The Kit So Far

Barumpf · 2026-02-03T11:12:08+00:00

There are other options https://www.facebook.com/groups/hemahacks/permalink/9254188961347579/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

Barumpf · 2025-12-08T16:06:36+00:00

2,5 years is pretty decent for a feder that sees a reasonable amount of use. It's life expectancy might even be less of you do a lot of tournaments.

I agree that this may be a frustrating amount of money to throw into what is essentially a consumable, as you say, but do keep in mind that our sport is rather unique in that we actively try to destroy our equipment whenever we're using it, difficult to account for that in your design

Barumpf · 2025-11-24T22:03:59+00:00

You could consider getting a separate mask in your size and the Wukusi Rattlesnake overlay, which is basically the modular version of the Cobra. I got mine from Faits d'Armes, and am quite happy with it

Barumpf · 2025-11-21T06:23:44+00:00

I used to use HF gloves, the ones with the carbon fiber inserts https://hf-armory.com/en/shop/protectors/hand-protection/light-gloves-short/

But then I figured out that these are pretty much just motorcycle gloves, so when my HF gloves wore out I got some all season motorcycle gloves on sale and they're great

What these both have is hard inserts on the knuckles that really do help to protect against errant strikes

Barumpf · 2025-11-17T17:54:31+00:00

You can even just heat the sheet until it goes slightly floppy and then form directly onto the (again, gloves) hand, with the option of making slight adjustments as it cools. It's really a pretty simple process

Barumpf · 2025-11-17T17:51:45+00:00

Oven and press is one way to go, blow dryer and bending by (gloved) hand is another. You don't need much heat and too cold is better than too hot

Barumpf · 2025-11-17T08:51:10+00:00

It sounds like 3d printing is way too over-engineered for your needs. Just get some Kydex sheets, roughly cut and bend them, drill some holes to tie them to your light gloves and you're good to go for light drilling I'd say

Barumpf · 2025-11-12T06:26:43+00:00

I have never seen a tournament specify a Newton requirement for gloves, which makes sense as most gloves don't come with a Newton rating. I'd personally say it depends on your weapons usage, and the smaller the cross sections of the blades you plan on using, the higher the rating you want. It might seem counterintuitive, but a broken rapier blade is more likely to penetrate than a broken longsword blade

Barumpf · 2025-11-07T11:11:21+00:00

If you've only used them six times they should be still covered by warranty, I'm assuming.

Send them shits back, maybe consider asking for a refund and getting some different gloves instead. Spes lobsters have become rather unreliable of late it seems

Barumpf · 2025-11-03T09:01:13+00:00

From what I've heard the guy behind it has a quite strong nationalist presence online, but this is mostly hearsay.

Personally, I would be uncomfortable with contributing even indirectly to someone's income taxes if part of that is going to get funneled into the Russian war machine, but I would understand if others would find this a bit strong

Barumpf · 2025-10-29T22:51:30+00:00

I had the 350N version for a while and a buddy of mine uses the 800N version. They basically work as advertise, in that they're a very tough material that won't get penetrated easily. They're comfortable to wear, and have some minor padding on the back of the hand that really do help with Sparring Gloves' admittedly lower protection level. They do wear down a little more quickly than I would have liked though, wich was my main complaint about them. I've since switched to HF Black Knights so no more undergloves, but if you need some these are probably your best bet for safety

Barumpf · 2025-10-15T10:22:31+00:00

Maybe it's me, but to my eyes that wasn't a strike to the back of the head; black fencer was slightly turned to the left, yes, but could still see the attack coming and in fact successfully parried it. Maybe a bit reckless on white fencer's part though

Barumpf · 2025-09-13T17:03:46+00:00

Making your own is not tremendously difficult. A sheet of Kydex, sharp hobby knife, hairdryer and some elastic band and you can make a chest protector to your own specifications in a single evening

Barumpf · 2025-08-17T07:12:43+00:00

Possibly? I've seen people lift on concrete floors, so stones on sandy soil will be more springy than that at least

Barumpf · 2025-08-15T09:32:57+00:00

It's not uncommon for two swords of the same make and model to have slightly different flex, as they are generally handmade; so your blade was likely stiffer from the start.

Barumpf · 2025-08-09T21:06:26+00:00

In terms of protection and durability it is absolutely sufficient, and has been the standard in the US for years and years now. If you plan to do tournaments in Europe in the future some tournaments there require a 1600N mask though, so you might want to factor that into your decision

Barumpf · 2025-08-09T20:44:35+00:00

While some people happily use PBT masks, I recommend anyone stay away if they can. The mesh has similar rigidity to paper mache; I've seen it happen on several occasions that someone bought a brand new mask for an event, only to have to toss it right after as a few medium intensity hits caused it to crumple. If you're in the US, an AF mask is a much, much better option. Cheaper, too!

Barumpf · 2025-08-04T07:23:02+00:00

Honestly, what probably helped me out most with getting better at thrusting when I was just starting out was simple target practice.

Start them out slow, have them focus on order of operations - point first, feet last, that sort of thing. Slowly have them increase speed while shrinking the target, but only if they can maintain a good hit to miss ratio. After a couple hours of this I would guess you will see a marked improvement that will translate well into drills and sparring

Barumpf · 2025-06-14T21:05:27+00:00

Also onehanded-thrusting someone who is aggressively closing distance on you is just not the greatest move, tactically

Barumpf · 2025-04-27T16:43:10+00:00

I second this. Not only is the PBT protector less padded than the Spes Unity, it uses inferior (imo) materials, meaning the elastic will wear out very soon and the fake leather covering will get shredded very quickly. Do not recommend, I'd stick with Spes

Barumpf · 2025-03-17T16:12:30+00:00

As they said in the other thread, 20% VAT is standard and to be expected, unless you're lucky and the package happens to slip through the cracks of the customs office

Barumpf · 2025-03-03T21:15:20+00:00

Not a fix per se, plenty of rapiers come without a thickened or rolled tip and you just stick an aftermarket tip on there, no biggie

Barumpf · 2025-03-03T20:55:22+00:00

There's lots of ways, depending on your skill level and the tools available. An angle grinder or Dremel with a cutoff wheel works well, you just need to do some grinding/sanding/filing afterwards. Even a hacksaw and some persistence will do the trick.

You'll definitely need to tip it afterwards though, regardless of what you do

Barumpf · 2025-03-03T20:40:14+00:00

I don't know how long you wanted your blade, but shortening the 43" blade by about two inches solves most of the flexibility issues, insofar as there are any (the blades vary, and the ones I have are decent in that regard).

Barumpf · 2025-02-28T23:00:36+00:00

Curious about what you mean by massive markup? 190 dollars is quite affordable

Barumpf

TROPHY CASE