Vader noob here

[tubachris85x]

Well, I wish I could know as much about vader costuming as I do about fetts, but I dont. However, based on what I do know about all this craziness, is that I have to be cautious so I dont ruin and or waste money on wrong items

So this brings me to my first question, what can be said about the credibility/accuracy/quality of Cutstom props on Ebay? It's been recommended to me already, and it dosnt look bad, but at the same I just dont know the little details.

As for makers, I've been only getting tid-bits here and there, Gino and JB? (dont know the full name) SPFX, etc. Out of all the vader pieces I have seen in person, for some reason, the owners cannot identify the makers, and I'm left not knowing who I should purchase from. I've worn parts that fit me, and others that were too small. Being as big as I am, I'm just not sure who to turn to for quality pieces that are meant for the big guys. No offense to the smaller crowd.

I hate to sound newbish, but Ive been searching for the past 4 days, here and on the 501st sithlords site, and everything just seem's too "scattered"

Thanks

-Chris

 

[godaiking]

When I first started out in Vader (way back in '07:rolleyes), I had a custom props suit, cape/robe, code and glove set. It was good for the price, but eventually, as you learn more, you'll want to replace the cod (Artisan Props cod on mine) & get a new wool cape/robe set (the one supplied with Custom Props Ebay auction is not wool and has an ugly seam down the front of the cape).

Eventually, I would like to find a new pair of near screen accurate gloves (which is near impossible at the moment) and a new leather suit (any suggestions?).

On the helmet/armor end, I would avoid dealing with JB at the moment. If you can find a second hand set of JB's armor/helmet, then I would recommend that. Just my two cents.

-Joe

BTW: Mine is used only for a display and not to troop in.

 

[wannab]

Try here...

http://thepropden.aokforums.com/index.php

...mostly Vader focused.

Do lots of reading. Even then you will still have many questions (maybe even more), thats okay.

What level of accuracy are you after?
Budget restrictions?
Time frame?

Answers to these may help you get more focused anwers.


Doug

 

[tubachris85x]

When I first started out in Vader (way back in '07:rolleyes), I had a custom props suit, cape/robe, code and glove set. It was good for the price, but eventually, as you learn more, you'll want to replace the cod (Artisan Props cod on mine) & get a new wool cape/robe set (the one supplied with Custom Props Ebay auction is not wool and has an ugly seam down the front of the cape).

Eventually, I would like to find a new pair of near screen accurate gloves (which is near impossible at the moment) and a new leather suit (any suggestions?).

On the helmet/armor end, I would avoid dealing with JB at the moment. If you can find a second hand set of JB's armor/helmet, then I would recommend that. Just my two cents.

-Joe

BTW: Mine is used only for a display and not to troop in.

Thank you for your input!

Try here...

http://thepropden.aokforums.com/index.php

...mostly Vader focused.

Do lots of reading. Even then you will still have many questions (maybe even more), thats okay.

What level of accuracy are you after?
Budget restrictions?
Time frame?

Answers to these may help you get more focused anwers.


Doug

Hmm..the site must have gone through some technical errors. I'll wait till later to see when it will get back up.

As for accuracy, as accurate as possible, really. My budget is really tight, so I just plan to piece it one at a time. No set time frame, I guess whenever lol

Thanks

 

[wannab]

Thank you for your input!




Hmm..the site must have gone through some technical errors. I'll wait till later to see when it will get back up.

As for accuracy, as accurate as possible, really. My budget is really tight, so I just plan to piece it one at a time. No set time frame, I guess whenever lol

Thanks

The problem is, accurate Vader even by the piece is spendy and almost impossible to get all the (accurate) pieces needed. :wacko I think the cheapest accurate part I got were the green belt box lights, other than that $$$!

I figure mine will take 5-7 years to get it where I want it (as accurate as possible). So I have other projects to help fill the gap and empty my wallet -- my 1:1 R2 for example.

I know thats not much help, just a dose of reality.

Again, all I can add is read a ton, research a ton, study pics of the real deal and take the plunge!


Doug

 

[wannab]

The propden has been a bit hard to get on today, usually not a problem. Try again later.

Doug

 

[Qui-Gonzalez]

Everyone is a newbie at one time or another. Don't feel so badly about it. As was said, there are many people knowledgable about Vader here and on the Prop Den. Same users, both locations. There is a bit more info over there as it is Vader-centric, but be aware, it is rather "clique-ish".

I am looking to get out of the Darth Vader Classic Action I have and upgrading to a more accurate bucket. Right now, the best bang for your buck is produced by a user who has been banned from here. Don't ask names, it is bad form.

You are going to be shelling out some money, but your most expensive output will be for the leather undersuit.

 

[SaberFreak]

3 years plus, thousands spent, and still not done <= that's a description of my Vader costume BTW :lol

If you want accurate, then its $$$$$$. If you want cheap, then its well, NOT accurate. No two ways about it (unless you luck out and someone died and left you their super accurate Vader parts).

I would suggest saving up for a real good helmet, as that's the central piece of any Vader costume. There's a CKing for sale now in the JY; I would have snagged that myself if the world's not heading for an economic meltdown and I need all the money I have to tie me over...

Try to make the soft parts yourself. I'm attempting to make the pleaded suit myself so I can at least get the costume done for now; I may get a better suit later. FYI the best suits available IMHO are either by DAVIDYR1, Reinone, or TMP, and they cost between $650-$1200.

A GT armor (good enough) can be had for around $150, while a Gino armor (very accurate) is $350 and above.

Same with the chestbox. GT is $100-150 if you try your luck on eBay. One from a more accurate source can be $350-500.

In the end its how much you want to spend, and how long you're willing to wait to get the parts you want. If you go the cheap route you can probably get a costume together fairly quickly, since the cheaper parts are mass produced and are still being sold. The more accurate and more expensive parts may not be sold by their original makers anymore and you may only find them from the secondary market.

Now is a good time to buy though if you have the cash, as I see a lot of people liquidating their collection.

 

[Gemakwalker]

My Darth Vader!!!!

 

[mjhenks]

Chris,

I am in the same boat. Been working on things for about 6 months but not seriously. I just went into sewing mode so you could say ihave really started. Have read both TPD and 501st SLD. They are the best i have found so far with some great tutorials. Lot's of info but the more i read the more questions i have. At some point i hope to find a local Sith Lord who i can visit and try and learn first hand. That is how my R2 got done.

Matthew

 

[tubachris85x]

Necro bumping, but I figured I'll just post back in here...

I've been sorta off and on about doing the Vader, but recent thoughts and a little peer pressure (remember to say no kiddies) have me wanting to spend a little more time on this.

I have started very minimal things, but it's a start. As of right now, what I've got started is my scratch built belt boxes (I'm doing the ESB Vader), just waiting to get the lights in so I can finish marking/cutting.

I've got my Rubies helmet. I'm not going to go insane right now with the modding, but just do the major corrections that are obvious. I've already disassembled everything, ripped out the foam, etc. Trimmed off the excess plastic around the inside of the eyes, and I've completly cut off the flang connector. Also have some accurate ESB metal tusks to replace the originals. I'm not quite sure yet what I'm going to do exactly, but I remember seeing a 501st member at SWW with a rubies (or was it a don post?) where he attached a bicycle helmet to the face mask, and had an SPFX dome that sat perfectly over the helmet. I'm just rambling lol

Other than that, I have a pair of ESB SA gloves. If anyone that reads this would like to trade my size Large gloves, I need a size XL of the same gloves. I got them second hand, but their pretty much brand new.

So yea, that's whats going on. Got alot of other responsibilities at the moment, take it a day at a time.

-TC

 

[Qui-Gonzalez]

Necro bumping, but I figured I'll just post back in here...

I've been sorta off and on about doing the Vader, but recent thoughts and a little peer pressure (remember to say no kiddies) have me wanting to spend a little more time on this.

I have started very minimal things, but it's a start. As of right now, what I've got started is my scratch built belt boxes (I'm doing the ESB Vader), just waiting to get the lights in so I can finish marking/cutting.

I've got my Rubies helmet. I'm not going to go insane right now with the modding, but just do the major corrections that are obvious. I've already disassembled everything, ripped out the foam, etc. Trimmed off the excess plastic around the inside of the eyes, and I've completly cut off the flang connector. Also have some accurate ESB metal tusks to replace the originals. I'm not quite sure yet what I'm going to do exactly, but I remember seeing a 501st member at SWW with a rubies (or was it a don post?) where he attached a bicycle helmet to the face mask, and had an SPFX dome that sat perfectly over the helmet. I'm just rambling lol

Other than that, I have a pair of ESB SA gloves. If anyone that reads this would like to trade my size Large gloves, I need a size XL of the same gloves. I got them second hand, but their pretty much brand new.

So yea, that's whats going on. Got alot of other responsibilities at the moment, take it a day at a time.

-TC

I take time off from my Vader stuff as well man. It's all about gathering pieces when you can afford to squeeze them in.

 

[tubachris85x]

I take time off from my Vader stuff as well man. It's all about gathering pieces when you can afford to squeeze them in.

I think I need to sell some of my organs in the process

 

[Qui-Gonzalez]

I think I need to sell some of my organs in the process

Nah man, just bide your time. Like I said, it has been years since I bought parts, but you have to be picky...and have the loose change to spend on this hobby. It'll come in time, man.

 

[gunnerk19]

I think I need to sell some of my organs in the process

You play organs and tubas? :lol

Sorry, saw the opening, hadda take it...

Good luck with your Vader tho; I was planning on having my ROTJ Fett together and finished in a few years, but after thinking long and hard, it's just not in the cards (or the wallet)...

 

[Vegas Vader 2]

great people at the Den, i unfortunately had to sell my suit. i needed the funds to help buy a car..:unsure all the soft parts where rubies except for the cod part. and i wore my alpinestar boots for the suit up.

so good luck the the hunt!!

 

[Forestmoonstudio]

I used a Rubies helmet also. It seems like a long time to do the mods on it but it really wasn't that bad. I have GT chest armor. The suit, inner cloak, cape, gloves, cod and chestbox are all hand made by me except the rods on the cheatbox. I got those from SP. Hammond boxes for the belt boxes and I made the saber hilt from sink pipe and pvc.

Like everyone has said. Take your time and collect things here and there, but the most important thing is do alot of research and ask alot of questions. There are alot of helpful people out there to help you.