eFX ANH Stormtrooper Stunt Helmet - quick review.

[Mandible]

I just picked up this helmet and - as a casual helmet collector (only this, MR Fett, and the Vader Limited, when it hits) I must say this helmet represents SUPERB value for money.

It's very well made, beautiful casting and everything sits together nicely.

The only thing I'll change is the green lenses - they really draw attention to themselves.

I notice these are going from $180 on ebay, and at that price - and even at $229, I'd highly recommend one of these to anyone who's on the fence...

You won't regret it!

All I need now is the stand from 3phase

 

[psimun]

^hey mandible, I just picked up one of these and have ordered a stand from 3phase also along with a label off that guy on eBay
What are you intending to do with the green lenses?

 

[MClass]

I have the ESB version (basically the same, just with a black frown), it's a decent helmet for the money. I modified the interior on mine though.

 

[Mandible]

^hey mandible, I just picked up one of these and have ordered a stand from 3phase also along with a label off that guy on eBay
What are you intending to do with the green lenses?

Where is this guy with the labels?

I took the photo inside the helmet to show anyone that's thinking about doing a lens mod how easy they are to get out, BUT, as for what I'm going to do... not quite sure yet. I'm thinking of having them tinted - if it's possible?

 

[jkno]

The MR Collector's Edition/eFX Precision Cast are nice helmets. They are made of ABS - which is closer to the original Hero helmets since they were also made in ABS.

This helmet is an idealized symmetrical Stunt. The details are nice and it is put well together. Regarding assembly in a way it seems to be closer to the unlicensed/fan made helmets, than to the fiberglass LE.

There are some issues with it though excepting the symmetry (which I will consider not to be a defect): the seam under the frown part which is too visible, the lenses are a bit too transparent, the foam inside is not the best and no stand included, nor plaque. Though you can get fan made stands and plaques, change the foam, and add new lenses and even fill in the seam.

But overall is a great helmet. I got my MR Ce years ago and I still have it, even if i have many more helmets that are way better and accurate than it.

If someone would like an accurate helmet I'd recommend the MR/eFX LE (still not 100% accurate) or the following ones:


AP = Authentic Props - because it's being pulled in ABS, the detail is not as sharp as the TE2

ATA = Affordable Trooper Armor - Is it made by SuperTrooper (Terrell from FISD/501st) from a CAP mold

CfO = Cast from Original - ROTJ helmets with special liners inside, but they are making other helmets, even non-Star Wars props

FX/GT= is a fan sculpt but not accurate at all. Many 501st members still wear this type of armor. The helmet is notorious for it's over-sized, bobble-head look.

Gino = very accurate helmet.

SDS = Shepperton Design Studios (Andrew Ainsworth - the guy who pulled the helmets back in 1976) - a lot of controversy here, but the helmets themselves are cool, and a bit more sturdier then the regular unlicensed lids.

SiMan/RS Props = the latest Stormtrooper helmet produced from a movie used prop (this is the ultimate Stormtrooper Stunt helmet and keeps ALL the details and bumps from the original ILM helmet)

TM = Trooper Master - a 100% fan sculpt but probably the most accurate armor in the world (for not having been recast from screen-used items).

TE/TE2 = Trooper Expert - TE has sold his molds and the new owner is going by the term TE2. Very accurate.

 

[Darth Mitchell]

I knew it would only be a matter of time to see jkno over here

 

[shocktrooper_au]

JKNO' do you know the difference with the SDS Battle spec compared to the regular?


PS Mandible great bucket

 

[chRd]

I knew it would only be a matter of time to see jkno over here

my thoughts exactly. hey JK, start making a template out of that one.

 

[jkno]

JKNO' do you know the difference with the SDS Battle spec compared to the regular?


PS Mandible great bucket

It is explained on the SDS site. I don't have the Battlespec, just Hero and Stunt.

- Fabricated in white 2mm Acrylic capped ABS to withstand the wear and tear of costuming events.
- Lower cost as the Battle spec helmet is cnc machined with mouldings replacing the hand painted parts on the original Stunt helmet.
- The asymmetry of the original Stunt has been squared up in the Battle spec and the back of the helmet is blown up and belled out.

 

[JGouse0498]

It's a great looking helmet, but I'm more amazed that someone actually bought that overpriced STAR WARS: FRAMES book set!!

 

[SITH]

Looks awesome! Just wondering if the green lenses bother you at all?

 

[Mandible]

It's a great looking helmet, but I'm more amazed that someone actually bought that overpriced STAR WARS: FRAMES book set!!

Touche.

I love it. Beautiful, one of, collectible. For my line of work it's also very interesting to see what he (Lucas) considers a great frame - particularly when he didn't direct all six films.

Also, it's a tax write-off so I'm more than happy.

 

[Mandible]

Looks awesome! Just wondering if the green lenses bother you at all?

Yeah, they do. I'll change them...somehow

 

[MClass]

Yeah, they do. I'll change them...somehow

I got my lens along with the chin straps and leaf foam from Trooper Bay.

https://trooperbay.com/dark-green-lens-material/

The modified interior (eFX ESB Stormtrooper helmet):

End result:

 

[chRd]

I got my lens along with the chin straps and leaf foam from Trooper Bay.

https://trooperbay.com/dark-green-lens-material/

End result:

that's a great mod! how did you install the dark green lens, did you just tape it using double sided tape without removing the original lens?

 

[MClass]

that's a great mod! how did you install the dark green lens, did you just tape it using double sided tape without removing the original lens?

Thank you. I removed the original green lenses and kind of just folded the new ones into place and taped the sides with black electrical tape. It's held in there pretty securely. The original lenses were too green and also way too transparent.

 

[jkno]

The lenses could be also screwed in. The MR CE/eFX PC still needs the ear screws. Those screws could then be used to hold the lenses as well. Indeed Mike from Trooperbay has great stuff. I got a set of acetate lenses for one of my lids which came with a very thick set of lenses. The ones I got from Trooperbay were the thinner type and thus more accurate.

 

[psimun]

It's a great looking helmet, but I'm more amazed that someone actually bought that overpriced STAR WARS: FRAMES book set!!

Haha, good pick up. Just noticed that!

 

[psimun]

Where is this guy with the labels?

I took the photo inside the helmet to show anyone that's thinking about doing a lens mod how easy they are to get out, BUT, as for what I'm going to do... not quite sure yet. I'm thinking of having them tinted - if it's possible?

eBay label guy

thepastorjedi

 

[Shanester]

I have this helmet and didn't like the lenses. I found someone making custom shaped lenses in a more accurate green, on ebay and picked up a pair. Huge improvement.