Which of these Vader Helmets Do You Like?

[Hedji]

I'm finding myself with a good problem to have. I have 2 Darth Vader ANH style helmets. I wanted to ask opinions of them, because I see no need to keep both. I'd like to know which one you like better. Informal survey.


A little history...


I built my ANH costume to be on a mannequin for display only. Then I joined the 501st as a Stormtrooper. Now I'd like to make this Vader wearable, so I picked up a helmet that I figured would be good for trooping.


So, as you compare these photos, I'd like you to judge them on aesthetic, and the ANH "look", as well as trooping suitability.


Helmet A: On the Left. Very Shiny dome. Has cooling fans installed. Hand brushed paint job on facemask. Dome is bolted to the facemask. Hardhat liner inside. Really good for trooping in.

Helmet B: On the Right. Satin dome. Idealized paint job on facemask. No cooling fans yet. Dome is velcroed to the facemask. Would require a lot of modification to make suitable for trooping.









I'd love to hear what you guys think. I am leaning towards one of them, but neither helmet is 100% what I want. But please feel free to chime in and share your thoughts. Thanks!

[Nostalgiabuff]

i think your own description tells you. the helmet on the left sounds like the winner. however, when you say it is bolted on, does that mean you cannot even put it on?

[drquest]

The one on the left looks better to me. The one on the right seems to set too far down(closer to the eyes).

[Hector]

I dig the one on the right, it's less glossy, more satin...more serious. The super glossy one on the left almost looks like a disco ball, it's so damn glittery...

[Hedji]

i think your own description tells you. the helmet on the left sounds like the winner. however, when you say it is bolted on, does that mean you cannot even put it on?

No, by that I mean the dome is permanently affixed to the facemask. It's sturdy, and I can throw the whole thing over my head. The other one is two separate pieces that are just velcroed together.

[Hector]

I don't like the brown "eyes" on the left one either...

[Brown Bear]

A all the way, baby!

[Grimjohn]

The one on the left gets my vote, it looks more like the real deal to me.

[SainthoodDenied]

The left one is the best one, the less pieces and velcro to deal with while trooping is always better.

[Gorn Captain]

The rest of the armor has a color scheme that is less shiny, so that would favor number two.
But that helmet seems to sit a bit too low onto the face mask, so number one looks more "in proportion", with a helmet that sits higher.

I can't pick. Love them both!

[Boy_Wonder_1978]

Without doubt the one on the left. It's much more screen accurate.

[MIB41]

The one on the left is the winner for me. I think the helmet seats better on it. The other one seems to sit too low.

[Hedji]

Thanks for all the input, guys! I really appreciate it.

So here's the deal. Helmet B is much more accurate to my eyes. It gets the ANH look down pat. Helmet A is more like an ESB helmet that is masquerading as one from ANH. It's too shiny, and some of the shape is off.

BUT...

Helmet A is built for comfort in trooping. Most people are going to see it and go "OMG, here comes Darth Vader" without worrying about which film its from. (If anything they'll wonder why my chestbox lights don't blink like in the other films).

Since I am really lazy (and somewhat unskilled), I don't feel like modding Helmet B to make it more wearable. So I'll probably go with Helmet A.

Incidentally, what you're not seeing in these pictures is Helmet "C", which is more accurate than either of them! But that one is sitting on a display stand, not for trooping. (I think I have a sickness).

[SainthoodDenied]

It piles up in a hurry, I just got rid of several costume prop pieces I'd pick up thinking I'll make that costume one day. I had one or 2 parts and pieces for half a dozen different outfits but I'm just going back to my original 2 and 1 other I'm actually working on.
Lots of time in the crowds now days one of our tie pilots will walk up and there's always atleast one person who says ''look it's Darth Vader''..lol

[Hedji]

Oh yeah, that happens a lot to ours too!