First helmet, which and how to buy?

[Geographer]

Hey all,

 

I've been doing a bit of research on which helmet I should select for 501st approval and this forum has been great for that. I'm nearly ready to pick up my first helmet, but I'd appreciate your guys' opinions and suggestions before committing to anything.

 

I assume my head is larger than average because I'm a pretty tall. I bought a tape measure today and measured my head at 23.5 in - 24 in (60 cm - 61 cm) above the ears. I would also say my head isn't as round as it is more narrow and tall.

 

I'm not sure how much more information or measurements I can provide, but based on this information can anyone suggest a lid that would fit me best?

 

Based on what I've read on BSN, I've seen that Altmann buckets fit best for large heads (if my head is indeed large). Would this be a solid choice and is there anything worth noting about the Altmann for a first time costume builder? What alterations would have to be made for it to be 501st approved?

 

Thanks!

[stasz]

You'd be golden with an Altmann, for fit and approval. Check out Spike's thread in the trade forum. (Looks like you'll need one more post to gain access to the trades).

 

KS is a solid choice for the big noggins as well. If you find that your chin shows under the faceplate when your mouth is open, not to worry. The balaclava does a wonderful job of hiding it.

[Geographer]

This will conveniently be the post to get me in the trade forum then!

 

I am leaning heavily toward the Altmann, but just want to do a little more research to make sure I make the right choice. I'd like to make as little alterations being that this is my first time building a costume. If you're saying the Altmann is good for approval out of the box, then that is even better. I'll look into KS as well just to see the pros and cons with that option. I'm just happy to hear there are options out there for those with a sizable noggin!

 

Another quick question about the helmets: Does the chin strap stick out of the bottom of the helmet or does the snout and face plate do a good job of covering that usually?

 

Thanks for your input stasz!

[stasz]

The Altmann is good to go out of the box. I I don't think it really needs anything. Technically, so is the KS, but that one does have some minor modifications to really "get it there": new snout, new bolts, removing the black snout border sticker and painting that area instead... There are several threads on modding the KS.

 

I've seen troopers who's chin cup peeks out beneath the faceplate when viewing from the front and/or side, but it doesn't look bad or wrong. I think that will ultimately depends on the height of your head and what type of suspension or padding you use in the bucket.

 

The chin cup is optional for both basic clearance and Lancer (Level II). I don't use one, but some folks like the look and added security.

[Geographer]

Hey stasz, thanks again for your input!

 

Based one everything I've seen on the forums and your insight, I decided to pull the trigger on the Altmann and have just ordered one! I don't think the chin cup will be a big deal at all now that I look at it. And hey, I guess it'd make it easier if I wanted my scout to be Lancer approved (that'll be in time, though... baby steps!)

[stasz]

Congrats, Brother!

 

You won't be disappointed, and you'll have a bucket for life. Coming out of the gate strong.

 

I look forward to seeing your build. If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask. Lots of sharp folks 'round here

[01Hawk]

I love my Altmanns. I would like to try a Chefs as well but for now my Scout budget has to stop at 2 Helmets. I also like my SC but the Altmanns fits my body size better.

[Mutter]

I just started doing my research as well. It's good to know there's a helmet for us guys with larger sized brains

[Mutter]

I'm in the same situation with a big head (24"). I was originally going to go with a KS but I'm a little apprehensive reading about their quality and customer service. Looks like Altmanns is the way to go.

[Geographer]

Yeah Mutter, it looks like we were in the same boat. I gave KS a good look, but in the end Altmann's lid seemed like it was much more quality. Spike is also right here on the forums and is involved with the community which is a huge plus I my book. I'm currently waiting on my Altmann to come in!

[Mutter]

I love the look of the Altmann's, it's an incredible helmet. I need to justify the cost at the moment. Most likely, I'll give in and go for it but may have to wait a little first.

[Geographer]

Cost was absolutely the biggest detractor when it came to the Atlmann, but I was willing to spend the extra amount for the look and quality of it. The scout has always been my favorite trooper and this would be my first costume so I wanted it to look amazing! This may also be the only armor I build for a while so I'm willing to spend a bit more than most probably would.

 

 

Also the thing is gorgeous and I couldn't resist!

[Bowfanny]

Just received my Altmann helmet day before yesterday and my head is 23" around above the ears. I can literally just slip the thing on without opening the face up at all. There's loads of room inside. I'd say there's more room in my Altmann helmet than there is in any of my Mandalorian helmets and my Altmann is like a Tardis looks small from the outside but is bigger on the inside!

[Havrix]

Have the same problems: which one is the correct helmet for the first encounter with the costume building? Although my first intenion is not to join the 501st in first line, I'd like to have a nice helmet for my showcase.

 

My potato-head is about 61 cm around th ears, will it fit?

 

Altmann's seems the most likely alternative, since I have never tried to modify or trim any plastic parts. I'm afraid to ruin th whole thing by cutting the wrong parts away.

 

Just for t understanding: MLC and MonCal are the same helmets and come unassembled? What will be the delivery time for these items?

[Bowfanny]

Have the same problems: which one is the correct helmet for the first encounter with the costume building? Although my first intenion is not to join the 501st in first line, I'd like to have a nice helmet for my showcase.

 

My potato-head is about 61 cm around th ears, will it fit?

 

Altmann's seems the most likely alternative, since I have never tried to modify or trim any plastic parts. I'm afraid to ruin th whole thing by cutting the wrong parts away.

 

Just for t understanding: MLC and MonCal are the same helmets and come unassembled? What will be the delivery time for these items?

 

Your noggin is just slightly larger than mine and like I said I can put the Altmann helmet on without opening the face plate it's roomy and all that well enough for a 61 cm noggin.

 

 

When In Doubt- Send a Scout!

[Havrix]

Thanks for the Information.

 

What about the MonCal/MLC helmet. Is this one and the same?

[Griffin-X]

Thanks for the Information. What about the MonCal/MLC helmet. Is this one and the same?

 

Moncal sells the MLC helmet, but the wait time is rather long. You can contact MLC directly and will get a better response.

[vonmoen]

I've noticed a lot of positive feedback on the Altmann helmet. Is this bucket still being made, and is there a link to a website that sells them?

[Griffin-X]

I've noticed a lot of positive feedback on the Altmann helmet. Is this bucket still being made, and is there a link to a website that sells them?

 

Check out the trade section or send Spike (on this forum) a message. Great helmet and service!

[vonmoen]

Will do, thanks!