my custom mandalorian costume (Page 1 of 4)

Pretty cool, I'll have to make myself some armor.

Very nice overall. The only problem I have is that the eyehole you cut from the visor detracts from the whole look. Otherwise it's a nice helmet and I even like the shinguards. =P

I am in the process of making my own armor right now, I'll post my work in a few days.

dont worry Fetterthanyou
im not lame enough to try to cut eye slits in a mando helmet
im working on fixing that

theres a real easy poster board method that only takes about 2 hours to make all the chest plates
my armor was only 40 bucks
and i went to bartzs and paid 25 for their last 2 helmets

i actually just painted over that a minute ago.

Yeah, teeth would be cool

Your welcome

You've got yourself a good start there! Do you mind if I make a few constructive comments? (I've been attacked on other boards for doing so, so feel it better to ask on this occasion)

mandos can take some criticism.
lets see what you think,
thanks for asking though.

Okay, these are just my advice as one who makes and has worn Mando armour for a fair few years now, it's up to you if you wish to follow them or they inspire you in another direction. They do not in any way detract from the excellent work you have done on your costume so far.

1) You need a full visor on your helmet. There are two ways to go about this, first is buy one from ebay or from someone like BM. This will get you a visor that no one can see you through, even when using a flash on a camera. Second option is to make one using a welding mask face shield, these are usually green tinted and can be carefully cut to the required T shape with a good pair of scissors.

2) You could do with adding detail to your left chest plate and the central diamond. By this I mean chest display light slots (even if you choose not to have a chest display light the slots are there. Jango did not have any lights, instead the slots were backed) and the sunken detail on the central diamond. This will serve to break up the large expanse of flat that you currently have. Here's an example:

3) Are you wearing a backplate? Backplates are an important part of the armour, they complete the upper body armour and provide protection from behind. I've seen a number of Mandos attempt to troop without one and the armour always looks incomplete and lacking in detail.

4) Get yourself a cod piece young man! Depending upon the style of armour you are creating (Jango's or Boba's) there are major differences between the cod pieces as well as corresponding parts (Boba has a kidney plate protecting his lower back for example, Jango does not) but either way you look at it, you want some protection there!!!

5) A one-piece Flightsuit is better then a two piece outfit. Failing that, then go for a two piece that not only matches exactly in colour the top and bottom parts but also is made of the same material, thereby giving the illusion that it is a one-piece suit. Most Flightsuits are made from boiler type suits that are dyed the required colour and have extra pouches and the outer sleeve added.

6) You could do with a decent neckseal. Both Boba and Jango wore one (although in the scenes where we see Jango without a helmet on he is not). A neckseal makes the helmet and suit become one item, instead of a suit of armour with a helmet plonked on top. It does this by getting rid of any visible flesh around the neckline and helps give that air of mystery to the wearer as well as giving the impresion the suit is sealed to the environment. Stormtrooper neckseals are good and can be bought from ebay for very little.

7) I'd strongly suggest some pouches on a military style belt. This allows you to appear to be carry ammo and equipment and helps give the impression that you are a warrior, a combat soldier ready to fight for money or to apprehend a valuable bounty dead or alive. I'd vehemently recommend against modern military pouches, they are easily recognisable and can detract from the whole "Sci-Fi from another galaxy" look that you want to achieve. Here's a few suggested styles:

[Editor's Note: kotemandos.com is no longer active.]

8) I think you could do with a thigh strap to hold the holster rig to your leg. If you are adding Jango style leg armour then make the strap a little larger to accommodate the thigh plate.

9) Your chest and ab plates are a little to large for your frame. IF you feel confident doing so then I'd suggest trimming them a little. KOTE Mandos has some templates that you could use as a guide for trimming if you want, although I understand if you find the thought of cutting your armour a little daunting. Should you decide to do so then I recommend marking out the shape and cutting using a jigsaw. This is what I do when making armour and it works a treat.

Hope you don't mind my comments, as already stated they are there for you to follow or not as you wish and they are NOT a dig at the work you have already done. If you want further advice or assistance then feel free to let me know here or on kotemandos.com.

[Editor's Note: kotemandos.com is no longer active.]

That looks really funky well done

thank you very much for your suggestions, since these photos were taken i have added a great looking neck seal
and i am looking for a jumpsuit.
the welding mask idea is great! i will run over to fleet farm or something and check that out.
i was wearing a backplate, and i also have a cape thing and a jettpack made.
the armor did not come with a codpiece and if you have any ideas on how i can make one,please let me know.
the pouches look great on that website, i will try to track down some more pouches.
the reason i dident strap the blaster down is i wanted it to be drawn easily.
and i would be wayyyy to nervous to cut my armor down,so that wont happen.

thanks very much for the ideas, i will hopefully have some new pictures up soon showing the jettpack.
im painting a Nerf Longshot for a new rifle, it might be done soon

thanks again orthar