Mal86

How are the boots from a comfort perspective?

@DoggyDoc - Gerald, yours is one of the threads I read a lot of to see the process. Thanks for the response and sharing. @Chaos - Chris, I appreciate your feedback. I've seen that you have provided a lot of advice to others in their posts. I'm sure I'll have a ton of questions, once I get going. I did just find someone who is selling the following on Facebook: "helmet is 850 Armor works, armor is Armory Shop, undersuit is dark side closet, i have other misc parts. armor and bucket have first coat of paint, and are in varying stages of build. most cutting has been done." He indicates that he is 5'11" and 200lbs. I'm about 6'1" and 193lbs. Would it be worth investigating if I can get a deal on those? Are those considered quality options? Thanks.

I'm new to the forums and am looking for my first project to seek acceptance to the 501st. I know the Death Trooper is a challenging build, but I really enjoy the characters in some of the literature as well as the aesthetics, so I'm strongly leaning toward starting with this build. At this stage I'm trying to get an idea of materials, costs, and what I'll need to learn to do the projects. I've narrowed the armor down to two options: Jim Tripon's "Flexible Fiberglass Kit" or 3D Printing Tom Campbell's files I've narrowed the undersuit down (and by narrowed, I mean I only found 2 options): Jim Tripon's Undersuit or Sheev's Emporium First for the armor: 3D Printed: I don't have a 3D Printer, but have considered getting one for a while. I am open to getting one as part of this project, if it makes sense. As I understand it, the 3D printed version will be easier to accurately size and have more precise details, while it will take more work to assemble, glue, sand, and finish the pieces. The armor will ultimately be heavier and probably less flexible/more rigid. I can also reprint something if I do something horribly wrong. Fiberglass Kit: May be slightly less accurate, but nowhere near as bad as vacuuformed. I will potentially have to cut it for fitment, but it will take less work to finish. The armor will ultimately be lighter and probably more flexible/durable. I will note that I have no experience or skill in finishing either medium, so this will be a learn as I go project. I will also note that I'm about 6'1" and about 193lbs, if that is a consideration for fitment. I'm leaning toward Jim Tripon's Fiberglass Kit. Second for the Undersuit: Jim Tripon's: Seems like many have used it and it is a significantly lower cost than Sheev's. Sheev's: Seems to indicate that as far as they know they are the only ones who do everything required to get to level 2 (have not yet asked Jim Tripon if theirs is up to Level 2 Standards). I'm not sure what the value of being level 2 is, but my initial reaction is that I don't see a lot of value in paying the cost difference. Sheev's did seem to have some nice features, like built in straps to the body suit to hold various pieces. The pictures I got of examples were very clear and everything looked very well made. Overall, for the cost difference, I'm strongly leaning toward Jim Tripon's. Questions: Question 1: Is my assessment accurate/what am I missing? Question 2: Any other options I should be considering that I'm not? Question 3: Any other general advice or considerations before picking options? Thank you in advance for any advice provided.