials, material, fasteners both petroleum based & metal, thread) + effort into fashioning said items (IE: cutting the materials to fit, knowing how to attach/reinforce fasteners, what stiching to use and where) = Big PayPah, Kids!
If it were just a "first year" home economics class 20 minute project then most airsofters would be "welding" their own personalized kits. Then "sashaying" down the airsoft field runway for "Diamond Dave Dolla Hyde" to proclaim "Eye Candy" over.
Again, Airsoft is Not an Inexpensive Sport, Reliability + High End Performance = Big PayPah!
Props to you Ganef for your uncanny and jealousey stirring "tailoring" ability, Well Done!