Discussion of the Star Fortress Shadow Guard kits

[Pallados]

Hi. I'm new, and am wanting to join 501st as a Shadow Guard. Toward the bottom of page 2 of the CRL thread, there is mention of a Star Fortress guard kit. I did a search, and found the web site to the kits: (edit: removed).

The CRL thread mentioned in passing that modifications would need to be made for these to be acceptable to the 501st, but not what those mods would be, or how extensive the changes are. I'm hoping to start a discussion thread here about what those modifications would be, to determine if I should even bother looking at these kits as a starting place for my outfit.

The helmets and armor pieces in the kit are made of fiberglass and require surface preparation and painting. The helmet does not include interior lining, and the armor does not include fasteners, but they appear to offer to sell them separately (of course). Overall, the prices of the kits (to my completely untrained eye) do not seem unreasonable. If some parts are good but others are not, they also sell individual "replacement" parts of the armor.

I look to those on this board who have "been there/done that," and know MUCH better than I - What do you guys think? What needs to change? Is any of it worth it? Please discuss.

[JesterTDA]

I am really not a Shadow Guard expert but I've got to say this...RUN AWAY FROM STAR FORTRESS is all I've ever been told. If you look at their helmets they look like really bad re-casts of good fiberglass helmets. I don't know of anybody making runs of Shadow Guard armor, most of what I've seen has all been done by individuals. Your best best, aside from the Shadow Guards you'll find here, is to talk to members of your local garrison about their experience making armor. I think you'll need that.

[LuciousTalvloinne]

I looks to be that your in Central California Garrison. There are strong prop makers out that way. You would be better to go a local route than to go the other path. Too many mods that need to be done to fix that kit. There are templates one only need ask

[Pallados]

Thanks for both of your input. Doing a little more research on these guys, it appears they have been accused of recasting other people's hard work. I don't know if that is true, but I think I'll agree that it is best to steer clear of these guys. I'm editing my original post to remove the link to their site. Thanks again.

[Pallados]

Okay. After FURTHER researching in other forums on this piece of...work... I come to find out that recasting (stealing) of other people's hard work, low quality, being widely inaccurate in many parts, minimal to no customer service, extremely long wait times for shipment arrivals, and sometimes taking money and failing to deliver at all... these may be the LEAST of the bad points! I won't even get into the charges that were the cause for the move to the Philippines. Just doing a google search for the words "Star Fortress" and the word "reputation" was an eye opener.

Thanks for the warning, and to all those in the various forums who have the horror stories that the rest of us learn from, I'm sorry for your pain.

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On a (hopefully) happier subject, how do people here feel about the company FenixProps? From what I have been able to search, they seem like they have a good reputation. I see them on eBay (search "Royal guard Helmet"), and they have both finished and unfinished helmets. Since I'm going to try a Shadow Guard, I think an unfinished helmet would be easier (and cheaper) to modify, then finish and paint. Does anyone have any past dealings with them? Is the product quality good? How about the accuracy? I really do appreciate your input. Thanx.

[LuciousTalvloinne]

They are a larger helmet and will work out for you well. Many members have these.

[magustoad]

They also sell a finished shadow guard helm as well. You should inquire if you want to go that route.

[TK IAIN]

On a (hopefully) happier subject, how do people here feel about the company FenixProps? From what I have been able to search, they seem like they have a good reputation. I see them on eBay (search "Royal guard Helmet"), and they have both finished and unfinished helmets. Since I'm going to try a Shadow Guard, I think an unfinished helmet would be easier (and cheaper) to modify, then finish and paint. Does anyone have any past dealings with them? Is the product quality good? How about the accuracy? I really do appreciate your input. Thanx.

Howdy there bud.

I for one cannot fault Fenixprops ever since I got my Royal Guard outfit from them just over a year ago and their boss Ed (Eduardo) to me is a top bloke and always willing to help out.I believe he is a member of the Argentina garrison if not their CO.
I got the fully completed lid from them and my mate got their raw cast lid a while later and he loved it-needed very little work prior to him painting it.
The only complaint (and it is minor) I had was that the length of the cloak when I got it was a tad too long but that was an easy fix by a local seamstress. I actually got a second outer robe from them about six months ago and Ed knocked a fair few pennies off it just because I was 501st (UK Garrison) and a prior customer and when I buggered up my original helmet I also got a few bob knocked off the replacement.

I also see that Fenixprops have started their own Shadow Guard and it look frackin' awesome(does'nt have the armour parts I believe may be required) but once I have my Senate Guard fully cleared I know what I want for Christmas.I do like the simple lines of their Shadow Guard costume-looks really cool and intimidating.

Like I said I personally cannot praise Fenixprops enough and like the rest of the guys say stay away from Starfortress at all costs(think the FBI are still after him).

[JesterTDA]

I've said it before, I love FenixProps. Their buckets are awesome (large enough for my monsterous head) and while the shipping is expensive and takes a long time it got here and that is all that mattered. I had 2 issues with the outter robe, both minor. First, I don[t know if it was a mismeasurement on our part or if they never even asked for it but the opening for my head was about 4 inches too small. A few bucks from a local seamstress and it was all good (she said the other work was nicely done). The other issue is the lack of draping. Mine looks a lot flatter than I'd prefer. Of course I think if I lost a few pounds from my midsection this would become less of an issue

[Sandy2011]

Hey everyone! Happy Wednesday!

Was wondering if anyone has ever dealt with TNG Props ?

they have a bucket out there on thier website for 375 and one on ebay for 299 .... just trying to guage their work. I would really like a fenix props bucket, but they haven't responded to me as of yet I am a sad panda