Metal Mandalorian Helmet for Paintball

Hi there, My Name is Robin, I'm a Mandalorian enthusiast and absolutely love the costumes and so have decided to make one of my own, but I've also decided that if I am going to make a armour set then it will be used more than for looking pretty, so I got in contact with a professional blacksmith over building me a helmet based on the NME Props Mando Stalker design that would be able to be used in paintball. The bucket as you call them will be made from a carbon/steel alloy and easily capable of withstanding a paintball round as well as the rough and tumble of battle, at the same time as not being too heavy. It'll also be made to my own measurements so not too large. however I have few concerns having never worn a helmet myself, and so I figured I'd go to the professionals and ask for some advice.

What is the visibility like in that sort of helmet and will it be good enough for paintball? also, what's some advice for keeping the helmet cool without the use of fans (they would add weight as well as being difficult to add in myself as the smith is adding for me real padding an cushioning so there probably isn't room.
So can you guys advice where I should cut a few air holes or something like that to try and keep it cool?

I'm really new here so thanks so much for responding to the newb, really hoping you guys can help me out on this. Thanks!

-Robin

TheLoneHunter said:

Hi there, My Name is Robin, I'm a Mandalorian enthusiast and absolutely love the costumes and so have decided to make one of my own, but I've also decided that if I am going to make a armour set then it will be used more than for looking pretty, so I got in contact with a professional blacksmith over building me a helmet based on the NME Props Mando Stalker design that would be able to be used in paintball. The bucket as you call them will be made from a carbon/steel alloy and easily capable of withstanding a paintball round as well as the rough and tumble of battle, at the same time as not being too heavy. It'll also be made to my own measurements so not too large. however I have few concerns having never worn a helmet myself, and so I figured I'd go to the professionals and ask for some advice.

What is the visibility like in that sort of helmet and will it be good enough for paintball? also, what's some advice for keeping the helmet cool without the use of fans (they would add weight as well as being difficult to add in myself as the smith is adding for me real padding an cushioning so there probably isn't room.
So can you guys advice where I should cut a few air holes or something like that to try and keep it cool?

I'm really new here so thanks so much for responding to the newb, really hoping you guys can help me out on this. Thanks!

-Robin

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Hey Robin,

As a paintballer myself, I gotta say carbon steel is complete overkill for the sport. I've used a light plastic mask (slightly larger than the "jason" hockey mask) for years and never worry about head shots. Frankly I'd rather take one there than anywhere else! Also, after quite some time preparing my ROTJ Boba bucket I'd never take it out to the range for fear of chipping the paint! I'm sure the cold cast helmet I have would hold up fine to normal paintball hits, but I would be afraid of dropping it or banging it around over much, as I've heard cracks can happen. Also, visibility in a Mandalorian-style helmet would suck badly on the paintball range -- very little peripheral vision and extremely limited up/down sightlines. And if you play during the summer anywhere, well, I'd die of heatstroke during the first game, even with the fans. The dual rig I have in my helmet keeps the visor clear of breath fog, but it's still pretty warm, and anything more (I've done some experiments) drowns out any exterior sound with the fan noise. Maybe if you're set on this idea get yourself a Target or Rubies helmet and try it out first, you'll likely save yourself a bucket (har har) of money. Best of luck!

dv8r said:

Hey Robin,

As a paintballer myself, I gotta say carbon steel is complete overkill for the sport. I've used a light plastic mask (slightly larger than the "jason" hockey mask) for years and never worry about head shots. Frankly I'd rather take one there than anywhere else! Also, after quite some time preparing my ROTJ Boba bucket I'd never take it out to the range for fear of chipping the paint! I'm sure the cold cast helmet I have would hold up fine to normal paintball hits, but I would be afraid of dropping it or banging it around over much, as I've heard cracks can happen. Also, visibility in a Mandalorian-style helmet would suck badly on the paintball range -- very little peripheral vision and extremely limited up/down sightlines. And if you play during the summer anywhere, well, I'd die of heatstroke during the first game, even with the fans. The dual rig I have in my helmet keeps the visor clear of breath fog, but it's still pretty warm, and anything more (I've done some experiments) drowns out any exterior sound with the fan noise. Maybe if you're set on this idea get yourself a Target or Rubies helmet and try it out first, you'll likely save yourself a bucket (har har) of money. Best of luck!

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Thanks so much for your advice! The helmet will be made of tough metal expressly so I don't have to worry about banging it, What's a big concern though is that visibility, I was hoping the helmet being made to my measurements would press my eyes close to the visor which would allow me to have better vision, but you're right, it would be an issue.
I know I can stop the fogging by using a motor cycle spray on the visor so that I don't think will be a big issue, but if I can barely see out the visor anyway what's the point? Argh, This is the ultimate struggle, wanting to look cool and wanting to actually play well. Damn it I just want to be fabulous! haha!

The helmet is designed with strength in mind, if I headbutted a wall it wouldn't dent, so helmet shots are never going to be an issue, I do want it to be actually worth it though, otherwise I might as well buy a Die mask, however I understand peripheral vision would be an issue but if I looked around enough and spent time getting used to it do you think it could be manageable? Sorry for being such a pain, I'm really new to this.

You may be right, it may be a good idea to get a rubies helmet to just try it out and see how the heat is.. but is there any way to cool it without the electronics??

Thanks for your input really grateful!
-Robin

Nope........visibility is horrible. You have to remember that Boba Fett's helmet was designed to look cool in movie shots that lasted 20 seconds. There is absolutely no functionality to it. I have trooped with helmets for years now and you can't even walk down a hallway without having a handler with you. There is no way to make it athletically relevant.

Just get a good paintball mask and airbrush it in the style of Boba Fett. That is about the best way to look cool and pay homage while actually being able to see.

Mullreel said:

Just get a good paintball mask and airbrush it in the style of Boba Fett. That is about the best way to look cool and pay homage while actually being able to see.

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That's the best idea, imo also. Sight and hearing are a must on the range, just not a real possibility in the Mandalorian-style helmet.

Argh, this is tough as I really wanted a Mandalorian helmet so quite disappointing that I'm not going to be able to use it....

I'll try looking at different designs of helmet see if there is any ones with good visbility but tbh you guys are probably right...

I have to agree with my fellow Texan, Mullreel. Buy a traditional set of paintball goggles/facemask and paint it Fett style. You need good visibility when pballing. Play at a real field that chronos 300 fps as your max and you'll be good to go.
They do make mirrored lenses as replacements which can instill a little Fett like mystery into your eye protection, which is how I used to roll!

Be safe and good luck.

There is a sweet non cannon helmet for doing paint ball and such

I would totally not be able to see my surroundings, but cool idea I would love to watch the match though.