Questions about starting ESB kit

[BobaFettAZ]

Ok, I have decided to finally start the daunting project of an ESB kit. I am not looking to join the 501st but want my final product to look decent. I read reviews about the BS Boba Fett bucket and bought one for $110 on walmart's website. I know it's not screen accurate but it looks damn good to me and I figure that's what I want for my kit. Not screen accurate but good enough. So here are my questions as a newbie:

1. I've searched through the posts and see lots of people saying to avoid eBay and Etsy. I've also read a couple posts about Kriptontop/Cucblack and saw mixed reviews. But this looks like a decent soft parts head start for the price. Given that I don't plan to join the 501st with my first build, would this not suffice? It seems the negative reviews in terms of people not getting their costumes and needing a refund was not recent so is it possible that the customer service will be alright? Perhaps it's hit and miss?

2. What about this armor kit from IO? Again, it's on Etsy but looks pretty ok to me.

3. What do people charge to do the paint job on the armor pieces and if I wanted to go that route, how do I know who to reach out to?

4. If the above two etsy options are definitely to be steered clear of, what other options do I have for buying the soft parts and armor? I've read posts where people recommend certain members but do those reputable members only work occasionally when they do a run or is there always a reputable member that will sell their wares?

Thank you in advance!

 

[Mike M.]

i'm not sure of kryptontop off the top of my head, i would recommend reaching out to arkady about the flightsuit, neckseal, and flak vest. and as far as the armor, I've never personally seen IO's fett armor, but i have worked with a few of their other armors, Moncal makes great stuff. look around here and get to know the costume and sellers a bit more, but it would probably be a good buy.

 

[MinaFett]

Hi there and welcome.
I personally have not had any dealings with kriptontop but have heard mixed reviews. For flight suit I would suggest Arkady. She makes a great flight suit and is a joy to work with.

IO/moncal is very reputable and the kit pieces are nice. I have some moncal things and they are really well made. Things need minimal clean up before painting.

 

[BobaFettAZ]

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[AlphaCloneFett]

Arkady is excellent for soft parts, crazy4BobaFett also provides soft parts, both are top seamstress!

 

[Irongladiator]

Hi bobafettaz
I agree on reaching out to Arkady for the Flight Suit! Her stuff is top notch! Like most would say on here that Etsy is hit or miss. However I found that if you're after Metal Parts and Pieces, that QuestDesignCanada is great to deal with. Super responsive and to me, priced great! He also has some Fett Armor too you may wanna take a look at! Good luck on your ESB journey!

Also that IO Armor kit seems to be missing the large "Flame Thrower Assembly" on the left Gauntlet. Maybe IO sells them separately?

Thanks,
-Iron

 

[ShortFuse]

The whipcord assembly and top plug for the right gauntlet are also not shown. Ideally all of that should be included.