Which? Don Post or Rubies helmet?

[Darth Katz]

For ROTJ: Which helmet shall I order? Don Post or Rubies? I am familiar with Rubies in other costumes but how acceptable is it for approval with this costume?
I actually would like to order the helmet first while I finish a few easy items on my SL.
I really am leaning on a Don Post helmet.

Anybody shed any light?

Thanks.

[Cybermew3]

If in really hot conditions, I personally don't like either. Rubies I believe needs some work for approval as well (I'll be corrected if needed lol).

I'd be tempted to say lean towards FP, TPE, or there seems to be a good one people have found on ebay (unlike most of the stuff on there).

I guess knowing the size of your head will also help others make suggestions, as manufacturers run at different sizes, and no one would want to recommend something too small for example.

[Dew]

The Rubies helm is big compared to others so if you have a big dome or want some extra space I would recommend. As far as I know and from what I have been told it just needs to visor replaced or darked for approval. But that's just what Ive been told

[stripes]

The old Don Post helmets are definitely on the small side and require a lot of work and care to not only get it to an approvable state, but to keep it in good shape. The Rubies helmet is acceptable with a few minor modifications (Visor needs to be replaced, may need paint to match your outer cloak).

As has been noted, a lot will depend on how big your head is, and the environment in which you live. If you are in an extremely warm climate such as Texas or Florida, the Don Post is not a good choice as it tends to get soft and warp in the heat.

[Darth Katz]

Thanks so much! I will measure my head. I live in Michigan where we have the 4 seasons and winters with piles and piles of snow....LOL 2014 85 inches already!

I contacted my seamstress already and she can start sewing the capes in March.

What is the cost comparison with buying from a vendor versus having a seamstress sew the capes?

Thanks!

[zorno666]

I just got approved with my Rubies bucket less then a week ago and only had to change the visor. There is a lot of room inside which is good for my added cooling since im in miami. I ordered my visor from www.footballvisorinsert.com btw.

[stripes]

Thanks so much! I will measure my head. I live in Michigan where we have the 4 seasons and winters with piles and piles of snow....LOL 2014 85 inches already!

I contacted my seamstress already and she can start sewing the capes in March.

What is the cost comparison with buying from a vendor versus having a seamstress sew the capes?

Thanks!

There isn't really any comparison that can be made on cost of seamstress vs. vendor as the pricing of fabric and the cost of the seamstress varies so much. Generally speaking, this is not a quick, cheap costume, much to the dismay of many people who figure it is a quick way to gain entrance into the 501st.

My one recommendation is to ensure you get some fabric swatches and post them up here showing the colours of the fabric you are looking to use so that we can let you know if they will be approvable BEFORE you invest in them. I have had the unpleasant task of turning down applicants because they spent money on fabrics that are not approvable, and invariably, they have not previously been on the forums to check into this beforehand.

My other recommendation is to watch for the fabric to go on sale as velvet (or velveteen) are not cheap fabrics. Locally they run $30 per meter. When I got the fabric for my cloak and robes, I was fortunate to get it at 50% off, but the total on the fabric alone was still over $250.

[Darth Katz]

Thanks so much everyone!

Rest assured, I am not in a hurry, but I would like to concentrate on this build in most of my spare time. I am just trying to get a good foundation first. '

Thanks again.