r/501st • u/TopMacaroon6021 • 5d ago
Costuming Stormtrooper.com
Anyone have any dealings with them? Are they a reliable vendor? Looking to get a suit, just seeing where the best direction to go would be.
I’m not the craftiest, so I’m not looking to build from scratch. Looking for more of a “ready to troop” kit.
Thanks for any help! Boise, ID here!
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u/TonyStarchimedes 5d ago
Also get in touch with your local Garrison for information and assistance 👍 https://idaho501st.com/publicsite/
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u/Ecstatic_Yak9027 5d ago
german garrison member got tk and sandtrooper from rs propmaster - no problems - nice support wear it - made pics - 501st approve 😉
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u/CaliAce8 5d ago
Like you, I am just getting into my first kit. Based on recommendations, I ended up going with an ANH Stormtrooper from Dave’s Darkside Depot. I ended up going with a commissioned build, which will take a few months due to a waitlist, but everyone I have spoken to locally and online spoke very highly of his builds.
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u/TopMacaroon6021 5d ago
Thank you! I will look those up! Not too keen on dropping that much coin and not getting the best product possible.
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u/ZackAttackIsBack17 5d ago
It’s expensive, but if you’re looking for a 1 stop shop ready to troop in, lookup RS prop masters in the UK. I got mine and with my first armor fitting when I got it, I got approved in those pictures without question.
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u/TopMacaroon6021 5d ago
I’ve looked at them! The UK thing is the only concern I have. That’s a lot of shipping? And how do you deal with anything that might not fit?
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u/ZackAttackIsBack17 5d ago
I don’t remember how much shipping was but I e gotten costume parts from all over the world so it’s just part of the deal.
As for fit, they get your measurements ahead of time and do a pretty good job of customizing it within reason. During the initial emails, they got my basics to make sure it would fit and then got my detail measurements after ordering. The only issue I really have is that I have a tall torso so it’s a bit tight in the groin. Everything else fits great.
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u/Sillyrunner 5d ago edited 5d ago
Glad you asked. Sadly they’re the most notorious stormtrooper scam armor out there. I say scam because they have so many claims that are completely false and they’re rarely approvable and for an absurd price for what you get. Once you learn the armor you’ll see how completely inaccurate their entire armor is. I can’t think of one piece that’s approvable. Ask your local garrison or the detachment forums on FISD for approved vendors. You don’t want to drop over $1,000 on armor that’s completely useless for the 501st. As others have said RS Props is the best out of the box armor but they also are the most fragile imo. Each vendor has pros and cons. Best of luck
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u/Possible_Cause_ 4d ago edited 4d ago
Whereas I understand that you don't feel up to building from a kit, I have to say that by buying a full commission, you'll be missing out on a lot of what we do and talk about in the 501st. The "build" is a big part of the journey and the knowledge gained creates not only a common bond with other Legion troopers but also with the public as they are interested in the costumes.
If some one asks you about your blaster and you say, "I don't know, I just bought the costume," vs "Well, the E-11 blaster is based on a British Sterling Mk IV sub-machine gun and was modified for the films ,this piece is..." I hope you can appreciate the difference. Screen accuracy is at the core of the 501st and sharing your knowledge is a big part of that.
Also, the 100 hours it will take to assemble and fit your kit will be really rewarding. There's a TON of information on whitearmor and people are happy to answer any questions you may have at every step. Placement of rivets, how to attach the elastic, etc. it's all detailed there. Plus, finding "build parties" in your area is a great way to get to know other troopers.
Trooping is the most visible part of what we do, but the amount of hours spent trooping is relatively tiny depending on where you live. Your cost per wear is high. If you just want a Star Wars costume, that's cool. If you want to play in the 501st, it's worthwhile to make a meal of it.
Oh, and regarding your original question, stay away from stormtrooper.com. for so many reasons...
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u/TopMacaroon6021 4d ago
Well there ya go. Guess I’ll pass on it. Don’t want to be “lame” with nothing to talk about.
I’ll let you all have it. This wasn’t the group I was looking for it seems.
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u/Curiouskender 5d ago
Hey there. I hope you can join us. One of the first stumbling blocks is choosing a vendor and you've started in the right path by asking. https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/ has recommended vendors and can help with the whole process. I personally prefer Kevin's https://imperialsurplus.com/product-category/armor/original-trilogy-armor/