The various types of armor and where to find them UPDATED 2024

[sskunky]

8 hours ago, themaninthesuitcase said:

The RS and CFO helmets and suits are cast from production made originals. I am not privy to how exactly but I expect they used silicone moulding techniques. 
 

So why do everyone else sculpt from scratch?
 

Well screen used suits are very rare in private hands. Most of what is left is probably in the Lucas Film archives. It’s also incredibly expensive, the last helmet for sale was in the region of $120,000 from memory. The the final nail is these are all at best 40 years old and so will probably be quite fragile by now. So the chances of getting hold is something that some one would allow to be cast is effectively 0 at this point.

Actually the last ROTJ helmet was sold a few weeks back and fetched $225,000/£176,000. Which was nice,  As I have one. 😂 

[themaninthesuitcase[Admin]]

Always good to have a retirement plan 😂

[Awesomest_Dude]

Does anyone have any experience with this seller?: https://www.etsy.com/listing/997190833/star-wars-stormtrooper-armor-kit?click_key=c8f5051cf8b68b1630eac63956f1b7d559c416e7%3A997190833&click_sum=435c6a9b&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=stormtrooper+armor&ref=sr_gallery-1-3&cns=1&sts=1&content_source=d7aee58581cea7278d2a765fea6360ad097419da%3A997190833

 

It has good reviews and it’s reasonably priced.

[MaskedVengeance[Staff]]

59 minutes ago, Awesomest_Dude said:

Does anyone have any experience with this seller?: https://www.etsy.com/listing/997190833/star-wars-stormtrooper-armor-kit?click_key=c8f5051cf8b68b1630eac63956f1b7d559c416e7%3A997190833&click_sum=435c6a9b&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=stormtrooper+armor&ref=sr_gallery-1-3&cns=1&sts=1&content_source=d7aee58581cea7278d2a765fea6360ad097419da%3A997190833

 

It has good reviews and it’s reasonably priced.

 

And it's near the very top of our LIST OF VENDORS TO AVOID. Our advice would be to stay clear.

[Awesomest_Dude]

2 hours ago, MaskedVengeance said:

 

And it's near the very top of our LIST OF VENDORS TO AVOID. Our advice would be to stay clear.

Ok. Sorry I forgot to compare it

[Awesomest_Dude]

3 hours ago, MaskedVengeance said:

 

And it's near the very top of our LIST OF VENDORS TO AVOID. Our advice would be to stay clear.

If it’s bad why does it have so many good reviews?

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

7 minutes ago, Awesomest_Dude said:

If it’s bad why does it have so many good reviews?

Could be many reasons, but what is known is Makerofthings is a recaster of others work and was removed from these forums.

 

We have a vetted sellers list (first page of this thread), proven and reliable suppliers of armor which could be 501st approved

 

 

[sskunky]

10 hours ago, Awesomest_Dude said:

If it’s bad why does it have so many good reviews?

He recast me-CFO , RS, TE and many other makers. 

[Awesomest_Dude]

On 5/24/2024 at 3:40 PM, gmrhodes13 said:

Could be many reasons, but what is known is Makerofthings is a recaster of others work and was removed from these forums.

 

We have a vetted sellers list (first page of this thread), proven and reliable suppliers of armor which could be 501st approved

 

 

I mean it's cheaper tho and I don't have too much money to spend on this kind of stuff. Isn't there a cheaper good seller I can buy from. A lot of the vetted sellers I had to message on facebook or specifically email them, and not even all the emails worked.

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

40 minutes ago, Awesomest_Dude said:

I mean it's cheaper tho and I don't have too much money to spend on this kind of stuff. Isn't there a cheaper good seller I can buy from. A lot of the vetted sellers I had to message on facebook or specifically email them, and not even all the emails worked.

If any emails or contact info doesn't work we need to be notified, all contact info is correct when they are added to the sellers list. They are "vetted sellers" as we know they supply (and at a reasonable time) quality costumes and people have had no issues with them. What you buy is entirely up to you BUT there is no guarantee you will recieve what you order or could even become legion approved with a lesser quality product, entirely up to your GML (garrison membership liaison).

 

Unfortunately price is a part of this hobby especially for costumes which are close if not better than screen accurate.

[Awesomest_Dude]

20 hours ago, gmrhodes13 said:

If any emails or contact info doesn't work we need to be notified, all contact info is correct when they are added to the sellers list. They are "vetted sellers" as we know they supply (and at a reasonable time) quality costumes and people have had no issues with them. What you buy is entirely up to you BUT there is no guarantee you will recieve what you order or could even become legion approved with a lesser quality product, entirely up to your GML (garrison membership liaison).

 

Unfortunately price is a part of this hobby especially for costumes which are close if not better than screen accurate.

I emailed T/MC at [email protected] and gmail said the domain couldn't be found. I sent a PM to Walt in May but he hasn't responded yet.

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

3 hours ago, Awesomest_Dude said:

I emailed T/MC at [email protected] and gmail said the domain couldn't be found. I sent a PM to Walt in May but he hasn't responded yet.

You can try Tray via his forum name and send a private message @Tray

 

I believe Walt does most of his communication via Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/612005498911674/user/1145629985/ Most questins in the WTF build group are answered pretty quickly https://www.facebook.com/groups/612005498911674

[Awesomest_Dude]

1 hour ago, gmrhodes13 said:

You can try Tray via his forum name and send a private message @Tray

 

I believe Walt does most of his communication via Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/612005498911674/user/1145629985/ Most questins in the WTF build group are answered pretty quickly https://www.facebook.com/groups/612005498911674

It says Tray can't receive messages

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

14 minutes ago, Awesomest_Dude said:

It says Tray can't receive messages

I've tagged him in the post so he may get a notification and check this thread.

 

Also @Tray  is the CO (commanding officer) of: 

First State Garrison

 Forum:  http://firststategarrison.com/

 

His GCO contact email: [email protected]

[Colin]

On 6/15/2010 at 8:38 AM, Daetrin said:

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.

3.  Also see this thread:  https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/19329-where-what-and-whom-to-avoid-when-buying/

 

COMMISSION BUILDS

Please be aware before purchasing a "commission build" (assembled by any of our vetted sellers listed below) or a completed costume sold by reputable members, does not mean an automatic pass at our higher levels of approval.

As with all costumes, the armor will be under the same level of scrutiny as one you assemble yourself. It must fit well and follow correctly the requirements as set out in the current CRL.

Please also bare in mind, you could be requested to make modifications and corrections when applying for Expert Infantry and Centurion levels where additional reference materials are used over and above what is written in said CRL's.

Some example are sniper plate positioning, rivet placement and the finer details scrutinized at Centurion.

 

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.

 

=== ANH DERIVED ARMOR ===

 

Type: ATA (Affordable Trooper Armor) Sadly Unavailable until further notice

Country: USA

Contact:

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

Availability

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, so you can order it either way and feel confident.

 

 

Type: Authenticprops (AP)

Country: Canada

Contact: [email protected]

Kit: .080 gloss white ABS, ANH derived can be ordered Untrimmed, Fully trimmed (ready for assembly) or Fully built Ready to Wear out of the box. All kits include ANH Leather holster, rubber gloves, rubber hand guards, canvas belt, TD metal clips and all correct hardware to build your armor to centurion specs. Helmet is screen derived but cleaned up with a smooth cap and back, The AP helmet includes hovi mic tip replicas, Centurion approved painted look vinyl decals, green acetate lens, rubber brow/neck trim, frown mesh, all correct hardware to assemble helmet.

 

Availability: No known problems obtaining this, usual wait time 4 to 8 weeks 

 

Options:  

UNTRIMMED KIT all parts require trimming/sanding 

FULLY TRIMMED KIT all parts come perfectly trimmed ready for assembly

FULLY BUILT READY TO WEAR out of the box  (Custom built to your size)

HELMET ONLY (untrimmed, trimmed, fully built)

ARMOR ONLY (untrimmed, trimmed, fully built)

 

Assembly: requires cover-strip and butt-joining for assembly like the movie original

 

Comment: AB and Kidney plates have 3" inch extensions to the sides to fit larger waist sizes without the need of shimming, can be easily trimmed down to perfectly fit your waist size or left to original movie size.

All kits include ANH style Leather holster, rubber gloves, rubber flexible hand guards, canvas belt, TD metal clips and all correct hardware to build your armor to centurion specs!

 

Type: RS Prop Masters 

Country: UK

Contact: [email protected] or http://www.rspropmasters.com/

Kit: 1.5mm ABS or 1.5mm PVC, untrimmed or ready-to-wear, only 1st Generation cast of an original ANH armor. Comes with all accessories needed for Expert Infantry level build and Centurion ready with very little extra parts needed. Note again, commission builds from RS are not always up to our EI and Centurion level and may require additional work to be approved.

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 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 or AM.

 

Type: RWA (RWA Creations)

Country: Isle of Wight, UK

Contact: Email to [email protected] .. Facebook: RWA Creations

Availability: 6 weeks

Kit: ANH, ESB untrimmed kit in 1.5mm ABS, 2mm ABS, 2mm Acrylic capped. Black or White.

Options: Helmet assembly service or fully finished (excluding padding). Neck seals, Canvas Belts, Aluminium Thermal detonator clips. 2" longer shins available on request.
XL parts for taller troopers: See: XL Thighs - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLyH1nb4fPQ, XL Shoulder bells - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qySuQk4DI-Q, XL Torso parts - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4W5GQZ-opQ, XL Kidney Section - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOo-aTzPJhY

 

Type: T/MC

Country: USA

Contact: [email protected] or PM Tray on the FISD boards @Tray

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. 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: WTF (Walt)

Country: USA

Contact: Walt on FISD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/612005498911674/user/1145629985/  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/612005498911674

Kit: ABS, untrimmed, ANH derived

Availability Current wait times are 6-8 weeks.

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

Comments: No issues with quality or service reported to date.

 

=== ANH FAN SCULPT === 

 

Type: RT-Mod (RT) / RT-Panda
Country: Canada
Contact: [email protected]
Kit: ABS, close trimmed, fan sculpt. Updated bucks for the majority of the armor and helmet in 2018 to meet Centurion level standards (separate ab button plate, kidney notches, etc).
Availability: Currently about 8 month wait.
Assembly: Parts are "close trimmed" (a thicker return edge is left on all parts for those seeking more accuracy for strapping brackets etc. Final trimming is far less work than "untrimmed off the buck" armor. Designed to be easy to put together (regarded as one of the easiest kits to assemble as all "halves of lumbs etc. line up to one another without problems).  Designed for butt joined limbs with a formed ridge with cover strips. Some parts can be formed without ridges present. Helmet comes as a kit as of 2019.
Options: ANH stunt, ESB hand armor
Comments: Designed especially for taller/larger body types and has more capacity to fit these troopers (without shims) than most makes of armor. There are 2 sizes of back armor, 3 sizes of thighs, 2 sizes of shins / calves, and the ab / kidney will accommodate approx 40" waist without shims. The thighs are wider and can accomodate a wide range of sizes. Female troopers often order thighs / shins to accommodate wider hips etc. The armor and helmet are sculpted at 4% larger than an original kit. The difference is subtle but makes fitting/sizing much easier for taller/larger troopers (has been worn very easily by troopers from 6' to 6'5").

 

Type: AM (Armor Master) - Dave’s Darkside Depot

Country: USA

Contact: [email protected] or https://www.facebook.com/Daves-Darkside-Depot-1188080927989611

Kit: ABS.  All body armor components including face piece and ear pieces are .090 ABS. The one piece dome/back is formed using .125 ABS, as this piece is formed over a rather deep mold and anything thinner can cause thin regions which can eventually crack or fracture.  White .060 ABS blanks included to cut as cover-strips.  TD clips, rubber gloves and black Nomex flight gloves, flexible hand guards and all Centurion level hardware included.

Availability:   Normally 4-6 weeks or less. 

Assembly: Comes trimmed out of the box, but you will still be required to adjust for proper fit to your body size.  Good choice for large troopers, but can be cut down.   Can be ordered completely pre-assembled for an additional fee.

Comments:   Chest and back molds have been updated to address past concerns, and are now acceptable to Centurion level.  They are now including a custom, die-cut Imperial cog themed helmet liner for the helmets, mounting Velcro included.  Hovi tips are professionally cast aluminum.  Hero helmets are now available.  

 

Type: MTK (NOW SOLD by Imperial Surplus) 

Country: USA

Contact: https://imperialsurplus.com/contact-us/ 

Website: https://imperialsurplus.com/product-category/armor/original-trilogy-armor/

Armor is made of .70 gauge (1.778 mm) satin gloss white ABS and will withstand the rigors of trooping. Kit comes trimmed for shipping and requires final trimming/fitting.

Kit comes with:

All ABS plastic required for assembly to include helmet, body parts and joining/cover strips.

Helmet accessories include lens material, rubber S trim, Hovi tips, helmet decals (choose between ANH, ANH Sandy & ESB versions) screws, rivets, washers and screen mesh for the frown.

Gloves

This kit does not include: Blaster, under-suit, holster, boots, Velcro or any instructions but many of these items are available at trooperbay.com

Kits can be built  to Centurion level when following the correct CRL

Availability: Kits generally available on request, spare parts also available and on hand.

 

=== ROTJ ARMOR ===

 

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 build.

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 FISD and other prop forums.

 

=== ROGUE ONE (Mandalorian / Obi Wan / Ahsoka / Enoch / Night Trooper) ARMOR === 

Type: Jimmiroquai

Country: PI

Contact: email [email protected]

Kit: Kits are lightweight flexible fiberglass. 

Availability: PM to ask, varies

Assembly: Fully trimmed and partially assembled, e.g. if it fits out of the box one can go straight to rigging and painting.

Comments: No issues with quality or service reported to date.

 

Type: 850 Armor Works

Country: USA

Contact: FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/205514516516535/ website: https://850armorworks.com/   email: [email protected]

Kit: ABS plastic

Availability: PM to ask, varies

Assembly: No

Comments: No issues with quality or service reported to date.

 

=== FIRST ORDER TFA / TLJ / TROS === 

Type: Jimmiroquai

Country: PI

Contact: email [email protected]

Kit: Kits are lightweight flexible fiberglass.  Can come with both TFA or TLJ details.

Availability: PM to ask, varies

Assembly: Untrimmed.

Comments: No issues with quality or service reported to date.

 

Type: Imperial Surplus

Country: USA

Contact: https://imperialsurplus.com/contact-us/ 

Website: https://imperialsurplus.com/product/first-order-stormtrooper/

Availability: Kits generally available on request, spare parts also available and on hand.

Assembly: Untrimmed.

Comments: No issues with quality or service reported to date.

 

Type: WTF (Walt)

Country: USA

Contact: Walt on FISD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/612005498911674/user/1145629985/  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/612005498911674

Kit: ABS

Availability Current wait times are 6-8 weeks.

Assembly: Armor needs to be trimmed

Comments: No issues with quality or service reported to date.

 

Type: 850 Armor Works

Country: USA

Contact: FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/205514516516535/ website: https://850armorworks.com/   email: [email protected]

Kit: ABS plastic

Availability: PM to ask, varies

Assembly: No

Comments: No issues with quality or service reported to date.

 

Type: Denuo Novo

Country: USA

Contact: FB: https://www.facebook.com/Denuo_Novo website: https://www.denuonovo.com/collections/new-star-wars   email: [email protected] 

Kit: ABS plastic

Availability: PM to ask, varies Pre orders, pre built, spare parts and kit form available.

Assembly: YES

Comments: No issues with quality or service reported to date.

 

First Order TK armor full vendors list available. HERE 

 

 

=== NO LONGER MADE ===

 

Type: TE2

Country: USA

Contact: HDPblues on FISD

Kit: HIPS, untrimmed, ANH derived

Availability: None, since a long time. Best to look elsewhere.

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

Comments: Helmet is considered very screen accurate. While he rarely makes armor anymore, he's a solid buy if you find any.

 

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.

 

Type: Older/Original AM (1.0) NE

Country: USA

Contact: [email protected]

Kit: .090 gauge ABS - trimmed - Fan sculpt

Availability: N/A

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 proper fit 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. Lite kits come without helmet, ABS cement or polish.

Thank you this was incredibly helpful! How do I contact  PM Sskunky on here?

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

6 hours ago, Colin said:

Thank you this was incredibly helpful! How do I contact  PM Sskunky on here?

Top right corner of this forum, click the message tab, then left side compose new, in the TO line enter sskunky, it will then show his profile link and click and enter.

 

 

[Colin]

1 hour ago, gmrhodes13 said:

Top right corner of this forum, click the message tab, then left side compose new, in the TO line enter sskunky, it will then show his profile link and click and enter.

 

 

Thanks I accidentally entered the PM from the original post

[sskunky]

Pm replied. 👍🏻