Xanthais

Awesome, thanks Tony! A 20-pack should be fine (I think?), and waiting on China shipping isn't that bad.

Regarding the Chest/Ab and Back/Kidney connections. I've seen some people use snaps/elastic to connect their pieces, and others use the metal brackets/elastic. I assume the Snaps version means all torso pieces can come apart, thus more compact storage, whereas the Brackets version stays together all the time, correct? Also, regarding the magnets....I was going to get four packs (24 magnets total) of these on Amazon. Are they the right size?

Yeah I noticed some of the pieces were close to almost 1/8" inch thick in some trim areas. I have a dremmel which I used the drill bit and cutting bit on my bucket for the eyes and teeth. Good to know on the forearms. I will be trimming off excess and hopefully taping things together for initial sizing this weekend with photos. Sent from my MSE-6 droid using Tapatalk

So before I bust out the shears and start cutting, I have seen very few ATA build threads. Is there anything about ATA that makes it different from any others to where if I follow instruction on say an Anovos build, I'll be in trouble? I mean I assume all manufacturers are not made the same so there will be differences correct? Sent from my MSE-6 droid using Tapatalk

As a side note, I enjoy my real firearms, and the notion of ANH holster being on the left side, even though all the troopers in the movie shoot right handed, and the thought of drawing with the left and transitioning to my right hand, makes my OCD ping like crazy. Hahahaha. No wonder they can't hit anything! LOL Oh, and gonna go for Centurion right out the gate! Sent from my MSE-6 droid using Tapatalk

As a cool bonus treat, this lapel pin was included. Sent from my MSE-6 droid using Tapatalk

BBB DAY HAS ARRIVED! Sent from my MSE-6 droid using Tapatalk

I actually sprung for the top A-Grade.

I ordered mine last Wed, and yeah got the same message on lead time. 10-14 days, so it should arrive next week. I'm guessing tracking number will be forthcoming.

My ATA bucket also has the "acne" bumps, but not as severe as yours I don't think. You are not alone!

I'm HOPING by Halloween, but we'll see. Have a lot of the docket most weekends (the time where I'd be able to get most of it done) between now and then, and I don't want to rush it whatsoever. Sent from my MSE-6 droid using Tapatalk

According to the tracking number, it arrives tomorrow.

Assorted soft goods and hardware arrived today. BBB should arrive Wednesday or so. I sprung for expedited shipping just because I'm so eager. Sent from my MSE-6 droid using Tapatalk

Got my trooping crate. And no sooner did I get home than I got an email from ATA that my armor has shipped! BBB-Day coming soon! Sent from my MSE-6 droid using Tapatalk

I hear you. I've been involved in airsoft since 2003, and I have one of these for my MICH tactical helmet. I was thinking on using it for my bucket as well. It replaces the top head pad. Dip it in cool water, let the silica absorb it, and you have a cool dome for a long while. My only concern would be adding potentially more humidity inside an already hot bucket. Tac helmets are open-faced, so never had to worry about that before. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FHN0SM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_-GfLBbKTRS72M Sent from my MSE-6 droid using Tapatalk

Just wondering what the pros and cons are on using helmet pads versus the circular hard hat helmet ring inside the bucket? Sent from my MSE-6 droid using Tapatalk

Quick question. I've never used rivets or snaps before. I assume you pre-drill the holes for them? What size drill bit do you use? Sent from my MSE-6 droid using Tapatalk

Teeth cutouts done! Used dremel bit for the main cutouts, and X-Acto for finishing work. Sent from my MSE-6 droid using Tapatalk

Rough cuts done on the eyes. Teeth next. Sent from my MSE-6 droid using Tapatalk

Awesome, thanks! I should have enough of the thinner ABS from the helmet trimmings to make that work. The ear pieces are really thick stock (around 1/16" I'm guessing), but the neck and side trimmings are much, much thinner.

So much good info here on this site. I've created a Google Doc with tons of links such as this one from @Scimitar on putting ABS between the white elastic fold-over on the shoulder snaps, for rigidity and reinforcement on areas that get pulled and tugged on when putting on and taking off the armor. The less agitation to stress points, the better.

Also an unrelated question. Do eyeglasses have room to fit in the buckets? I do have contacts, but with allergies it's easier to wear glasses during harsh seasons, since I dont have to use eyedrops every so often. Sent from my MSE-6 droid using Tapatalk

Did the pencil sketching for the eye and mouth cutouts. For the mouth, how much return edge should there be, and is there a determined height each cutout should be? Sent from my MSE-6 droid using Tapatalk

Good to know on the ATA sizing, thanks! I'm hoping my height won't produce too much gap in ab/kidney/buttplate area. The anticipation is killing me! Hahaha

Awesome thread! My ATA is about to hit production, so I expect my BBB to be here in the next couple weeks. I'm 6'-4", so I won't have your height issues, but I'm still pretty nervous about my first build, regardless. Hahaha