Riddell : Detailed Pictures and Reviews

W ord of advice: The sensor picks up movement easily. As a result, the eyes could turn on and remain on for extended periods of time, weakening the battery and taking away life from the tiny lights. Either try turning on the switch only when wanting to see the feature in action or pick a spot away from daily traffic to display it.

O verall, this helmet is very realistic although a little small in comparison to the rest of the Line. Great detail was given to the Microwave emitter/antenna showing correct size and rings. The eyes present a remarkable likeness to the original prop, especially when they are turned on.

I t is an exact duplication of the movie original worn by Luke Skywalker. The amazing details include a moveable visor, detachable chin strap, comlink microphone and complete interior padding.

T his helmet shows good weathering effects with the application of dark tones of gray around its top and sides, resembling dirt. The Alliance symbol and rebel unit markings and other graphic details are well rendered. Nicely crated tiny chin clip, sewn securely onto the elastic strap/band. Great looking piece!


click to enlarge	click to enlarge

W ord of advice: Keep in mind that these helmets are not truly considered toys. They are much rather seen as mini replicas, display pieces, which are collected not for their play value, but rather for their authenticity. Certain areas are of a delicate nature and that is the case of the comlink microphone and hinges on the yellow visor. It has been my experience after seeing several of these helmets, that such piece has a tendency to drop down and won't remain up after too much play. This is due to the wear of the supporting plastic pegs inside the helmet and mounting
openings on the visor. Try to avoid moving the visor up and down too frequently.

E xquisitely hand crafted authentic miniature. The helmet comes apart into three pieces: helmet, face and neck, for unobstructed viewing of the internal breathing apparatus and communication devices. This incredible level of detail was made possible by crafting this product in 45% scale from more than 50 individual parts. Patterned off the movie original, it features authentic markings and die cast metal parts.

D efinitely its designer, Chris Reiff, did an outstanding job with the helmet. From the very first moment you pull it out of the box, a complete feel of realism is present. It is extremely well put together. The three pieces making the helmet come off with ease and remain in place when put together. I especially enjoy the authentic reflection of the dark amber plastic used for the eyes when hit by a light.

T he helmet's shell is made of plastic, while the face plate and breathing apparatus share a combination of plastic and metal components. It is best to describe the two most elaborate sections as follow:

B reathing device: Intricate work is noticeable. Real padding around the back and color coded wires were used on the internal walls of this specific piece. The breathable nozzles, intakes, gas thru flaws, processor units and front sensors appear to be all separate metal pieces, perfectly interacting with each other in a complex maze of cables and prongs.

F ace Plate: Realistic, translucent vision enhancement reflectors or eyes. More tiny metal parts were added to this section of the helmet. For instance, all the protruding silver pieces or transducers located on the "forehead" and "temples" as well as the center of the magnetic clamp at the very top are metal. The remaining areas are plastic made and neatly painted as seen with the 8 radiator vents.

M eticulously patterned after the movie original. The rugged plastic shell ensures durability and superb finish. The exquisite detail is apparent in the sculpting and awesome interior gadgetry.

A nother good example of great design, very realistically looking and rendered using die cast metal parts and plastic. This isn't your usual disproportioned Stormtrooper helmet done by other designers even at a bigger scale. From the real rubber guard strip on its front to the cushiony inside neck padding, accuracy was accomplished in every way, despite the small size.

T he inside reveals perfectly rendered mechanics such as colored, metal cast voice activator, nozzles and atmospheric and ventral units. Grooves and indentations can be seen on the speakers or ear pieces and square motivator sending units. As with the Vader's helmet, tiny wires were placed connecting to the ear pieces and power units.

A uthentic miniature 45% scale reproduction, patterned off the original movie helmet. Includes a realistic broadband antenna and helmet markings.

F ett's helmet is weathered with precision and looks as if it had been in a million fights. The skilled application of some paint techniques, dress up the helmet in a variety of patterns recreating scratches, dent, paint chips and exposed silver bare metal areas. The effect appears very natural, not forced upon it.

A dding to the authentic external design is the positional targeting rangefinder or antenna. This particular piece is securely attached to the left "ear" (Broadband antenna unit) of the helmet. The left and right motion sensors, as well as the antenna unit, are cast metal individual pieces. The T visor or microbinocular viewplate is made of translucent dark green plastic.

T he internal parts aren't forgotten. The ample opening under the helmet allows easy viewing of its perfectly constructed mechanics. Except for the brown padding, all other parts are cast metal and full of small details. To pairs of white and blue wires run from the Comlink sub-processors to the Comlink microphones near the T visor. All for all this helmet looks as well made as the original prop.

F ans! The driven, loyal force behind one man's great idea. We love the movies, we love the merchandise and we do whatever is necessary to continue the American tradition Star Wars is, the positive storytelling of good over evil.

W e start up petitions, practically demanding a certain toy or prop to be produced. We are passionate and dedicated. We get overexcited when new product is out and get very upset and disappointed when a well executed product line fades away. Even if all hope is gone, we find ourselves wishing for its fast return. That has been the case with the Star Wars Classic Trilogy mini helmets.

T he inspiration left behind by the authentic design of these collectibles, has awaken in some of us, hidden artistic talents. Fans are customizing from preexisting helmets, creating and developing new styles. Custom helmets based on Chris Reiff's designs come afloat with certain regularity. They are made by fans in their spare time, taking great pride in their hand made props.

H ere are a couple of fan-made helmets done using the X-Wing and Boba Fett's helmets from Riddell. The end result are great reproductions of Biggs Darklighter's and Jango Fett's helmets. This amazing custom work is attributed to Uber Fett for the Jango helmet and Steve from Richie's Armor for Biggs Darklighter's.

T he Sandtroopers team and in particularly myself, would like to thank Chris Reiff for his kindness and good will in providing with his comments and exclusive pictures for this site. Chris is a real trooper and one of the good guys out there. His contributions have greatly helped to enrich this article.

C hris Reiff presented us with:

S tormtrooper's helmet: Original solid pattern next to a full size fiberglass copy molded off of an original helmet.

T IE Fighter Pilot Tech Sheet: Exclusive view of what would had been the blueprint packed with the TIE helmet.

T IE Fighter Pilot Helmet: Exclusive pictures of the TIE Fighter Pilot helmet, showing in great detail its design and internal components.

*A ll pictures are Sandtroopers.com exclusives and cannot be duplicated without proper consent.

T his short lived Line gave to the collecting community a fantastic example of quality and excellent design. Despite the fact the helmets are no longer produced, they have become most wanted collectibles in every fan's list and interest on them grows stronger with every passing day. They haven't only become "necessary" but they have gained a well deserved place as classic Star Wars collectibles.

A new Line of small scale helmets by Gentle Giant Studios is near deployment. Truly these helmets, although welcoming pieces, are destined to pale in comparison and are no match for the product that Riddell, Chris and SOEDA, Inc gave us. They are only scaled to fit a 12" figure (1/6 scale), making them way to small to have the kind of dramatic detailing and eye appeal Riddell's Classic Trilogy offered

W e can only dream of a come back of the Classic Mini Helmets. We can only hope to see one day the announced TIE Fighter Pilot at a store shelf and becoming part of our collection. Until then, farewell to one of the shortest, yet greatest prop lines in modern Star Wars memorabilia.