VCU HEMA club 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…
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
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
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.
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
Red dragon: $23.00
Offered through Amazon, very simple and cheap but does the job just as well
Articulated Leon Paul gorget: $170.00
Articulated and fully encloses the neck, the most complete (and expensive) neck protection
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.
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. It’s optimized for saber and light sparring. Looks awesome, bruises guaranteed.
chest protector: http://www.woodenswords.com/Absolute_Force_Chest_Protector_p/af.chest.htm
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Sparring gloves (official five-fingered recommendation): (Variable)
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 come in a five-fingered, three-fingered hoof, or mitten style. They are the best option for 5-fingered gloves provided you are willing to pay a little extra and wait a little longer for your gloves.
Koning gloves: $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, provided you can get your hands on a pair
Lighter gloves:
Lacrosse gloves or purplehearts rapier gloves are good for rapier and one-handed swords and light drilling but won't stand up to a steel longsword and won't be allowed in tournaments.
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.
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.
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.
Knee pro: $28.00
This is the unofficial standard of the community because it’s 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.
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
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.
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.
Shoes
Shoes are a personal choice based on your foot needs, traction preferences, and style. Personally I’ve noticed that wrestling or fencing shoes tend to be thin enough that you can have good tactile feedback through your feet and grippy enough that you aren’t in danger of slipping. Always try to buy your shoes in person and test them at the store with footwork. Make sure if they rise up to support that ankle that you can still perform lunges and that the shoes do not limit your range of motion.
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, 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.
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.
Swords
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.
Pentti Meyer Federschwert Longsword: $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. getting a stainless steel pommel will keep it free of rust even if it is more expensive. Wait time: 1-2 weeks
Purpleheart VB feders: $269.00
These feders are the least expensive on the list, and are an excellent starting sword. The folks at purpleheart and VB have listened to community feedback and filed their design in over the years and now their swords are excellent, affordable, accessible training tools. Wait time about 2-4 weeks.
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. Wait time: 4-6 weeks
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.
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.
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.
Regenyei: “prices can be inquired by e-mail.”
Regenyei has been the community standard since forever, and for good reason, these 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.
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
Web resources
Sword Carolina - one of the most comprehensive programs out there, Josh and Aaron are some of the best instructors out there.
Duello.tv - Run by Devon Boorman, his practical approach to many Italian styles can be applied to almost any weapon system you train in.
Blood and Iron - From Canada, Blood and Iron is a world-renowned school that studies a variety of weapons. Their HEMA instructional videos are fantastic for beginners.
Schola Gladitoria - Hi Guys! Matt Easton's youtube channel is easily one of the biggest in the HEMA Community. He gives fantastic insight into ancient weapons, their practical use, and even deconstructs Hollywood fights for everyday folks to understand the legitimacy of the choreography.
Dreynschlag - Beautiful videos combined with neatly broken down techniques.
Martin Fabian - His "Learn Rapier," series is one of the most popular in all HEMA. His cheeky, fun tone combined with expert and graceful fighting is valuable to any student of any discipline.
Ilkka Hartikainen - Ilkka has dedicated his life to bolognese swordsmanship, and it shows in his artful fighting and instructional videos. His training routines are inspiring.
Sword School - Guy Windsor has written tons of books on Italian swordsmanship, how to be a good instructor and even valuable breathing exercises.
MEMAG - The Medieval European Martial Arts Guild
Academy of Historical Fencing – These guys in New York are some of the best for saber and general HEMA knowledge.
VCU HEMA club channel – the official channel for the HEMA club at VCU, we provide basic training on the basics of HEMA
Roland Warzecha – Roland takes an interest in Viking combat as well as sword and buckler, analyzation of tempo and winding is second to non.
The Recital of the Chivalric Art of Fencing of the Grand Master Johannes Liechtenauer – This is the sources from which we derive all our techniques, we highly encourage you to look through it and come to your own interpretations.
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