Sweet Armor

Well Ive been posting on this forum for a few months now, but Ive only been looking into helmets (as I figured that would be the best place to start). I only just a few minutes ago payed for an MS helmet, and now need to look towards the future. So I am here to do just that and want to know what the best type of armor is. From what Ive read some sort of fiberglass would be the way to go but I have no idea (as all my research has been into helmets and their paint schemes). I tried looking it up via serach and just going through posts but none realy seemed to be what I was looking for. Also, what type of price range would I be looking at? Any and all opinions would be helpfull.

-Tony Vida; TK 3204; Austin, Tx

First of all, in my humble opinion, Making your own armor is the most fun and rewarding. 1/8 inch sintra PVC plastic sheets and the awesome armor templates curtesy of Wizardoflight, a sharp x-acto knife, a rotary tool like a dremel and sandpaper are all you need to produce armor to rival any of the best fiberglass stuff out there. It's not very hard to do , and very satisfying when you're done.

I will make a concession for the knees and possibly the cod and backplate. Those are harder to make from scratch because bondo is involved, so you may want to buy those. Here's a link to the template thread...good luck!

http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/showthread.php?t=7825&highlight=armor+templates

Well I dont realy have ANY of the tools required to take on such a task, nor the time. In fact I'm going to have to jam pack my schedule and dip far into my budget just to get the time and money to get painting suplies and time to use it. I also heard that fiber glass was the way to go when doing armor and would like to know who might be offering any on the forum. Or perhaps someone has a difference in opinion (such as you did, but like I said I dont have time to make my own) in which case I would like to hear about it. I know there are LOTS Of people out there with armor, so please let me know what you think.

-Tony Vida; TK 3204; Austin, Tx

Here is a list of armor options, ranked according to price.

1. Trashcan - Do a search, you will find the thread.
2. Sintra - hansoloway gave you the details.
3. Sheet Metal - same method as sintra, just using sheet metal from Home Depot, Lowes, etc. I would not recommend this option, too many sharp edges.
4. Vac Formed Plastic - Used in original suit. Not sure if anyone is making armor using this method. Possibly FP, but I am not sure.
5. Fiberglass - very nice armor. Contact BM for a great set.
6. Aluminum - my choice for armor. 1/8" thick hand hammered and formed from aluminum plate. Contact Durasteel for a set. He makes great armor, but has had some customer service problems in the past.

I hope this answers some of your questions. PM me if you would like contact information for any of the sellers.

Gator

Thanks Gator, that pretty much hit the hammer on the head.

-Tony Vida; TK 3204; Austin, Tx