I think it depends on what your AO is. I would probably get a swath of each material and go out and see which one you like best in the surroundings you are going to be around the most. If you are just getting it for the cool factor and not for function I would get which one i liked the best.
I love the ATACS pattern it just looks cool but is not practible in my AO eventhough I am issued ATACS au by the Sheriffs dept. I work for.
Check my thread in the custom build section for some lessons learned. Don’t dip the mags above where they enter the lower - especially on Pmags. Also, don’t waste your time dipping ladder rail covers. Not only will the pattern hardly show, the first time you flex them during installation or removal the dip will come off.
I also recommend sharkbite custom for the work.
As for color - sorry, you’re just going to have to decide for yourself. I can’t comment on what you’d need in your AO. Good luck.