Lenses (A Disclaimer)

Thanks to everyone who has tried (and fallen in love with) my single-piece flat lens mod. I make the lenses from welder's faceshield replacements and they have some small imprinted writing (a warning for welders) in one corner. It should be noted that this corner of the lens strip isn't visible through a helmet's eye holes when installed properly. So, please don't panic if you order a kit from me and it has the warning...some will have it, some won't. Here's a quick testimonial (from someone who had the writing):

I received the lenses the other day and they are great!! Really easy to install and limited, super limited fogging if any at all. I don't have any fans installed in my bucket yet, but for right now it is not needed. Thanks again bud.
-Struan R.

P.S. Sorry about the poor quality image. I'm testing out my new camera phone.

Rubber Glove Upgrade

After years of reliable wear from my Nomex Hatch Flight Gloves (wow, the price has really gone up on these in the past 5 years!), I finally came across a pair of black rubber neoprene gloves this weekend in a size medium. At $6.99 US, I think they were a bit expensive for rubber gloves, but they are really nice with a 12-inch gauntlet (that tucks nicely beneath the forearm armor) and 100% cotton flock lining. I have noticed that the Hatch Flight Gloves, while comfortable and more breathable, tend to make manual tasks a little tricky. For example, it's difficult to pick up or separate trading cards from a stack because the cotton and leather are slippery. These new rubber gloves have a non-slip tire tread grip for improved dexterity. They also lack the obvious seams in the stitching of the Hatch gloves, therefore improving screen-accuracy. The exact gloves I purchased are Wells Lamont Men's Professional Neoprene SureGard gloves. Make sure you don't get the glossy "coated" ones or ones that are too long. Note: The flash from the camera washed out the color, but these are indeed a flat black.

TRIVIA: The trooper gloves worn in Episode IV: A New Hope were black rubber chemical gloves while the handback armor was stitched onto cloth gloves in Episodes V and VI.

501st Legion Podcast Demo

Something I've been wanting to do for a long time is produce a podcast for the 501st Legion. I really enjoy The ForceCast among other podcasts, and they are a great way to pass the time as I drive to and from work every weekday. I finally got myself a decent headset microphone and put out the call for a fellow 501st member who was willing to work on the project with me. Varza (DZ-8772) answered the call and after working out a few technical issues, we churned out the first demo podcast. Click the player below to give it a listen!