Gear
What to buy | Where to find it
SO, You've decided that
HEMA is for you...
Then, at some point, you'll need gear. Below is listed the most common kinds of
gear and swords and, most importantly, where to find them.
The order of the list is Masks, Gloves, Swords, and Gambeson/Jackets. If you want information
on something specific, please scroll down to the appropriate category or ask us in class.
For formatting reasons, this page on the site works best in
desktop mode (or on your computer).
Masks
Below are the 3 most used masks in HEMA. Within the club, we use the Basic AF 3W mask as our loaner masks, so you will likely be familiar with the fit. Be advised that back-of-head (BoH) protection is required for tournaments and only one of the below options (the Protective HEMA Mask) has integrated BoH protection.
Keep supplemental protection in mind when purchasing a mask.
Name:
Basic Absolute Force (AF) 3W Mask
Blue Gauntlet Coach's Mask
Protective HEMA Mask
Pros:
Sturdy, affordable, usable for all weapons of HEMA
An alternative to the AF masks, also reliable
A padded version of the AF 3W mask, hardy, sturdy, very protective.
Cons:
Sizing has recently been a little inconsistent.
None
If you have bad hearing, you won't be able to hear anything. Also, can be very warm
Where to Buy:
You can find them on the Absolute Force website or Purpleheart.
Find them at Blue Gauntlet Fencing.
They can also be bought at the Absolute Force site or at Purpleheart Armory.
Gloves/Gauntlets
The right gloves can save your hands and make fencing a whole lot more fun. Below are listed the major glove manufacturers and providers. Each one has minor differences that affect protection, mobility, comfort, and size.
If you are unsure of which to buy or simply want to "handle the merchandise", ask around at class!
Chances are, at least one person will have the gloves you want to buy.
The gloves below are all acceptable for steel fighting. Lacrosse gloves are not acceptable
for steel, but are suitable for nylon use.
Name:
Visby Gauntlets, Type I
Sparring Gloves
SPES Heavy Gloves
CHFG Gabriel Finger Gloves
Pros:
Very well made, very protective, best mobility of gloves on the market
Well made, custom orders available, different varieties of mitten and glove. Fairly mobile, very protective.
Unbelievably protective, mittens, comes in large range of sizes
Very mobile and dexterous, easy to repair, good size range
Cons:
Fingertips are not very well protected. Minor modifications may be necessary
More expensive, long shipping time, may sacrifice some mobility for protection
Bulky, trades mobility for protection, may not be small enough for smaller women's hands
Sizing can be finicky - tends to run small, not as durable as other options (buy the repair kit), expensive
Where to Buy:
They ship from Age of Craft in Ukraine. You can find them on their website here.
These ship from Poland. All varieties can be bought at Purpleheart Armory.
Buy them from the SPES website or through Purpleheart Armoury.
You can also buy these through the Purpleheart Armoury website.
Swords
The fun one! Swords are an investment, but a worthwhile one. If you have questions on the various
swords listed, there is most likely one in class for you to hold and play with. Just ask around!
Name:
Regenyei Armory
Ensifer
SzymonChlebowski
Castille Armory
SIGI Forge
Where to Buy:
These are imported from Hungary. You can buy them directly from Kult of Athena or from Purpleheart Armoury.
These are imported from Poland. You can buy them directly from Ensifer or from Purpleheart Armory.
These are imported from Poland. You can buy them from Purpleheart Armoury.
You can buy them directly from Castille Armory.
These are imported from Slovakia. You can buy them directly from SIGI.
Description:
The Regenyei line of feders have been a standard in HEMA for years. They are reliable blades forged by a reliable smith. Today, you can order a Regenyei in nearly any style, length, blade, and/or color handle you desire. These are true workhorses of HEMA feders.
Like Regenyei, Ensifer feders are a standard in the HEMA community. These blades are often a little more tip-heavy than the Regenyeis and a little more cut forward. Like Regenyei, Ensifers can be customized to your desire.
Also a name long heard in the HEMA community, these feders are famed for their quality and ability to weather anything. However, they are all handmade and limited in quanity, so when they appear, grab one! These feders are the heavyweights.
Castille feders are made in the US. All their feders are CNC made and entirely modular, allowing for much personalization. These feders are very quick in the hand and prone to winding.
SIGI makes lightweight, fast moving blades that are a joy to wind with. Be aware that the blade flex is greater than most feders, but this blade will hold up well to all other comers.
Jackets/Gambesons
Jackets and gambesons for fighting can be a very personal fit. Some jackets will fit
better than others depending on body shape, model, and size.
Additionally, there is padding to take into account - some jackets are very thickly padded,
but this restricts overall mobility. Conversely, there are jackets that are nothing more
than 2 layers of canvas which allows for excellent mobility at the risk of serious injury.
HEMA is an at-your-own-risk martial art, so please be aware of the differences in jackets while comparing.
Name:
SPES AP Jacket
SPES AP Women's Jacket
SPES Officer's Jacket
SPES Officer's Jacket Womens
PBT HEMA Jacket
AF HEMA Jacket
Pros:
Fairly standard jacket, flexible, front zip, comes in many colors, custom is available for reasonable price
Women's cut version of the AP. All the same pros as the men's jacket. Also comes in smaller sizes
Cut more generously in hips/chest, historical appearance, many colors, very breathable,lighter weight than AP
Same pros as above, includes smaller sizing.
Inexpensive, comes in wide range of sizes, removeable inserts, comes in men's and women's cuts
Extremely protective, fast shipping, wide range of sizes
Cons:
Fits best with certain body types - wide shoulders, narrower hips.
Bust-waist-hip ratio needs to be considered, jackets are on the slim side
Lighter weight than the AP, can be too short for some
Includes same cons as above.
Back zipper, synthetic material (has a tendency to hold smell)
Back zipper, restrictive, protection over mobility, hot
Where to Buy:
Buy at SPES' website
These can also be found at SPES.
Buy at SPES' website
Also found at SPES.
Imported from Hungary; buy at PBT Fencing.
They can be bought at Absolute Force.
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