Stormtrooper Armor

A short video that my wife n I threw together to show how I put on Stormtrooper armor.
For those who cant see the vid, get along to youtube.com/watch?v=TA2zd7aBPlA to watch it.Just a quick note to say that any video you embed in member news is by default high quality. Lemme know if you have probs watching them.

And for those who have wondered how I got my armor - a flash back in time.
Got most of the parts on eBay. It was supposed to be a wearable kit but came as un-wearable as possible. I had to clean up the armor and make a load of mods.

The seller asked me what my height was, chest size and a whole load of measurements that made me think that we was making armor just for me - where in fact its just one standard size.
If only I knew about Shepperton Design Studios at the time - they are the maker of the original armor used in the Star Wars movies.

Modded the armor so that I could actually wear it without the edges cutting into my flesh and leaving me in hospital after each trooping session. I had to strike a balance of mobility and aesthetics - cut too much and then too much of the black tights show through - cut too less and you can hardly move without feeling something cutting into you ^^;

The front armor is one piece - I cut it so that I could go for a pee without having to take everything off - either that or become pee-smelling-trooper.

The armor has taken years to modify to a point where it needs hardly any mods anymore. I would mod something and it would fall off after a while - learning that cant be gained without actually going around with the new mods.

The belt that comes with the armor is two pieces of plastic that you have to *screw on* *each time* you want to wear it!
I got myself down to Tokyu Hands to make my own leather belt whcih has lasted the years so far.

The shoulder parts were stuck on using the velcro - about as useful as a slap to the face with a wet dogs wet bollocks.
Decided to make holes and secure with rivets - painted white after. Don't look good close up but cant really notice from far away - the most practical way I could think of to secure them so that they don't fall off while "dancing."
I notice quite a few readers with Stormtrooper armor - bits of your armor fall off before to leave you in embarrassing situation?

The bottom of the leg pieces have to be cut too otherwise before you know it you will have a trail of blood pouring from the ankles.

The armor looked decent but the first AFX helmet looks quite bad so splashed out on a Shepperton helmet - needed a few mods first though.

Don't think I published these pics before either. The bottom is a modified Kenner blaster. The top is a replica that I got from eBay.

I didnt imagine that it was going to be so heavy and even had to mod my armor to take the weight. These days I actually use the Kenner blaster more because its nice n light and I hardly take it out anyway as most of these days I'm just "dancing."

A voice changer that I tried and failed at making. Didn't take any electronics classes unfortunately.

Pic taken by Yoshimu at a previous Wonfes.
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Just Some Anime Fan
http://www.cilliaclaraford.com
1.fantastic costume and kudo for showing us how you wear it in that vid
2.Danny can you also do me a favour and reply my facebook message also i can't seem to post on the puchi nor upload a post can you help that out to thank you ^_^
Student
Great Vid Danny, was the video in reverse ? cuz i saw parts of your armor flying towards you, so cool
Professional Panhandler
http://theinfernoproject.com
How much did you pay for the armor on ebay?
Student/Freelance Programmer
Speaking of wet dog's bollocks O.o... have you ever done a groin/crotch kick stress test? XD (maybe an idea for your next vid) Hope it's not just velcro holding that part together~
Student
That's the most important thing when trooping in London?
Student, Podcaster, Graphic Designer, Photographer
http://anime-gen.com
It looks like it takes awhile to get the armor on as well as taking it off.
BioResearch Assistant
When you put the helmet on, does everything look green because of the lensing?
university film student | ecchikid | the Archivist
http://www.vimeo.com/longhim
Wow, the old translucent-haired Narusegawa Naru figure. Haven't seen that around for ages. ^^;
Future Pioneer and a Dreamer
Naru is still good looking!
Engineer by weekdays, Hikki by weekends
http://ejump.wordpress.com/
I didnt know it needed that much of a mod.
Guess i should rethink bout getting one of these suit armor as theres a possibility that it wont fit right out of the box.
Regarding the black bodysuit underneath, what did you get/use? Is it comfortable under daylight sun?
University Student
Very nice video, it looks like a lot of fun putter that on. But can you really see well with that helmet?
三年せいとオタク
I agree needs neon under the chest plate and if possible built in speakers so you can break out dancing at anytime and others can join it :D
Otaku
http://general-noodles.mybrute.com
Found this site on how to make the suit
http://www.studiocreations.com/howto/stormtrooper/index.html
Always wanted a Scout trooper suit to wear and ride around my bike in town. Just can't effort to buy one yet..
Otaku / Student in Networking
http://hayasaki-kun.blogspot.com/
Nice armor! and you did great modification on it. ^^
JR. College Student
http://npc.talkingincircles.net/
Really cool to see how that's all put together. You should really buy an exact replica one of these days though.
amazing video.
wow you worked hard for that costume danny..!!
http://animaticfigmation.com/
cool video and interesting seeing some of the modding and hearing about how you acquired the armor. more behind the scenes stormtrooper stuff in the future would be great ^^
Student @ UofT
http://balancebox.wordpress.com/
show us your wife and let her try on the suit :P
Blogger, consultant
http://www.netharuka.com
Lots of women wear stormtrooper armor.
http://www.netharuka.com/babes/femtroopers-who-knew/
Filmmaker
http://josewritingthelife.blogspot.com/
The armor that makes the magic.. Good tour of the outfit...
Half Engineer, Half Student, All Robot
http://discombobulatedyouth.blogspot.com/
Danny, a more accurate description might be a reversed strip down. :)
Student~
http://kiddokid.wordpress.com/
Make 1 for me!!!!
Ninja / Engineer / Sensei / 魔法少女 (What!?! I can't be, I'm a guy...)
Very interesting. Had some idea that you put a lot of work into modding your outfit, but didn't realize that it would be THIS much. It will be both something painful and fun to look forward to when I decide to get a suit. ^^
Nekophilia
O_O Never knew so much of work are actually involved in this.
???Confused???
I kinda broke a sweat seeing all that modding work you did on the armor, but the end result is undeniably awesome...must have cost quite a pretty penny for the extras and tools to mod it...
銀河帝国五〇一軍团 TK/TD 8316 M.E.P.D. Police Sergeant
http://gordonator.com/
danny that is a paulron u are wearing. and it is worn on the right not left. ^^;
i'm using a hasbro toy blaster but am thinking of getting a replica as well. yours look like the MR replica.
anyway i don't recommend anyone to get armour on ebay. not safe and armour might not fit or simply look terrible. most armourers don't assemble the armour for you so we have to do it ourselves unless it's 2nd hand or commercial. but that's also the fun part. ^^;
銀河帝国五〇一軍团 TK/TD 8316 M.E.P.D. Police Sergeant
http://gordonator.com/
typo. pauldron i mean. my bad. ^^;
none
Cool I thought this was just simple to wear.
http://twitter.com/phossil
http://www.animoe.net
After all the mods I think it is now..
Blogger, consultant
http://www.netharuka.com
Danny, this is my favorite post on your site of everything I've seen so far. I was always curious about the armor.
Student
http://miri.textcube.com/
I have a great respect for you now, after seeing the effort and patience you have put into your Stormtrooper armor. Kudos to you.
Student
http://myanimelist.net/profile/Unyuu
Your armor is amazingly well done :).
Student
Haha, wow. I knew that you put a lot of work into the Stormtrooper armor, but I didn't know you put THAT much work into it. The result is amazing though, so it was probably worth the effort.
MI Manager, Blogger and Newswriter
http://cutkillavince.com/
Great armor Danny, and thx to share all details with us ^^
College student, Mech programmer and striving photographer.
http://moeforme.blogspot.com
Sweet you danced with Tokyo Sam! His vid blogs are always entertaining. Lol at your flexing with every armor piece you put on ^^
As for neon on chest suggestion. I'd go with a light that's the same as the rolly. Preferably blue. That way it goes with your armor and you'd shine more in the dark. BTW do you still plan on installing LED inside the helmet?
Student/ Anime Club Leader at St. Joseph Secondary
http://haruhiist.blogspot.com/
great armor and modifications ^0^ if i had the money to get the armor, i would have modified it by putting some yuri pics or somethin on it for the next anime convention... would have liked to see some kind of dakimakura cape on a vader though... hopefully it would look awesome ^0^
Student artist
http://www.requestview.wordpress.com
You look so cool danny!
Student
Use do Force MR. Choo. LOL
former Emperor of Britannia
http://reflectiarx.wordpress.com/
WOW~! I never thought that you had your suit modified XD
I'm now more amazed than ever XD
Otari Vader, Sith Lord for Hire, will fillet Makoto Itou for free
http://coffeebugg.blogspot.com/
:lol: Danny using Jedi powers to get armor on!
Future Pioneer and a Dreamer
lol yeah!
Looking for work again
http://flickr.com/photos/darktek13/
I loved that effect as well :)
NEET part-time - Technical Support Officer - Network security engineer
http://burugureibi.blogspot.com/
so i guess there is no clone trooper armour out there?
Dental Technician, i make teeth!
http://antsizedman.blogspot.com/
Quite a few out there but meant to be a pain to wear as the all the clones a CG and were not designed for actual peoples.
NEET part-time - Technical Support Officer - Network security engineer
http://burugureibi.blogspot.com/
good for a slender and tall person?
i guess a muscly person would have a hard time
Student
http://nauxolo.awardspace.com/
I'm so very amazed by your work! Kudos
Student Otaku (ITM Student) and ACG NA Staff
http://koiaichaku.com/
WOW......
I never thought modding a stormtrooper outfit is that hard...
Have to make sure it's the right fit and everything...
There goes my idea on having a episode 2 or 3 stormtrooper outfit...
Danny, try changing it up a little...have different helmets...
Editor
http://cavalock.blogspot.com/
u should make a sandtrooper version n go to the beach during summer. Make that long stick/pole that the sand trooper carries. n the brown dirt coloring on the armor. an excuse to buy another armor too! lol
or maybe that would be too hot in the armor for u.
Web Designer
http://insennity.com/
very nicely edited video lols. wonder how long it takes to put on the armor eh,,
デレデレ ハンター, Bullet Grazer
Neat! Looks great and was the exact article I was looking for (reference photos). Very excited for new mods to come.
College Freshmen
Woah I didn't know there was so much work with it. I thought you bought it and used it how it come out the box. That's quite impressive.
http://akari-nyan.deviantart.com/
Nice video! Looked like you used the force to grab the pieces ^^;
Injured
You did a lot of work fixing all the problems with the armor thats really cool. Is that the Naru Narusegawa leaf bikini figurine in image ID#24412? If so I think thats the one that started my figurine hunt and I never got that one yet new or used.
Student, Freelance Artist
http://rhythmemotion.net
Danny has a pauldron?!
Also, that's crazy how you had to make so many mods to your armor @_@
bum,hachi roku driver
That is a pretty nice costume coming from ebay you got lucky :D
I agree with NPC though, you should invest in a second one as costumes wear out too(assuming you wear the costume daily).
Future Pioneer and a Dreamer
LoL "ALL YOUR YOUTUBE ARE BELONG TO US" !!!
College Student
http://bayonette.multiply.com
Yeah, saw that!
BTW, nice video, Danny-san!
大学生
http://justaskeikaku.net23.net
That was hard to spot!
http://twitter.com/phossil
http://www.animoe.net
it appeared in a snap of time!!
MOSSAD Employee
I like Sand Troopers more...they project an air of invincibility...you know...patrolling the desert under two hot suns and all...unlike those guys who only work on the Death Star and Star Destroyers. Plus Sand Troopers have a more 'kick-ass' weapon.
Pseudo-Graphic Designer, 触手 wrangler, H-Man
http://lightningsabre.blogspot.com/
With the cutting tools, it almost looked like you're making a Stormtroopeer Gundam armor ^_^ Ooops I mean "Stormtrooper", since you did make that dolphin port modification. Oh and looks like that screw you put into the shoulder strap is hardly visible since the helmet covers them up most of the time. It'd be scary if there's always trails of blood around your ankle there... one would think an Ewok used its spear on ya.
Online Shop
http://wildarms.egloos.com
It takes so much work to work for the Empire, I wonder how each and every Stormtrooper did it in the Star Wars series lol. Joking aside, modding these armor parts seem very dedicated work. I bet it is more difficult to be a Stormtrooper than simply cosplaying ^^;
Pre-U Student
http://wakuwakusuru.zeroclipse.net
Sure takes a lot of effort to get that armour up and running nicely.
By the way, the vid of you suiting up is kinda funny ^^
http://xanato.net
i know i only comment from time to time, but i really should do it more often.
i'm always amazed with the things you post, and today you did it again.
thanks for sharing all of these.
http://xanato.net
i know i only comment from time to time, but i really should do it more often.
i'm always amazed with the things you post, and today you did it again.
thanks for sharing all of these.
working to pay for figures etc.
http://spacejunq.deviantart.com/
Great article. Shame I'm not a SW fan... that blaster was based on the old British Sterling submachine gun - on the closeup of the replica you can even see "Sterling" and "SMG" on the magazine holder. The old Kenner version must be much easier to carry around...
Video Game Design Student / Monster Hunter
That is awesome! Can you teach me how to use force powers? I saw you using Jedi pull to draw the armour pieces towards you! xP
Also, nice "All your base are belong to us" hidden snap xD
http://pantsukudasai.deviantart.com/
Lol force power to put on armor, didn't think of that one.
Danny's a jedi in disguise people!
Student
http://www.lesterho.com
I'm really impressed with your work.
Will be seeing you at the upcoming Wonfes event.
US Navy Sailor
http://punynari.wordpress.com/
That's so cool. I feel a bit like I'm in highschool again looking at those pics. When I was in highschool, I had fun making lightsabers and blasters out of spare parts. Never got around to a full suit of armor though, just had a scout trooper helmet.
Student
http://shockerz.wordpress.com/
It look like you put a lots of work into your armor. It's fantastic then before. I like the reverse motion you use while you wear your armor.
Web Designer & Game Developer
http://www.naffworld.co.uk/blog/
Very impressive modding! Alot of time and love has gone into that armour :) For a voice changer you could try one of those clone wars helmets and remove the voice changer from that?
Poor Student, part-time bus driver, all around closet otaku
I see that you are using your sony dancing speaker contraption to good use Danny!
Mechanical Engineering student
http://sabekujikaneda.multiply.com/
You look kickass whenever you wear the Stormtrooper armor, Mr Danny! XD
vendor
http://www.friendster.com
Its hard to fix that armor especially the size who wears that thing. Boss danny? how much you spend that much armor and some accesories?
Close-protection officer/Martial artist
This brings me back to when I first started to read your site. ^.^ The suit is the ultimate embodiment that is the reason why we keep coming back. :P I think it'd be interesting if you changed it to your colors, but I suppose that you should since the dancing trooper is practically your other mascot.
Student
Lol, reminds me of the time when I was still reading you posting updates on the armor mods and your disgust towards the ebay seller xD What did he claim he was doing? Helping refugees in Florida?
website/graphic designer and karaoke amateur~
http://www.furudango.com
I love the photo by Yoshimu *o*
Awesome video Danny, use the force well you do xD
Student
A good look to the costume making, didn't know that you had to make so many changes to it.
NEET
http://austrianotaku.com/
Great post & great vid.
Didn't knew that you modified it that much o_O
A Real RocknRolla
wow those where some heavy mods or a armor your supposed to wear :S w
Looking for Work
Very impressive, Danny! The neon-lighted chestplate would be an awesome addition.
Student
Wow, thanks for showing you costume. It's great and I always wanted to know how you put it on and stuff like that.
Student
If only I could sit my butt down and use the sewing skills I learned for cosplaying. T.T;
Entrepreneur
http://www.onemanproductions.se
I had no idea you had put so much effort into that armor! It does look really good so it is totally worth it :) And nice blaster photos!
Student
http://ivan05.deviantart.com/
Ur armomr rocks Mr. Choo) the weapons are so realistic eh?, I love your blogs!
Troubleshooter, Universal Exports
http://funkyblueame.tumblr.com/
With what you started out with it is as if you built the armor yourself. I had forgot about the heavy replica blaster you bought. Although I do remember the original blaster with the dog chew marks.
Young Grasshopper
http://miragestrike.blogspot.com
Nice coverage of your trooper armor! The green neon mod looks sick. :)
http://twitter.com/phossil
http://www.animoe.net
trooper ready for action in 1:42 or less,... Lol!
I see you have a lot of velcro modding in your armor. That way you can dress in less time.
Grocery Store Clerk
Lookede like quite a project.
AWESOME !!!
Danny, does your costume get damaged as you get it on and off all the time ?
student
that was instructive, I always thought the pieces were fixed to the black suit
Digital animation
Niiiice! How much does that run you?
Programming Student, Asian Girls Lover, Otaku
http://jappydolls.net/
It would be great if you picked a friend of yours wearing the Chewbacca costume with Hector in Vader costume, and the three of you dancing in the streets of Tokyo.
hahaha yeah, someone with Chewbacca costume LOL
Daigakusei [Consular and Diplomatic Affairs]
http://dixinfernal.wordpress.com
amazing vid!
great work on the armor danny! ^^
Student
http://fruitjuicy.wordpress.com/
The cosplay Force is strong in all of us! ^^
Student
awesome like always. it sure takes a lot of effort to get the gear on. must suck to take em off and feeling tired at the same time.
Student Game Development.
Nice post :-)
Programming Student
http://greendiscord.blogspot.com/
ooh cool!
haha danny you even modded your stormtrooper to be able to use the force?
Student, Otaku, She-Geek(Sheek lol)
http://meimi132.wordpress.com/
Oooooo all the modding.... I think I'd be ok with modding stuff.. might get a bit p'd off with it... but its all worth it in the end, ne?
Funky guns. They are pretty things arn't they?
Student at a school somewhere
http://pixiebee.deviantart.com/
I can't stop watching it *shot*
If you can get everything done, that would be awesome.
houkouonchi
http://www.flickr.com/photos/red_mango/
It's amazing in what you have done to get your armor just right for you.
Hey there TokyoTrooper, this is Austin over here in America, I made the same mistake of buying from Costumejunkie, I am a relatively big person so I had to make many size adjustments and cutting, I was wondering how you attached the bicep armor pieces to the Shoulder Bells, If you could let me know that would be great, my email is rexxar91@yahoo.com, keep up the dancing ^^
Whats the name of the miko anime/game located on the middle right on the first slide
Dance Trooper: DCX-001 O.D.E. (Order of the Dancing Empire)
http://dannychoo.com.my
Danny uses the Force to assist him wearing the armor ^^
Great videos being put together *thumbs-up*
CATS: ALL YOUR YOUTUBE ARE BELONG TO US~
just bought my trooper helmet :)
hey guys
you should ALL check this picture ;)
http://www.christiesbrain.com/DSC00999.jpg
Programmer Trainee
http://jointsareokay.blogspot.com
Wow that was so cool!
I didn't think you had to modify it. Nice work there!
storm trooper hurray
freelance
wow danny nice mods the armor is styling i wonder if they sell the clone armor as well.
Moon Blogger
That's pretty bad ass. I ain't gonna lie.
sad no friend but my other bud.
hi buddy wats up i just saw that u dont check ur youtube mail and i spent hard work on wat i wrote for u but im a nice guy only have 1 friend u added me so now i have two i thank you alot ur the best + ur my only friend on youtube so im not so sad any more.ty for cheering my sadness up ive always dreamed of japan that y i watch alot of anime even in japaneese so 1 day i can meet a nice japaneese girl to settle down with and have a family of my own but i have to wait 2 more years till im 18 and 1 day i will come and visit you and we can hang out that would be awesome oh do u like rock/metal? cause i listen to Dir en grey [the final!] and it rocks. if u are a producer can u help me get my dream going i want my show to be created on youtube. only problem is is that i dont have the cash to get it to work and i dont got a big enough camera to shoot a show or no storm trooper suits i would die to hang with u out in japan and i want u to plz contact me at: luckyducky1628@yahoo.com and chat with me sometime on my yahoo messanger at: luckyducky1628@yahoo.com
p.s. i live in united states tennessee knoxville 37912... ty for you time
and congrats on ur success and have a great day!
hope to chat with u on my youtube at: StormTrooperBuds cya!!! :) ['''[O.O]'''] [RAWRRR!!! <BEAR HE HE HE.
Student (Programing, Streaming, Gaming)
Man i like the sand trooper pad, I wonder if they make snow trooper gear... (its snowiung where am at and it would make scence to get snow trooper gear.)
Nicly done mate!!!!
Engineer
Very nice work, good effort. Thanks for sharing.
Student
Ha, looks great, I've been thinking about buying myself one of these getups for a while, just need to convince myself its worth the money!
where can i find myself a second handed one?
Searched a lot of stuffs and notice that i can't even afford to make one myself...XP
Trying to get the same ver. with your helm...
But sold out alrd...
Nice i wish i could do that i mean the costume
but i beatcha i'll ruin it if i made it XD
student, ventilation fitter
that needs pretty much modding to get it fit and stuff.
i was thinking to get halo 3 master chief armor somewhere and go dancing/running around the city :D
Musician, web entrepreneur
http://learnjapanesepod.com
Some awesome Storm Trooper armour there Danny. I suddenly have a vision of not just one, but a whole army of Storm Troopers dancing to Rick Astley across Shibuya crossing. We'll have to organize it.
Nice mouse pad!!!
Expanding my knowledge and interest on yuri and yaoi.
Oh wow you met Emily (applemilk1988) ^^b She is a huge influence on me. I really dig figurines. Is that Saber I spot with my little eyes? :D Danny Choo your website is quite enjoyable. ^^ I hope to see more amazing blogs.
Student & Working
I'm at a loss of words. Tokyo Trooper simply rulez!^^
Student
Thats really cool.
Didnt realize so much needed to be modded! it looks great though (^_^)
Student
http://p2pnadie2pp.deviantart.com
I just Love the stormtrooper Costumer design... its almost flawless... cool pics and vid!
Graphic Designer/Student
http://www.cardinalperception.com
You really need to find someone with the Boba Fett armor to dance with Hector in the Vader outfit and yourself in the Storm Trooper armor. But I don't know if the world is ready (or if it'll ever be ready) for such awesomeness.
none
http://www.youtube.com/user/betaphysics101
At least take some physical training, if you want to carry it like a replica in terms of weight.
none
http://www.youtube.com/user/betaphysics101
I have never seen an Asian Jedi or any existence of an Asian planet. Is there even a specialized group of Stormtroopers that specializes Asian-based martial arts?
Legionnaire
That replica blaster made of metal?
Hey Danny,
I'm looking into getting my first set of armor, any suggestion on where to buy?
I found this on Ebay is it okay? <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180401078905&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT">Ebay Armor Set</a>