Hello fellow 501st members. I've been making headway on my Imperial Officers Uniform, but I've found the hardest part to be "Boots". I've hunted up and down, and finally found something, but I need everyone's feedback before I pull the trigger.

I found a pair of German Elite Officers WW2 Boots on eBay that are in my size and budget, but seem a bit pricey for used boots. I had set aside $300 for NEW Equestrian Boots, but these seem to be much more accurate. The only thing that creeps me out is being Vintage Boots, what if these were used by some officer at Auschowitz (this is an honest concern of mine, sounds weird, but I'm very superstitious). Also, is $280 + Shipping to pricey for a pair of used boots?

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So recently I came across a local here in Fayetteville who is selling Shadow Trooper Armor for $300. I'm going over to his house this weekend to inspect the Armor, and take pics to post here (to get everyone's opinion), but considering my son wants to join the 501st, and we've been looking for an affordable option that includes Armor (he wants TK or Tie Armor), I figure if the kit is legit, the price is right. My only concern is the guy isn't in the 501st, and honestly never heard of the organization. He bought the Armor years ago, and wore it to movie premiers and events, but never happened across a 501st member (I guess it's not out of the realm of possibility, considering there are so few of us in Fayetteville). My question is, I've been out of the Armor game so long, and I know my FX Armor I wore back between 2002-2005 probably wouldn't pass today, what should I look for?

Now for MY update on my Imperial Officers Uniform. So far I've purchased my Belt & Rank Bar from Tigg Wolf Creations found a nice set of Equestrian Boots, I've ordered my Rank Cylinders & Belt Boxes, now to order my Uniform and Hat once I get the funds. It's coming slowly, but steadily...

Well, I said I wasn't going to start my Officers Uniform until after Animazement (Memorial Day Weekend), but I just sold a bunch of Fantasy Flight Star Wars RPG Books (some still available for those interested) to a member of the I.O.C., and I used the money to order a Rank Bar and a Belt w/ Buckle & Greeble from Tigg-Wolf Creations, as well as trade a book or two for some Rank Cylinders.... WOO HOO... It may be tiny steps, but I'm on my way!

I figured I’d take a few moments and post some of my past 501st pics and Cosplay pics of me and my family...

The first is a pic of my wife and her best friend Sabrina (TK-4680: Retired “Classified Record”). My wife is on the right, and Sabrina is on the left, the pic was taken at Neko-Con 2002!


The next pic is of me taking my best friend Arnold prisoner in the hallway of my old house. He’s REBEL SCUM!


The next pic is of me (TK-083) when I first joined the 501st. The pic was taken at Animazement 2003 (Before I became a Staff Member)...


The next pic is of my Nu Battlestar Galactica “Colonial Marine” Uniform (Caprica Rescue)...


This is a pic of my son dressed as Frodo Baggins (Early 2000’s)...


Another pic of my son dressed as Playstation One sensation Parapa The Rapa...


Yet another pic of my son, dressed as Saita from Grave Of The Firefly’s. Pic taken Animazment 2002.


And finally a pic of my son dressed as Chris Redfield from Resident Evil One...

Hey Soggy...
I'm a former 501st member from between 2002-2005 (TK-083: Retired), and I've just started the process of re-enlisting, as well as getting my son started on the path of a TK. I live here in Fayetteville and would be more than willing to help you out with my knowledge, message me...

Hello all, I'd like to introduce myself! My name is Chad Matich, and I am a former member of the 501st from between the years 2002-2005. My old forum name was "Macross-Junkie", but I've chosen to retire it and go with "Hellblazer" for new beginnings. Me and my wife are still listed on the main 501st site as retired (Classified Record), my old TK number was TK-083, and hers was TK-4150. 

I've Cosplayed for years, my first Cosplay was Chris Redfield from the first Resident Evil (retired) back in 2000. After a few years I purchased Stormtrooper Armor and joined the 501st. After a few years of marriage and a child I started putting on weight and sold my Armor and retired from the 501st. Since then I've done a Nu BattleStar Galactica Colonial Marine "Caprica Rescue" (retired), I also have a screen accurate Star Trek TOS Uniform "Red Shirt" from ANOVOS (active). 

I'm also very active in the NC Convention Scene. I'm Sr. Staff for Animazement (held in Raleigh every Memorial Day Weekend), which is a large Anime Convention (been Staff for 13 years), I am also a Independant Consultant / Staff as well as one of the original founders of Librari-Con (2016 will be 10 years). I also attend Fayetteville Comic-Con, Heroes-Con, and other small Comic Book /Anime / Sci-Fi events in the Fayetteville / Raleigh areas. 

You may be asking yourself, "who is this guy, and why has he returned"? I'm planning on re-enlisting as a Stormtrooper Officer "Black Uniform" (Commander Praji as a reference). I know it's not a popular route, but I plan on ordering a Screen Accurate, Liscensed Uniform from ANOVOS. I know a lot of the 501st is about DIY, but the Uniform is so well tailored, and looks so duck good, plus the cost is reasonable for what you get. I've already bought my Mauser replica and ordered some 3D Printed parts to assemble my Merr-Son Model 44 / Power 5. Also my teenage son has been browsing my wife's and my old Cosplay photos, and has decided he wants to go TK, and join as well. We looked at the ANOVOS Armor, and while reasonably priced, I think I'm going to go with some ATA Armor, mostly because it's slightly cheaper, and gives me greater options for adjustment as my son grows from a 15 year old to adulthood. I still own my E-11 from my old 501st days, he will inherit my Rebel Killer...

Considering its a great deal of cost for not only one Imperial Uniform, but two, I'm spreading it out over the year. I'm hoping to tap my fellow forum members brains for advice and opinions on what, where, and how in the coming months...

Incidentally, it was a group of 501st members who attended Librari-Con, that I was talking to in the break room, while getting away from the chaos of the con, that inspired me to start thinking about re-enlisting. If any of you remember the shaved headed 39 year old punk rocker wearing the Star Trek "Wrath Of Kahn" t-shirt, thanks for giving me the push in the right direction...