FAQ - Where do I buy props?

[BikerScout007]

Hello prospective Pathfinders!

This question comes up a lot, and as usual -- we got your covered.  It may require a little legwork on your part, but in the end, we try to save our members money.

Each costume family has its own "Armory" and in the Armory there will be an HQ and in each HQ there will be a "Vendor List".  The Vendor List is a list of VETTED makers of props.  That means these are props that the Detachment have judged to be acceptable for approval.  

Additionally, we have a forum for VETTED Vendors to sell their props through the forum.   Again, vetted means the Detachment has judged their props to be approvable.  That forum may be found here:

http://forum.501stpathfinders.com/forum/156-vendor-sales/

BUT -- I SAW SUCH AND SUCH ARMOR ON EBAY/ETSY/FACEBOOK FOR $5!!!  IS THAT APPROVABLE?

With the explosion of 3D printing, there has been a huge uptick in the number of folks selling props online.  It's impossible to keep up with all of them.  Additionally -- a lot of these props do not meet requirements for approval.  Remember -- propmakers do not set our standards, we do (and that is governed by the source material).  So if you don't see such-and-such vendor on the list it's either because we haven't heard of them yet or their stuff isn't up to snuff.  

Most of our Vetted Vendors work WITH the Detachment to make sure their stuff meets requirements.  If you think you have a found a vendor offering a quality product, please bring them to our attention or get them to reach out to us.  We are always happy to add new Vendors to the list, provided they sell items that meet our requirements.

We will not add any vendor to the vetted list that is known to recast armor.  If you don't know what recasting is, please read:

Finally -- many of the Armories for each costume have threads that explain how to make some of your own props (mostly soft goods).  So if you want to try to save some money and make your own stuff, please give these a read. 

Reading build threads of approved Pathfinders may also help you determine which prop is best for you.  Please check out the WIP section of each armory.

Pathfinders Lead the Way!