The various types of armor and where to find them UPDATED 2023

[Jervis[TK]]

NE armor: approvable without major replacement of pieces and would it be a good fit for 6'2", 210lb, 44" chest, 38" waist type of future trooper?

[Dday[501st]]

NE armor: approvable without major replacement of pieces and would it be a good fit for 6'2", 210lb, 44" chest, 38" waist type of future trooper?

 

I would say you are on the very edge of this armor. I think the 38in waist will get you here and you will need to use shims to get the torso to fully close.

 

I would suggest, if you don't want to shim you go for either a RT-Mod or a AM 2.0.

 

I think the rest of the armors will not properly clam closed without shims. However, if you don't care about gaps on the left and right of the torso, or will use shims there, all armors will fit well.

 

You might be interested in troopermasters XL shins, they are 2 inches longer and will really help taller people.

[Jervis[TK]]

Good to know, thank you! 

[AwesomePossum]

I'm 6'1" and about 210 lbs (and trying to lose about 20 lbs). I have a 35 inch waist, chest is 41 inches. Would ATA fit me?

[Dday[501st]]

I'm 6'1" and about 210 lbs (and trying to lose about 20 lbs). I have a 35 inch waist, chest is 41 inches. Would ATA fit me?

 

I think you are on the border to fit well into the ATA. Overall you are fine but the 35in waist it what will get you if you want the armor to close fully (really close though), but it should work otherwise though.

[DWqld]

Many many thanks from this newbee,

This one article has saved me a lot of time and sizing guesses to type.

Only one comment rs props don't answer their emails if you enquire thru their site apparently 4 days and still waiting for a reply.

 

Anyway many thanks your great :-)

 

Cheers

Glenn

[Dark PWF[Staff]]

As the most recently completed and approved (as far as I am aware) RT-MOD TK in the Legion (August), I can tell you that the kit fit me with no alterations at all, right out of the box and assembled. 

 

I am 6' 2", 225lbs, and have a waist that is right around 36-37" typically with holiday fluctuations around the 38" mark.

[Dougal[501st]]

Damnit man!! Where am I goin to put my extra 20lbs.....

[Guest tkjake032]

hi my name is tkjake032 I'm new to trooping. and would like to do a  new hope hero armor.

[Dday[501st]]

Hi Jake, this is the right thread to go with.

 

The only armor makes that makes a hero helmet from the start is Troopermaster. The armor itself is the same between stunt and hero, there are just a couple small things you change in the build. Mostly it's all in the helmet.

[Stormsurge]

First and foremost...

 

There is no one 'best' armor. There is a 'best' armor for *you* depending on a few factors:

1) Your budget

2) What your body size is (yes, different armors lend themselves for different body types) *

3) How experienced are you at building armor

4) It's not the kit, it's how it's fitted to the wearer that counts *

 

While FISD does not endorse any particular armor maker, below are sellers who have proven themselves time and again in terms of customer service, honesty, and quality.

 

All makes below can be made to be both 501st and FISD acceptable.

 

MATERIALS

Armor is made from either HIPS or ABS.

HIPS

--- Pros: generally less expensive, easier to trim.

--- Cons: needs painting or serious polishing to look shiny. Most HIPS will not be as durable as ABS or take the stress of ABS

--- Suitability: will hold up fine for regular trooping

 

ABS

--- Pros: no need to paint, high durability

--- Cons: may lack the detail of HIPS, usually harder to trim

--- Suitability: will hold up fine for regular trooping plus take a lot of abuse

 

OTHER TERMS

Untrimmed: means the kit comes untrimmed and you'll have to trim the parts before starting assembly.

Trimmed: parts are pre-trimmed and you can start assembling right away

ANH Derived: traces back to a screen used helmet. Armor came from an incomplete ROTJ suit that was supplemented with parts from a tour suit, with this base being modified to be more ANH accurate in detailing. Parts will need to be butt joined with a finishing strip glued on top.

 

* ON SIZING

ANH Derived armor (TE2, AP) was sculpted for a typical UK actor circa 1976, e.g. 5'10" and 165lbs. While good for smaller body types, it has been successfully made to fit people as large as 6'4" 235lbs though requires a bit of shimming to pull this off.

 

1. If you are taller or larger in frame/girth, you may want to consider AM, RT, or TM armor makes for easier fitting.

2. If you are shorter, while ANH derived armor may lend itself to your size, even FX armor has been made to fit and look good on people as small as 5'6" and 115lbs (and smaller!).

3. RT has upsized his helmet by 4-5% which makes it equivalent to the size of the old FX but is more accurate in appearance.

 

So, while it's true that every kit has a certain ideal body type, every make has been made to fit every body type and still look good.

 

Who to Avoid

1. Be aware that this site - http://www.stormtroo...s.com/home.html - is not considered commercially available. It is run by a person selling recast parts, and at a healthy premium over what you can buy direct from vetted sources. You've been warned...

2. Do not buy from e-bay - kits are over-priced, the quality is often dubious, and always recast.

 

 

VETTED MAKERS

While there are many other sources for armor, the list below only contains those who have proven track records of honest business dealings, quality craftsmanship, and that are free from recast debates. You are certainly free to buy where you will, but if you vary this list we strongly encourage that you at least do your due diligence inquiring about the seller's quality and reputation before parting with your money.

 

 

Type: TE2

Country: USA

Contact: HDPblues on FISD

Kit: HIPS, untrimmed, ANH derived

Availability: Very limited. Only produces set numbers in runs.

Assembly: Armor needs to be trimmed, parts butt joined with finishing strips, then painted.

Comments: Helmet is considered the most screen accurate available, though some don't like the bumpy cap and back.

 

 

Type: Authenticprops (AP)

Country: Canada

Contact: authenticprops@hotmail.com

Kit: ABS, untrimmed usually but can also be ordered trimmed and ready to assemble, as well as ready to wear/modify.

ANH Derived. Helmet is screen derived but cleaned up with a smooth cap and back. Armor similar to TE2 but with some parts being different. The left inner shin is actually a duplicate of the right outer shin. The arms (Bicep, forearm and shoulders) are the same, there is no unique left and right arm. The AP helmet comes with sink faucet aerators, which are not acceptable for EIB use. The lens material is a thin light weight acetate like material.

Availability: No known problems obtaining this, though there is a waiting list.

Options: un-trimmed, fully trimmed, fully built- ready to wear/modify. Options for helmet upgrades, belt upgrades and other options. Contact for a detailed set of pricings. Actions have been taken to reduce packaging scratches, and the ABS is bright white and has a semi-gloss finish like the originals. Now you can order a fully built helmet with advanced upgrades. upgrades include:

chinstraps, cloverleaf helmet foam, and darker lenses. As well as upgraded hovie tips Upgrades cost extra. Options must be ordered when contacting.

Assembly: Seams are overlapping joints making it a reasonably easy build, though one can use finishing strips instead.

 

 

Type: ATA (Affordable Trooper Armor)

Country: USA

Contact: Supertrooper on FISD / ATAworks@yahoo.com, please email for armor inquiries.

Kit: ABS (HIPS by request), untrimmed, ANH derived

Availability: Current wait times are up to 6 months.

Assembly: Armor needs to be trimmed, parts butt joined with finishing strips, HIPS needs to be painted.

Comments: The quality of HIPS material is such that it is the most durable of all HIPS armor makes. ABS is a custom made ABS for color, gloss, and durability.

 

 

Type: AM

Country: USA

Contact: troopergear@gmail.com

Kit: .090 gauge ABS - trimmed - Fan sculpt

Availability: Expect 1-2 months

Assembly: Butt joining required for the legs. Arms can be overlapped but trimming those overlaps off and butt joining is recommended. Comes trimmed out of the box, but you will still be required to trim for fitness to your body size.

Comments: An updated version of the older AM kits with a more accurate helmet and some other accessories. Best suited for the larger troopers who can have problems fitting into screen-sized kits. Comes in full or "lite" kits. Lit kits come without helmet, ABS cement or polish.

 

 

Type: T/MC

Country: USA

Contact: tray@traynichols.com or PM Tray on the FISD boards

Kit: .090 ABS, untrimmed, ANH Derived. Helmet is screen derived. Armor similar to TE2 and AP but with some parts being different and others being modified. The left inner shin is a duplicate of the right outer shin similar to AP. The arms (Bicep, forearm and shoulders) are the same, there is no unique left and right arm. The helmet comes with resin cast hovi mic tips, which are acceptable for EIB use, and all assembly material excluding paint. Comes with your choice of Smoked gray bubble lenses or flat dark green lenses. This is most comparable to AP with some slight changes.

Availability: 3-4 months for delivery and sometimes sooner than that.

Assembly: Seams are overlapping joints making it a reasonably easy build, though one can use finishing strips instead.

Comments: The armor is ABS, not bright white and glossy like FX. Due to material thickness lines are a little softer than some other makers. Should shine well with Mr Sheen.

NOTE: available in black too!

 

 

Type: RT-Mod (RT)

Country: Canada

Contact: trooper7@shaw.ca

Kit: ABS, trimmed, fan sculpt. More accurate than FX/AM but not as much as TM/TE2/AP. Ears lack bumps, but can be added if you ask.

Availability: Currently about a 2 month wait.

Assembly: Parts are trimmed and designed to be easy to put together. Helmet comes assembled.

Comments: Designed especially for taller/larger body types and has more capacity to fit these troopers (without shims) than TM or AM. Arm and legs molds can be adjusted up or down to custom fit measurments supplied by trooper.

The helmet is 4% larger than an original helmet. The difference is subtle but better matches the scale of the (RT)suit.

 

 

Type: CFO - note this is for ROTJ armor only (ideal for ROTJ, TK Commander, or Incinerator Troopers).

Country: UK

Contact: PM Sskunky on FISD

Kit: ABS or HIPS untrimmed. Kits can come in lite, full, assembled and weathered please inquire for prices and custom orders. ABS is standard and screen accurate. We can make the armour in any colour HIPS with a 25% deposit. Kits come complete with all plastic parts.

Helmets come with resin mic tips cast from an original, black rubber trims, decals and lenses all subject to availability and stock.

Availability: Kits available at all times with approx 4 week turnaround time. We have a US distributor who will be able to ship kits within the USA.

Assembly: Parts are trimmed and designed to be easy to put together - along with RT is the easiest kit to make.

Comments: These suits are cast from original therefore there will be warps, lumps, bumps etc. present on the plastic. The original suits were made to fit actors in the region of 5'10" and 180lb.... there is some flexibility as with all armour which is down to assembly. This armour is no way sanitised or idealised, it is a true representation of what is seen on screen in STAR WARS "The Return Of The Jedi".

Other Notes: Hand guards O2 canister/detonator detail and end caps, belt, knee belt and shoulder straps are own sculpt. Necessary/minimal sharpening was done to the moulds to attain the correct level of sharpness lost from the original fibreglass moulds obtained from Cameron Oakley. The original shape and contours are intact and the details and edges have been sharpened as documented in various threads on the F.I.S.D and other prop forums.

 

 

Type: Troopermaster â„¢

Country: UK

Contact: Please see info contained in for sale threads when posted.

Availability: Limited.

Kit: ABS, untrimmed, fan sculpt. Reputedly the most accurate fan sculpt. Seams on legs and arms are butt-joins with capping strips.

Availability: As slots become available, for sale threads will be posted. Kits are very limited and offered infrequently.

Comments: This is really beautiful armour and extremely movie-accurate. It comes at the price of being pretty tricky to assemble though, with potentially a long wait for supply. TM now supplies all his armour in acrylic-capped ABS. His ABS suits are incredibly glossy and, if assembled with care, look fabulous. Armour is more generous than SDS or AP, but not as large as RT-mod, although he also offers an XL shin for taller/bigger troopers.

 

Type: RS Prop Masters

Country: UK

Contact: studio@rspropmasters.com

Kit: 1.5mm ABS or 1.5mm PVC, untrimmed, only 1st Generation cast of an original ANH armor. Is Expert Infantry ready out of the box, and Centurion ready with very little work on the accessories (hand guards and such).

Availability: 3-5 days

Assembly: Parts are untrimmed and requires cover-strip and butt-joining for assembly. Can be ordered pre-assembled for an additional fee.

Options:

1. Helmet + Armour - Kit

2. Armor only - Kit

3. Helmet - Kit

4. Helmet - Fully finished and hand painted

5. Armor + Helmet - Armor trimmed to your specification but not assembled + Fully finished helmet.

6. "Fully loaded" - Accessory package, when bought together with armor. Contains strapping kit, latex handguards, rubber gloves, canvas belt, etc..

All prices are excluding shipping.

Comments: The newest maker on the market and the only 1st Generation cast of an original ANH armor. Comes unaltered with all the good and bad that brings. May require more skill to assemble than other kits. Extremely accurate when assembled with care. Armour is more generous than SDS or AP, but not as large as RT-mod.

 

Type: FX

Availability: No longer made. Do not buy this armor - we list it only for posterity in case you pick up a suit second hand from a current Legion member.

Kit: ABS, trimmed, fan sculpt.

Comments: The armor can be made to be FISD EI acceptable for about $50 and an afternoon of work. The helmet is not acceptable by any detachment's program, and many GML's are no longer allowing it to be accepted at the Legion level.

[boydy1880]

Hi,

 

I have for sale a completed T E 2 suit. I bought it in kit form assembled with full strap and snap system. Signed on the inside chest plate and inside the helmet.

Once completed, I got it Auto Sprayed from a car painter with a clear coat over the white so it can be polished with car polish. I have never worn it. Just displayed on a flexible mannequin.

Comes with all set to go.

 

PM me for details and Photos

 

Al

[boydy1880]

Hi,

 

I have for sale a completed T E 2 suit. I bought it in kit form assembled with full strap and snap system. Signed on the inside chest plate and inside the helmet.

Once completed, I got it Auto Sprayed from a car painter with a clear coat over the white so it can be polished with car polish. I have never worn it. Just displayed on a flexible mannequin.

Comes with all set to go.

 

PM me for details and Photos

 

Al

[Dday[501st]]

 

Hi,

 

I have for sale a completed T E 2 suit. I bought it in kit form assembled with full strap and snap system. Signed on the inside chest plate and inside the helmet.

Once completed, I got it Auto Sprayed from a car painter with a clear coat over the white so it can be polished with car polish. I have never worn it. Just displayed on a flexible mannequin.

Comes with all set to go.

 

PM me for details and Photos

 

Al

 

 

You'll get more traction if you post this in the for sale section with photos and a price.

[boydy1880]

I have tried, but it says on the right, that I can't post any threads?

[Locitus[Admin]]

You need 5 posts to post for-sales.

 

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[boydy1880]

Ah I see.

Newbies, I went for the auction site armour first many years ago, then I found this site. I then got myself an AP kit which was good but with the research I had done after that about screen lineage and such, I snapped up a TE 2 kit when he was making a batch. Took my time making it and buying items from members of this forum, like canvas belt, ab buttons. I installed a full strap and snap system exactly like SDS's Kits. I bought a helmet from him and was sent a catalogue where I seen the the strap system. Also included is white size10 boots and undersuit and neck seal.

 

Once I have the posts to allow me to put it in the for sale section, photo's of the whole set up will be included.

[Dday[501st]]

I have tried, but it says on the right, that I can't post any threads?

 

I believe you need 5 posts.... you're almost there!

[boydy1880]

No only 4. I've been a very busy guy since I first joined, some good, some bad, so not had the relaxation time to get back into Trooping. But now I've made a big life changing decision. To quit my job.

[Dday[501st]]

No only 4. I've been a very busy guy since I first joined, some good, some bad, so not had the relaxation time to get back into Trooping. But now I've made a big life changing decision. To quit my job.

 

Yup, this is a big one. I wish you luck with this and that things work out for you in the future.

 

Post the suit in the junkyard, make sure to add photos and a price, as they are required by the rules.

[CoffeeCraft]

I have heard some positive things about originalstormtrooper.com, any particular reason they are not listed here?

 

Also, this is a VERY useful post, thank you!

 

EDIT/NOTE: I just learned that originalstormtooper.com will not ship to the US due to copyright issues, but I am still curious as to why they are not listed here.

Edited October 9, 2014 by CoffeeCraft

[Dday[501st]]

I have heard some positive things about originalstormtrooper.com, any particular reason they are not listed here?

 

Also, this is a VERY useful post, thank you!

 

EDIT/NOTE: I just learned that originalstormtooper.com will not ship to the US due to copyright issues, but I am still curious as to why they are not listed here.

 

There are various threads on shepperton design studios who does this stormtrooper. He was the guy thermoforming the suits in the original movies as far as I"m aware but there are questions as to his legitimacy in actually owning the suits and lies and lots of scandal and so on. Do some searches and you'll find the threads on Shepperton.

 

Also, when you really get into the details of his suit isn't as outstanding as if first looks. It's a nice suit, don't get me wrong, but if he was the original makes.. shouldn't his suit be exactly like the originals? It's not.

 

All that aside, he is a great thermoformer and knows what he is doing in that regards.

[mrnumber15]

After some research, I found many good reviews and also some drama when it comes down to MTK. It seems to me that the drama has been resolved and it has been a while since his kits were given the thumbs up for recast approval. So, how much longer until MTK is vetted?

[Dark PWF[Staff]]

Being vetted on the list requires the vendor to meet certain requirements.  That is up to the vendor and the FISD leadership to decide if/when a vendor has met those requirements and will therefore be placed on the list.

 

Having said that, a kit from a vendor on the vetted list is not a requirement for Legion, EIB, or Centurion approval.  

 

Regardless of the maker of the kit, if you build it to the level required for each of the above approvals, you will receive it.  You should have no reservations about buying an MTK armor kit if your concern is being approved.  If you go and look at the EIB and Centurion application/approval threads you will see several of them there.

[Daetrin[Admin]]

Tim is correct.  The goal of the list is that it would contain transparent information about 'conflict free' kits from reputable sellers.  In other words, if you are starting out, it will provide you accurate and unbiased information, the vendors have a long history of providing quality product and honest service.  And lastly, that the suits can be made 501st approvable.

 

There are many makers of armor who are not on the list for those reasons, e.g.

- The lineage cannot 100% be determined

- The kits are of questionable or inconsistent quality, e.g. soft parts or spotty quality by the maker

- The vendor provides poor service, e.g. never delivers, fails to deliver

 

MTK has great service and quality kits, but criteria #1 has been elusive.

 

As  Tim said, you can buy other suits and still get in the Legion, but it's buyer beware at that point.