Daetrin[Admin] Posted May 8, 2017 Report Share Posted May 8, 2017 First and foremost... There is no one 'best' armor. There is a 'best' armor for *you* depending on a few factors: 1) Your budget 2) What your body size is (yes, different armors lend themselves for different body types) * 3) How experienced are you at building armor 4) It's not the kit, it's how it's fitted to the wearer that counts * While FISD does not endorse any particular armor maker, below are sellers who have proven themselves time and again in terms of customer service, honesty, and quality. All makes below can be made to be both 501st and FISD acceptable. MATERIALS Armor is made from either HIPS or ABS. HIPS --- Pros: generally less expensive, easier to trim. --- Cons: needs painting or serious polishing to look shiny. Most HIPS will not be as durable as ABS or take the stress of ABS --- Suitability: will hold up fine for regular trooping ABS --- Pros: no need to paint, high durability --- Cons: may lack the detail of HIPS, usually harder to trim --- Suitability: will hold up fine for regular trooping plus take a lot of abuse OTHER TERMS Untrimmed: means the kit comes untrimmed and you'll have to trim the parts before starting assembly. Trimmed: parts are pre-trimmed and you can start assembling right away * ON SIZING It's true that every kit has a certain ideal body type, so double check the notes. TFA armor in particular can be unforgiving, depending on make. Who to Avoid TBD - none yet. VETTED MAKERS While there are many other sources for armor, the list below only contains those who have proven track records of honest business dealings, quality craftsmanship, and that are free from recast debates. You are certainly free to buy where you will, but if you vary this list we strongly encourage that you at least do your due diligence inquiring about the seller's quality and reputation before parting with your money. === TFA ARMOR === Type: ANOVOS Country: USA Contact: www.anovos.com Kit: ABS, rough-trimmed, available with all the soft parts you need (except boots. Can also buy assembled. Availability: Later this year. Assembly: The marketing kits were notoriously hard to assemble and took over 200 hours easily. The new kits should be on par with an OT TK, but this is TBD until we get our hands on one. Comments: This is the only LFL licensed armor available, comes with instructions and all soft parts needed excluding boots. Price See ANOVOS site. === RALPH MCQUARRIE CONCEPT ARMOR === Type: KW Designs Country: USA Contact: TBD Kit: ABS, rough-trimmed Availability: TBD Assembly: TBD Comments: The only current maker of this type of armor. === JOKDER SQUAD / LEGACY ARMOR === Type: KW Designs Country: USA Contact: TBD Kit: ABS, rough-trimmed Availability: TBD Assembly: TBD Comments: The only current maker of this type of armor. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daetrin[Admin] Posted May 8, 2017 Author Report Share Posted May 8, 2017 OK, this is a start. We'll likely add Jim armor soon and flesh out the other two. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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