darthgrace Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 Just wanted to introduce myself. I am Chris, DZ-5631 out of Garrison Excelsior. I have totally been bitten by the armor bug and my DZ is no longer enough. I want to start a TD Captain build. My plan is to do a SWAT build so I am going to get both long guns. My question is this: What armor would be best for me? I am 6'1" 210lbs. I recently lost 50 lbs so I am always worried about putting some of it back on. I have an athletic build (thick thighs, thick arms, big shoulders) and I think I have a big head. Price is not a major concern, I would be willing to wait a little longer if it meant doing it right the first time. This project is not a rushed as my DZ since I am already in the 501st. I have been researching here and the FISD site for build threads. Does anyone have any reccomendations? I know my DZ build would not have gone as smoothly and would have not come out as well had I not done the research. I was able to cherry pick from everyone else's hard work and enginuity to make what I think is the best DZ I could make. I was just hoping for a litle help identifing some of the better builds or the ones with differing opinons. I will see you all at CVI as a DZ but hopefully at Trooperfest or CVII as a TD. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FIVE Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 Welcome man! Everyone is going to have their opinions here as far as armor goes... but I'm not going to give mine. Basically you can't go wrong with any of the major producers. The three questions you have to ask are... 1) What do you want to spend? $500 - $2,000 USD easily. 2) How "screen-accurate" do you want it to be? 3) Which armor will fit you the best. Each answer will eliminate or include choices. Truth is, at your size you can fit about anything and look great. People say you have to be "small" but I know lots of guys that look great in armor and are taller and bigger than you! It's the assembly that makes it look good. Good luck!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darthgrace Posted December 13, 2011 Author Share Posted December 13, 2011 Thanks Bluey for the advice. The reason I put my measurements in the thread was I was hoping for opinons from the TDs that have done their own build and seen others trooping in armor. i was hoping that those TDs could give me an idea which armor would be best suited for my body type and which ones i should stay away from. I would hate to look like a fat guy in a little coat (insert Chris Farley image here). My goals are to make a very screne accurate build with the hope of being approved by the 501st, deployed as an MEPD officer and then make to make some minor adjustments (not replace whole helmet or armor) to become SWAT. I have been looking at the Captain with the MG32(?) and the Lewis gun. I was also planning on getting backpack #3 so I can use the sterling based sidearm and qualify for multiple SWAT members is possible (my research is very cursiroy at this point). So here goes: 1. budget 1000-1500 2. Highly Screne accurate 3. Armor suitef best for my body type (6'1", 210, thich to athletic build) Let me know your thoughts. By the way I just finished reading the thread on the 6 vs. 8 teeth debate. That hread was very interesting and very scary. I realise I am trying to join a very good and knowledgible group and I have a ton of reading to do. Thanks guys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JayHoop Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 Nice to see another Captain being built, I'm new here and have started a Stop that ship build. Afraid my knowledge is not great as I've just started out with this, but im just a little bit shorter than you and approx the same weight, and was worrying about fitting etc, as I used to do a lot of running and weights, so have fairly large thighs and arms. I'd been reading a lot about the FX armour being the "one" for bigger guys, but a mate of mine (not a member of the m.e.p.d) who has constructed numerous suits of armour assures me I don't need to worry regarding not getting armour to fit, as most kits can easily be constructed to fit fine at our kind of size, so I guess you'd be pretty much cool with whatever make you decide on, but! I am new here, and I'm sure someone who really knows their stuff will answer you soon James P.S: Sorry newbie question here. Out of interest, what is a DZ? I know TK, TD, SL etc but haven't come across DZ yet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darthgrace Posted December 13, 2011 Author Share Posted December 13, 2011 DZ is a Tusken Raider. I did ANH build. Now I am dying to do the Dave Dorman Incident at Junland Wastes combo of a Sandy wearing the Tusken robes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iconoclasta_88 Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 Hey Bro! Welcome!! It is always exciting to get your first armor... and building it and wearing is just awesome! I agree with Bluey, the best armor is the one that makes you happy in all or most aspects. For me it is a little confusing all the size and measurements you posted, since I use the metric system over here... but, I am sure that if Bluey thinks you will fit in any armor, you will. It is just a matter of making it feel comfortable and fit to your body. Anyway, I will express some ideas on some armors so you can start making up your mind. I am sure more ppl will express their feelings about each kit... take what you feel is good for you, and make a choice! so... FX: Well, I would say a no go. Why, even if it is a perfectly good kit and we as a club and fans owe a lot to it, it is now something of the past. AM: This is the usual choice for bigger troopers. It is not really 100% accurate but it is really good option if you are looking for space. With a little love it can be made to look great. Just don't get the FX helmet. TE2: This is an awesome kit for a TD. Made of HIPS it might not be as shinny as the ABS ones, but it has some sort of awesomeness in it that you can't beat. Just a bit difficult to get atm. Used to be consider the most accurate kit derived from screen used armor. Its smaller than AM. ATA, AP, CAP and other TE derived armors: Great options... all have different characteristics and costs. TM: The most accurate fan sculpted armor available. This is pure awesomeness!! Very accurate looks and materials. RS: Probably the most accurate kit out there since it is a 1st generation kit derived directly from a screen used TD armor. Most screen and TE derived armors are smaller, but they can do make to fit bigger and taller troopers no problem I guess. Also, TM is for slimmer troopers... This, mainly cause the original armors were made to fit slim guys from the 70s. But, if you construct the armor in the correct ANH way, with the plastic strips on arms, and legs, it should fit you no problem. As for me... I currently troop on a TE2 and I love it! Looking forward to get a TM sometime... and someday maybe an RS... Hope it helps. Saludos... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darthgrace Posted December 13, 2011 Author Share Posted December 13, 2011 Thanks iconoclasta_88 Another Question. Is HIPS the better choice? If I get HIPS will I need to paint it as well as weather it or just weather it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FIVE Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 If you get HIPS you don't have to paint it, not for a sandy... in fact I'd say don't paint it. But if you DO paint it, hit me up and I'll tell you what to use. HIPS is LIGHT weight and flexible! It does tend to crack on the edges over time, but nothing that can't be fixed up better than before. And all armor cracks under some conditions. Based on your above criteria — answers to my 3 questions — I'd say either TM or AM would be your best choice. TM is MUCH more screen accurate, but AM is much, much larger. You'd fit the TM just fine though I think. Might have to shim it out some here and there, but the height works for you. AM would need trimming, not shimming, and would work height-wise, it's just not as accurate. Another option is to "mix parts." Get a TM bucket and AM armor. There is also ATA... which is my new love. It's pretty much TE lineage in ABS. It's really good stuff, but works better for guys around 5'11" or so. Bigger can fit, but tall would need some different thighs... possibly... Lots to research! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iconoclasta_88 Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 Thanks iconoclasta_88 Another Question. Is HIPS the better choice? If I get HIPS will I need to paint it as well as weather it or just weather it? Well. I wouldn't say better or worse... it is just different and it depends on what you want. For a start, you would not need to paint it white for a TD. Probably you would for a TK, in which case I would say go for ABS instead. Just weathering and a little hairspray will make your armor look great. ABS is more resistant to cracking than HIPS, but I have trooped in my armor for 2 years an not a single crack or use mark has appeared. At the end, not many makers have their kits available in both HIPS and ABS. Actually, I think only ATA works with both. Rigt now makers working with different plastics are doing so with different kinds and thicknesses of ABS and also with PVC. But... even if my HIPS TE2 is awesome, I think today you should go, if possible, for a more accurate kit in ABS (that is TM or RS). Saludos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grit Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 welcome listen to thees guys they know there s@!t Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darthgrace Posted December 14, 2011 Author Share Posted December 14, 2011 How can i contact the maker of RS armor? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darthgrace Posted December 14, 2011 Author Share Posted December 14, 2011 Hey Bluey, thanks for the input. I like the idea of a mixed set. But I worried about when the TM helmet would be available. Any idea how much a TM helmet kit would run (estimate is fine I am not holding anyone to this)? Any problem with getting one within a year? Again not holding anyone to their opinion, just looking for guidence. I don't mind taking my time and probably could wait more than a year fo the bucket. This would allow me to research and get everything slowly. I would just hate to be 18 months into it and still nothing from TM. If I did a mix, any recomendations for a second choice bucket after TM? Thanks troopers. I hope my enthusiasm is not becoming too annoying. I am very anal and hate waisting money and time so I want to do this right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Locitus Posted December 14, 2011 Share Posted December 14, 2011 I would not say TM is only for slim people. It's actually bigger than TE derived armour. I've seen 200 lbs guys look great in TM without shimming. Oh, and a TM helmet kit will run you about $200 or so. you should send troopermaster a PM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darthgrace Posted December 14, 2011 Author Share Posted December 14, 2011 Thanks Locitus for the info. I am strongly considering a TM helmet and maybe TM armor or some other armor (ATA, AM or RS- if I can get some contact info for him). Thanks guys, this search is coming along great. I really appreciate all the help. I was hoping to get armor by May, I might be able to get it a lot sooner. Very exciting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FIVE Posted December 14, 2011 Share Posted December 14, 2011 Hey Bluey, thanks for the input. I like the idea of a mixed set. But I worried about when the TM helmet would be available. Any idea how much a TM helmet kit would run (estimate is fine I am not holding anyone to this)? Any problem with getting one within a year? Again not holding anyone to their opinion, just looking for guidence. I don't mind taking my time and probably could wait more than a year fo the bucket. This would allow me to research and get everything slowly. I would just hate to be 18 months into it and still nothing from TM. If I did a mix, any recomendations for a second choice bucket after TM? Thanks troopers. I hope my enthusiasm is not becoming too annoying. I am very anal and hate waisting money and time so I want to do this right. Yeah, PM Troopermaster. He may take a few days to reply, but he'll let you know timeline. I seriously doubt you'd have any trouble getting one before next YEAR! Also, ask him what it would cost to assemble it for you... then it's SPOT ON! Next choice, if you want and can't get a TM, would be ATA for a bucket. If you want and can't get ATA, then try TM. See how that works. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iconoclasta_88 Posted December 14, 2011 Share Posted December 14, 2011 I would not say TM is only for slim people. It's actually bigger than TE derived armour. I've seen 200 lbs guys look great in TM without shimming. Oh, and a TM helmet kit will run you about $200 or so. you should send troopermaster a PM. Great. Thx for the clarification. I have only seen one TM armor in person and it was built for a slimmer trooper, so i was under that impression. No pun intended. Saludos Juan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Locitus Posted December 14, 2011 Share Posted December 14, 2011 Great. Thx for the clarification. I have only seen one TM armor in person and it was built for a slimmer trooper, so i was under that impression. No pun intended. Saludos Juan. No worries Juan. I may be a really slim guy, but I've had to trim off a lot from my TM to make it fit. I should add that the 200 lbs guy I was thinking about might not be 200 lbs, more like 170-180 lbs and in muscles, not fat. It makes a lot of difference! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arch27 Posted February 1, 2012 Share Posted February 1, 2012 I want to start a TD Captain build. Odd how you and I are so alike. We're both in the same garrison, both are Tusken Raiders, and both looking to make TD Captains. I'm going for the Docking Bay 94 "Tuck & Roll" one. I bought a set of TK armor I intended to make into a HWT, but it needs a lot of TLC. It'd be easier for me to hide a lot of its flaws with dirt. The previous owner apparently REALLY liked his rivet gun... to the point that I now have about 30 holes in odd places that I have to fill. I intend on filling them, but I don't want to repaint everything. Chris - hit up Chazz for info on weathering. I hear he's a master Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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