Just getting started and need guidance

[aggie1997]

I am hoping to become a member of the 501st as a FOTK.   I have spent the last several days reading many of the threads in these forums and trying to gain a better understanding of where I should be looking for armor, etc.  This site is great, but it is a lot to digest when you are getting started.  I want to avoid as many mistakes as possible and get great quality gear.  For those that have been where I am, but are now qualified FOTK, can you give me some guidance on where I should be looking for my gear, etc?  I would like to find a setup that requires as little work as possible but would qualify very high in the 501st.  Knowing what many of you know today, where would you go to buy your gear if you were in my position?  Thanks in advance for the info.   Can't wait to get started.

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

Hello and welcome aboard.

 

Which version of the FOTK? there are 3, here are the CRL's, base 501st requirements for costume approval

TFA https://databank.501st.com/databank/Costuming:TK_-_First_Order

TLJ https://databank.501st.com/databank/Costuming:TK_TLJ

TLJ - E https://databank.501st.com/databank/Costuming:TK_TLJ_Executioner

 

TFA builds area https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/forum/152-tfa-stormtrooper/

TLJ builds area https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/forum/195-tlj-build-threads/

 

Resources thread https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/34166-first-order-stormtrooper-resources/#comments

 

A great build to follow is Tony's @ukswrath https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/31877-ukswraths-fotk-build-thread/

 

 

 

Research is the key so you have a bit of reading in front of you, have a look through some of the build sections, you may find armor maker info, good luck and hope to see a build thread from you soon 

[ukswrath[Staff]]

Welcome Bill.

 

Glen being the master of information around these parts has started you off with some great info. Adding to that there's no one armor kit available that's better then another, at least for the time being. Each has their benefits and challenges and all will require a lot of work regardless. That said here on the FISD you'll find the best informed group of FOTK builders willing to help you along the way. 

  

[aggie1997]

Thanks for the information Glen and Tony.  I believe I am leaning towards the TFA armor.  I did some more reading yesterday and can't say I am any more confident with where to start looking.  I was able to see the armor that Jimmiroquai offers, but don't see any activity on that site (RPF) in over a year.  Not sure if he is still offering armor or currently shipping.  I did try to send him a PM through this site, but haven't heard back yet.  Are there other places you would recommend me look at armor or is Jim the best and I just need to be patient?  Also, is there a one stop shop where I get all the gear.  It doesn't sound like that is the case based on the threads I have read.  If not, do you have suggestion regarding other items (boots, helmet, gaskets, etc)?  Again, I really appreciate the help.  I am excited and would like to get started.  I am sure I am like most newbies that want to jump in.

 

BTW...I also looked at Anovos, but it doesn't appear anything is available right now.

Edited August 28, 2019 by aggie1997

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

You will find Jimmiroqui is mostly on Facebook and not the forums, you'll find quite a few build threads.

 

If you go through the build threads you'll see armor from various makers, look at the headings of the builds  

 

If you look at the Resources link I gave you you'll find boots, gaskets etc.

 

If you want a light plastic TFA helmet Big Bad Toy Store have Anovos on sale and apparently in stock https://www.bigbadtoystore.com/Product/VariationDetails/22866

 

There are other suppliers of resin helmets, many you'll also find in the build threads sections. 

 

Unfortunately since their earlier pre release armor Anovos have dropped the ball with delivery of their pre orders, many still waiting from 4 years ago.

 

No one stop shop for everything unless you want to wait with an Anovos order, and who knows when they will deliver. 

[aggie1997]

Excellent thanks.  I promise I am trying to read through the information, but as I said before, it is a lot to digest when you are just getting started.  

 

You mention the light plastic TFA helmet.  Is there a thread that talks about the pros/cons of plastic versus other types.  I have seen some older threads talk about fiberglass, etc.  Want to make sure I am getting good quality gear that is fairly durable, but lightweight.  

 

I also don't want to buy something that won't qualify or be approved.  My goal is to be approved at a level 3 certification.  

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

All the info I give you will be for costume approval, my TFA Anovos helmet is approved to Centurion (level 3)

 

I prefer plastic as I have neck issues, I have the premier Anovos fibreglass helmet too but that is really heavy in comparison.

 

One good thing with the plastic Anovos helmet is you don't need to paint, there are paints that will match it, but if you buy fibreglass or resin you will have to paint. 

 

I have owned other resin and fibreglass helmets, to me they are pretty much the same except for weight.

 

Most of my original trilogy Stormtrooper helmets are ABS plastic, again very light. 

[aggie1997]

Perfect.  I will take a look at the helmet from Big Bad Toys.  

 

Have you modified your helmet with fans and audio?  Any recommendations for doing so.  

 

 

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

On 8/28/2019 at 9:30 PM, aggie1997 said:

Have you modified your helmet with fans and audio?  Any recommendations for doing so.  

Yes two fans but they are wired separately, only really need one fan to stop lens fogging, these use a 4 x AA battery pack each, some use USB battery packs.

 

 

I just use an Aker 1506 amp, you keep the amp in the belt pouch and run the cable/mic up under the armor to the helmet.

 

Check out Tony's  @ukswrath sales thread he does a nice fan setup also links to his FOTK build and accessories 

 

Edited March 13, 2021 by gmrhodes13
link not working, removed gmrhodes13 2021