Gear recommendations

Disclaimer: these recommendations are provided based on personal experience and opinion. Therefore, they are inherently biased. If you want unbiased, impartial reviews of HEMA gear, measure and weigh is the place to go.

Armor

Helmets

• AF helmet: $60.00
  • This helmet offers the best protection for the lowest cost, other helmets can offer more for longer, but this is the best starting helmet
  • http://www.woodenswords.com/Absolute_Force_HEMA_Basic_Fencing_Mask_p/af.mask.basic.htm
• SPES back of head protector $35.00
  • It's not perfect but overlays add a lot of heat, and sometimes the back of the head can get in the way of turning your head quickly. Back of the head protection is required for steel fighting.
  • http://www.woodenswords.com/SPES_HEMA_Back_of_the_Head_Protection_p/spes-head.backonly.htm

Gorgets

• Destroyer modz (Official club recommendation): $40.00
  • The unofficial default for the community, it's small and tucks under the jacket nicely, low tech and low hassle.
  • http://www.woodenswords.com/Destroyer_Modz_Gorget_p/dm-gorget.htm
• PBT: $68.00
  • This has extra padding that can fit under the jacket for the collarbone which is a nice feature but depending on the jacket might not be necessary
  • http://www.woodenswords.com/product_p/p-gorget.htm
• Red dragon: $23.00
  • Offered through Amazon, very simple and cheap but does the job just as well
  • https://www.amazon.com/Red-Dragon-Armoury-AR7013-Protector/dp/B0183DGK7W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525965818&sr=8-1&keywords=red+dragon+gorget
• Articulated Leon Paul gorget: $170.00
  • Articulated and fully encloses the neck, the most complete (and expensive) neck protection
  • https://www.leonpaulusa.com/hema-gorget.html

 

 

 

Jackets

• SPES AP light (official club recommendation): $215.00
  • This jacket is slightly more expensive than the base jacket, but the extra integrated padding on the ribs, sternum, and shoulders lighter weight and wicking lining makes it worth it. The women’s jacket is specifically cut to accommodate breasts and is well worth the investment. This jacket is multipurpose and can be used for any weapon.  
  • Men’s: http://www.woodenswords.com/SPES_Axel_Jacket_V2_0_350N_p/spes-jacket.ap.l.htm
  • Women’s: http://www.woodenswords.com/SPES_AP_Light_Womens_Jacket_350N_p/spes-j.w.lt.htm
• SPES officer jacket: $200.00
  • This is the lightest and sexiest SPES jacket and is designed for one-handed weapons, as such it does not have the padding needed to take steel longsword without rigid forearm and chest protection. Its optimized for saber and light sparring. Looks awesome, bruises guaranteed.
  • http://www.woodenswords.com/SPES_Officers_Jacket_350N_p/spes-j.officer.htm
  • chest protector: http://www.woodenswords.com/Absolute_Force_Chest_Protector_p/af.chest.htm
• Destroyer modz jacket: $300.00
  • This is a relatively new jacket on the market and has some interesting features like integrated hard and soft plates and good venting capacity. Customer service needs work
  • http://store.destroyermodz.com/item/dmz-jacket
• Gajardoni jacket: $416.00
  • This is made in Italy and looks great; it pioneered the movable plate concept that SPES has since integrated into their jackets. They have hard shoulder and elbow plates, a controversial back zipper and when properly fitted, moves really well.
  • https://www.gajardoni.com/shopping/clothing/challenge-jacket-800-n/?v=7516fd43adaa
• Sport fencing jackets
  • For events like fight night or Lambpoint where you need an inexpensive jacket, a sport fencing jacket can work. You’ll get laughed at, and bruises will flock to you but it’s better than nothing. They can be found on eBay for around $20.00
• Gambesons
  • Traditionally gambesons were used to protect from swords and cuts; Gambesons can be used in HEMA, however, in general, the way the padding is constructed it doesn’t provide as much protection from blunt force trauma as a jacket. Additionally, they’re not optimized for HEMA; they don’t have integrated padding for high impact areas, loops to mount forearm or elbow protection, blade catchers in the collar, wicking lining, or an efficient overlapping front zip. They can be made to work, but the extra effort and cost usually end up costing as much as an AP light would anyway.
  • Here is a list of reputable sources for good gambesons
  • http://www.kultofathena.com/gambesons.asp
  • https://armstreet.com/store/gambesons-padding/
  • http://www.darkknightarmoury.com/c-45-functional-gambesons.aspx

Elbow protection

• SPES elbow protector: $22.00
  • This is the best elbow protector in HEMA period. No other product does everything it needs to do at a low price. I highly recommend finding a way to tie it to your jacket to prevent it from slipping and sliding during a fight. Conveniently they integrate really well with the SPES jacket.
  • http://www.woodenswords.com/SPES_Hard_Elbow_Guards_Pair_p/spes-elbow-h.htm

Forearm protection

• Destroyer modz forearm protectors (Official club recommendation): $35.00
  • These are designed to be put over a jacket and protect your arms with minimal bulk and stay out of the way of high guards like Ochs and High Vom Tag. Again, I recommend you find a way to attach them to your jacket, so they don’t slip and slide
  • http://www.woodenswords.com/Destroyer_Modz_Forearms_p/dm-forearms.htm
• SPES forearm protectors: $60.00
  • These are garbage for longsword, they are too bulky and get in the way of Ochs and high Vom Tag. However, it is physically impossible to injure your forearm while wearing them and they cover all sides of the arm which other forearm guards don’t. They are very good for arm protection without a jacket.
  • http://www.woodenswords.com/SPES_Forearm_and_Elbow_Guards_V2_0_Pair_p/spes-forearm.elbow.htm

Gloves

• SPES heavies (Official club recommendation): $195.00
  • There is no perfect HEMA glove, but these will give you the best chance of going home with all ten digits. They sacrifice mobility and dexterity for protection; the flared cuffs work really well with the SPES jacket. Consider adding blast caps to the thumb.
  • http://www.woodenswords.com/SPES_Heavy_Gloves_V1_0_Pair_p/spes-heavy.gloves.htm
  • Blast caps: https://www.etsy.com/listing/548134780/hema-blast-cap-thumb-protectors-v20-read
• Koning gloves (official five-fingered recommendation): $280.00
  • These were designed by Axel Petterson (the same guy who made the AP jacket) and others and sacrifices protection for dexterity; the fingers have armor surrounding them with a nice leather overlay. These are the best five-fingered gloves out there
  • http://www.woodenswords.com/Koning_Gloves_Medium_Pair_p/glove.k.htm
• Sparring gloves:
  • These are custom and very light, as such they have some of the best fit and mobility in the community, they sacrifice protection for dexterity. However, they are the most customizable. They came in a five-fingered, three-fingered hoof, or mitten style
  • http://sparringglove.com/en_US/
• Lighter gloves:
  • Lacrosse gloves or purplehearts rapier gloves are good for rapier and one-handed swords but won't stand up to a steel longsword and won't be allowed in tournaments.
• Nyman armadillo gauntlets/Progauntlet
  • These gloves have the potential to revolutionize HEMA gloves, and I’m very excited for them to come out. But at the time of this writing, they aren’t available to the public, and a glove won’t do you any good till it's on your hand. Stick to one of the above recommendations and wait with the rest of us.

Pants and groin protection

• SPES Locus pants (official club recommendation): $120.00
  • I love these pants, the cut allows for good mobility, and the high hip padding provides nice protection if the jacket lifts up in a high guard. The knees are padded, and anchor points are provided for the SPES knee guards.  The women’s pants are cut specifically to accommodate wider hips.
  • Men’s: http://www.woodenswords.com/SPES_Locust_Fencing_Pants_350N_p/spes-pants.htm
  • Women’s: http://www.woodenswords.com/SPES_Locust_Womens_Fencing_Pants_350N_p/spes-pants-w.htm
• SPES skirt: $80.00
  • This is designed to provide additional protection to the upper thighs and hips, they are made redundant with the pants, but if you don’t want pants, it is a nice alternative to provide upper thigh padding. I’ve noticed it can get twisted and turned during a bout and doesn’t provide any high hip padding leaving your hip bones exposed when the jacket lifts up during high guards.
  • http://www.woodenswords.com/SPES_Thigh_Protection_Skirt_p/spes-thigh.htm
• Groin protection
  • This is mandatory for anyone with male genitalia and recommended for everyone else. You can find it in any major sports store or online.

Knee guards

• SPES knee protector (Paired with SPES pants, official club recommendation): $21.00
  • These like the elbows are one of the best knee protectors because they do their job with the pants for a low cost. The pants have anchor points for the knees to ensure they don’t go anywhere.
  • http://www.woodenswords.com/SPES_Hard_Knee_Guards_Pair_p/spes-knee-h.htm
• Knee pro: $28.00
  • This is the unofficial standard of the community because its cheap and it provides great protection. However, the buckles can fail or come undone during a fight, they are best used with the skirt or thin, non-SPES pants.
  • http://www.woodenswords.com/KP_Industries_Knee_Pro_Ultra_Flex_III_Knee_Pads_p/kneepro.htm
• Baseball shin guards: $20-50
  • These combine knee and shin guards all in one and can be a great solution for leg protection. Buckles and straps can fail or come undone, but generally, the metal clips and rings are more durable than plastic. Play it again sports in Richmond is the go-to place for discount shin guards. (8003 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23294)

Shin guards

• Harrow Probot Shin Guard (official club recommendation): $30.00
  • These are designed to be worn under your socks and provide fantastic protection with no possibility of something flying off or moving during a fight. They are also high enough to integrate into your pants to prevent a gap between your knees and shin
  • https://www.amazon.com/Harrow-Probot-Guard-Medium-White/dp/B00CM5AGYQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525969703&sr=8-1&keywords=Harrow+Probot+Shin+Guard&dpID=418igbZcsDL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch
• SPES shin guard: $20.00
  • These are simple but functional. The straps tend to wear down after a while, but they provide good protection for the price.
  • http://www.woodenswords.com/SPES_Hard_Shin_Guards_Pair_p/spes-shin-h.htm

Socks

• There is no real price difference between socks for fencing and compression socks. Just so long as they are knee length and are snug without being constricting. They are designed to fit over shin guards or under armor to prevent chafing. Amazon can have you something in 2 days. Soccer or other sport socks also work just fine.

 

Notes about armor

• The order that you buy armor is up to you. Generally, people buy a helmet first, so they don’t have to use other people’s sweaty helmets than a jacket then gloves. Helmet, jacket, gloves, gorget, and groin protection should be the first things you buy.
• A Pentti sword is usually bought at or around the same time as a helmet so you can practice at home and don’t have to keep chasing swords during practice.
• The composition of armor is a highly personal choice, different body types, fighting styles, acceptance of pain and risk will all determine your armor. The above list is our recommendations, not mandates.
• While black is the standard community color to differentiate us from sports fencers who wear white you can get gear in whatever color is offered. We don’t mandate any particular color scheme. We also don’t have any policy on patches and ornamentation, just so long as they are appropriate and follow university code. You paid for this stuff, you can do whatever you like with it.
• I personally like to have as much armor integrated into jackets or pants as possible. Not only does this cut down on the time it takes to put it all on, but it ensures everything stays in place during a fight. I’ve found “free-floating” armor tends to be more trouble than its worth. You don’t want to have to fight your gear and your opponent at the same time.
• There is such a thing as being over armored, if you can’t feel hits, then you won't care about being hit, and you’ll train reckless and suicidal behavior which defeats the point of what we are trying to learn. Your armor should prevent you from getting hurt, but it shouldn’t take away from the experience of fearing getting hit. There’s an important difference.
• This stuff is expensive and its ok if you can’t buy it all at once, it took me four years to build my full steel kit. Take your time and invest in quality even if it is expensive because it will serve you better in the long run. Place your orders during group orders for a nice discount and don’t forget that purpleheart gives us a 5% discount if you enter the club discount code in the comments section of your order.
• Train in full armor as much as possible, get used to it and make it a second skin. Eventually, if you close your eyes, you shouldn’t be able to tell that you're wearing it.
• You must be wearing every part of the above list to spar with steel swords; you can perform controlled drills with steel in the same gear you would use for synthetics.

Weapons 

Longswords

This list is a brief overview of the common swords available. It is only for feders because blunt longswords are generally not allowed in tournaments and carry different safety considerations.

There are a substantial number of feders available but here is a brief list of the most popular and highly recommended feders.

• Meyer Federschwert Longsword (Pentti synthetic): $108.00
  • This is the standard synthetic trainer for our club and is by far one of the nicest practice weapons I’ve ever handled. We prefer to practice with these rather than the longsword variant because then you get used to the Schilt and how to use it.
  • http://www.woodenswords.com/Meyer_Federschwert_Longsword_with_Fuller_p/type-iii-f.htm
• Purpleheart VB feder: $269.00
  • These feders have been stress tested by some of the best out there and it still holds together. While they're not the nicest feder and may suffer if pitted against more expensive swords its the best value for the cost. Wait time about 2-4 weeks.
  • http://www.woodenswords.com/Steel_Feder_VB_Italian_16th_Century_Threaded_Pomme_p/feder.vb.italian.thr.htm
• Blackhorse standard feder: $660.00
  • This is what happens when you make a feder indestructible. Logan Black makes the swords at black horse blades, and his swords are unbelievably tough. I’ve seen his swords go through longpoint and come out with a few superficial scratches while it ate other swords for breakfast. While they are expensive, they will last forever and are the most customizable feders on the market. Logan also provides the best customer service I’ve ever encountered. Wait time 2-5 months.
  • http://blackhorseblades.com/Arbeitspferd-feder/
• Ensifer Long, light or heavy: $450.00
  • Ensifers are made in Poland and imported by purpleheart; they have a reputation for being tough and sturdy if a bit deliberate. They aren’t quite nimble and quick, but they still provide a solid bind and sturdy construction.
  • http://www.woodenswords.com/Ensifer_Standard_Feder_with_Light_Blade_p/ensiferlight.htm
• Albion Meyer: $490.00
  • Any sword by Albion is always a pleasure to handle but, in my experience, the Meyer handles like water, it’s balance point is placed such that the entire sword is light and nimble and seems to go exactly where you need it to. While the blade is fractionally shorter then other feders the handling characteristics are well worth it. Wait time about six months.
  • https://albion-swords.com/swords/albion/maestro/sword-practice-meyer.htm
• Castile feder: $398.00
  • Castile is a company based in America that makes inexpensive quality feders. They are good for rough and tumble sparring. Wait time about 10-12 weeks.
  • https://castillearmory.com/all-products/mark-v-feder/
• Regenyei: “prices can be inquired by e-mail.”
  • Regenyei has been the community standard forever, and for good reason, his feders are tough, versatile and very nice. Getting on can be a pain, and I personally have always considered them to be a bit clunky, but you can’t go wrong with a Regenyei. Wait time about six months.
  • http://www.regenyei.com/Federek_szabvanyos.php

Other vendors from the Longpoint approved feder list

• Chlebowski Standard Feder: https://hemasupplies.com/product/chlebowski-standard-feder/
• Danelli Feders: http://www.danelliarmouries.com/index.php/basic-swords/95-feder
• SGT blades: http://www.sgtblades.com/index.html

 

Daggers

• Cold steel rondel dagger: $10.00
  • This is the default rondel dagger trainer in the community. Cheap, relatively safe and effective it’s a low tech trainer that does a great job.
  • https://www.southcoastswords.com/cold-steel-rondel-dagger-92RDNDL

Sabers

• Blackfencer slightly curved saber: $93.00
  • This saber is modeled off a traditional military saber with a slight curve and is perfectly suited to saber training, the guard is thin enough that it will still fit in our cart. The only downside is ordering from Blackfencer when they are in stock.
  • https://www.southcoastswords.com/blackfencer-slighty-curved-saber
• Purpleheart Synthetic Sabre V5: $108.00
  • The purpleheart military saber is practically identical to the Blackfencer one except being slightly more curved and more expensive
  • http://www.woodenswords.com/Purpleheart_Synthetic_Sabre_V4_Military_Style_p/sabre.military.htm
• Blackfencer 1864 bowl gymnasium sword: $98.00
  • This saber is modeled after the “gymnasium saber” the standard practice weapon for the British military. The hand protection is handsome and substantial but means it can’t fit in our cart. If you buy one you’ll have to take it home after each practice. That being said the handling characteristics are wonderful and the weapon is a pleasure to work with
  • https://www.southcoastswords.com/blackfencer-bowl-sword 

Polearms

• Quarterstaff: $43.00
  • Purpleheart makes the best staffs around and this staff is one of the best. It’s 6 feet of solid laminated hickory that will outlive you no matter how hard you smash it.
  • http://www.woodenswords.com/Laminated_Hickory_Stave_p/staff1.125x72.short.htm  
• Halberd (with shaft): $70.00
  • Halberds are one of my favorite weapons and purpleheart made a huge advance in how to fight safely with polearms by making their halberd head all rubber. Please order it with the shaft because it stays on better and specifically manufactured for this particular head.
  • http://www.woodenswords.com/product_p/halberd.head.htm
• Spear/partisan: $70.00
  • Purpleheart continued the rubber head design with their partisan making a safer thrusting weapon. This can double as a long-headed spear and is much safer and more usable than their PHA head. Again, please get it with the octagon staff as that will save you a lot of headache.
  • http://www.woodenswords.com/Partisian_Spear_Head_p/partisian.head.htm
• Blackfencer spear/partisan: $75.00
  • Blackfencer made a long spear/partisan with the same nylon that their swords are made out of. While I prefer this and think the nail and steel construction is more durable the head is more expensive than the entire purpleheart spear and doesn’t come with a shaft.
  • https://www.southcoastswords.com/Blackfencer-Spear-Short