Introduction

The Rubies plastic helmet is known as the Rubie's Deluxe Darth Vader as per its name on the box. It is more commonly known as the "Rubies Supreme" as part of an entire costume (MSRP ~US$800.00) which was an nearly full costume (you wore your own shoes/boots) and which included the Rubies plastic Vader helmet (in a box that still called it the "Deluxe").

Rubies Costume Company licensed the LFL molds that were used by the original Don Post Studios. However, certain liberties were made with the master - possibly to make it not only easier to remove from its molds (as these were made by an injection molding process) but so that recasters would not simply recast a Deluxe/Supreme in fiberglass and try to pass it off as Rubie's Fiberglass Limited Edition (street price approx US$799).

Such liberties include softer dome/helmet detail as well as idiosyncrasies to the facemask (tusk tubes, teeth hole shape, nose bridge shape, eyebrow shape, eye socket depth shape, dome mounting system, etc.)

Original Promo Photo

The original photo was photoshopped to look symmetrical like the ROTS screenused Vader.



Retail Photos

Eventually photos showing the asymmetrical nature of the Rubie's were used by retailers:







CSMacLaren File Photos





































Commentary

Hidden Costs of Rubie's Modification - Infographic (April 18, 2013)

In case you ever wondered, how much Photoshopping was done?

Here is the original promo photo again:



Here is a promo photo that was later released, perhaps in response to fan observation of the original promo photo being docotored.



You can see that both photos have similar reflections in the (viewer's) right lens and the left dome surface.

Here is an overlay shot of the two. The red image is how the Rubies looks in real life.

Comparison Studies with Screen-used ESB

I'm using photos of the ESB Movie Vader (right) because of lighting and helmet positioning. As you can see, there are some striking differences between the Rubies and the screen-used.

Rubies is left.

Thanks for posting this thread. I'm doing some extensive mods to my Rubies to get the ESB style and this really helps.
I understand the whole nonsymentrical Vader thing...but... still can't figure out why the mount on the top of the Rubies helmet was molded so off center....looking like it's sliding off the top of the mask.

Most likely from the original tour helmet that was molded to make the Don Post Deluxe helmets and carried over to Rubies.

Added "Hidden Costs of Rubie's Modification" Infographic to Post #1.

Just great all your advice!

Specifically the mention of the gumming tendency when Dremeling the ABS is indeed very important and helpful.

I am also one of the disciples, which just modify a Rubies (just for fun as a "stunt-helmet" for some occasions),
It is certainly a good opportunity to learn about the Vader helmet and types of modification.
But you can also go crazy if you try to make this helmet as accurate as possible.

Thanks again for this thread

Thanks to T-VIRUS who contributed that paint polishing needs a series of sandpapers ranging from 800 grit to up to 2000 grit depending on degree of work and level of finish. Infographic updated.

Holy cow...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/STAR-WARS-James ... SwNphWbbfx

This is almost heart breaking.