How taboo is EVA?

So I decided to try and build a Boba Fett on the cheap for May 4th and the release of the upcoming Star Wars. My previous experience has dealt mostly with EVA, as I made a Halo spartan suit out of it. I love the material, yet on these forums it seems like people really despise it. Though, I completely understand. It's cheap, weak, extremely flexible, wears easily, and generally falls apart after even a few uses if not properly cared for.
But! It is super easy to work with and is extremely inexpensive. I started my suit with the stuff and will likely switch to Sintra (whenever I manage to find some), but for the time being, will EVA get me booed at?

Here's my armor so far, I just started. I kinda like the way it turned out. It was my first time painting on weathering, and I'm happy with it. I will almost definitely make adjustments and probably redo everything, but let me know what you guys think, eh?



I just wanted to know the general community perspective on the use of EVA foam in building these suits! I would hate to disgrace.

Also, on a side note, what would be the best resource for building a jetpack out of wood? I have access to my school's woodshop and would like to turn the beacon on a lathe. I feel this would offer the cheapest, most durable, and most accurate product. Dunno, though, I have a lot to learn!

Thanks!

It looks good but the texture is really uneven which turns members a little against the material.

I replaced a lot of my metal, more expensive, and more fragile costume parts with EVA & resin replicas for a Halloween event this year: EE3 blaster, shin tools, gauntlet parts.

I'm not sure if EVA would be acceptable for Legion approval. For some parts, if they look like the real thing they may get approved, depending on your GML officer. However, a lot of suit part CRL standards are very specific about the materials they are made from (wood, plastic, metal, fiberglass, etc.). That is only my opinion, please don't bank on this being true for every prospective member or garrison.

If you're just looking for something to wear out and impress your friends than EVA isn't a bad bet. Obivously looking to upgrade it if you're looking into 501st approval.

I'm not sure if EVA would be acceptable for Legion approval

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If you're just looking for something to wear out and impress your friends than EVA isn't a bad bet.

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Alright, good to know! Thanks guys!


Also, I forgot to mention it, but I coated the foam in FlexSeal spray on rubber to add rigidity and seal. That's why it has that sorta "hammered" texture.

Looks good though... That texture makes me think of N7 armor from Mass Effect.

Nice build! I myself work with EVA sometimes. I'm doing a republic commando armor though, and I would like it to be really high quality. Some stuff like the midriff and abs will still be EVA foam in order to maximize comfort. Going hybrid isn't too bad an idea I think.
-ghost

Your EVA Boba armor looks great Brother, your defiantly a skilled painterJ here’s the bad news, over time as you know, that paint job is not going to hold up and you would spend most of your free time re-painting your armor over again before every troop. Like others have mentioned, if you are planning on wearing this suit two or maybe three times ever you should be ok. After a number of repaints you are going to wish you used sintra. I too love EVA foam, but it is what it is, cheap and not going to hold up over time if painted / trooped in.

Here’s my “Public Service Announcement”: EVA foam can lead young costume builders to Lazy Town. Once at Lazy Town, half bass can becomes good enough. Paint starts looking less then cool and soon your Boba Fett suit is on someone’s “Boba Don’t” list.

The Mandalorian Mercs Costume Club, also has issues with EVA foam for many of the same reasons, Looks cool at first but overall it's a poor building material that does not hold up well after painted.

Take Care Brother

Great work. agree with the guys too..

Not bad for EVA!!! I myself am building my first Boba from EVA. I need to be able to snowboard in it, and not worry about trashing it. I will be making a sinter order soon, and will build the parts side by side so I can use the same softgoods with either the EVA or the Sintra interchangeably. Kind of like a hero setup in films. some lightsabers and blasters are beautiful, others are resin copies that wouldn't even live up to 501st standards!

Nice Work, I started a set in EVA for a friend that has always wanted one, he isn't looking for 501 approval and I coated mine so far with Amazing cast from Michaels gives in a hard smooth plastic coating The image is one one coat I did 3 and in is smooth as glass just need to sand down the edges a bit and rough up around the damaged areas a bit more