Hello from Laguna Hills, CA

[justjoseph63[Staff]]

To answer your questions:

 

- I see that it's 3d scanned from an original. Does this version eliminate the warts on the helmet?  Only RS armor has those nifty bumps.

- Are the straps and mounts that are included helpful or do I need to replace them?  The strapping they include is all Velcro.  I REALLY don't advise using it.  Trust me.

- Are the included instructions helpful?  The pieces are numbered (VERY helpful) and you have US to help you after that!

- I think I was told the belt will need upgrading?  The belt they include is very flimsy, will sag and is not acceptable at Centurion level.  I highly suggest an upgrade.  We can help with that too!

- Besides under armor suit, shoes (purchased), neck piece, electronics (fans, voice changer, hearing assistance) blaster and potentially belt... are there any additional pieces/expenses I should expect with this kit? (flexible hand armor). -  Be aware that some members have experience a blue/black color bleeding onto their armor from the under suit that is included, at least on the older kits.  You can get a nice set on Amazon for pretty cheap.  Examples:  Shirt (link here) Pants (link here). Note the lack of logos/markings (important).  It helps a LOT to have your under suit on hand while fitting. 

The flexible hand guards are an option, but are required for Centurion level.  There are a few options out there, but I sell them here.

 

Keep the questions coming!

[TheRascalKing[TK]]

On 7/19/2025 at 6:45 PM, Alk3fan said:

Happy Saturday gang. Hope everyone is doing well.

 

I'm trying to learn a bit more about the Denuo Novo kit. Couple questions:

- I see that it's 3d scanned from an original. Does this version eliminate the warts on the helmet? Yes. The scan was cleaned up digitally before molds were made. Many of the details are a bit sharper than they were on the original suits, and a few pieces that were not able to be scanned were entirely new sculpts, but the dimensions and hallmark asymmetry was retained. It's not the absolute most accurate suit to the screen-used ANH stormtroopers that is available, but it's how most people *think* Stormtroopers look and is nicer than the originals, imo. Average fans have no idea that the lumps and bumps of a painted helmet are more accurate, and they're not there on the Anovos or Denuo Novo (or most) helmets.

 

- Are the straps and mounts that are included helpful or do I need to replace them? The included Velcro isn't great but isn't the worst to start with. I would at minimum consider replacing the shoulder strapping with white elastic, and switch your thighs to mount from an inner belt. The good thing about Velcro is that it's adjustable. But the bad thing about Velcro is that it's adjustable. Once you have worn the suit around a bit and made any needed adjustments to your strapping, you want to lock it in so that the suit goes back together and hangs the same every time, so a snap-based system glued in is generally recommended.

 

- Are the included instructions helpful? Yes and no, but Tony's guide will still be significantly more helpful than the included instructions. The Anovos and Denuo Novo are either the same molds(/files used to make them) or extremely similar and I have not identified a significant difference in the actual sculpt anywhere, so it will almost all apply. I'd start there!

 

- I think I was told the belt will need upgrading? Correct - the kit is intended as an ANH "Stunt" kit, as Denuo Novo does not currently make a "Hero" helmet, but their belt has 4 rivets as delivered assembled (same as Anovos) and our CRLs call for only 2 rivets for a Stunt costume. It's a great opportunity to fix the length of the drop box elastic and upgrade to a belt from Imperial Issue that is cut to fit you and reinforce internally to help keep it from sagging with the weight in the holster.

 

- Besides under armor suit, shoes (purchased), neck piece, electronics (fans, voice changer, hearing assistance) blaster and potentially belt... are there any additional pieces/expenses I should expect with this kit? (flexible hand armor?)

Flexible handguards and rubber gloves are only needed if you intend to pursue Centurion. I don't run a hearing assist but fans are a must. Make sure you get a storage crate on wheels and maybe a helmet bag. Gloves and a balaclava if needed. Batteries for your electronics. Some Novus 2 polish.

 

Thanks as always!

 

Hey Will! I put my answers based on my experience and opinion in blue above and hope it helps!

Edited July 21, 2025 by TheRascalKing

[Alk3fan]

I'm happy to share after lots of great suggestions, I ended up opting for a Denuo Novo. The helmet is currently out of stock but I'm on the notification to hopefully snag one on the next batch. 

 

While I wait for quite a while for the BBB to arrive, I'm curious what I can be working on in the meantime? I'm doing to be my best to start following some of the guides to acquire some of the basic tools and materials. Any other suggestions?

 

very excited!

[R2Chris[TK]]

For guides to read, the one from Tony/ukswrath that TheRascalKing linked to in his post is great.  I used it when I put my Anovos kit together.  Downloaded the pdf copy to my phone which made it easy to refer to and read when I had spare time.

 

Regarding the Denuo Novo and Anovos kits, I like the clean look with no warts.

 

Enjoy your build, it looks like you have a good start with the research you have done already.

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

18 hours ago, Alk3fan said:

I'm happy to share after lots of great suggestions, I ended up opting for a Denuo Novo. The helmet is currently out of stock but I'm on the notification to hopefully snag one on the next batch. 

 

While I wait for quite a while for the BBB to arrive, I'm curious what I can be working on in the meantime? I'm doing to be my best to start following some of the guides to acquire some of the basic tools and materials. Any other suggestions?

 

very excited!

You can find a nice list of tools here

 

 

And when you are opening your BBB and your smile wears off and the panic sets in  make sure you have all your research done and ready for that first cut.

 

A build thread is the best way to get feedback on your build so definitely post one of those

[TheRascalKing[TK]]

Pssst, Denuo Novo is 10% off and free domestic shipping site wide this week for an SDCC sale, and in the past, if you've registered for their mailing list, they sent you a 10-15% coupon that would stack, so now is a great time to test that out and grab your armor! Hopefully helmets are back in stock soon.

Not much to do other than familiarize yourself with Tony's guide and grab your supplies and accessories. Maybe cut some inner cover strips. Good luck and be sure to start a build thread!

[Sly11[Admin]]

Excellent to hear you have landed on an armour distributor.

The fun truly begins with BBB Day! 

Looking forward to seeing those photos.

[Alk3fan]

@R2Chris thanks for the encouragement! Great idea about making a PDF, absolutely going to do that.

 

@gmrhodes13 Thanks for the supply thread! I absolutely need to start stocking up on materials. I think that panic is already setting in! I'm going to continue to absorb as much as I can and likely ask many questions before any cutting happens.

 

@TheRascalKing Yooo I absolutely took your advice! I had my eye out for a convention sale, then applied my newsletter discount code. The double points I earned purchasing the armor during the convention will allow me to get a discount on the helmet when it's in stock. Wizard!

 

@Sly11 thanks so much for the comment. This is a wild endeavor I can't quite believe I've actually officially taken on.

 

I'm shocked to see that I already received a shipment notice for the armor. I expected this to take weeks. I've got so much more to learn and gather before I'm ready to truly start, but I can't say thanks enough to everyone taking time to chime in.

 

Once that BBB arrives I'll shift the conversation to a build thread. Thanks all!

[justjoseph63[Staff]]

Congrats on your armor order!  I was out of the loop for a while and I'm not sure if  Dueno Novo (formerly Anovos) is using the same exact canvas belt**, but the old belts were really flimsy and had 4 rivets (ANH Hero style) holding the holster on.  If you are (hopefully) aiming for Centurion (wink wink) it will need to be replaced.  It has no internal support and tends to sag quite badly.  If you do need one, I suggest one of Rob's (Tkitell) link here.  Heavy duty, approvable at all levels and will last basically forever, but you should wait to order it until you get your armor.  The reason being is that they are made to order and the length is based on your waist wearing the armor. which will be quite different to your regular waist size.

 

Looking forward to your build thread, and keep the questions coming!

 

**  Hopefully someone can chime in who has ordered this kit in the last year or so. 

[Alk3fan]

Thanks @justjoseph63 I’ve heard that belt is pretty flimsy and I was referred to the same vendor. Looks like they’ll be getting my business once my armor is further along. 
 

You don’t happen to know where I should look for gloves do you? I know you pointed me to your shop for the flexible pieces (likely take you up on that too). 
 

A few weeks ago I had the fortune of meeting @TheRascalKing and a few others with this kit. It looked great and looking forward to leaning on the group for advice and confidence boosts. 
 

I still think it’s funny I was expecting this shipment to take months, allowing me to financially recover, hit the gym a little, and collect materials.  It’s coming on Monday lol ahh

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

2 hours ago, Alk3fan said:

Thanks @justjoseph63 I’ve heard that belt is pretty flimsy and I was referred to the same vendor. Looks like they’ll be getting my business once my armor is further along. 

Or if you know someone who sews this could be an option, I've made a few myself and I only know basic sewing.

 

[justjoseph63[Staff]]

8 hours ago, Alk3fan said:

You don’t happen to know where I should look for gloves do you? I know you pointed me to your shop for the flexible pieces (likely take you up on that too). 
 

PM sent

[Alk3fan]

I thought I was going to wait 2 months for armor - my BBB has arrived just short of a week!

 

I would love to continue the conversation at my build thread (wow how exciting to say) 

 

Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome and knowledge sharing!