Advise needed

[Sys0p]

Greeting all! For some time now I've wanted to put together a TK kit and I finally have the spare time to get one started. Currently I'm having a bit of trouble deciding between two different FOTK kits and wanted to reach out to the community for some advice.

 

The first kit I'm considering is the Anovos Standard Line kit. From everything I've seen on this forum it seems their prototype versions were pretty well received. Even though I know they are not perfect, given that they had access to screen worn armor, it seems to me this kit is probably the most accurate available. Of course the downside with the Anovos kit is shipping... I've seen posts where people having been waiting for 1+ years and still haven't received their kit. I reached out to Anovos and their response was they expect the kits to ship between September (which has obviously already passed) and December this year. Out of curiosity, has anyone actually received a standard line kit from them yet??

 

The second kit I'm considering is from KB Props. Kevin seems to be very well respected on the forum and has been very responsive responding to my emails. From pictures I've seen the quality and detail of his kit looks excellent and I haven't seen any negative feedback from anybody on quality. My concern with this kit is that currently it seems that they can only be produced in black ABS and not white due to issues with the plastic supply. Although I will have to fill, prime and paint any kit that I get, I'm concerned that with the black base maintaining the armor is going to be a nightmare where any scratch or scuff will cause the black base to show. Also, I haven't seen a single example of someone building white TK armor starting with black abs plastic.

 

My preference is to do ABS over fiberglass which is why I ruled out some of the other kits available. I've worked with both before and I just prefer to work with ABS (especially on a project that will likely require a lot of sanding). The price on both kits is reasonable and well within my budget. I don't feel like quality of the sculpt / accuracy will be an issue with either of the kits. On the one hand, I like the idea of supporting a community member who has taken lots of time to put together what looks like an excellent kit and can ship in a reasonable time frame, but I'm really worried about the black ABS as a base. On the other hand, I like the idea of getting a kit that was at least somewhat based on screen worn armor and is licensed by Disney, but I might me waiting until Ep9 until it actually ships.

 

Would love to hear everyone's thoughts and feedback.

 

 

[tkrestonva[TK]]

Are you already on the preorder list for the Anovos kit? If so, then assuming they come through with their scheduled deliveries then you may as well stick it out with them, especially if KB is having supplier problems with his white ABS.

 

I would caution with Anovos that it seems the yoke area will need to be modified in order to meet basic 501st acceptance standards (seamless yoke). That is based on the photos we've seen coming out of New York Comic Con last weekend. Still, it seems like it would be less work than putting together a KB kit. But then again, none of the Anovos standard kits have shipped yet, so we just don't know for sure what it will take to assemble them into a wearable costume.

[Sys0p]

Not on the Anovos preorder list yet. The fact that none of their kits have shipped yet makes me apprehensive about joining the preorder now though. Given they are what, 1 year, behind schedule... it seems unlikely that I would get anything shipped from them in 2017.

[heartstopper85[TK]]

If you care about time, KB Props is your best option. They are great guys to work with, located out of Vegas. Pretty good quality. I've seen there kits and have been impressed by the work.

They even have a resin cast TLJ Bucket now that looks good, will need finish work though.

 

Anovos is the only licensed prop builder, but I wouldn't say that makes them the best.