First Time Cosplayer - Need Help With a Cadian Shock Trooper Uniform!

[ImperaAquilae]

Hey all!

Like the title says I've never, ever cosplayed before but after being to Comic Con this week I decided, nope, I know what I'm doing for next year. I really want to cosplay a Cadian Shock Trooper, and have already compiled some ideas as to how to go about that.

The vast majority of the outfit I can procure from army surplus stores, simple enough - BDUs, boots, ammo packs, a holster for an airsoft beretta I'll use as a sidearm, the helmet and goggles...all that sort of thing.

That's the easy part.

What has me absolutely stumped is both the armour - chest/back, shoulder guards and shinguards - and the lasgun, above all. I've been googling around for a while now and I keep seeing cosplayers say "Oh a friend knocked me up this lasgun/armour set" and I'm like, WHAT? xD Who has access to this sort of stuff? Hahaha I have no idea where to even begin trying to work out where to manufacture a lasgun and armour, so, I'd sort of really appreciate any help you guys could throw my way about how to go about this.

I have a full year to compile the uniform - I'll need it, what with army surplus gear likely costing an arm and a leg, but again that's just a matter of having cash on hand. I need help with the armour and lasgun and would really appreciate any advice or pointers people could give me

Thanks!

[secutor]

It depends on how crafty you are.. you could make the armor. I would check on ebay for used motorcross or hockey gear.
A lot of that stuff can be easily modified and painted to get the look you want without spiraling costs.