In aerowalk, you can grab the armor without strafe jumping. If you notice the little section of floor that cuts off the wall at a 45 degree angle... You walk towards that from about a 60 degree angle and circle jump. If you pull it right, you should be able to curve your jump just right to land on the pipes.
I'm happy about my discovery becuase I was getting sick of either strafing to it, or rj'ing so I found this. At least I think it's my find, if it isn't, oh well, but check it out!
:p
