I am not at all bashing accuracy as it is cool to come as close to screen looks as possible, but for functionality I would have to say hinges are best.they provide less strain on the shells,and are easier to take off and put on.And you gotta remember that the screen used items were only worn during the scenes.after the movie they get put away.for people that troop or just wear their suits a lot you need things that are a little more practical.with a lot of velcro you are constantly fixing the velcro that lifts and like fettdad said it can be a pain to deal with.Kind of sucks to have to have assistance just to put your gaunts on,and to take them off.lol
I use just enough velcro on one side to hold them shut.that is really all you need.
I know this board is all about accuracy and being a professional costumer I fully understand, but for tons of wear and long lasting props, you got to relax just a bit on accuracy and focus on functionality.If gaunts like this were real for instance ,ad they held real firepower, I am gonna guess that they would not be held together by velcro alone.lol