Vader helmet

What would be the cheapest angle in undertaking a decent Darth Vader costume? I want to start from the head down. Whats the best looking helmet available for 50 bucks or less?

Depends on how accurate you want to get. The words 'cheap' and 'Vader' do not necessarily go together very well. I honestly don't think you can even begin to touch a Vader helmet for that much. The only thing I can think of that might be in that price range would probably be a Rubies.... and you do not want to get one of those, they're horrid.

To be honest, at that price range you're NOT gonna find a good helmet

Most good kits I've seen have started at 400...

IMO I would save up and just assemble piece by piece.

I've not done a Vader but would like to some day, but from what I've learned so far with Fett, doing things right the FIRST time will save you a bunch of coin in the long run.

My advice to you is contact local costume rental places around you and see if they have a Rubies Vader. If they do go check it out and ask yourself if you'd be happy with that kind of quality or not. That being said, bring a pic of Vader with you and compare the components piece by piece. When you show up at a costume party as an inaccurate Vader it's awesome, but when you're trooping and get next to an accurate Vader it won't feel as awesome.

This is just my $.02!

That is EXCELLENT advice Jodo.