Vader newbie, please help

[Wolfshire]

Hi all,
I don't post here much (usually just lurking and admiring all of the awesome work you guys do). I've been wanting to start getting seriously into Star Wars props (mainly helmets) but I've always been too intimidated to ask for help. I however don't really want to use e-Bay for fear of getting a recast of some of your brilliant work and paying people who don't deserve credit for cheaply redistributing your art. So now I've finally worked up the courage to ask a very noobish question, where do I start? I'm thinking mainly of an ANH Vader helmet but I have no idea who to talk to or prices or whos sculpt is better, ect. any help would be greatly appreciated.
Keep up the great work guys

 

[vader71]

It all depends what you want, the very high end pieces have origins that come close to the screen used piece. To get one you would need to figure over $1000 for a raw casting and be someone who has gained a certail level of trust in the community. (This would be things like the SL and TM type pieces) The next best bet would be things like the GH, JB and SPFX. Each of these is more than good enough for the typical fan. I will avoid detailing the negative and just say that do your hoimework before you buy. You should be able to find a nicely finished piece in the $600-1000 range. Beyond that you will be bayond my personal taste and into a class of helmet that I am not able to assist you with, I am sure others can help here.

Painting them is a fun project, so if you get a raw casting and need steps to finish it let me know.

 

[KevVader]

A good resource for helmets would be www.starwarshelmets.com
Jez's site details most, if not all, of the different licensed and fan made helmets. You can also check out excellent resource sites (in addition to the RPF) such as the Sith Lord's Forum, The Prop Zone, Prop Den for detailed component info as well as the Sith Training Temple for a lot of DIY info....that'll keep you busy for awhile.

Research, research, research....and then research some more....

Oh, and sell a kidney or two....you'll need the dough!

 

[Trooper_trent]

mmm...to Dave and Kev you Listen...yes...mmmm

 

[nice-biscuit]

I know SPFX helmets are selling under the name iron_lung on Ebay at the moment. It may be worth checking out. He does an unfinished helmet for a reasonable price and are considered accurate.
The Prop Den is Vader Specific and they have a section where you can compare the different helmets. I would bide your time and research until you know the direction you want to head in.

 

[Wolfshire]

Thanks everyone, I know I still need to do a lot of research but I at least got a good starting point
On a different note though, I was looking at various Vader helmets and I came across a store called Star Fortress Productions, now, correct me if I'm wrong but I heard there was something shady about these guys, is this true? Sorry if I'm wrong, it's just what I've heard:confused
Thanks a bunch guys

 

[Qui-Gonzalez]

Thanks everyone, I know I still need to do a lot of research but I at least got a good starting point
On a different note though, I was looking at various Vader helmets and I came across a store called Star Fortress Productions, now, correct me if I'm wrong but I heard there was something shady about these guys, is this true? Sorry if I'm wrong, it's just what I've heard:confused
Thanks a bunch guys

His helmet is a recast DP Classic Action Vader. I have heard NOTHING good about Star Fortress, so save your money. If you are ambitious, you could start with a Rubies Vader. You can find them cheap, mod them up, and some of the modded ones look damn good, but you will put in some work.

 

[Too Much Garlic]

What kind of price-range are you considering?

Getting a Rubies Supreme may end up costing you, both a material costs for modding and in time... and seeing as there are several good Vader helmets currently being for sale in the junkyard I would definitely recommend any of those above a Rubies.