I will say, this suit is far better than the Rubies, seems to have some hints of accuracy, but it looks kinda cheap on the pics. I'd like to see it in person though. If the actual production is any worse, I think it would probably still be better than the Rubies. BUT with all the money they spend on licensing and production, you would think they would concentrate a bit harder on making armor actually accurate. If they are going to sell at a higher price point they better add some higher value to their product. There's not much more you can add to stormtrooper armor other than accuracy, durability, and comfort... I don't think this suit excels in any of those areas.
I guess its suppose to be more durable... but then again Art said there was a crack in the armor already.
I think most people in the 501st aren't going to spend a bunch of money for something that is not much better than what they already have... and certainly people with AP, Gino, and TE suits are probably thinking this armor is a joke.
(Remember... to be in the 501st you have to already have a costume).
Also, I think people in the 501st take pride in saying they built their armor. I just can't see this really penetrating the existing trooper market, but perhaps it will add new members... that is if the 501st even approves this armor... I don't think they are prone to accepting licensed armor... although that may just be because the Rubies looked like a piece of rotten cheddar .
I guess we will have to see the price point... if its priced below $500.00 I can see it penetrating the 501st market... but I highly doubt that after paying all the licensing fees they are going to price it below $800. I can see this being more for collectors who don't really care or know about accuracy. Thinking back to when I first got into stormtrooper armor... I thought FX armor looked accurate as anything, until I actually did a comparison.
I guess we are among the few who really care about that kind of stuff... but really, if you're going to sell something like this that could potentially be a lot of money to fork over... "do it right" as others have said... add more value to the product if you're going to make it more expensive. The only thing it has going for it is that people are ignorant that their are better sets of armor out there, that you can probably get cheaper.
on a different note... I'm really excited for what eFX is doing with the new ANH Vader helmet. I think this sort of thing can appeal to anyone whether your a hardcore fan or not... you know this thing is a piece of something good. I only wish someone would do this will trooper armor. It would be nice to finally get a suit cast from the original ANH molds.
