Death Trooper Armor Suggestions

[Winter]

Hello, I’ve been researching death trooper armor for a bit now and was considering 850 armor works death trooper but I saw on another post that Jim’s set is easier to modify for level two approval. 

So I’m a bit torn between the two because I’m a perfectionist and I know I’ll want to try for level two.

The only concerns I have is a severe lack of confidence in being able to build the armor and 850 offers a ready to paint or finished option. I have limited work options as I live in an apartment and don’t really have access to much aside from stuff you can use in the living room. Not sure how much sanding or other things I’d need that would be better done in a garage setting. And I’ve never done anything like building armor so I’ve been a bit overwhelmed before even starting. Any suggestions or input are welcome 

[Mal86]

I’ve done most of my work on Jim’s lot outside. I did a little in the garage and a lot on my front and back porch. 
 

You’ll likely be cutting fiberglass with a dremel. 
You’ll be using some strong glues. 
You’ll want to coat the inside of the kit with something. 
 

I’d assess if you can do those things in the areas you have. 
 

Take a look at build threads for both Jim’s kits and 850 kits. See what each person did and if you think you can make it work. 

[MKE-Trooper[TX]]

On 10/24/2024 at 7:32 AM, Winter said:

Hello, I’ve been researching death trooper armor for a bit now and was considering 850 armor works death trooper but I saw on another post that Jim’s set is easier to modify for level two approval. 

So I’m a bit torn between the two because I’m a perfectionist and I know I’ll want to try for level two.

The only concerns I have is a severe lack of confidence in being able to build the armor and 850 offers a ready to paint or finished option. I have limited work options as I live in an apartment and don’t really have access to much aside from stuff you can use in the living room. Not sure how much sanding or other things I’d need that would be better done in a garage setting. And I’ve never done anything like building armor so I’ve been a bit overwhelmed before even starting. Any suggestions or input are welcome 

Hey Winter, not sure if you already made your decision but thought I would respond just in case. 

As far as which kit to go with, I was in a similar situation. Like you I am a perfectionist but didn't have any of the tools or required knowledge to buy an unfinished kit and do it myself, so I ended up buying Jim's armor kit and commissioning someone to finish it for me. I went with Jim's kit because it was mentioned on the forums multiple times that the fiber glass kit has greater detail over abs.  After receiving the "finished" armor I was pretty disappointed with the quality of the work. Jim's kit itself is incredible, but the finishing part didn't meet my standards. I ended up making a lot of modifications which required buying a lot of tools and supplies for trimming the armor to fit better, sanding and spay painting. The good news is that everyone on the forums here are EXTREMELY helpful and walked me through any questions I had. I had zero experience working with bondo or anything like this and I was able to pick it up pretty quickly with a lot of reading and asking questions.  Now for the bad news, I can't imagine doing this in an apartment. You need a space with plenty of ventilation, I did what I could in the garage but any spray painting really should be done outside. 

Now for my thoughts on basic approval vs level 2 certification. After getting basic approval I did end up making additional enhancements and getting approved for level 2.  All I can say is this, while I don't regret adding the extra level of detail to my armor, I am the only person who will ever know the difference. The average person has zero clue that you are level two certified and the trooper standing next to you only has basic approval. My personal recommendation would be to make the specific level 2 modifications that you see value in doing. For example, I think painting all the armor to the level 2 certifications is well worth the effort and looks much better. However, some requirements no one but you will even tell the difference.  I am not saying anything negative about the level 2 requirements, I LOVE that it exists and love the attention to detail, I am just glad it is an option and not the requirement. 

If I had to do it all over again, I would go with a finished kit from 850 armor works. While the detail in the fiberglass kit is fantastic, fiberglass is also much heavier that an abs. I am working on Scout Trooper kit now and I can't believe how much more comfortable and lighter abs is.  Don't get hung up on achieving level 2 certification.  If you do end up purchasing a finished kit from 850 I would absolutely recommend doing the "Ready to Wear Painted Gunmetal Two Toned" option which adds the level 2 paint scheme. I would be interested to here someones thoughts who bought a finished 850 kit though. 

Anyway, sorry for the long post but I have gotten such fantastic responses to my questions that I wanted to be sure and give the same back. You can find my WIP here.