[MR] The Cost to armor a New fighter?

[Medwyn]

The cheapest I've found is Ashcraft Baker. They have a "beginner suit" 
for $220. It's all mild steel, and it's going to take a couple months to 
get. It also doesn't include body armor, so adding in the cost of that, 
you're probably getting closer to $300, depending on what sort of body 
armor you make.

I've heard that their armor isn't all that great, but mine seems ok, 
with the understanding that it's EXACTLY what it says - a starter suit.

My thought was that I HAVE the $200 to spend, and if I wait until I can 
get better stuff I'll probably never get started. So I ordered the 
starter suit - spending a little extra for a 12-gauge helm instead of 
the 14-gauge. Now, I'm gathering better armor piece by piece, but I can 
still get out on the field in the meantime.