I saw the suits at DragonCon 2009. I got a real good look at them and had my seamstress with me who has made some pretty impressive stuff. Overall, she wasn't very pleased. She was asked by Hank, when owned Museum Replicas, to come to work for him. She refused stating it was a hobby and not a job. I agree with her. Anyway, back to my point. The suits were nice looking, no doubt. However, if you are looking for that optimum perfect edge or the accuracy of the piece of lint on the shoulder, you won't find it. It just isn't there. I've got different perspectives on cloth pieces vs armor pieces. To me, the armor pieces have to be right. The cloth moves and flows and can give "illusions" of being right. You cannot fake the armor. It is either right or it isn't. On the whole accuracy thing though, I do not go for completely screen accurate in any case. I believe my job as a costumer (not as a collector) is to portray the character that the fan thought they saw on screen. For this reason, I will not take a paintbrush to my ANH Vader helmet, I will not scuff and ding my armor or put white duct tape on it and I will not raid the nearest antique movie theater for my Royal Guard robe material. I go for a look that is 95% accurate and the one that looks good in person and not necessarily the correct one for the movie set. Just my thoughts on the whole deal. Call me wrong, call me right...........we'll just agree that it is my opinion. As for the suits by Museum Replicas, overall, I was not pleased. I think they are overpriced and you can have one custom made or make it yourself for better money in most cases or at least get one that is made to your measurements and the material and quality will be higher. My personal grief is that they didn't finish their seams. As for the TK armor that has been in the rumor mill for a while........................I am VERY skeptical about it. I heard all the fluff about how it was going to be layed up like fiberglass and actually flex like real armor. Now, I'm hearing they are pulling it on vacuform machines. Overall, I've seen nothing of what it will look like and frankly I will hold final judgement to when I see it in person. If the price points I'm hearing hold any truth, then it will be way too expensive. :eek
Just have to put one little jab in about the 501st here. Most 501st members are sticklers when it comes to their costume "accuracy". True, some do not care and just like to troop and we all like our non-cannon suits we have, but for the most part, they are a very knowledgeable group of folks who know there stuff. With the CRL out now, it makes GML's jobs easier.
Take care folks.
Jesse