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

[Tweggs]

Hello Everyone

 

Had a very productive time reading through this 6 year long thread - all very informative and helpful. What a great forum.

 

So, I'm looking at finally purchasing kit - at 46 years old I'm getting no younger and want to finally achieve that childhood dream of becoming a trooper...

 

I'm not practically minded (or confident enough) to do a build from scratch/kit so I'm, looking at a ready to go set. I've got in mind that if I'm spending a decent amount so I should really at some point go for 501st approval so I can get the most out of it, and really get involved - why invest and then leave it on a mannequin most of the time! By the looks of things a couple of the sets I'm looking at are almost 'approval' ready, bearing some minor alts which I think I should be able to deal with.

 

So my question is this - I've narrowed it down to the RS Commission or SDS Original Standard. I know there's pros and cons for both, and that the RS has literally everything included and is made-to-measure, and to be honest it's the one I'm leaning to more. I know that the RS is the one people go for for authenticity and 'real feel', and that the SDS is a more 'polished' version.

 

Between those two options, which would people recommend?

 

Any comments gratefully received - and apologies if this isn't quite the thread to add this too.

[Locitus[Admin]]

Go for RS. They are themselves members of the legion, which is nice. And unlike SDS they are not shamelessly lying about their origins.

[Novak Dimon[TK]]

Hi, I'm actually checking the various armor makers to translate this thread for the german section of the board. <br>

Anovos doesn't sell the OT TK anymore and they don't know if or when they do it again. The member of their staff, I talked to said only that he hopes that they have the OT TK back in their store in the future. <br><br>

Cheers <br>

Christian

[kman[TK]]

Hello Everyone

 

Had a very productive time reading through this 6 year long thread - all very informative and helpful. What a great forum.

 

So, I'm looking at finally purchasing kit - at 46 years old I'm getting no younger and want to finally achieve that childhood dream of becoming a trooper...

 

I'm not practically minded (or confident enough) to do a build from scratch/kit so I'm, looking at a ready to go set. I've got in mind that if I'm spending a decent amount so I should really at some point go for 501st approval so I can get the most out of it, and really get involved - why invest and then leave it on a mannequin most of the time! By the looks of things a couple of the sets I'm looking at are almost 'approval' ready, bearing some minor alts which I think I should be able to deal with.

 

So my question is this - I've narrowed it down to the RS Commission or SDS Original Standard. I know there's pros and cons for both, and that the RS has literally everything included and is made-to-measure, and to be honest it's the one I'm leaning to more. I know that the RS is the one people go for for authenticity and 'real feel', and that the SDS is a more 'polished' version.

 

Between those two options, which would people recommend?

 

Any comments gratefully received - and apologies if this isn't quite the thread to add this too.

 

Definitely RS.

 

There are lots of threads here on FISD which should give you background into the reason why SDS armor is not given much respect.

[themaninthesuitcase[Admin]]

Hello Everyone

 

Had a very productive time reading through this 6 year long thread - all very informative and helpful. What a great forum.

 

So, I'm looking at finally purchasing kit - at 46 years old I'm getting no younger and want to finally achieve that childhood dream of becoming a trooper...

 

I'm not practically minded (or confident enough) to do a build from scratch/kit so I'm, looking at a ready to go set. I've got in mind that if I'm spending a decent amount so I should really at some point go for 501st approval so I can get the most out of it, and really get involved - why invest and then leave it on a mannequin most of the time! By the looks of things a couple of the sets I'm looking at are almost 'approval' ready, bearing some minor alts which I think I should be able to deal with.

 

So my question is this - I've narrowed it down to the RS Commission or SDS Original Standard. I know there's pros and cons for both, and that the RS has literally everything included and is made-to-measure, and to be honest it's the one I'm leaning to more. I know that the RS is the one people go for for authenticity and 'real feel', and that the SDS is a more 'polished' version.

 

Between those two options, which would people recommend?

 

Any comments gratefully received - and apologies if this isn't quite the thread to add this too.

 

Guessinging from the list are you located in the UK?  If so make sure you head over to the UK Garrison and sign up there.  It's also worth considering a self build still, lots of help is available to those who ask and also it helps keep the costs down a bit.

 

Chris.

[Feltonbass]

This thread is awesome, very informative.

 

I'm ready to take the plunge, excited to volunteer if\when I get approved.  I think I've narrowed the kit down to either ATA or WTF.  ATA is about 9months at the moment on full kits.  Ive sent a join request to WTF on FB, so I don't have any info on them other than the research Ive done ( mainly whitearmor.net members ).

 

Im excited about the build, but also very nervous.  I never considered myself "crafty", so my real question is this:

 

Are there any build groups that you know of?  Folks get together and help each other out, spend an afternoon building.  I live in the Orlando area and the Florida Garrison message boards look pretty sparse.

[themaninthesuitcase[Admin]]

I am pretty sure there is a reasonably regular armour party in FL somewhere.  Sign up with the Garrison and you might be able to get a bit more info on it.  Worth doing that anyway.  

 

Most Garrison forums are fairly sparse untill you're an approved member and get full access.

[Daetrin[Admin]]

Ditto what Chris said - the FL garrison is one of the largest in the Legion and I'd be surprised if there weren't regular activities. You should ask your GML or FISD attache for sure, or the local squad leader (FL garrison is big on squads).

 

Alas also as Chris noted, it's a real shame that many garrisons lock so much away from the public boards. I've been there too (though it's been 10+ years), but just keep posting on your local boards and people will help out that way.

[kman[TK]]

This thread is awesome, very informative.

 

I'm ready to take the plunge, excited to volunteer if\when I get approved.  I think I've narrowed the kit down to either ATA or WTF.  ATA is about 9months at the moment on full kits.  Ive sent a join request to WTF on FB, so I don't have any info on them other than the research Ive done ( mainly whitearmor.net members ).

 

Im excited about the build, but also very nervous.  I never considered myself "crafty", so my real question is this:

 

Are there any build groups that you know of?  Folks get together and help each other out, spend an afternoon building.  I live in the Orlando area and the Florida Garrison message boards look pretty sparse.

 

Florida is VERY active and has regular armor parties.  Once you're in on Walt's Facebook group, you'll also see a lot of activity there, and people who are happy to answer questions.  Another option is the Anovos Stormtrooper Kit builders group.  Different armor, but VERY newbie-friendly group, and a lot of the same techniques apply.  (If you ask specific questions, be sure to specify that you're using WTF armor and not Anovos, to avoid confusion!)  I know there are some Florida heavies who host regular armor parties who spend a lot of time in the Anovos group, as well.

 

And, of course, we here at FISD try to be helpful as well.  I would definitely start a build thread here when you get your armor and are ready to start!

[Daetrin[Admin]]

A caveat on Facebook groups: they are not official and you cannot guarantee that any advice dispensed thereon will lead to Legion approval.

[Hikuro1983[501st]]

Out of curiosity, is the contact information provided on page 1 still relevant? I've been thinking about getting the AM trooper kit if I'm gonna go OT style....problem is when Iwent to the website listed on another forum there was almost no contact information or numbers or ANYTHING that would help me acquire or find out what I need to do to get it. I come across ebay stuff all the time but like it's been said, don't buy the ebay junk, it's junk.

[MoSc0ut[TK]]

Out of curiosity, is the contact information provided on page 1 still relevant? I've been thinking about getting the AM trooper kit if I'm gonna go OT style....problem is when Iwent to the website listed on another forum there was almost no contact information or numbers or ANYTHING that would help me acquire or find out what I need to do to get it. I come across ebay stuff all the time but like it's been said, don't buy the ebay junk, it's junk.

The first post is constantly updated. It is the "go to" place for new troopers. The contact info for AM is listed in the section about the armor. Send an email and they'll get back to you. Patience is the key, they get a lot of requests and for most of the armor makers it is a side hobby. Like the rest of us they have jobs and families and pull armor in batches. Every vetted maker is on the list because they are good communicators and have demonstrated a history of a quality product and reliable customer service.

 

Good luck with your journey in becoming a plastic space man!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Hikuro1983[501st]]

The first post is constantly updated. It is the "go to" place for new troopers. The contact info for AM is listed in the section about the armor. Send an email and they'll get back to you. Patience is the key, they get a lot of requests and for most of the armor makers it is a side hobby. Like the rest of us they have jobs and families and pull armor in batches. Every vetted maker is on the list because they are good communicators and have demonstrated a history of a quality product and reliable customer service.

 

Good luck with your journey in becoming a plastic space man!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Good to know, the email I had found was a hotmail address and hadn't heard a peep. Understandably people have real lives I just wanted to make sure I'm not running around in circles or cause some kind of confusion. I've been apparently doing that a lot lately in my normal day to day life. Thanks for the tip. I'll contact the appropriate people that way! Now I just gotta find that nice and polite email I sent last week.

[Olsenbanden123]

Hey guys Marcus here from Malaysia  

 

Though I haven't spent enough time reading this thread properly, which I will during the weekend, I was wondering where I can find a shoretrooper outfit ready to wear for sale? 

 

I have been looking around the internet for the past 20 mins prior to this post, and have come to some success with 3D printing designs, but have not found anything more. 

[Locitus[Admin]]

Hey guys Marcus here from Malaysia

 

Though I haven't spent enough time reading this thread properly, which I will during the weekend, I was wondering where I can find a shoretrooper outfit ready to wear for sale? 

 

I have been looking around the internet for the past 20 mins prior to this post, and have come to some success with 3D printing designs, but have not found anything more. 

In your dreams anything is for sale.

 

No I don't think such a thing exists yet.

[justjoseph63[Staff]]

This thread is awesome, very informative.

 

I'm ready to take the plunge, excited to volunteer if\when I get approved.  I think I've narrowed the kit down to either ATA or WTF.  ATA is about 9months at the moment on full kits.  Ive sent a join request to WTF on FB, so I don't have any info on them other than the research Ive done ( mainly whitearmor.net members ).

 

Im excited about the build, but also very nervous.  I never considered myself "crafty", so my real question is this:

 

Are there any build groups that you know of?  Folks get together and help each other out, spend an afternoon building.  I live in the Orlando area and the Florida Garrison message boards look pretty sparse.

I noticed that you live in the Orlando area.  There is a member of the Makaze Squad (Central FL.) who has armor parties on a fairly regular basis, and you would be more than welcome to drop by (even before you get your armor), ask as many questions as you like and meet some of the members as well as the other new folks.  While waiting for your kit to arrive, you can also volunteer to be a "handler" at one of our events,  (over 260 last year in the Orlando area).  This position is a very important part of any troop, and depending on how far you are willing to travel there are lots of opportunities.  If you are interested, or if there is anything I can do to help, just PM me.

[pofoke]

I noticed that you live in the Orlando area. There is a member of the Makaze Squad (Central FL.) who has armor parties on a fairly regular basis, and you would be more than welcome to drop by (even before you get your armor), ask as many questions as you like and meet some of the members as well as the other new folks. While waiting for your kit to arrive, you can also volunteer to be a "handler" at one of our events, (over 260 last year in the Orlando area). This position is a very important part of any troop, and depending on how far you are willing to travel there are lots of opportunities. If you are interested, or if there is anything I can do to help, just PM me.

what is the purpose of the handler?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[justjoseph63[Staff]]

 They sometimes assist us getting suited up, take photos for the public, walk in front of us to warn us of obstacles, (curbs, steps), escort us to the restrooms/break areas, pick up fallen armor pieces, protect us from kids smacking us with toy lightsabers, keep us informed, and a myriad of other things.  They are an invaluable part of the team, and an absolute must-have on most troops.  Many times they are members who didn't suit up for some reason, but occasionally future troopers can volunteer for this duty. 

[MoSc0ut[TK]]

To add to what Joseph said, it is also a good way to see sets of completed armor and ask questions as well. I think my garrison has just about every type of armor available and you get to see the various details up close before pulling the trigger on your chosen set.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Kacrut[501st]]

Here's the link <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://databank.501st.com/databank/TrooperSurvivalGuide'>http://databank.501st.com/databank/TrooperSurvivalGuide</a><br><br>

on the bottom section.... as a handler/helper/minder my self its A Awesomes duty... you'll see how they(the TKs) interact with peoples, how they interact with an adult fan and kids... see them how to properly suit-up and help them sometimes suit-up, if something went wrong with their armor as they trooping, ... and the Best things is you can see the peoples Big smiles that's priceless.

[Daetrin[Admin]]

FYI, please refrain from posting Where to Buy (WTB) armor requests for anything not supported by the detachment, e.g. WTB ShoreTrooper armor. Stay on topic folks!

[kopper22[TK]]

Im 6'1 about 200lbs. my body type is slim/slender, and have a longer torso than others, I'm looking to replace my anovos set with somehting more sturdy/thicker and will fit my body better, my squad mate has AM armor that looks really nice, sounds like from the armor types that perhaps AM or RT-mod would be the best fit for myself?

Edited December 28, 2016 by kopper22

[kman[TK]]

Im 6'1 about 200lbs. my body type is slim/slender, and have a longer torso than others, I'm looking to replace my anovos set with somehting more sturdy/thicker and will fit my body better, my squad mate has AM armor that looks really nice, sounds like from the armor types that perhaps AM or RT-mod would be the best fit for myself?

 

Seems likely.  Those two are built to accommodate bigger troopers.

[kopper22[TK]]

seems like it, any experts know what would be best suited for me? AP, ATA, ? problem with anovos is that the ab is a tad short for me and had straighten out the back straps to fit together well

[kman[TK]]

seems like it, any experts know what would be best suited for me? AP, ATA, ? problem with anovos is that the ab is a tad short for me and had straighten out the back straps to fit together well

 

Straightening the back straps if SOP for taller troopers on almost any armor.

 

But AM 2.0 and RT-Mod are definitely the two I would keep in mind, as a larger trooper.

 

FWIW, I'm 6'3" and #220, and I troop in Anovos.  But certain things would have been easier with armor built specifically with larger sizes in mind.