[Jeddostotle7]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jester

Going strictly by the visual evidence of the films, it's fair to say that "Sandtroopers" are just a Stormtrooper landing party with some supplementary gear for planetside operations in semi-hostile environments.

There are legitimate differences in their armor (aside from the supplemental gear) that is exclusive to Sandtroopers. The armor on their abdomens and left shins are subtly but distinctly different.

Quote:

Originally Posted by EvilMonkeyPope

Except it doesn't look like gear adapted to doing particular tasks. It looks designed to be distinct enough to sell toys.
The Empire ought to focus on making its armor useful enough that its troopers don't die as soon as they get shot.

I'm pretty sure that, even with their advanced technology, they can only make their armor so strong against common weaponry before it becomes impractically heavy/bulky, analagous to the real world. Clonetrooper armor could take a hit or two before giving way, but it was heavier. Stormtrooper armor, while lighter and not as directly protective, is designed to disperse the energy of a blaster bolt somewhat to reduce damage and give the wearer more of a chance to survive.