Avoid the Rubies...I started off like you, looking for a halloween costume. My wife bought me the rubies. This was before I had ever heard of TDH. I really only had the intention of wearing it once or twice but the attention even that cruddy suit got had me hooked. Since then I have repainted the helmet, and soon to be replacing it with an ASOK cold cast. I have gone thru 3 sets of armor from hand made trash can (templates found here) to most recently a set of Boba Maker, which I painted myself. I could go thru part by part and tell you everything I've replaced, but it would be easier for me to tell you what I kept....As of right now, I have kept the jetpack and helmet. Both I've repainted, and I am currently looking to replace both. The helmet really is a nice mold, but it is a cruddy paint job, and it is a bit flimsy compared to what I've seen of the other helmets out there. The jetpack looks good, but is a bit too large. I wish I had found this forum before I got into this hobby, I am sooooo happy I have found it now. Take your time, and you will end up very happy with your finished product. As for painting, I suggest getting a plastic wall mart trash can, using the WOF templates found here, and practicing, it worked for me. Good Luck Future Fett!