If the licensed armor you are referring to is the Rubies Supreme Storm Trooper armor, then listen to cojake. Those things are a nightmare and require a lot more work to get them approvable. In the end, you would have spent more money than you would have had you gone with a kit that any of us could recommend.
You did right by asking us where to start out. There are a lot of newbies who don't do that and spend money on a crap set because they make the claim that because it is a licensed product that it is accurate enough to make the grade. Of course, that is just marketing 101: sell the idea that this is a product that a consumer wants, claiming screen accuracy when it isn't.
I was GML last year and actually had to deny someone because they got one of these kits, prior to even contacting us. Believe it, or not, it happened all across the legion!
There are dealers that we can hook you up with that will get you a better kit, for the money you are spending.
Welcome to Cloud City Garrison!
- Bill