I found this thread on the First Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment (FISD) website - whitearmor.net

Thought it would be useful for anyone looking to build a Stormtrooper for the first time... or anyone wanting to upgrade, redo, etc.

http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/1 ... find-them/

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: [email protected]
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 / [email protected], please email for armor inquiries.
Kit: ABS & and HIPS by request, untrimmed, ANH derived
Availability: No known problems though there may be a waiting list.
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: T/MC
Country: USA
Contact: [email protected] 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: No known problems obtaining this. 4-8 weeks 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: [email protected]
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: Available to order, but there can be 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. Not for very tall troopers. Armour is more generous than SDS or AP, but not as large as RT-mod.

Type: RS Prop Masters
Country: UK
Contact: [email protected]
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: Armor Master (AM)
Country: USA
Contact: [email protected] and [email protected] are the two reliable, lowest cost, and best vendors of this armor. Both lite (helmetless) and full kits are available.
Kit: ABS, trimmed, fan sculpt. More accurate than FX and the armor is Expert Infantry ready out of the box.
Availability: No known problems though there may be a waiting list.
Assembly: Parts are trimmed and designed to be easy to put together - along with RT is the easiest kit to make.
Comments: Armor is good accuracy though the chest and back tend to be larger and sharply defined. Very durable. Helmet is a bit larger than scree-derived, and the face is the least accurate acceptable (though the dome is fine).


Type: FX
Country: USA
Availability: FX is not currently being sold. Do not buy from e-bay - kits are over-priced, the quality is often dubious, and always recast.
Contact: N/A
Kit: ABS, trimmed, fan sculpt.
Comments: It's good, robust armour that will hold up to a lot of abuse. While the helmet is fading away, the armor continues to be popular and will be in the Legion for some time.

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you beat me to posting this Rob

Me and the kids went to a Komets game the other night and the thought crossed my mind to buy me and Allen new suits of stormie armor and paint them up as Komet-troopers and wear them to games
Maybe we'll do it when he gets a little older.... It would be fun...lol

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"The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office." -Dwight D. Eisenhower-

I've been getting price quotes from the different makers. So far, ATA and AP have gotten back with me. ATA is considerably lower priced. If anyone wants the details, let me know and I can email you the prices.

I'm planning to build a new (and better) TK within the next few months.

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Out of pure curiosity.... Shoot me that info if you would please. Thanks man!

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"The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office." -Dwight D. Eisenhower-

I decided just to put it on the boards....

Here is the info from AP...

                   ANH STORMTROOPER ARMOR/HELMET CASTED OFF ORIGINAL!
                   *******************************************************************************
Our kits are professionaly made of .80 gauge white gloss ABS plastic, no painting required! Produced using professional industrial vaccumforming machines to ensure a high quality product, kit includes matching ABS plastic strips for assembling and shimming. Helmet assembles in minutes using only 8 screws, includes brow/neck rubber trim, metal mic tips, lens, decals and accurate screws. We also offer movie accurate Holster and gloves sold seperately. Boots, Black undersuit, blaster NOT INCLUDED.  501st approved boots available at: www.tkboots.com
 
Person wearing armor in photos (Me) 5.7" 165 lbs, will easily fit up to 6,2" person, can easily be trimmed down to fit a smaller person or fit a bigger person by adding extra ABS shims included in the kits. 
 
Always remember, you get what you pay for! There are cheaper kits out there but be warned!  many are 2nd or 3rd generation recasts with soft details, rough finish ect... ask for closeup photos and make sure details are crisp and clean, just compare their finish with our suits, as you can see our parts are professionaly molded, every single detail is captured to the original movie suits, we have nothing to hide and the reason we come highly recommended from the 501st and many popular trooper websites.


KIT OPTIONS
******************
We offer two kit options, first option is a untrimmed kit, meaning you have to trim and sand every single part yourself all parts are premarked for easy trimming, second option is a fully trimmed kit, all armor and helmet parts come fully trimmed and finished with all holes predrilled ready for assembly which is very easy, basically the hard part is done for you, the helmet assembles in minutes using 8 screws no glue required, there's no painting required, my kits are made of gloss white ABS platic like the movie originals, the only thing you need to paint are the small grey parts on the ear pieces, frown and the black chin, you don't need to paint the armor white color like stated our parts are molded in white gloss ABS plastic and easy to polish to brand new condition if scratched. 


ORDERING INFORMATION
********************
These are high quality made to order costumes, delivery time at the moment is approx 6 weeks from time of order, add a extra week if you order a fully trimmed kit. To confirm your order and add your name to our current waiting list we require a $200 deposit, balance required only when your order is ready to ship.


*******All Payments must be in CAD$ (Canadian dollars)********





ARMOR/HELMET KIT UNTRIMMED  
All armor and helmet parts come untrimmed and requires full assembly
**********************************************************
Armor/Helmet kit (untrimmed)    $799 CAD$ + $90 shipping (oversea $175) 
Armor kit only (untrimmed)          $699 CAD$ + $90 shipping (oversea $175)
Helmet kit only (untrimmed)         $225 CAD$ + $35 shipping (oversea $65)
Movie accurate Leather Holster       $45 CAD$
Movie accurate Rubber Gloves         $10 CAD$
Holster/Gloves Combo special          $50 CAD$
  
ARMOR/HELMET KIT fully trimmed not assembled
All armor and helmet parts come fully trimmed but requires full assembly
***********************************************************
Armor/Helmet fully trimmed      $1049 CAD$ + $90 shipping (oversea $175) 
Helmet kit Fully trimmed              $275 CAD$ + 35 shipping (oversea $65) 
Movie accurate Leather Holster     $45 CAD$
Movie accurate Rubber Gloves       $10  CAD$
Holster/Gloves Combo special        $50  CAD$

 
PAYMENTS ACCEPTED 
************************
PAYPAL (add 4% FEES) to: [email protected]
Money Orders  
Cashiers Checks
Bank wire transfer
Western Union

SHIPPING INFO
****************
USA/CANADA orders will ship via Fedex, UPS or USPS with tracking# 
OVERSEA orders ship via USPS Airmail tracking#

Thank you!

Mark (Authenticprops)

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Here's the info for ATA...

Helmet kits are $130 plus shipping and include neck and brow trim, lens material, hardware to build it, and mic tips. No decals, sorry. Armor kits with a helmet are $520 plus shipping. The armor is pulled from a gloss ABS  plastic which does not have to be painted, and everything is pulled in 80 gauge/2mm plastic. I also have sandtrooper kits available upon request.  Black ABS suits are now available and are $540 plus shipping for a full kit.

All prices are in US dollars. I don't take prepayments, so if your interested I can put you on a waiting list. I generally have helmets on hand and there is about a six month wait on armor kits.


Thanks

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u173 ... mor001.jpg
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u173 ... mor003.jpg
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u173 ... mor005.jpg
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u173 ... mor004.jpg
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u173 ... mor006.jpg

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For what id wat it for the ATA would be fine. Hmmm not i have to think on this... (Dang it!...lol) Allen would love suiting up as a Komets trooper

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"The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office." -Dwight D. Eisenhower-

I can recomend ATA myself, nice detail and easy to work with, not to mention fairly affordable. If you are going to build a Stromtrooper, you definitely need to join the First Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment (FISD) @ http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/

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Mark,

Is your ATA armor made of HIPS or ABS? The description from ATA mentions both. Have you had any problems with cracking or splitting?

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I have abs and I think he only uses abs now. If he still offers both, I'd recomend ABS.

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I recently(within the last 2 months), have spoken to ATA about a pair of forearms for my Snow Commander, and he is solely using ABS now for everything.

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Wolfman37 TI/IC-4673

hey everyone... Mandy and I purchased a bunch of kits to make and sell because i love to build them. I spoke to Dale the creator of the AM/ FX suits and he gave me approval to sell them... they are FX armor kits.
i want to get rid of them..
and they are the same kit i used.... i found out later that they are very high quality recasts.. but Dale does not have a problem with them being sold.. i consider them good starts for any 501st recruit.

the problems i found with them is this:

the helmet is FX and you can't get any higher ranking but it's easily upgraded.
the belt is still plastic and cut slightly short on the sides where the buttons should go.. so only half of the button shows but easily fixable... the buttons need to be changed to meed code.. ( the grey and blue)
the return edges has been trimmed off fora smooth look .. most trim this anyway.. but some like them. you can find the listings on ebay..... but just want to get rid of these now because of the situation with mandy... it's just too painful.

the kits are boxed up and will sell them to get rid of them to any potential 501st member for 500 Delivered to your door.

please feel free to contact me.
[email protected] or pm me on the boards... they come with everything... strapping kit... velcro etc.
just no gun, holster, or undersuit, or boots.

perhaps with my friends help we can get rid of these.. i have quite a few... and would love to just get my money back and help those that want to help get a suit for a cheaper price.

Thank you Dale for your permission to sell thee...
and since every armor has a name.. i would like call these... " fxM kits" or FX Mandy kits.

i also wanted to thank each and every one of my brothrs for all of your support in my time of sorrow.

andrew

and if you want to spread the word... please feel free... these kits are special.... very special... as they are in her memory... and can help me pay for her funeral expenses.
god bless you all my brothers!

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ND4LYFE

I just purchased an ATA (abs) helmet for $136 (that's with shipping too). I'm excited about building a better helmet.

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That's my plan also. I want to replace my AM helmet with an ATA one. I am going to try to pimp it out with speakers and a mic input so that I will be able to hear. I have some hearing loss, and I already cannot hear in my AM helmet with fans going. I have seen some threads on the FISD board where people have used headsets,amps, and a mic input to be able to hear what is going on in their helmets...