Black Series Darth Vader Helmet Review + Rubies & EFX Comparison

We're opening up and checking out the second version of the Darth Vader helmet from Hasbro Black Series. This one is branded as being from Obi-Wan Kenobi and marks a major improvement over their first A New Hope branded attempt. I've also gotten out my two other licensed Darth Vader helmets to compare them all and see which is the strongest.

[@Workerbee-zy5nx]

Vader was created in England, I saw an old film in a British castle that had a knights armor statue that had the metal eye brows the same as vaders brows, kinda cool. Lots of English in Vader. 🇬🇧

[@LoganLawrence]

That’s weird. I thought Vader was inspired by the appearance of a samurai.

[@Workerbee-zy5nx]

@@LoganLawrence Under helmet eyes. Helmet is German and Sameri, mouth is wulf..this helmet is a masterpiece.

[@jerryhernandez985]

Can you do a video of the black series helmet on the mannequin with the vader costume? Comparing how the three helmets look on the mannequin? Thanks

[@StarWarsCollected]

That's a great idea!

[@misterzombo9931]

second that

[@rickvergara8438]

Thanks for the review Jonathan. My son gave me the Black Series helmet for Christmas. I am very pleased with it. The details are amazing. The sound effects are awesome. Love the 3-piece attachment and the desk stand piece too. I'm ok with the colors and the overall textures, paint and all. And also it is very comfortable. In my opinion I think it is much better than the other versions.

[@StarWarsCollected]

What a great son you have there Rick! So glad you love it!

[@rickvergara8438]

@@StarWarsCollected thanks Jonathan.

[@Harpoquondrax]

Good review, thanks! Tempted to pick one of these up at some point!

[@StarWarsCollected]

Makes for a great display, whether you have a bunch of helmets or not!

[@joecrowetho7792]

The black series reminds me of the look from rebels I actually really love it

[@StarWarsCollected]

I'd love to see a version of that!

[@willybeezy2775]

The picture you showed is a recasting of the original Don post helmet. it went through several changes over the years but stayed true to the original helmet that was produced in late 77 maybe early to mid 78. Many years later Rubies would acquire the original Don post molds and licensing rights. The Deluxe Darth Vader was of course released by Rubies which was cast using a mold pulled from the Don Post classic action helmet. That's why the neck and other parts of the helmet look warped or lacking detail. EFX got the rights as well and would release movie accurate versions of the Darth Vader helmet from New Hope, Empire and Return of the Jedi.

[@StarWarsCollected]

Great history lesson!

[@alansibilsky5566]

The Rubies Darth Vader Supreme can look very nice when modified and repainted, new lenses ect. I have the original B.S. Vader as well, to me it has a Don Post era look to it.👍 overall nice

[@StarWarsCollected]

Glad you like yours! My Rubies one is super warped, not sure I'd be able to make it look any good without a lot of labor.

[@ghostdeemon67]

​@@StarWarsCollected It's supposed to look warped. The original Darth Vader mask was made of fiberglass. And the fiberglass warped in the process of making The mask.

[@gentalrobots3988]

Sunkwork props is insane his level of detail is close to perfect and his prices are good too!

[@StarWarsCollected]

I've only heard good things!

[@melraine919]

Splendid demo and info well done 👏🏼 👍🏼🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@StarWarsCollected]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@melraine919]

@@StarWarsCollected You’re welcome 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@BriansFunHouse]

Got mine last week, and I love it as a display.

[@StarWarsCollected]

Love to hear it! I'm considering actually putting my EFX on my 1:1 vader, and displaying this one "exploded" on the shelf. Time will tell, but It's certainly an improvement over the first version in my opinion!

[@WirralBagpuss]

Getting mine tomorrow. For cosplay. 50+ woman having some fun in life. And besides I love Star Wars too. Getting the new Darth Vader lightsaber too. Both will mostly be display pieces but also used for cosplay at occasions like Christmas and Halloween etc. 👍

[@StarWarsCollected]

Sounds awesome!! Enjoy it, it's a great piece for the $$$

[@ransolmcasterfo8864]

I have the original Black Series helmet but it is so black that it doesn’t look great on display as the details don’t show. After watching your review, I ordered the updated version hoping the new coloring will make it stand out more (for all of the reasons you mentioned). Thanks for the great review!

[@StarWarsCollected]

Oh my gosh! This makes me so happy Ransolm! Glad my review helped you pull the trigger and you're thrilled with it!

[@miamil8956]

do you have the link for that one brother?

[@spiderman3venom]

the best darth vader mask is ROTS one for me. It looks perfect and the bigger dome makes it look scarier and feels almost like a hood.

[@StarWarsCollected]

I'd really love to see them all together and just get to walk down the line and look at them all. How does the Rogue One compare to Obi-Wan Kenobi, and so forth.

[@spiderman3venom]

@@StarWarsCollected Aggreed.

[@MRLASTSONOFKRYPTON]

agrred mate. it is the best the ROTS all black and big dome. i hate these 2 tones colour while it worked on film it looks like shit in real life or when wearing a costume. i have molded my suit as ROTS

[@willymonade3322]

That is great! THX you! IT is my first collection helmet piece and I am really happy of it. Just one question. Is the suit behind is from rubies?

[@StarWarsCollected]

I'm so glad you love it. And yep, that's just a rubies suit. Got such a good deal on one preowned that despite it's flaws, I couldn't say no.

[@darrencarter9419]

A very fair assessment. Looking to get my collection started.

[@StarWarsCollected]

Thanks Darren! If you're wanting the EFX helmet, it's popped back up in stock on a couple sites, including Sideshow!

[@darrencarter9419]

@@StarWarsCollected Hi, thanks for the info. Ordered the Vader and Bobba fett.

[@StarWarsCollected]

@@darrencarter9419 2 great choices!!

[@vladyjr]

I would pick up the Black Series because I'm a sucker for all those details on the inside lol

[@StarWarsCollected]

They do look SO good! I love it when people display these things "Exploded" to really show off all those details.

[@saltrisha1]

Me to,that other one is plain!

[@MarkTheDemon]

My dad has a vader helmet that used the actual mold from a new hope with half the helmet glossy and half matt just like in the actual movie. And it's signed by the onscreen actor of vader

[@StarWarsCollected]

Sounds like a really cool piece that was finished properly! David Prowse I would presume is the signature, which is the perfect person to have sign it!!

[@MarkTheDemon]

@@StarWarsCollected indeed. It's probably worth millions

[@StarWarsCollected]

@@MarkTheDemon Wouldn't that be something?

[@shawnmartens9711]

I have the Black Series, and I am very happy with it, and don't need another.

[@StarWarsCollected]

Which version of the Black Series do you have?

[@shawnmartens9711]

I have the new one from the Kenobi series. I really like the details inside the helmet.

[@StarWarsCollected]

@@shawnmartens9711 Me too! Black series has really stepped up their interiors from the Kylo Ren days.

[@daniel_sc1024]

Great vid, Jonathan. Interesting that without the helmet on, the mask part looks so much lighter in color.

[@StarWarsCollected]

Thanks Daniel Agreed!

[@TinDK]

I just got this Hasbro Vader helmet for christmas. I'm very very please with it, though I wouldn't call it perfect. But my impression of the EFX Vader helmet is definitely not perfect either. As pointed out in every reviews of this Hasbro Vader helmet (both the all black with black visor 2018 version as well as the gunsmoke grey with red visor 2022 version); It's a very impressive low cost helmet. What I am curious about is why this new Hasbro gunsmoke grey 2022 version is painted all black on the right side of the jaw.. and not on the left? (No guys it is not the way the light falls that makes it look black, it really is all black on the right side but not on the left) 15:00 and 14:36 At first I thought my new christmas present suffered from a fabrication error. Then I checked up with earlier seen KZbin reviews of the black series 2022 Vader helmet and realized that in all the reviews the helmets are identical with mine. ..And now I also see the same black triangle painted on the right side of the jaw on the EFX Vader helmet but also not on the left side. 20:54 I need to dig further into this issue, it kinda bothers me. Update: The asymmetric paint job with the gloss black vs. gunsmoke grey, is an important leftover from the original movie prop helmet to make the shapes of the helmet more visible to the cameras. Beside that, If the Vader helmet was completely symmetrical it would be off.. Cause it's not, it was handmade back in the days. So with symmetry it simply wouldn't look like Vader. Also the asymmetric to his helmet is actually what gives its appearance character. Now a days they molded the Ben Kenobi Vader helmet on a computer, and deliberately but carefully made it asymmetric on purpose even though they could have made it perfectly symmetrical. And they did so simply to match the old original hand molded helmet the most. The asymmetric all black right jaw with all grey left jaw paint job is also how the original Ben Kenobi movie prop looks, so it's a very good color copy from the original to the Hasbro helmet. And it actually seems like this also contributed to keeping the asymmetric look to an otherwise symmetrical copy of the asymmetric original.

[@StarWarsCollected]

I hear you Tin, the search for the perfect Vader helmet goes on!

[@darthsven9852]

Helmet also does sound when you remove or connect magnets the main part of the helmet

[@StarWarsCollected]

Ya know, I heard that when I first put the batteries in, but then not again. Thanks for the info!

[@-ZEMOSGATE-]

Great comparison video! Where did you get those helmet standards?

[@StarWarsCollected]

Thanks so much! You’re going to love this, they are just stainless steel paper towel holders. I often find them for about $6-10 at places like marshalls and TJ Maxx but they can also be found online at places like Amazon for $12-15 a piece. Hope that helps and thanks for watching!

[@-ZEMOSGATE-]

@@StarWarsCollected Sweet! Thanks!

[@StarWarsCollected]

@@-ZEMOSGATE- you got it! Good luck!

[@LTAdkison55]

So I don’t know how true but supposedly the black series was actually made with the exact dimensions from the Kenobi show…..I might be wrong but it’s pretty screen accurate

[@StarWarsCollected]

They said the same thing about the first release and A New Hope, but dang did that thing look off. Hard to know what to believe.

[@carminedepaola8018]

I own the Darth Vader EFX Legend, EFX PCR, Sideshow 1:1 bust, and to me it didn't looks like the original one we saw in the movies (the hasbro one it's definitely not accurate especially in the shape) but with his details it looks cool as a toy for that price

[@StarWarsCollected]

You have quite the Vader collection there Carmine! Hasbro Black Series definitely delivers on value, giving people a cool display piece for a low price.

[@connorsimpson503]

Unpopular opinion: but i like the BS helmet more than the EFX one.

[@StarWarsCollected]

Blasters fired! I think the modular aspect, the detailing on the inside/under the dome, and the price point are all really great pluses for the Hasbro version!

[@sprocket5526]

not unpopualr with me, that for sure. I can afford the EFX and anovo helmets, but I just cant justify what is essnetially pointless plastic. So the Hasbro helmets even though they have gone up in price are with in reason for me. dangit Hasbro give me scout tropper, AT-AT and Tie ffighter helmets

[@connorsimpson503]

@@sprocket5526 I can’t afford to get the EFX helmet. It’s way too expensive for me, most people just don’t have that kind of money. But yeah, i like the BS helmet more because of the detail inside of the mask. It even looks great on the outside too! I’m not obsessed with “screen accuracy” like a lot of people are. When most people see this helmet, they just see it’s Darth Vader. The BS helmet is accurate enough, even if it’s not quite 100% accurate.

[@MrJahbeez]

That's fine. You're just not the niche EFX is marketing to. I have this new BS to display without the dome, and not attached to the neck portion for the reveal aspect, but my accurate Vader helmets are what go on my full-sized displays.

[@StarWarsCollected]

@@sprocket5526 I really want a good scout and tie fighter pilot. I would buy so many Tie's and repaint them.

[@clon76]

Great vid. I used to collect a bit of Star Wars before I switched to my first love, Lord of the Rings. But I kept this EFX helm, absolutely love that thing. Also kept one of those old Riddell 1:2 scale Vader helms as my reveal helmet to display next to it.

[@StarWarsCollected]

Sounds like a cool set up! Mrs. Collected and I just watched the LOTR FotR last week and are starting LOTR tTT soon! We haven't watched them in a LONG time.

[@clon76]

@@StarWarsCollected Yeah, I go through the full extended versions about once a year. FotR is my favourite. I don't have much display room, but I've got four LotR helmets, and Master Replicas' Sauron finger in a detolf in my living room. As I said I don't collect Star Wars anymore, but I plan on getting a Black Series Scout Trooper helmet if Hasbro ever do one. Btw, I think this Black Series Vader is a huge improvement on the original one, fair play to them.

[@StarWarsCollected]

@@clon76 Hasbro has been really killing it with their Black Series line I think. I'm so glad there is an entry point for collectors that is relatively easy to get and doesn't break the bank. Just started Two Towers the other night and will probably finish it today!

[@clon76]

@@StarWarsCollected Looks like I'm getting a my wish with a Black Series Scout trooper helmet

[@StarWarsCollected]

@@clon76 so glad! I have to admit… I’m disappointed with the injection molding line going all around the side vents… but mostly the battery panel hatch on the back. Might still get one though.

[@DC3328]

You missed a feature on the BS. When the face and dome are off like in ROTJ, it does the labored breathing

[@StarWarsCollected]

Pretty cool feature!

[@HevyGee]

Would it be possible to sand the injection mark as well as the seams?

[@StarWarsCollected]

Great question! Theoretically yes, although plastic can be a bit of a tricky thing to sand smooth at times. But I’m sure between that and maybe a bit of filler, you could get it nice and smooth. Then you have to repaint it, and that would be the trickier part. I would probably go for a an unpainted cast if I was thinking about heading down that road so that it would be even more accurate than what we’re seeing here. Granted the interior details on this one are a plus. TL;DR: yes, but may or may not be worth it.

[@QuietKid2009]

Does anyone have any Idea on how too TURN OFF THE DAMN THING. Haven't used it in a while, and now its stuck playing the turn on noise. Wouldn't be that bad if I didn't store it in my room

[@StarWarsCollected]

Pull those batteries. If you don't use the feature very often, the batteries might corrode overtime.

[@QuietKid2009]

@@StarWarsCollected thanks 😊

[@haddonfieldslasher666]

Is it just me or is the EFX one neck longer than the black series cuz when I look at darth Vader in the movies it seems his neck is long

[@StarWarsCollected]

You're spot on!

[@CardFromSKP]

Where did you buy the Black Series Red Eye one?

[@StarWarsCollected]

The Rubies one I got on Ebay, the EFX one is available through Sideshow and maybe Entertainment Earth at the moment. The newest Black Series Helmet came from Amazon I believe.

[@snakerooni]

I got both a Black Series and a Rubies and my Rubies doesn't look like yours... doesn't have those sad puppy eyes... might be just the angle yours is sitting in... but also on the manequim I was finding the top dome a bit weird...

[@StarWarsCollected]

Hmm! There's probably been a few tweaks over the years but I wasn't aware of another Rubies model. The dome always seems a bit tall to me on mine.

[@hyltonbrigham3491]

Yo bro how tall would you say you were just for head measurements I'm 6'2 with a huge head and not sure if I'm getting into one of these

[@StarWarsCollected]

6'7" my man.

[@hyltonbrigham3491]

@@StarWarsCollected jeez man no wonder your clipping off the ceiling when you wear it your basically at vaders height thanks for the quick reply think I'll puck one up now

[@StarWarsCollected]

@@hyltonbrigham3491 Story of my life haha. Happy to help!

[@logiprime]

All they need to do is add a thicker edge to the dome on the black series and its pretty much perfect

[@StarWarsCollected]

That would be a good upgrade.

[@valmid5069]

Viewers: man youtube recommendations are boring lately-- Kenobi Clips: *Hello There!*

[@skelleytor]

Be cool to have a melted version helmet

[@StarWarsCollected]

You're in luck! Check out this video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/opKaamxuicSbm7Msi=-tza1oP61-iH841M

[@johnmarkgordonTV]

How much will you sell the Rubies DV helmet? 😊

[@StarWarsCollected]

I don't think you'd want it brother. It got really scratched up in transit to me when I bought it originally. Probably have better luck finding something on eBay.

[@spsabers-official]

your right the efx is exponentially better

[@StarWarsCollected]

I really love it. I think they really nailed it, and they've recently become available again online at some other retailers if you're interested!

[@arthurhall8238]

Oh....the eFX is far superior. I have 2 customs and they are the best

[@richieluckenbill1590]

The Black Series helmet does look meaner than the EFX. I don't why but it just does.

[@StarWarsCollected]

Must be the tilt of the eyes.

[@MRLASTSONOFKRYPTON]

i have the 2018 all black version and just bought this new one. aside from the neck part that was lacking in the first version .i can say im quite disappointed in this new one. first of all it looks like crap the 2 colour scheme. it was made for the film and only for the film since the camera only picked up black and no shawdows so the grey highlights were made but in the SW universe his helmet is meant to be all black like in ROTS. In real life this colour scheme looks unfinished and horrid. the only thing todo is repaint the new neck piece all black and clip onto the older version. after that i will be putting up the new helmet with the old short neck piece for 50 euros or dollars if anyone wants it. cheers

[@StarWarsCollected]

Hope you are able to make it to your preference. Love hearing a different opinion about this item.

[@thebob01]

I like the detail of the black series Vader helmet but I'm not a fan of the grey paint scheme. It should all be gloss black. Then it would be perfect.

[@StarWarsCollected]

It wouldn't be screen accurate for A New Hope, but that is how most people picture it in their head-canon.

[@jeremydrew1227]

All screen used helmets aside from ROTS have the grey paint.

[@thebob01]

@@jeremydrew1227 Sure doesn't show that way on film.

[@jeremydrew1227]

@@thebob01 it would be really noticable if the helmets would be solid black.

[@Lcoch2482]

With all the details and multiple pieces and price point of the black series helmet. I feel it is superior to the more expensive supposed pro helmets.

[@StarWarsCollected]

It definitely has more detail and functionality than some of the more accurate sculpts out there. Plus, for $150, it's a great value.

[@jeremydrew1227]

The more expensive helmets are still far superior because they actually replicate the film helmets. The Hasbro doesn't replicate anything.

[@Rschr101]

Black series looks great, until you put it next to the EFX helmet. No comparison, EFX takes it. Force is strong with that helmet.

[@StarWarsCollected]

I totally agree. I wish they were easier to come by so more people could have it as an option for their collection!

[@numbdigger9552]

@@StarWarsCollected the efx plastic anh was only 300$

[@StarWarsCollected]

@@numbdigger9552 Right you are! I think I paid a little more, or maybe I've just always seen them go for more since they were all sold.

[@numbdigger9552]

@@StarWarsCollected yea. Nowadays the only one on ebay is like 800$

[@StarWarsCollected]

@@numbdigger9552 Nice bucket, but it's not worth $800 any day of the week.

[@jeremydrew1227]

This has the same face sculpt as the 2018 version.

[@StarWarsCollected]

You think so? It still looks a little wide to me like that one did. I wish I had them both just to compare. Do you happen to have them both?

[@jeremydrew1227]

@@StarWarsCollected I am 100 percent positive it is. It looks exactly the same to me aside from the longer neck.

[@worldwithbart133]

I wish they could finally make a proper Darth Vader helmet for $199. This new one looks like a cartoon.

[@StarWarsCollected]

What would you have them change? I'd love to see an ESB version.

[@worldwithbart133]

@@StarWarsCollected It looks like it makes a scary face. Also, the "wings" are way too short.

[@fredhollis3999]

I do think they need to make one with a voice changer in it so you can sound like Darth Vader.

[@StarWarsCollected]

I remember I had one as a kid back in the 90's that I thought sounded amazing. I could see them doing another one someday with this feature.

[@donnydonzilla9237]

Why is the face silver and the top is jet black wtf!!

[@StarWarsCollected]

Fun fact: that's how it was painted in A New Hope. The all black wasn't providing enough contrast on film. Look it up, and you'll see!

[@user-nm2se5ts4q]

Sorry but you’re comparing not only a $99 helmet to easily $350+ helmet but you keep comparing the helmets as if they are from the same film! It is possible that these helmets will be different as they are from different times in the timeline (even the original trilogy helmets which you’re comparing the BS to, had slight changes)! Personally for $100 I believe the BS absolutely nailed it!

[@StarWarsCollected]

Hi Brad! Good points. I’m actually taking more of the dog show approach and comparing them against the themselves. How close did they get the helmet to the version they are are trying to mimic? Then comparing that with how close they get their compared to the cost of the helmet. Then from there which is delivering the best value and if one were to pick just one, which I think is the best.

[@heros670]

Some people is just to damn demanding that it gets annoying

[@StarWarsCollected]

If I'm "some people" then I think I was pretty fair in pointing out the things that people may not like about it, but with the caveat that these are the sacrifices necessary to make a mass market and relatively inexpensive helmet. I would hate to not mention any of these issues and then have someone purchase it on my recommendation and be disappointed. I'd rather just go full transparency, the good and the bad. Thanks for watching!

[@sprocket5526]

@@StarWarsCollected I dont think it was adressed to you. It's for all the rivet counters out there that want a 100% true replica copy of "insert item" for 5 bucks and a pair of used socks.

[@StarWarsCollected]

@@sprocket5526 haha, very true!

[@mikejones7036]

Dudes trying to compare helmets when the films they were exclusively based off of aren’t even the same 😂 like no shit there’s going to be differences. Lol.

[@StarWarsCollected]

Lol what a dummy right? I love that part in Obi-Wan Kenobi where Vader hits the button on the side of his neck to make breathing sounds…

[@mikejones7036]

You have 3 helmets from 3 different movies and your telling the audience there’s differences?!? OMG REALLY?! I didn’t know that! 😂😂😂😂

[@evanmccue736]

Still not worth $350...

[@StarWarsCollected]

You don't think? Man, I really love the EFX version myself. What would you get instead for the money?

[@arthurhall8238]

Both of the Black Series helmets are awful...I don't get why they cannot get it right. No, it's not our perception. I have 16 Vader helmets and the only one WORSE than this is the first BS and the original Don Post helmet.

[@StarWarsCollected]

16?! Wow! What are you top 3?

[@arthurhall8238]

@@StarWarsCollected well....eFX is top 3...and my 2 customs painted with a brush just like it was in ANH. I have the Anovos but its not good.

[@arthurhall8238]

@@StarWarsCollected why Hasbro can't get a full sized helmet right..is beyond me..

[@StarWarsCollected]

@@arthurhall8238 It is pretty confusing... Just charge $200 and get it right. You could do it for someone like Vader.

[@arthurhall8238]

@@StarWarsCollected well...cost has nothing to do with it...they can get a perfect head on a 3 3/4 scale and 6" scale figure, why not a helmet? And the stormtroopers helmet they did was fantastic...I don't get it.

[@besi1974]

black series build is good but looks the worse for likeness, rubies looks better than black series 10 times for likeness. just get it 3d printed or if u have the $$ search for prop makers.

[@StarWarsCollected]

If you're going for that 100% match, a prop maker is probably going to be the best bet, I agree.

[@sunofagon]

Great but when you have a cosplay suit, stop putting the green/blue button below the red one! That is not what it looks like in the movies!

[@StarWarsCollected]

Right you are, looks like Rubies goofed, but then again... it's Rubies haha.

[@sunofagon]

Very true@@StarWarsCollected