SDS Hero Helmet good / bad?

T

tspider

Well-Known Member
Hi everyone,
I am considering buying a SDS hero helmet and really need to know if it is really worth it. I realise there are a lot of opinions regarding SDS and I know this question may have been asked before ( I hope not ) but I know there are a lot of experts on this board with a lot of experiences regarding quality so I will be basing my decision on a lot of what you guys say. Also if anyone out there owns one I would love it if you could post a pic of it as the photos the SDS website has look good but I don't know if they all look the same as that. I currently own a AP Hero and to me that's the best I have had so far. Hoping you guys can help.
Kind regards, Todd.
 
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tspider said:
I am considering buying a SDS hero helmet and really need to know if it is really worth it.
Click to expand...
Quick follow-up question before the sparks start flying:

You posted this thread in the Costuming Forum rather than the Prop Forum. Are you looking to buy a helmet to troop in rather than for display? If you're trooping, the SDS Hero is definitely not your best choice.

Coinprop: :lol:thumbsup
 
Sorry guys hope this isn't a dumb or comical question, I would just like some help. It must sound a little odd from some of the answers already, but I just wanted the helmet for display purposes not trooping and am just really wanting some opinions from people who may own one or have maybe had one.
Thanks again, Todd.
 
I agree with NoHumorMan. As a display piece, I think the SDS looks terrific. I've got one, although I don't have it out where it can be photographed at the moment (I'm preparing to move. Sorry! But you can find a lot of excellent photos, as well as comparisons to screencaps of the originals and other replicas, at Jez's site, Star Wars Helmets.com).

Personally, I don't think there's a better display Hero helmet out there. But it's expensive for a piece of styrene. Whether it's worth it or not is really a personal judgment call.

Your question isn't dumb or comical at all. It's just that the SDS line of helmets and armor have been an enduring, hot topic of controversy here on this board, not to mention in courts of law on both sides of the Atlantic. Are the helmets truly made from the original molds? What was Andrew Ainsworth's role in creating and/or producing the original helmets? Does he have the legal right to produce and sell these now? There has been lots of impassioned argument on all sides. That's why your question has incited people to pull up seats and grab the popcorn. When the topic of SDS comes up, it usually turns into a slugfest. ;)
 
temponaut said:
I agree with NoHumorMan. As a display piece, I think the SDS looks terrific. I've got one, although I don't have it out where it can be photographed at the moment (I'm preparing to move. Sorry! But you can find a lot of excellent photos, as well as comparisons to screencaps of the originals and other replicas, at Jez's site, Star Wars Helmets.com).

Personally, I don't think there's a better display Hero helmet out there. But it's expensive for a piece of styrene. Whether it's worth it or not is really a personal judgment call.

Your question isn't dumb or comical at all. It's just that the SDS line of helmets and armor have been an enduring, hot topic of controversy here on this board, not to mention in courts of law on both sides of the Atlantic. Are the helmets truly made from the original molds? What was Andrew Ainsworth's role in creating and/or producing the original helmets? Does he have the legal right to produce and sell these now? There has been lots of impassioned argument on all sides. That's why your question has incited people to pull up seats and grab the popcorn. When the topic of SDS comes up, it usually turns into a slugfest. ;)
Click to expand...

Temponaut summed it up perfectly (damn him, hard to argue when there's a logical statement!!!! :p).

I had the Hero and Stunt at one time and they are fantastic display pieces, but they would be touchy for trooping as they are still pretty thin compared to others and for the cost I'd be terrified of them getting damaged.
 
As far as the SDS Hero goes it is a poor helmet for trooping but a very good helmet for display.
Many of the reasons for buying it are in question at the moment. Is it from the real moulds? Is it made by the same guy who made the originals? Is it an accurate depiction of the helmet in the movies? Heck technically it's not even a Star Wars helmet as they don't have the copyright on the name.
However for the cash you'd drop on it, instead of getting a good looking display piece you could get the BEST fan made hero helmet out there that would be great as display or trooping and even throw in a voice board for the money.
Even if everything SDS were saying about the helmet is true the price is a very bad point. AA has apparently been sitting on these moulds for 30 years so no research or mouldmaking costs there, and he sure as hell aint paying royalties. There is no concieveable reason that this should cost any more than the rubies deluxe vader. Same circumstances - studio moulds, a pre existing prop making set-up and an existing staff. As rubies pay LFL royalties the SDS hero should be cheaper!
 
While the SDS is a nice bucket, I don't think that it's worth the $ premium over your AP....unless the novelty of having something from one of the guys who worked on the OT means something to you. Otherwise, you could buy a whole set of AP armor for the cost of a SDS helmet.
 
Just wanna say thanks to everyone, I too believe the price is ridiculous and can't see how it may look better than my AP Hero which I purchased off a member here last year (sorry forgot his name). If anyone still has a good clear shot of one they own I would still love to see it. Thanks again guys for your info it has helped a lot and I realise more so now that I should hold off and be happy (which I am ) with my AP.
Kind regards to all, Todd.
 
Lord Abaddon said:
Temponaut summed it up perfectly (damn him, hard to argue when there's a logical statement!!!! :p).
Click to expand...
:lol

tspider, glad to know that the various responses helped you come to a decision you feel good about.

If you haven't checked out Jez's site for the photos yet, I encourage you to do so. The site is a terrific reference.
 
Yo, just a quick FYI...

If your wondering why everyone is acting like they are waiting to see a fight... thats because they are! :lol


There have been many disputes about AA/sds here and about his claims/products.




and youll come to find that most RPFers are divided into only 2 categories when talking about this subect...

those who think AA/SDS buckets are the best there is. All AAs claims about provenance are 100% true.

and

Those who thinkAA/SDS buckets are a joke, reworked and possibly derived from other sources other than he claims.


Jez's site is awesome with many pics of many helmets. Although I must say its easy to guess which side of the fence he is on by the descriptions he makes where AA is concerned. But go there and look around, let the pics speak for themselves. And just make your own descision. ;)

Good luck!
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the reply oldken I have decided to hang on to my cash and maybe invest in a a few Star Wars props rather than just 1 helmet. The AP I have is more than sufficient in the looks and design department for me. I still need a good Stunt helmet to go with the Hero so I guess I'll be keeping my eye out in the junkyard.
Thanks to everyone again, Todd.
Heres the Hero I own....
Picture07955.jpg
 
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