Rookie Questions

JosephWesthouse

New Hunter
Hi everyone,
I'm new to the forum, and am overwhelmed by the wealth of information here. I was wondering if I could ask a few questions to get myself pointed in the right direction on some RotJ costume decisions. First of all, I should preface that I'm just getting started with my Fett costume, and don't have nearly enough money to go screen-accurate - I'm just hoping to improve bit by bit as I'm able. With that said, here are my pressing questions at the moment:

1. The first thing I need is a new helmet. Looking for what I can find that's a halfway reasonable price (I'm so mad my sister didn't pick me up a Target helmet when she saw one); it looks like I can get a deluxe Rubie's helmet on Amazon for $100, but I know Rubie's is a bad word when it comes to Fett helmets. Anywhere else I should be looking, or anything specific I should keep my eyes out for on eBay? I don't need something perfect right now, but would like something decent.

2. After the helmet, I feel like the next costume piece I really need is the gauntlets - which unfortunately seem to be one of the most expensive and complex pieces around. Any pointers for where I can find reasonable replicas (again, don't necessarily have to be 100% screen accurate or Imperial 501st quality), or kits for making my own?

3. Also looking at possible low-cost modifications that will add a little bit more authenticity to the costume without breaking the bank. I don't currently have the dart launcher attachments for my knee armor, and would love it someone could point me towards some info on how to make my own, and/or a place where I can pick up prefabricated ones.

4. Does anyone know where a body could buy tackle twill? I may be able to have somebody make me a more authentic flak vest, which would be really awesome...but I have no idea what tackle twill is, or where to find it...

These are probably the first of many questions - like I said, I'm a rookie. Thank you all in advance for any help you can offer!
 
Hey Joseph,

First off, welcome!

Yes, there is a ton of information here, but every single bit I've read has made each decision easier; if I have any advice for the newly-started, it's take your time and devour everything here you can find on RotJ. A second bit of advice would be to steer clear of eBay excepting the few sellers there also found here (Man of War Studios and MLS, mojo_skywalker, maybe some others missed by my ignorance), other works there are often mentioned as low-quality, inaccurate, and just plain knock-offs by the knowledgeable folks around here. I have some of those, so I'm speaking from some experience, and compared to the workmanship and accuracy from the builders found here, well, I'll be tossing pretty much everything I found on eBay (I think I may keep the Jet Pack Adjustment Tool, but it's not really needed on my RotJ build :D).

About your helmet, I understand wanting to get somewhere quickly and not wanting to spend a huge amount of money, but for myself I know I will always regret the money and time "wasted" on inferior products. I have a vinyl Rubies that came with their low-end Halloween costume, and it's a POS (the paint job is poo-poo, the t-visor has glue obscuring half my FOV and doesn't go down all the way, and the bucket is warped from being crushed during shipping). As the center piece of your Boba, don't you want it to take your breath away? You're ready to drop a Benjamin on a poor substitute, when even commissioned-painted a truly awesome bucket would only be 5 to 6? Half that if you can tackle the painting yourself. Just sayin'... If money is still a big issue, you can go the make-it-yourself route. Plenty of folks here have shown great results using a variety of materials and tons of hard work.

This thread is a bit old, but it will give you an idea what costs can be involved:

http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/f22/new-tdh-read-about-how-much-you-will-spend-17421/

For a recent benchmark, I have collected most of what is needed, and am skating the 4K mark -- but that includes the paints and many found or screen-accurate metal replicas.

Hope that's helpful.

Cheers!
 
save your money, take your time and get a good helmet. A raw helmet kit will run you $200-$300. That is a reasonable price. One of the first things you have to do is to decide do I want to put out the cash or learn to do the work yourself. This not a cheap hobby. You don't have to spend a ton but the less you spend the more time and skill that you need to have.


Welcome to the forums. Read, read and read some more.....it is the best thing you can do to get a great kit in the end.
 
No prices here, but a general bill of materials I assembled for an Empire Strikes Back (ESB) Boba Fett costume:

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| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | PROP
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | Prop (maker)
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| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 242, 204); font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | boots
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | Star Wars Boba Fett Costume Prop Boots | eBay - (MoW @Man of War Studios)
|- style="height: 17px"
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| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | Toe plates, white platic for ESB (MoW) 2014 Boots https://www.shapeways.com/product/Z246N4MTQ ( @ToolGuy301 )
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| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 242, 204); font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | girth belt
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | ESB, sturdy and perfect @woodman
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| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 242, 204); font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | gloves
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | Star Wars Boba Fett Costume Prop Gloves (ESB) - (MoW @Man of War Studios)
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| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 242, 204); font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | flight suit
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | weathered and dyed flight suit http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/f20/official-loanstar-boba-fett-flight-suit-run-23461/ ( @Loanstar )
|- style="height: 17px"
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | 2 x pouches ( @Loanstar )
|- style="height: 17px"
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| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | ESB Fett cape ( @Loanstar )
|- style="height: 17px"
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| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 242, 204); font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | flak jacket
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | Vest + Neck Seal ( @Loanstar )
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| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 242, 204); font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | armor
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | Backplate ( @redkraytdragon )
|- style="height: 17px"
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| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | Shoulder Bells (Pair) (@ redkraytdragon )
|- style="height: 17px"
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | Collar Plate (@ redkraytdragon )
|- style="height: 17px"
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| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | Chest Set (@ redkraytdragon )
|- style="height: 17px"
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| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | Cod plate (@ redkraytdragon ) and this belt to hold it up: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003R6LHOC
|- style="height: 17px"
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | Kidney/Butt plate (@ redkraytdragon )
|- style="height: 17px"
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| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | Gauntlets (clamshells .060) (@ redkraytdragon )
|- style="height: 17px"
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | Full greeblie kit for gaunts - no Flamethrower kit (@ redkraytdragon )
|- style="height: 17px"
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | Knee kits V3 (unassembled) (@ redkraytdragon )
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| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | Whipcord Housing - Right Guantlet (@ redkraytdragon )
|-
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| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | Flamethrower - Left Guantlet ( @Combatbaby )
|- style="height: 17px"
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|- style="height: 38px"
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| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | Paint - "Armor" includes: Collar, Chest plates/center diamond, AB plate, backplate, shoulders, knees, kidney/butt plate and decals
http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/f31/fettwerks-painting-assembly-commissions-available-48024/ (@ Darth Voorhees )
|- style="height: 17px"
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | Paint - gauntlets (@ Darth Voorhees )
|- style="height: 17px"
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | collar ​ studs -- made by me w/keyboard keys and silver paint & epoxy
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| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 242, 204); font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | jetpack
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | http://www.ebay.com/itm/Star-Wars-Boba-Fett-Costume-Prop-Jetpack-/261560763475 + shipping -- (MoW @Man of War Studios)
|- style="height: 17px"
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | jetpack harness + strapping - stainless steel (@ BigDane )
|- style="height: 17px"
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | Web belt and Diver's buckle (thd Cargohold)
|- style="height: 17px"
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | jetpack rings/clips (@ fullmetalfett)
|- style="height: 17px"
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
| jetpack paint up:
|- style="height: 17px"
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| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | Rattlecans, Acrylics, Testors Matte Finish, painting prep, sandpaper and finish
|- style="height: 17px"
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | Rustoleum Spruce Green Satin - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001B2P1S2
|- style="height: 17px"
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | Satin black - http://www.amazon.com/Rust-Oleum-249.../dp/B002BWOS8K
|- style="height: 17px"
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | Black Primer - http://www.amazon.com/Krylon-51316-6-PK-All-Purpose-Decorator/dp/B00B36CLV6
|- style="height: 17px"
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | Dark red color - http://www.amazon.com/Testor-Corp-Sp.../dp/B002LTW67I
|- style="height: 17px"
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | Yellow / Mango Orange - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004GJDWJW http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002BWOSBC
|- style="height: 17px"
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | Silver damage (aluminum or silver) or Silver Base Coat *need help here * http://www.amazon.com/Rust-Oleum-727.../dp/B0019K1YD2
|- style="height: 17px"
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | Matte Finish - Testors http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009FF6DN4
|- style="height: 17px"
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
|- style="height: 34px"
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 242, 204); font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | wookie braids
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/f31/woodman-synthetic-braids-available-anytime-just-drop-me-pm-34910 (@ woodman )
|- style="height: 17px"
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
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| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 242, 204); font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | ammo belt
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/f31/delta13s-leather-works-50236/ (@ Delta13Mike )
|- style="height: 17px"
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
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| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 242, 204); font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | helmet fan
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/f31/fs-evilboys-dual-fan-helmet-fan-kit-46787/ (@ Evilboy )
|- style="height: 17px"
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
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| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 242, 204); font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | chest light kit
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/f31/fettronics-v4-light-set-summer-run-50214/ or http://www.fettronics.com (@ Fettronics )
|- style="height: 17px"
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
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| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 242, 204); font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | shin tools
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | Paterson Photographic Print Squeegee - Adorama.com
|- style="height: 17px"
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | Paterson Photographic Chemical Stirrer
|- style="height: 17px"
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | JP adjustment tool (white) https://www.shapeways.com/product/YMRN9YQLN?optionId=24410247&li=cart
|- style="height: 17px"
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | Anti security tool (ESB) (white) https://www.shapeways.com/product/4943SPETD?optionId=43232817&li=cart​
|- style="height: 17px"
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
|- style="height: 17px"
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 242, 204); font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | weapons
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | MLS Resin Pulce 40 Sidearm (@ MLS - http://molonlabestudios.net )
|- style="height: 17px"
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | + Rattlecans, Sandpaper, Fixative & Sealer for Sidearm
|- style="height: 17px"
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | ESB EE-3 wood+PVC+ Flash Tube (@ The WoodChuck )
|- style="height: 17px"
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom" |
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| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 242, 204); font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | sidearm holster
| style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: calibri, arial, sans, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top" | Used holster (the Cargohold, I would now get it now from @ MLS - http://molonlabestudios.net or @jbdubz /sidewinder)
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Wow - this is some awesome info; thank you! My first helmet was a vinyl Rubie's monstrosity, too - hence why I need a new one. I'm open to the possibility of painting my own - where would I find an unfinished helmet that one of you would recommend? Also, I've heard that some people use the '96 Don Post helmet as a starting point - if I was able to snag one of those on eBay, would you recommend it?

Also, I have definitely looked into ManOFWar's stuff, which looks fantastic. In fact, it was long enough ago that I can't remember, but I feel like I may have actually bought my armor from him? Not sure, honestly, but at any rate, it looks like he makes some good costume pieces. Would you all recommend his RotJ gauntlet kits, or is there another option I should consider? I'm open to varying degrees of detail and authenticity... I recognize what you all are saying about investing money well and getting a better costume in the long run - but at the same time, I also want to be able to wear the costume casually (Halloween, etc.) in the meantime, so if I can make significant improvements to it for something less than collector-grade price, I'm not opposed to that.
Thank you again for the info, and the warm welcome :)
 
Sorry for the double post - I just realized I had one more question...
I've been researching tackle twill, and I guess it doesn't actually refer to a specific type of fabric, but rather to a method of quilting the fabric? So that begs the question - what material do you all recommend using for the flak vest, patches on the gloves, etc? And are there any specific pointers for the quilting on the vest, or just match visual references?

Or am I completely off my rocker? I'm just going off of this crafting site I found that explains what "tackle twill" is...but maybe they're crazy. Any enlightenment on this topic would be appreciated, as I'm hoping to persuade someone to construct a flak vest for me, and perhaps some other soft parts.
 
The one thing you say that makes me suggest you need more research is the use of the the term "collector grade". I get the impression you think the 3K suits are collector grade. That would be inaccurate. If I were to use that term I would say that collector grade suits would be in the 8K to 10K range. The kits that most of us on here have made have concessions to time, money and the ability to be wearable.

I wear mine on troops with the 501st but I also wear it on Halloween like you mentioned. Just a for instance..........I would not say that MOW is collector grade stuff. His stuff is good, I use it on my kit but it is not the top tier most accurate.

Your enthusiasm is great and well placed. Just make sure you learn as much as you can before pulling the trigger.

Tackle twill is a specific type of fabric. like this....
http://www.alibaba.com/product-deta...702766.html?spm=a2700.7724857.29.1.8i5Yvo&s=p

Make sure who ever you enlist to make the vest and soft parts understands what you are going for or they may take liberties in construction that hurt the overall look.

96 Don Post can be used but it is not highly recommended. Remember the cheaper less accurate the base of your helmet is the more work, time, correction and money you will have to put in it to get to where you want it.


I think you have the enthusiasm to get a good Boba Fett kit going. No matter where you start you will always end up wanting to upgrade as you learn more and as you continue in this hobby.

Hope this helps.
 
Mullreel - you're absolutely right that I need more research...that's why I'm so grateful for all of these replies ^_^ The use of the word "collector" was more a result of me being rushed and choosing my words poorly, though. I really appreciate the pointers, as well as the clarification about tackle twill. Is there a thread somewhere on TDH with specific recommendations for unfinished helmets? I'd be glad to put in the work to finish one if I could find a good piece that people recommend.
 
Check out the FP premium in the cargo hold thread by animefan.
its a nice lid for a good price.
Several good lid makers, but also helps to know your body size.

FP has the FPH2 lid in ESB and ROTJ style, you came mail him at fettpride@fettpride.com
Animefan can be found here on the board.
bobamaker you can google and get that info.
RS props also has a Master Replicas based lid that is nice. You can google RS propsmasters in the UK.

The Bobamaker lid is a tad smaller than the others mentioned here, but it's a nice lid.

shop around and ask plenty of questions before getting the trigger under your finger lol.
 
You will find many opinions on helmets. I have experience with several helmet makers both Boba Fett and Jango Fett.

As syllander said your body type will be a large determining factor. I am 5'10 190 which is lucky because I can use a wide assortment of helmets. I currently troop with a Bobamaker helmet painted in ROTJ. I have an Asok FP Budget helmet that is almost finished painted in ESB. I also have a MR cast painted in ESB. I have a GMH cast from Asok that will be painted as a Pre Pro 2 (if I ever get the time). I have an old Sgt Fang that is painted as a generic Mandalorian Journeyman Protector. The FP Budget, Sgt Fang and the MR cast are the largest the GMH and Bobamaker are a bit smaller but I can still troop them. The GMH and Bobamaker are similar in size to the Asok Jango Fett.

Fettpride is the go to guy when people want accuracy but you can find those who don't think it is accurate enough.
You also have makers such as Darth Vorhees. I have never had experience with his work but I have seen his helmets painted and they look good. Then there are those guys who cast helmets but mainly just sell on the 501st forums such as Buck Rogers.

Look through some WIP threads and try to find someone of similar height and weight, then you can look at how things fit them and judge what might work best for you.
 
Good thoughts on helmet size - thanks. I'm pretty tall (a little over 6'3"), but thin. And I have a big head..so this'll be interesting. Sigh...

So, on the subject of rooki questions, something that's been puzzling me that doesn't seem worth starting a new thread: 501st standards say knee armor is supposed to attach via elastic. How exactly is one supposed to affix elastic to their armor? Obviously you can't sew it in. Do most people just glue or epoxy it?
 
I use line 24 snaps. You glue the male end onto the knee armor and then mount the female side on the elastic straps. The elastic straps then run behind the knee and hold the knees in place decently. However most of us put a piece of veclro on the flight suit and on the inside of the knee to help keep them in place.


With your height I would highly recommend looking at the larger helmets such as the FP budget or MR casts.
 
With my knee armor I used large sew on snaps to hold them on & the elastic strap takes up the slack of the pant leg. I used the male portion of the snaps on the knee armor & the female sewed to the pants. This keeps the knee armor secure & allows it to pivot with your leg movements.

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Makes sense with the snaps on the elastic.

Looks like Fett Pride or the RS Propmasters buckets would be good for my great big head, so those are going on my wish list. I'm so intimidated by the prospect of painting something that detailed, but I guess I'll need to get over that...

I really appreciate all the help you guys are providing. I'm getting lots of info as I figure out what part(s) of my costume to tackle first.
 
There's a very detailed series of tutorials on YouTube by Welsh Warrior for painting a helmet using the layered method (rather than topical).
They can be found at How to paint a boba fett helmet, Episode 1 - YouTube
It took me a while to get my head around the method, but after watching the videos it made sense and I was able to tackle the project one part (panel) at a time.
Good luck.
 
The FP premiums (or other Master Replica derived helmets) are the largest(to my knowledge) of the casts I've compared via photos. Animefan and Darth Vorhees and RS sell these type of helmets. The FPH2 from FP is big enough for me, and my head measures 23" diameter. It's a little bigger than the FP Jango that animefan sells. FPH2 on the R.

image.jpeg
 
The coldcast animefan lid is beautiful. I got one last year and am going to get it painted sometime this year. Then I can sell my current one, which was a labor of love I got off eBay- $60, but a lot of work and still some issues. Though I am proud of it.


Sent from my iPhone
 
The FP premiums (or other Master Replica derived helmets) are the largest(to my knowledge) of the casts I've compared via photos. Animefan and Darth Vorhees and RS sell these type of helmets. The FPH2 from FP is big enough for me, and my head measures 23" diameter. It's a little bigger than the FP Jango that animefan sells. FPH2 on the R.

View attachment 94993
is the FPH2 smaller than the fp premium from animefan?
 
Just a bit. DV could probably get a comparison shot as he has both in his possession. Not going to be as dramatic as the fph2 to Jango pic though.
 
is the FPH2 smaller than the fp premium from animefan?

Similar size but different shapes. The MR based lids are taller with rounder domes. Circumference wise there isn't much in it although again the shapes are slightly different but both helmets are pretty roomy with the MR slightly bigger overall.
 
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