Star Wars Oregon

Public Information => Welcome to Cloud City Garrison and Kashyyyk Base! => Topic started by: ForTheLegion on August 04, 2017, 05:04:16 PM

Title: New trooper, where do I buy spec aromor, I'm on a tight budget.
Post by: ForTheLegion on August 04, 2017, 05:04:16 PM
15 years old and in love with Star Wars! Just learned about 501st and I've always wanted armor, but it's expensive and I don't have much money. What do I do?
Title: Re: New trooper, where do I buy spec aromor, I'm on a tight budget.
Post by: ForTheLegion on August 04, 2017, 05:07:00 PM
I'm from Lincoln City in NW Oregon. Call me Gage. I want to go with the old school TK armor but don't know how to get it without killin my wallet.
Title: Re: New trooper, where do I buy spec aromor, I'm on a tight budget.
Post by: CJ49er on August 04, 2017, 06:41:09 PM
Welcome Gage!

www.anovos.com is probably the least expensive TK armor.  Being in Lincoln City, you should just charge a few tourists to watch the solar eclipse in your front yard, then you can buy lots of armor  :lol:

Title: Re: New trooper, where do I buy spec aromor, I'm on a tight budget.
Post by: ForTheLegion on August 04, 2017, 06:50:12 PM
Welcome Gage!

www.anovos.com is probably the least expensive TK armor.  Being in Lincoln City, you should just charge a few tourists to watch the solar eclipse in your front yard, then you can buy lots of armor  :lol:


lol that's a good idea! I'll check it out and thank you so much!
Title: Re: New trooper, where do I buy spec aromor, I'm on a tight budget.
Post by: Lidocaine on August 04, 2017, 07:35:32 PM
Welcome to the forums Gage! While you do need to be 18 to officially be a member of the 501st legion, we can totally get you pointed in the right direction to build your armor.

If you're wanting to do a TK, the First Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment is a great resource on where to get armor and all the accessories as well as how to build it to get approval by the legion. The website for FISD is www.whitearmor.net and it has TONS of reading, and lots of great build threads where you can follow along while folks build their kits.

Anovos does do a payment plan as well, but I'm not sure how much per month, etc.
Title: Re: New trooper, where do I buy spec aromor, I'm on a tight budget.
Post by: ForTheLegion on August 04, 2017, 08:54:08 PM
Welcome to the forums Gage! While you do need to be 18 to officially be a member of the 501st legion, we can totally get you pointed in the right direction to build your armor.

If you're wanting to do a TK, the First Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment is a great resource on where to get armor and all the accessories as well as how to build it to get approval by the legion. The website for FISD is www.whitearmor.net and it has TONS of reading, and lots of great build threads where you can follow along while folks build their kits.

Anovos does do a payment plan as well, but I'm not sure how much per month, etc.
Thank you so much! If I'm not able to join the 501st can I still go to the charity events that the 501st holds. That is one of the main (if not the main) reason(s) I want to join. Also could I still do things with the community ex. Meet ups, or gear parties. I've always been fascinated by the Star Wars universe and seeing that the 501st helps charities in a great reason to get into it. Thank you for your comment and I'll for sure look into it.
Title: Re: New trooper, where do I buy spec aromor, I'm on a tight budget.
Post by: nukem25rs on August 05, 2017, 06:39:41 AM
Welcome!
you can sign up to be a cadet here- http://www.galactic-academy.net when your costume is complete and you will get a Galactic Academy Designation number.
there are quite a few troops that cadets are able to attend. The CCG/KB policy if you are under 18 is that to troop as a cadet you need to have a dedicated adult spotter.
We have quite a few cadets that troop quite regularly.

as was said before Anovos is likely your cheapest option. but keep an eye out on the forums(ours and whitearmor.net) for sale threads sometimes kits will come up for good prices. I know the maker AP sometimes will post a full AP untrimmed kit on the FISD forum minus the helmet and soft parts for around 500

Edit- just looked and there are about 3 kits on FISD sub 500(not including shipping) that include the helmets.

Good luck!
Title: Re: New trooper, where do I buy spec aromor, I'm on a tight budget.
Post by: bpresson on August 05, 2017, 08:53:51 AM
Hey Gage, welcome to the forums. My best advice to you is to be patient, save your money, and buy things as you can afford them. There is no way not to kill your wallet if you want to get everything and try to build immediately.  The most expensive part will be getting the basic kit (that I know of, you can't just buy portions of the armor and assemble them, but other here my know better than I about that).  Anovos will have the least expensive kit, and it comes with build instructions, and there are many skilled builders in our group willing to assist (I'm not one of them. I'm a coward that had mine commissioned). 

In the mean time, come spot at events, get to know folks, learn how we operate, join in at an armor party, and have a blast. This is the best nerd herd to belong to.
Title: Re: New trooper, where do I buy spec aromor, I'm on a tight budget.
Post by: ForTheLegion on August 05, 2017, 10:32:45 AM
Welcome!
you can sign up to be a cadet here- http://www.galactic-academy.net when your costume is complete and you will get a Galactic Academy Designation number.
there are quite a few troops that cadets are able to attend. The CCG/KB policy if you are under 18 is that to troop as a cadet you need to have a dedicated adult spotter.
We have quite a few cadets that troop quite regularly.

as was said before Anovos is likely your cheapest option. but keep an eye out on the forums(ours and whitearmor.net) for sale threads sometimes kits will come up for good prices. I know the maker AP sometimes will post a full AP untrimmed kit on the FISD forum minus the helmet and soft parts for around 500

Edit- just looked and there are about 3 kits on FISD sub 500(not including shipping) that include the helmets.

Good luck!
Thank you very very much. I can see that I have much studying to do. The only problem for me joining the academy is because it is quite obviously centered around small children. Seeing I am a more intellectual teenager it just seems odd. It's easier to relate with older people for me than young ones. But hey, what can I do about that?
Title: Re: New trooper, where do I buy spec aromor, I'm on a tight budget.
Post by: ForTheLegion on August 05, 2017, 10:34:56 AM
Hey Gage, welcome to the forums. My best advice to you is to be patient, save your money, and buy things as you can afford them. There is no way not to kill your wallet if you want to get everything and try to build immediately.  The most expensive part will be getting the basic kit (that I know of, you can't just buy portions of the armor and assemble them, but other here my know better than I about that).  Anovos will have the least expensive kit, and it comes with build instructions, and there are many skilled builders in our group willing to assist (I'm not one of them. I'm a coward that had mine commissioned). 

In the mean time, come spot at events, get to know folks, learn how we operate, join in at an armor party, and have a blast. This is the best nerd herd to belong to.
I will definitely look out for sales and do a lot more studying. My problem with anovos is the high waiting time, I've seen people that had to wait 18 months to get their armor. Also I hear the customer service is quite lacking. I will do research and find what's best for me! Thank you!
Title: Re: New trooper, where do I buy spec aromor, I'm on a tight budget.
Post by: sitpadeshu on August 05, 2017, 05:02:27 PM
Wait times are long for many of the armor makers. The more expensive ones tend to have shorter waits lengths, but if you are on a strict budget then you will be waiting a bit unless someone is selling a kit.  Unfortunately the armored costumes tend to cost more as many tools and parts are need to put them together.  This is not said to discourage you, but to give you an idea of what you would be jumping into.

I built an Anovos kit and including the kit, tools, shoes, and extra things needed for approval in spent nearly $2000.  I received my kit less than one year from purchase (I was on the wait-list for another maker but it was a year long wait so I decided to switch).

Many people who really want to get to trooping start with an Officer uniorm or Reserve pilot as they don't cost as much.  That's what I did when i joined.

As for the age thing, you can spot some troops to get to know the group and ask questions about the costumes.  It's a good way to learn what will work best for you until you are old enough to join.
Title: Re: New trooper, where do I buy spec aromor, I'm on a tight budget.
Post by: ForTheLegion on August 05, 2017, 05:26:15 PM
Wait times are long for many of the armor makers. The more expensive ones tend to have shorter waits lengths, but if you are on a strict budget then you will be waiting a bit unless someone is selling a kit.  Unfortunately the armored costumes tend to cost more as many tools and parts are need to put them together.  This is not said to discourage you, but to give you an idea of what you would be jumping into.

I built an Anovos kit and including the kit, tools, shoes, and extra things needed for approval in spent nearly $2000.  I received my kit less than one year from purchase (I was on the wait-list for another maker but it was a year long wait so I decided to switch).

Many people who really want to get to trooping start with an Officer uniorm or Reserve pilot as they don't cost as much.  That's what I did when i joined.

As for the age thing, you can spot some troops to get to know the group and ask questions about the costumes.  It's a good way to learn what will work best for you until you are old enough to join.
Thank you so much! I also made another post that was a lot like this one but with some different questions. Another question, how much do you think I would have to pay to get the basic armor that can be approved when I do come to age. Also... what exactly is scouting? What do you believe to be the wait time would be for me personally. I know I'll need to wait but I'm eager to help people and learn.
Title: Re: New trooper, where do I buy spec aromor, I'm on a tight budget.
Post by: sitpadeshu on August 05, 2017, 05:51:25 PM
Wait times are long for many of the armor makers. The more expensive ones tend to have shorter waits lengths, but if you are on a strict budget then you will be waiting a bit unless someone is selling a kit.  Unfortunately the armored costumes tend to cost more as many tools and parts are need to put them together.  This is not said to discourage you, but to give you an idea of what you would be jumping into.

I built an Anovos kit and including the kit, tools, shoes, and extra things needed for approval in spent nearly $2000.  I received my kit less than one year from purchase (I was on the wait-list for another maker but it was a year long wait so I decided to switch).

Many people who really want to get to trooping start with an Officer uniorm or Reserve pilot as they don't cost as much.  That's what I did when i joined.

As for the age thing, you can spot some troops to get to know the group and ask questions about the costumes.  It's a good way to learn what will work best for you until you are old enough to join.
Thank you so much! I also made another post that was a lot like this one but with some different questions. Another question, how much do you think I would have to pay to get the basic armor that can be approved when I do come to age. Also... what exactly is scouting? What do you believe to be the wait time would be for me personally. I know I'll need to wait but I'm eager to help people and learn.

Sorry for the typo.  I meant spotting. :). It's where attend a troop out of costume and help the costumed characters to ensure they don't drop things, break their neck, etc.

If you don't have any tools available at all the cheapest TK would probably be around $1000-$1500.  If you hang out on the FISD forum you may catch someone selling a kit for less than $500 but it's rare.  So let's say you are going for absolute basic and you decide not to do the blaster for now your are looking at:

$500-$800 for basic armor kit (untrimmed and unfinished)
$70 - shoes (if you shop around you can find appropriate shoes for less and paint them)
$50-100 - black undersuit
$200 - misc tools (this will really depend on what needs to be done to adjust your kit to size)
$50 - snaps, rivers, Velcro, etc.
If you want a blaster and want one that is more screen actuate they run around $150-$200


Many people also put at least one fan in their helmet.  Some don't but I'm promise you that everyone that doesn't gets super hot at troops.  These suits are extremely warm.  You can install them yourself if you know how to wire things or you can buy them and I believe that's another $70-$150.

If you know you are on a tight budget again I will suggest what has been suggested before that you save money and spend time with folks in the group.  There isn't an exception to allow people under 18 to join.  We have other Cadets that are close to your age actually.  They too must wait.
Title: Re: New trooper, where do I buy spec aromor, I'm on a tight budget.
Post by: ForTheLegion on August 05, 2017, 06:12:09 PM
Wait times are long for many of the armor makers. The more expensive ones tend to have shorter waits lengths, but if you are on a strict budget then you will be waiting a bit unless someone is selling a kit.  Unfortunately the armored costumes tend to cost more as many tools and parts are need to put them together.  This is not said to discourage you, but to give you an idea of what you would be jumping into.

I built an Anovos kit and including the kit, tools, shoes, and extra things needed for approval in spent nearly $2000.  I received my kit less than one year from purchase (I was on the wait-list for another maker but it was a year long wait so I decided to switch).

Many people who really want to get to trooping start with an Officer uniorm or Reserve pilot as they don't cost as much.  That's what I did when i joined.

As for the age thing, you can spot some troops to get to know the group and ask questions about the costumes.  It's a good way to learn what will work best for you until you are old enough to join.
Thank you so much! I also made another post that was a lot like this one but with some different questions. Another question, how much do you think I would have to pay to get the basic armor that can be approved when I do come to age. Also... what exactly is scouting? What do you believe to be the wait time would be for me personally. I know I'll need to wait but I'm eager to help people and learn.

Sorry for the typo.  I meant spotting. :). It's where attend a troop out of costume and help the costumed characters to ensure they don't drop things, break their neck, etc.

If you don't have any tools available at all the cheapest TK would probably be around $1000-$1500.  If you hang out on the FISD forum you may catch someone selling a kit for less than $500 but it's rare.  So let's say you are going for absolute basic and you decide not to do the blaster for now your are looking at:

$500-$800 for basic armor kit (untrimmed and unfinished)
$70 - shoes (if you shop around you can find appropriate shoes for less and paint them)
$50-100 - black undersuit
$200 - misc tools (this will really depend on what needs to be done to adjust your kit to size)
$50 - snaps, rivers, Velcro, etc.
If you want a blaster and want one that is more screen actuate they run around $150-$200


Many people also put at least one fan in their helmet.  Some don't but I'm promise you that everyone that doesn't gets super hot at troops.  These suits are extremely warm.  You can install them yourself if you know how to wire things or you can buy them and I believe that's another $70-$150.

If you know you are on a tight budget again I will suggest what has been suggested before that you save money and spend time with folks in the group.  There isn't an exception to allow people under 18 to join.  We have other Cadets that are close to your age actually.  They too must wait.

If I'm not joining the legion at the time of our conversation/conversations, I don't quite have to be up to 501st spec right? Well unless I do a troop with a parent or guardian. However if I did get my kit before I join the 501st, do I have to wear civilian clothing or could I wear my armor? (I would go with a parent/ guardian to these.)

 About the shoes, would you recommend me get white shoes or cheaper shoes and paint them white? What are some tools I may need for building? Also where could I get them? There is a harbor freight close to me. ( industrial tool store) or should I order them online? Do I HAVE to get a $150-$200 weapon to have it be 501st spec or can I get something cheaper?

 In all how much would you estimate me paying for all of the soft goods of a basic TK set? And once I get my kit should I go to armor parties since I have little to no experience with this or should I try it myself? Overall this is very confusing but I'll keep researching. Last night I went to bed at 4 AM because I was on forums for 6 hours. I can see many sleepless night in my future. "I've got a bad feeling about this." -Obi-wan

 Thank you al for all of your help and sorry for such a lengthy conversation. I hope I didn't take up too much of your time. Thank you guys!
Title: Re: New trooper, where do I buy spec aromor, I'm on a tight budget.
Post by: sitpadeshu on August 05, 2017, 06:41:57 PM
We are here to help. :). If your goal is future 501st membership than you should shoot for the minimum requirement.  A blaster isn't required but if you want to be approved with one than it's going to cost what I had said before.

As for the exact tools and soft goods I can't really answer that.  You'll learn what people use through research and then you can search and choose things based on your budget.  Don't go out and buy tools right now.  Research kits and makers right now.  That's your first step.  Learn about the differences between the various maker options and then make that purchase.  In the mean time learn everything you can about building a kit.  There are many ways to do it and the way I built mine is going to be different from how you built yours.

You are of course welcome to go to armor parties when they happen, but you will do the majority of your building at home, but between asking questions of builders here and on FISD you'll be fine.  I had no idea what I was doing when I started.
Title: Re: New trooper, where do I buy spec aromor, I'm on a tight budget.
Post by: CJ49er on August 05, 2017, 06:50:15 PM

If I'm not joining the legion at the time of our conversation/conversations, I don't quite have to be up to 501st spec right? Well unless I do a troop with a parent or guardian. However if I did get my kit before I join the 501st, do I have to wear civilian clothing or could I wear my armor? (I would go with a parent/ guardian to these.)

 About the shoes, would you recommend me get white shoes or cheaper shoes and paint them white? What are some tools I may need for building? Also where could I get them? There is a harbor freight close to me. ( industrial tool store) or should I order them online? Do I HAVE to get a $150-$200 weapon to have it be 501st spec or can I get something cheaper?

 In all how much would you estimate me paying for all of the soft goods of a basic TK set? And once I get my kit should I go to armor parties since I have little to no experience with this or should I try it myself? Overall this is very confusing but I'll keep researching. Last night I went to bed at 4 AM because I was on forums for 6 hours. I can see many sleepless night in my future. "I've got a bad feeling about this." -Obi-wan

 Thank you al for all of your help and sorry for such a lengthy conversation. I hope I didn't take up too much of your time. Thank you guys!

You would not need to be in an approved costume until you were an actual member of the 501st, basically you could wear whatever you want until a member. Although since you are wanting to join, I would recommend staying focused on wearing approvable armor.

For the correct TK shoes, you should stick with what others are doing, which is most likely TKBoots.com or ImperialBoots.com. Some people do buy the same shoes used in the movies and paint them white.

You can buy tools, most common will be utility knives, clamps, magnets, rotary tool, sheers, but you could also just attend armor parties to use tools and get help from others. 

Basic approval for a 501st TK does not require ANY blaster, so if you're on a budget, skip the blaster for now.

Bottom line is read, read, read..... Dont stay up until 4am reading, but read a LOT :)   There is much to learn from the hundreds of people that have been down this road.

Title: Re: New trooper, where do I buy spec aromor, I'm on a tight budget.
Post by: ForTheLegion on August 05, 2017, 07:07:46 PM

If I'm not joining the legion at the time of our conversation/conversations, I don't quite have to be up to 501st spec right? Well unless I do a troop with a parent or guardian. However if I did get my kit before I join the 501st, do I have to wear civilian clothing or could I wear my armor? (I would go with a parent/ guardian to these.)

 About the shoes, would you recommend me get white shoes or cheaper shoes and paint them white? What are some tools I may need for building? Also where could I get them? There is a harbor freight close to me. ( industrial tool store) or should I order them online? Do I HAVE to get a $150-$200 weapon to have it be 501st spec or can I get something cheaper?

 In all how much would you estimate me paying for all of the soft goods of a basic TK set? And once I get my kit should I go to armor parties since I have little to no experience with this or should I try it myself? Overall this is very confusing but I'll keep researching. Last night I went to bed at 4 AM because I was on forums for 6 hours. I can see many sleepless night in my future. "I've got a bad feeling about this." -Obi-wan

 Thank you al for all of your help and sorry for such a lengthy conversation. I hope I didn't take up too much of your time. Thank you guys!

You would not need to be in an approved costume until you were an actual member of the 501st, basically you could wear whatever you want until a member. Although since you are wanting to join, I would recommend staying focused on wearing approvable armor.

For the correct TK shoes, you should stick with what others are doing, which is most likely TKBoots.com or ImperialBoots.com. Some people do buy the same shoes used in the movies and paint them white.

You can buy tools, most common will be utility knives, clamps, magnets, rotary tool, sheers, but you could also just attend armor parties to use tools and get help from others. 

Basic approval for a 501st TK does not require ANY blaster, so if you're on a budget, skip the blaster for now.

Bottom line is read, read, read..... Dont stay up until 4am reading, but read a LOT :)   There is much to learn from the hundreds of people that have been down this road.


We are here to help. :). If your goal is future 501st membership than you should shoot for the minimum requirement.  A blaster isn't required but if you want to be approved with one than it's going to cost what I had said before.

As for the exact tools and soft goods I can't really answer that.  You'll learn what people use through research and then you can search and choose things based on your budget.  Don't go out and buy tools right now.  Research kits and makers right now.  That's your first step.  Learn about the differences between the various maker options and then make that purchase.  In the mean time learn everything you can about building a kit.  There are many ways to do it and the way I built mine is going to be different from how you built yours.

You are of course welcome to go to armor parties when they happen, but you will do the majority of your building at home, but between asking questions of builders here and on FISD you'll be fine.  I had no idea what I was doing when I started.
Thank all of you so much for all of the diversity of your answers! It truly means so so much to me. Having such a helpful community is amazing for me and everyone else. I will definitely be researching more and watching the original movies for more information on my TK armor. I'll also look at build guides and forums to make sure I have movie screen accuracy. It will be a long trip but I'm so glad to have all of you guys with me.

 I'm glad to hear that even though the armor should look screen accurate that there's still flexibility. I'll keep my eye out for lower cost kits and sales on items. I'll make sure to keep a journal for all of my research so I don't forget everything. Thank you ALL for the help and support that you've given me. It has really helped me get on my feet! Thank you again!

 Happy trooping! -Gage
Title: Re: New trooper, where do I buy spec aromor, I'm on a tight budget.
Post by: Lidocaine on August 05, 2017, 08:24:26 PM
We do have a section of the forum that's dedicated to Work In Progress builds, so totally feel free to start one and keep us updated!
Title: Re: New trooper, where do I buy spec aromor, I'm on a tight budget.
Post by: ForTheLegion on August 05, 2017, 08:39:52 PM
We do have a section of the forum that's dedicated to Work In Progress builds, so totally feel free to start one and keep us updated!
Thank you lidocaine! I'll make sure to keep everyone update and/ or keep a video log on YouTube of my journey! Thanks again! -Gage Ceballos

Contact info: gageceballos63@gmail.com
                 (1)541-992-9220
Title: Re: New trooper, where do I buy spec aromor, I'm on a tight budget.
Post by: bigguynextdoor on August 06, 2017, 10:10:17 PM
It will take time,... but Welcome Aboard! :)

~SHHHHHH,....HOHHHHH,...
Title: Re: New trooper, where do I buy spec aromor, I'm on a tight budget.
Post by: Gewn on August 10, 2017, 12:25:34 AM
If you order an ANOVOS kit it'll probably get here by the time you're 18. Problem solved! Haha!

As has already been stated numerous times, just read and check the forums. It's the best way to ensure you don't spend unnecessary money and waste your time. Also, be wary of anything you find on the internet that isn't backed up on a 501st forum. Especially armor kits that can be found on eBay and Etsy. If it seems like a deal too good to be true, it probably is.

Best of luck, Gage. We all look forward to seeing you at an armor party!
Title: Re: New trooper, where do I buy spec aromor, I'm on a tight budget.
Post by: Hikuro1983 on August 12, 2017, 09:14:07 PM
If you order an ANOVOS kit it'll probably get here by the time you're 18. Problem solved! Haha!

As has already been stated numerous times, just read and check the forums. It's the best way to ensure you don't spend unnecessary money and waste your time. Also, be wary of anything you find on the internet that isn't backed up on a 501st forum. Especially armor kits that can be found on eBay and Etsy. If it seems like a deal too good to be true, it probably is.

Best of luck, Gage. We all look forward to seeing you at an armor party!
Anovos gonna need some ointment for that burn...sheesh.

And welcome Gage, I would also recommend whitearmor.net and there are a ton of FB groups that give you some pretty good intel on various armor smiths. Once in a while like towards end of year there are groups who do a BOGO deal or good discounts. But also do your research on sellers. There are a lot out there who recast for cheaper prices and the quality will be fairly bad.

My recommendation is start out small, I gathered what I could over time and became a Tie Reserve Pilot while looking around for the best price and service to get my armor. Luckily enough I have a good friend who's also my wingman who gave me some of the parts I needed and made the rest easy. So make lots of friends in the group, show your interest and enthusiasm and you'll always find the help you need.
Title: Re: New trooper, where do I buy spec aromor, I'm on a tight budget.
Post by: Rat on August 17, 2018, 04:23:35 PM
So a little bit late in the welcome, but welcome. Have you gotten a kit together yet and you should be old enough to join by now.

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