Quote Originally Posted by Amit View Post
The Troopers and Marines in Reach don't have vambraces or shin armour like the marines in Halo 1 do so it looks like they would be more susceptible to taking hits in the legs and arms.
The 2nd trooper in the 1st Trooper image that hotrod posted has shin armor, just thought I'd point that out.

But I agree, the Halo 1 marine armor had a more solid metal look to it (and from memory, sound) which made it seem like they could take a hit or 2.