I just use Reflex augments. You really can't go wrong with more Aim and Endurance, no matter what you're doing.

You mean like these shoulder pads? http://images.wikia.com/starwars/images/e/e3/Sandtroopers.jpg But on topic, I too think having even more options to customize armor would be cool. There's already a clearly defined progression for most armor styles. So what if you you had a custom armor piece that started as a base, and then you could add attachments to change its look?

I'm pretty unhappy about the nerf to Stockstrike damage. That was the one thing that really gave Shield Specialist any serious damage output. I think I can understand why it got nerfed, however; as has already been mentioned, it accounted for around 25% of our DPS. That's probably a bit excessive for one ability. However, a Shield Specialist's DPS is low to begin with. After this nerf, it seems like we're being discouraged from even trying to do any real damage, we're just supposed to sit there and take a beating from everyone else. I'm not even sure Static Shield/Static Surge will be worth it after this.

Just tried logging in now. First attempt was a failure, second attempt a success. Just my two cents.

Rifles that look the same are available. For example, Armstech can make a custom rifle called Elegant Modified Blaster Rifle that has the same appearance.

What others here have said, and I'll also add in Blitz. Just not necessary in PVE, and doesn't even work in PVP.

For me, the class got exciting at level 10. I absolutely love Vanguard. I'm tank specced (34 Shield, 7 Tactics), and I can take a hell of a beating in PVP. Paired with a healer that I can slap Guard on, I become invincible. Storm and Harpoon are your best friends in PVP, and the AOE stun (the name of which I'm blanking on) comes in very handy. In terms of ammo management, I know most people look down on Energy Blast, but I love it; I basically don't have to think about ammo at all when using it. Bottom line, you won't always have the top damage numbers as a Vanguard, but in terms of being a team player, you'll be invaluable. A decent Vanguard can really change the tide of a battle, I feel.

http://www.torhead.com/item/gNaikMo A-52 Rancor-X Carbine. Level 48 required, bought at the Voss commendation equipment vendor. Hands down my favorite looking blaster rifle I've found; to me it looks how a Star Wars blaster should. It's basically white with orange highlights, and has a scope on top. It uses the same model as the blaster rifles Imperial troopers usually carry.

Satele Shan