I am relatively new to Maya, although I have owned it for a while and used it every now and then, I only started properly using it 2 to 3 weeks ago. That being said, I am not that new to 3D, I have been using different programs like Cinema 4D and Blender for almost 2 years now. Only... I am terrible at modelling.

I have been trying to model Boba Fett's helmet. I can make it look good enough that people would be able to identify it ok but I am trying to make it very realistic looking. I know you need good materials and great lighting/render settings but it's the model I can't get to look good. Please look at the images as they will help explain what I fail to explain well.

I have tried modelling it multiple times. These are 2 attempts I saved, the first one being the best in my opinion:

First of all, the helmets are not nearly smooth enough (although it might not be as easy to see in that low resolution without any anti-aliasing). I don't really know how to smooth it and still have the extruded parts on the helmet stay "sharp" looking. I tried creasing the extruded parts but although that helps keep it look "sharp", the rest of the model is smooth and the extruded parts look low-poly. Not a great mix. Here is what is looks like on attempt 1 (without creasing):

Another problem is dark patches. Although there is probably a simple fix, I haven't been able to without drastically changing what the model looks like. Some of these dark patches are easily seen in "Attempt 1, Front View" on the sides of the extruded area (the first picture of my two attempts).

Other than that I don't have any massive problems with the model. If anybody can help solve my problems that would be very highly appreciated. Here is some extra info that could be important:

What the "wireframe" of the two attempts looks like:

I am using these as reference images for front and left view:

I am looking at this video to get inspiration for the look:

I have not finished any of my attempts, mainly because I have been unable to do something because of the way the model was made or the way it works.

Sorry for long post, thanks for reading