How to Pick a TX bucket

[izzi[TX]]

This was bound to happen. Since I wrote the eFX review, I've had a few people ask which helmet I thought would be right for them. Sounds like it's article time!

 

The first fact to know about TX buckets is what helmets are considered what size category. Most accurate bucket sculpts are the smallest buckets out there. They're nice, but not for everyone. The new eFX helmets are merely the old Master Replicas (MR) molds under a different name. The new AM armor has the same face as the old FX (a.k.a. GT) helmet, but it has a new dome made for it.

 

Basically sizes are as follows:

X-Large: GT/FX, AM

Large: MR, eFX

Medium: CAP, CAP-W, AP, TE, TE2, ATA

 

Left to Right: GT/FX, eFX, CAP-W Stunt, CAP-W Hero

 

Left to Right: GT/FX, eFX, CAP-W Stunt

 

So, why isn't there a small size listed? Simply, because there isn't one. I wear a size 7 3/8 ball cap which translates into a Medium/Large when you go to more generic sizing charts. I just consider myself to have a medium length nose and ears. Since this is my article, I'm using my own head as a reference, since it's what I know. My main bucket is a CAP-W that fits perfect without any room to grow.

 

 

The Second fact to know when choosing a TX bucket is that the helmet itself will be the first impression of the costume to others. If you're even to mod and improve any part of your armor strictly for appearance, start with the helmet. Also, You're proportionate width to the helmet will matter more to the overall look than your proportionate height. If you're a 5'10" trooper with some mass, an FX helmet may not look as strange as the 6'3" trooper who's thin as a rail. So your body type will help determine the finished look.

 

 

The third fact to know is: When you are choosing your TX bucket, ignore fact #2. Simply put, the size of your noggin, not your body will determine what kind of bucket you can wear. If you have an X-large head to hold your X-large intellect, then please don't squeeze your head into a CAP-W. I don't want to call the Fire Department for the jaws of life every time you suit down.

 

Your best bet is to join your Local garrison on a troop or two. You'll most likely be able to find at least one member with an FX, on with an MR and one with an AP or TE. Ask to try them on, and see how they feel. Contact your garrison's Hard Armorer. That person will most likely have multiple helmets to try out.

 

If you're face is getting squashed go to the next size up. If you have to play around with the helmet to even try to get it over your crown, then you may want to skip up two sizes. Other factors such as ears and noses can come into play as well. You're head may fit great in a ATA, but if the tip of your nose is rubbing against the mesh, it'll get sore after a couple hours trooping.

 

If you can't try buckets on for whatever reason, you're just going to need to play it safe and order the largest bucket possible, or take an educated guess. You can do this by finding your hat size and comparing it to my description. Though I can't claim that method to be 100% accurate.

 

Remember, armor suppliers are individuals doing things for the love of the hobby. They are not a business and will not accept returns if an item doesn't fit. If you grab an accurate bucket and it's too small, then it's up to you to re-sell it if you need to make up the cash.

 

Since MR and eFX helmets are licensed movie replicas, you are probably safe with trying to return those, if your noggin can't fit inside. Still that will depend on the return policy of the store you purchased from.

 

 

Glory to the Empire!

 

-iz

[lunar lord]

Very Helpful Thanks for the post

[Shade]

Wow! This helped ALOT! Awesome post Iz

[Splattum[TX]]

Unless I missed it somewhere another thing to consider is how it will fit on your head. Padding and / or hardhat suspension liners will take up a little bit of room too. I can fit my head inside an AP bucket with barely enough room for the suspension system. It's a perfect fit for my head.

 

On the flipside, I've got a suspension system, hoses, and fans in the FX based Magmatrooper helmet and still have room for a duffel-bag. While it looks pretty good from the outside it feels huge on me. I've gotten used to it, but for those who are looking that is something to be aware of.

[lunar lord]

Unless I missed it somewhere another thing to consider is how it will fit on your head. Padding and / or hardhat suspension liners will take up a little bit of room too. I can fit my head inside an AP bucket with barely enough room for the suspension system. It's a perfect fit for my head.

 

On the flipside, I've got a suspension system, hoses, and fans in the FX based Magmatrooper helmet and still have room for a duffel-bag. While it looks pretty good from the outside it feels huge on me. I've gotten used to it, but for those who are looking that is something to be aware of.

start a new show "pimp-my-bucket" haha

[izzi[TX]]

I left out the differences between padding and a suspension system, as I consider that a modification you do to the bucket after you've chosen which one to go with. This was just about getting one that will fit on your skull.

[Shadow[501st]]

Nice to see all the buckets together and see how they compare to each other. Very Nice!

[Voltin[501st]]

Thanks izzi

I can barely get my 24 inch size head into my eFX so I am thinking of getting a FX and install fans to wear at outdoor events when it is hot out. I don't think I can install fans in eFX as I only have room for my huge size head inside of it

[bscheff[501st]]

So I have been cruising the Mos Eisley PD site a lot lately. No I am not defecting, but the Sandies and Novas have very similar accoutrements so it's been a great resource. Under their requirements for "Deployed" status, which I equate to our under development "Specialist" status, they say "no fx helmets."

 

Any idea why? Isn't the AM helmet a recast FX? Other than being three pieces as opposed to two, what's the difference?

[izzi[TX]]

So I have been cruising the Mos Eisley PD site a lot lately. No I am not defecting, but the Sandies and Novas have very similar accoutrements so it's been a great resource. Under their requirements for "Deployed" status, which I equate to our under development "Specialist" status, they say "no fx helmets."

 

Any idea why? Isn't the AM helmet a recast FX? Other than being three pieces as opposed to two, what's the difference?

FX aren't accurate molds, so for the "EIB" and "Deployed" status they made a "no FX" clause. This does not affect 501st approval though.

And I assume it extends to AM helmets as well.

-iz

[bscheff[501st]]

Wish I had known that, I could have saved some cash and just painted my eFx. Maybe you could edit that into your original post so people who want screen accurate will know which ones are and aren't and can get light kits when approriate?

 

On the bright side I won't have to worry so much about messing it up now since I will likely be buying another kind down the road.

[izzi[TX]]

Wish I had known that, I could have saved some cash and just painted my eFx. Maybe you could edit that into your original post so people who want screen accurate will know which ones are and aren't and can get light kits when approriate?

 

On the bright side I won't have to worry so much about messing it up now since I will likely be buying another kind down the road.

If you're just going for something more "screen-accurate" then the comparison pics are up for you to see and make a judgment on. All of them are approvable by 501st standards.

 

I'm confused on how FISD EIB or MEPD Deployed standards relate to our detachment.

 

-iz

[bscheff[501st]]

I'm confused on how FISD EIB or MEPD Deployed standards relate to our detachment.

 

They don't. I just figured if one of the helmets isn't considered accurate you could mention it in your guide. Now that I think about it, I probably would still have gone with the AM helmet as the others are likely too small for me.

[izzi[TX]]

They don't. I just figured if one of the helmets isn't considered accurate you could mention it in your guide. Now that I think about it, I probably would still have gone with the AM helmet as the others are likely too small for me.

 

Well, we allow for an FX/AM bucket to be used for specialist, provided modifications are done.

 

-iz