Ok, so the reason I was tight on money this year was because I was rebuilding a computer for a friend (the graphics card alone was $300, but its awesome). I recently just got re-payed for part of that build and have a little more money to work with. Congrats, because you guys have convinced me to save up and buy a good suit of armor. Total I'm at about $1200, and though I would love to read for hours on how to do this right (hint: sarcasm), I'm still in school and simply don't have the time. Now I did read a little bit on armor types from this link:-----------
And if you pay attention(like I did) at the top it links to THIS FORUM'S POST on armor types. Which I also spent another 15min browsing.
I get the general idea of what I want now:
An ATA or AM Full Suit Armor Kit - Includes helmet (I understand holster and gun aren't typically included because the gun is expensive)
White, Shiny, and Sturdier (based on reading this means ABS rather than HIPS)
Less work/modding (based on reading this means already "Trimmed" to fit me)
Generally Good (based on reading this means AP - "Authentic Props", but I don't really care as long as it looks nice)
Now based on the reading, there's still some fan-based armor kits that are legitimately sold at fairly low costs. Does anyone know if the ATA - "Affordable Trooper Armor" and/or the AM - "Armor Master" kit makers are still around making them?
If so, which one is cheaper and what's the general price range for their kits?
Do they sell these kits online at random times as they start/finish making them? or do they allow customers to contact them with size/dimension requests for specific armor?
As I've never been fitted for anything, not even a tux, what body dimensions do I need to concern myself with (besides height and weight) for building/buying my armor?
FYI: I'm 5'8" (68 inches) and weigh about 145 lbs now (I lost 35 lbs in the last month, and i don't know why but my sisters hate me).
YES, I understand they are expensive, probably more than what I have, but I'm saving up.
YES, I understand their might be a waiting list and I might not get it for months.
YES, I can handle buying pieces separate, but it seem's more costly and time consuming than buying a full kit if their available.
NO, I do not want to make the armor myself because I am not an artist/designer, its a lot of work, and honestly I usually mess stuff like this up.
Any help is appreciated, but please comment to answer one of my many questions. I really don't have time to read EVERYTHING, which is why I really just want hard facts and insights necessary to help get me on my way. Comments like "research it yourself" or "you need to look at more posts" is NOT helpful (at least to me).