Matt Posted January 25, 2012 Share Posted January 25, 2012 New to the board here. I have been talking to the ATA guy via e-mail about getting a set of armor later this year. I am aware of the pros and cons for HIPS and ABS for your Standard Storm Trooper armor. I was wondering if Sand Trooper armor might be easier to make dirty and more realistic looking with HIPS over ABS. Any insights or other reasons why you might choose one over the other? Can you sit down in either set? thanks much, Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCRIBBLER Posted January 25, 2012 Share Posted January 25, 2012 I have both types of ATA armor and a TE HIPS suit, as well. For sharper detail and less hassle (IMO) in weathering I would recommend HIPS. But, for the rigors of heavy trooping / regular use, I would HIGHLY recommend ABS. More flex and give. HIPS will start to crack after a few outings. (speaking from experience. lol) If you don't plan to troop too much during the year, HIPS is not bad at all. Great price too. If you're going to be an all out event trooper, ABS is the way to go. (Maybe an HIPS lid and ABS suit combo?) Either version is a nice set of armor from ATA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FIVE Posted January 25, 2012 Share Posted January 25, 2012 If "ease of weathering" is really top of your concerns, then yes... consider HIPS for that reason. But I believe there are much more relevant issues than that. Weathering is easy enough no matter what armor you have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted January 25, 2012 Author Share Posted January 25, 2012 Thanks for the quick responses Blue and Scribbler. If I go with ABS what can I expect as far as durability? Can i sit on kneel in the armor? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quartermaster Posted January 25, 2012 Share Posted January 25, 2012 The ABS is definetely the way to go. If you have the cod piece separated from the back, it does make it a bit easier to attempt to sit down, but I still wouldn't. The ABS is pretty durable, but too much weight or stress and it will still get damaged. Being a TK or TD is pretty much a "Stand Up" job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FIVE Posted January 25, 2012 Share Posted January 25, 2012 Why would you want to sit? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCRIBBLER Posted January 25, 2012 Share Posted January 25, 2012 @ Bluey - I totally agree, Brother! I pointed out the weathering aspect in terms of having a high gloss or dull/ matte look. ABS might have to be be layered a little bit if one chooses not to have any gloss to it, where HIPS you can give it a hint of shine with a clear coat pass or the hairspray trick since it's already dull to begin with. I'm sure we've all seen the glossy, as well as the dull coated TDs, no? Either one looks cool! ATA's ABS is a nice bright white right out of the box. The HIPS has the option of keeping it the way it is or can be prepped for paint. That's just from what I could gather. Then again, there are almost limitless ways of how a TD wants to have his gear set up appearance-wise (short of S.W.A.T., that is. haha) And yes, I concur....the sitting option is negated pretty much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted January 25, 2012 Author Share Posted January 25, 2012 Thanks guys. I do appreciate the input. I will start saving for the abs set and hopefully get it around June or so. I don't really need to sit but was curious how tough ABS is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyBoy Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 Ive had just about every type of armor....I prefer the ABS sets over the HIPS. The hips is just too high maintenance for me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quebectrooper Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 I cut my cod and i can sit . I appreciate sitting down for a break when i troop 3-4 hrs at an event. (i'm old ). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FIVE Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 I cut my cod and i can sit . I appreciate sitting down for a break when i troop 3-4 hrs at an event. (i'm old ).Don't you have to remove the hand too? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyBoy Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 Lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quebectrooper Posted January 28, 2012 Share Posted January 28, 2012 haha good one ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plastic Fury Posted January 29, 2012 Share Posted January 29, 2012 A little late but definitely another vote for ABS if you plan to troop a lot. I have built both HIPS and ABS suits and see the long term. A fellow squad mate has an older ATA in HIPS and it has cracked in several places from heavy usage, just expected if you troop a lot. He is currently building another ATA suit in the ABS now. I think ABS is just as easy to weather. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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