F.A.Q.

What is the 501st?

“[The 501st] is a volunteer club formed for the express purpose of bringing together costume enthusiasts and giving them a collective identity within which to operate. The Legion’s aims are to celebrate the Star Wars movies through the wearing of costumes, to promote the quality and improvement of costumes and props, and most importantly to contribute to the local community through charity and volunteer work.” – Taken from the 501st Mission Page

Where can I buy Stormtrooper armor?

Since the 501st is a fan organization that Lucas does not “officially” endorse we can’t really go around promoting where to buy or sell armor. Sure you can find some on the ‘Bay sometimes — which I would recommend against buying unless you’ve thoroughly researched the seller — but you can’t really find any “buy stormtrooper armor here” web sites… or, if you do you should be wary of them. So, while I can’t really post names and places on HERE of where to buy armor it’s not that hard to find out where you can get it. Here are a few steps…

First, if you’ve not been to 501st.com, get on there and look around. Especially look at the information under “About the 501st” such as “Mission“, and “FAQ“.
Next, depending on what sort of armor you want sign up on the appropriate message boards. FISD for “white” TK stormtroopers… MEPD for sandtroopers… and so on. You can see a list of all the detachments and their corresponding message forums here.The FISD is THE BEST place for information on “normal” stormtrooper armor, making, modding it, kinds, etc., etc. I’m on there daily reading and helping. Just sign up and post a thread in the “New Member Introductions“.I go by “Bluey” on the forums, so you can even PM me on there once you’re registered if you like. FYI: Don’t post any “WTB” (that’s where to buy) threads… they’ll just be deleted.
Find and contact your local Garrison. They will be invaluable in helping you get armor and put your armor together! Find out when they’re trooping next and then GO MEET THEM! Let them know you want to join up. They will, most likely, hand you a name pretty easily… once they see you’re serious. Then plan on having or attending an “armor party” where everyone comes over and helps put your armor together. This allowed me to get mine done in a day… if you do it yourself then it may take months.

NOTE: Before you spend ANY money on any armor check with some 501st members, the FISD, or SOMEONE to make 100% sure it will meet the standards of the 501st! There are plenty of people who have paid top $$ for something only to find out it’s not “up to snuff.” Please don’t be one of those people!

How much does stormtrooper armor cost?

This is a question I get at least once every troop. It’s also an question that is very hard to answer with any specifics as it depends greatly on a number of variables. Obviously this can be quite an expensive hobby. But, also know that you can get into armor and into the Legion for under ONE G. That can go up very quickly though depending on how accurate you want your armor to be and, simply, how much you’re wanting to spend on it. I know of one guy who has, over the last 10 years, put over $10,000 into his Darth Vader costume. He is now, however, one of the premiere Vader’s out there for sure!

There are all sorts of different makes of armor out there, but luckily the 501st has strict standards to assure everyone looks good. So, no matter what armor you get you’ll have to submit photos of yourself in armor from every angle to get a 501st ID number. Having your local Squad Leader over during an armor party will help speed that process up because they can vouch for you and say, “Yes… they look good!”

It is expensive… but it is, as one trooper told me before I joined, THE BEST investment I’ve made in a long time!

Why is Darth Vader so mean?

Well, in my experience and “from a certain point of view,” he’s not mean at all. In fact he’s a great boss. I do, however, know that you’re probably referring to some of the things that he has done in the past that are… well… less than kind. Let’s just say that he is very angry… and sometimes, when we’re angry, we do things we shouldn’t.

Got a question?

If you have a question I’ve not answered on here then please contact me and I’ll do my best to help you out.