Following up on last year’s successful Black Series Imperial Stormtrooper Electronic Voice Changer Helmet from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and the Black Series Kylo Ren Voice Changer Helmet from Star Wars: The Force Awakens is the new September release of the Black Series Poe Dameron Electronic Helmet. A screen accurate helmet at a price point of about $80? That’s an amazing find. Even a dedicated fan with skills could hardly build a replica helmet for so little. The Black Series Poe Dameron Electronic Helmet hit stores across the country–as well as internationally–Friday as part of Disney’s unprecedented Force Friday II marketing push. And we thought Disney came up with an enormous volume of tie-ins for the first Force Friday! This helmet emerges as a leading contender in a field of some impressive action figures, household items, games, and toys.
A replica of Oscar Isaac’s X-Wing pilot helmet from the current trilogy era of the Star Wars universe features a surround sound speaker system that produces for the wearer clear and clean X-Wing and TIE fighter communication sounds, plus familiar beeps from Dameron’s trusty droid sidekick BB-8. What hasn’t been touted–but should be–is the care given to the interior, which rivals even studio built props in design and comfort, featuring quality-designed ear muffs and soft finished edges. Ultimately the new helmet may be a strong competitor with Anovos’s high-end $200-$665 range replica helmet series (both series are licensed replicas, with Anovos’s typically cornering the higher end of the market quality and price-wise). Is it screen-accurate? It’s close, and those wanting to go further could make upgrades on their own. Is it collector grade? Sure, and it displays quite well.
Details include scuff/wear built into its design. At three pounds it’s built sturdy, but light enough to remain comfortable, making it a good option for cosplayers. A retractable polarizing visor provides a classic nostalgic feel and the adjustable inner helmet padding further helps the wearer feel right at home. All you need is a flight suit (and maybe an X-Wing fighter).
