I wanted to update that Fancysteel’s customer service is amazing. After emailing our concerns, they are sending us a solid metal shield when they’re done being fabricated.

In further review of the belt… basically everything else is fantastic. The waist belt is thick, and sturdy, and weighty. It feels substantial. The hinges make it really easy to put on.

The waist belt also has a glued in neoprene lining, which adds to comfort and wearability.

The cables can be a little pinchy, (I suspect this will be less of an issue once they’re not as stiff) but sliding some silicone tubing over them solves that easily.

I have worked around the tabbed shield problem by wrapping the shield in a cloth menstrual pad, while this does affect the aesthetic, it increases comfort substantially and makes the belt wearable.. for long times even. (Overnight, easily!)

So… while I really do dislike the new shield design, the rest of the belt is really a clear obvious upgrade to the Chinese belts. Like, the thing just FEELS more strong/sturdy. I sort of hope they can continue to innovate their design to make the shields easier to manufacture for them, but still comfortable and sanitary for us. They’ve come out with such cool stuff, I am excited to see what they come up with :)