What Equipment Should I Get?: Saber
These equipment recommendations are tailored for fencers in the United States and are geared toward newcomers. They are based on the following factors: affordability, accessibility, effectiveness, and quality.
These equipment recommendations are tailored for fencers in the United States and are geared toward newcomers. They are based on the following factors: affordability, accessibility, effectiveness, and quality.
I would recommend every piece of equipment in this article to members of my club. You can choose which one best fits your needs and budget. This list is intended as a helpful starting point and is not exhaustive. The community is consistently working to improve the accessibility and affordability of gear; new options are always being developed as manufacturers take advantage of technological improvements to increase practitioner safety.
Kit:
Head
Fencing Mask
For an introduction to the differences between newton ratings for fencing masks, see this article by Keith Farrell about the difference between a “350N” fencing mask and a “1600N” fencing mask. Note that the minimum recommended newton rating for HEMA is 350.
This mask offers great protection at an affordable cost and is the one of the best starting masks for beginners.
Back of the head protection is required for steel fighting to protect the back of the head, neck, and upper spine from accidental blows. Overlays like the Unity and Trinity provide increased protection at increased cost, but they also tend to trap more heat inside the mask.
This version of the AF Fencing Mask has integrated back of head protection and padding on the sides and top of the mask. This makes it an excellent option for beginners who want extra protection. The main disadvantages are that the extra padding causes the mask to trap more heat and can impact mobility of the head. It also makes the mask more challenging to clean.
Gorgets
Destroyer Modz (top recommendation):
This is the unofficial default for the VCU HEMA club because it is small and tucks under the jacket nicely. It is affordable, accessible, low tech, and low hassle.
PBT:
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.
Easily accessible on Amazon, this is a simple and cheap option that does the job. The bib can also tuck under the lip of a chest protector when used without a jacket and can help prevent thrusts from deflecting off of the protector and sliding up under the mask.
This gorget is articulated and fully encloses the neck. It is arguably the most complete (and expensive) neck protection on the market.
Torso
Jacket
SPES AP Light (top recommendation):
This jacket is slightly more expensive than the base jacket. What makes it special is the extra integrated padding on the ribs, sternum, and shoulders, as well as its lighter weight and wicking lining. These features make it a worthwhile investment for those who desire greater protection and comfort than is offered by the base jacket. The women’s version is specifically cut to accommodate breasts. This jacket is multipurpose and can be used when training with most weapons.
There is a pro version that incorporates integrated rigid protection and is an excellent value.
This is the lightest and arguably nicest looking jacket offered by SPES. It is optimized for use with one-handed weapons such as saber and for use in light sparring. Be aware that it does not have the padding needed to take blows from a steel sword without the addition of rigid forearm and chest protection.
One of the most affordable jackets on the market, the Lynx is comparable to the SPES light jacket. While it is reasonably well-padded, safe use requires the addition of rigid forearm, elbow, throat, and chest protection.
Sport Fencing Jackets:
For informal settings where you need an inexpensive jacket that still provides resistance to thrusts, a sport fencing jacket can work. In order to be effective, it must be layered with additional padding. At minimum, these additional layers should include a gorget, rigid chest protector, and forearm guards with integrated elbow protection. This type of jacket can be found used on eBay.
Here are some reliable sources for new sport fencing jackets:
Absolute Force (back zip):
Gambesons
Traditionally, gambesons were used to protect from swords and cuts; gambesons can be used in HEMA today. However, the way the padding is constructed does not provide as much protection from blunt force trauma as a jacket would. Additionally, they are not optimized for HEMA use; they do not 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 jacket would anyway.
Here is a list of reputable sources for good gambesons:
Here is a list of HEMA specific gambesons:
Chest Protector
There is no reason not to wear a chest protector. Even in the most heavily padded HEMA jackets, the addition of rigid protection will help to disperse the impact of thrusts and can prevent bruises or broken ribs. In lighter jackets (e.g. the SPES officer jacket or sport fencing jackets), they are a necessity to prevent injuries. Chest protectors can also be worn when training without a jacket, but be aware that thrusts will tend to deflect off of the smooth surface, creating a risk that the blade could skip right up under the bib of the mask.
Men’s Chest Protector: Aside from men, many women prefer this chest protector since the women-specific chest protector is a one-sized fit all that does not, in fact, fit all.
Women’s Chest Protector: There is no universal chest protector that will fit every woman. The following sources are some options for chest defense that also include protection for the ribs and are suitable for HEMA. If at all possible, try them both at a local club and use the one that fits the best. Both of these options can be measured by bra size which helps to ensure a comfortable fit. Be aware that the shape of some women’s chest protectors may cause an increased risk of blows being deflected toward the sternum.
Econoguard Women’s Chest Protector:
If it fits and feels comfortable, this chest protector will offer excellent protection to the ribs and breasts. The plastic is thin enough to flex, and it fits easily under jackets.
The Maxiguard integrates a rigid plate into a sports bra, combining excellent protection with the functionality of a sports bra.
For light armor without a jacket, plastrons like this one can also be used instead of a chest protector.
Arms
Elbow Protection
SPES Elbow Protector (used with a jacket):
This is one of the best elbow protectors available for HEMA. Few alternatives do everything an elbow protector needs to do at this low of a price. I highly recommend finding a way to tie these to your jacket to prevent them from slipping and sliding during a fight. Conveniently, they integrate really well with the SPES jacket.
Rollerblading/hockey/lacrosse elbow protection:
Some people prefer to repurpose previously used elbow protection from hockey, lacrosse, rollerblading, or other similar sports. Unlike the SPES elbow protectors that work best with a jacket, these alternatives can be used effectively either with or without a jacket and provide excellent protection to the elbow.
Forearm Protection
Destroyer Modz Forearm Protectors (top recommendation):
These are designed to be put over a jacket and protect your arms with minimal bulk. This helps to prevent them from interfering with high guards. Again, I recommend you find a way to attach them to your jacket so they do not slip and slide.
SPES Forearm Protectors with Integrated Elbows:
These are a gold standard for forearm protection when working with single-handed weapons. They offer great protection and, unlike many other forearm guards, cover all sides of the arm. Because the forearms and hands are frequently targeted in saber fencing, these provide excellent protection for that purpose at an affordable price. They also include elbow protection and offer great coverage of the arm even when training without a jacket.
Gloves
SPES Heavies: (top beginner recommendation):
There is no perfect HEMA glove, but these will give you a good chance of going home with all ten fingers intact. They sacrifice mobility and dexterity for protection. The flared cuffs work really well with the SPES jacket. Consider adding blast caps to the thumb. While these gloves provide excellent protection, be aware that they may impact wrist mobility, which is of particular importance in saber fencing.
Sparring Gloves (top five-fingered recommendation):
These are custom made and very lightweight. As such, they offer some of the best fit and mobility available among HEMA gloves; however, they sacrifice some protection for dexterity. They are one of the most customizable options available and are offered in a five-fingered, three-fingered hoof, or mitten style. The mitten style is a popular choice among competitors in European tournaments. The five-fingered style is among the best options for those seeking additional dexterity, provided you are willing to pay a little extra and wait a little longer for your gloves. Be aware that, as with any equipment, the resin will degrade over time and can potentially crack after years of use. Their United States distributor is HEMA Supplies.
A relative newcomer to the HEMA market, these gloves provide protection via steel plates riveted into a leather glove. They are gaining a popular following and seem to be an excellent choice for durable five-fingered protection.
Lightly padded gloves like these are excellent for light drilling and solo practice. Depending on the saber and the protectiveness of its hilt, you might also be able to safely spar with these. However, you should be aware that the wrists and forearms are common targets, and the padding provided by these gloves might be insufficient.
These gloves can be pre-ordered (either through Proguntlet directly if you live in Europe or through Purpleheart if you live in the US). They have the potential to revolutionize the HEMA glove market, and I am very excited for them to come out. However, at the time of this writing, they are not available to the public. A glove will not do you any good until it is on your hand; for now, it may be best to stick to one of the above recommendations.
Legs
Pants
SPES Locust Pants (top recommendation):
I love these pants because the cut allows for good mobility and because the high hip padding provides nice protection if the jacket lifts up when the wearer assumes 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 Pants
A stripped-down fighting pant offering the bare necessities, these pants are eminently affordable and a good way to provide basic thigh and hip protection.
These are one of the best alternatives to SPES pants, also boasting an 800N rating and featuring integrated high-density foam padding at key points.
Despite the name, the skirt is co-ed and is not used strictly by female-identifying fencers. It is designed to provide additional protection to the upper thighs and hips. Because the skirt provides padding, it does not necessarily need to be paired with pants. If you do not want pants, it is a nice alternative to provide upper thigh padding and does not restrict mobility in the legs. Just be aware that the skirt closes in the back and therefore does not provide any padding to the tailbone. While the updated version is slightly more expensive then the original skirt, it features increased protection, a modular pad system, and quality buckles.
Groin Protection
Groin protection in general (search athletic cup):
This is mandatory for anyone with male genitalia and recommended for everyone else. You can find it in any major sports store or online. There are also specific models for anyone with female genitalia.
Knee Guards
SPES Knee Protector (top recommendation when paired with SPES pants):
These, like the elbow protectors, are one of the best knee guards because they do their job with the pants for a low cost. The pants have anchor points for the knees to ensure they do not go anywhere.
This is an unofficial standard of the community because it is 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.
Sigmund Werndorf gives an excellent breakdown in this Measure and Weigh: Knee Pro Ultra written review.
Red Dragon Knee Guards/Motocross Guards:
The Red Dragon guards and others like them provide combined articulating knee protection and shin protection. Some people prefer the articulating knees and find the integrated shin guards convenient and protective.
A quality source for good motocross gear is Broomball.
Similar to the SPES knee guards in price and design, these provide wrap-around protection for the knee and can be mounted on any fencing pant with attachment anchors.
Affordable combined knee/shin guards, these are comparable to other motocross armor and provide comprehensive leg protection.
Baseball knee/shin guards:
These combine knee and shin guards all in one and can be a great solution for leg protection. Buckles and straps on lesser guards can fail or come undone, but generally, the metal clips and rings on baseball guards are more durable than plastic. Look on eBay for cheaper alternatives to buying new.
Shin Guards
Harrow Probot Shin Guard (top recommendation):
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.
Jay Tsulis gives an in-depth review in this Measure and Weigh: Harrow Probot Shin Guard written review.
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 as long as they are knee-length and are snug without being constricting. They are designed to fit over shin guards or under shin protection to prevent chafing. Amazon can generally ship you something in a minimum of two 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 have noticed that fencing shoes or tennis/court shoes tend to be thin enough that you can have good tactile feedback through your feet and grippy enough that you are not in danger of slipping. Some people find they prefer wrestling shoes or minimalist footwear. Always try to buy your shoes in person and test them at the store with footwork. Make sure if they rise up to support the ankle that you can still perform lunges and that the shoes do not limit your range of motion.
Kit Maintenance
Once you have bought all your kit, it is important to maintain it:
Keith Farrell describes how to wash a fencing mask, either by hand or in the dishwasher.
Keith Farrell also wrote a wonderful article about how to wash a SPES Jacket.
Notes About Kit
The most important thing is to make sure that you and your sparring partner are safe. HEMAA’s Safety Policy lays out what is required in your kit for each weapon in order to be safe and provides some starting definitions to help you navigate options as you become more familiar with this new world.
The order in which you buy pieces of kit is up to you. Generally, people buy a mask first (so they do not have to use other people’s sweaty masks), then gloves, a gorget, then finally a jacket. Mask, gloves, gorget, and groin protection should be the first things you buy. Do not forget groin protection.
Keith Farrell weighs in on a sensible progression for buying longsword equipment.
If you are attending a club, make it a point to follow their gear guidelines and ask around for gear recommendations. If you see a sword or a piece of kit that you are interested in, ask to try it out and get their feedback about the piece.
Before competing in any tournament, make sure your kit is compliant with their rules and safety guidelines. Be aware that some tournaments may have specific newton requirements for masks or other pieces of kit, so always read the rules before signing up.
A synthetic sword is usually bought at or around the same time as a mask so you can practice at home and do not have to keep chasing down swords during practice.
I personally like to have as much rigid protection 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 also ensures everything stays in place during a fight. I have found that “free-floating” protection tends to be more trouble than it is worth. You do not want to have to fight your gear and your opponent at the same time.
There is such a thing as being overprotected. If you cannot feel hits, then you will not care about being hit. That will lead you to train recklessly and to form suicidal behaviors, which defeats the point of what we are trying to learn. Your kit should prevent you from getting hurt, but it should not take away from the experience of fearing getting hit. There is an important difference between the two.
This stuff is expensive, and it is okay if you cannot 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. For a nice discount, try placing group orders with other members of your club.
Train in the full kit as much as possible; get used to it, and make it a second skin. Eventually, if you close your eyes, you should not be able to tell that you are wearing it because you are so used to the weight of it.
I have found that wearing a skin-tight base layer that is designed for cooling has made an incredible dent in the overheating problem. Available equipment has gotten better, and wicking jackets are a godsend, but you will still sweat a lot. Having wicking leggings, shirts, and headbands (depending on your preferences) helps to manage the sweat and accelerates the cooling process if you unzip your jacket between bouts. I have used rashguards in the past. For the best search results, use key phrases like “rashguard”, “cooling”, or “moisture wicking” for shirts, leggings, and headbands.
Once you are fully kitted up, there should be no skin showing. Not only does this protect your skin from abrasions either from the mat or rough weapon edges, but it also provides a wicking base layer to help manage heat and sweat.
For safety’s sake, it is generally a good idea to be wearing every part of the above list to spar with steel swords; mask, gorget, groin protection, and gloves are the minimum possible gear for drilling in steel or sparring with synthetics. In general, no tournament will let you fight unless you have rigid joint and throat protection, forearm guards, gloves, some kind of jacket (preferably with a rigid chest protector), gorget, athletic cup, and a mask with a back of head protector.
Swords
For a more in-depth discussion about nylon swords vs. steel swords, visit this article. In general, nylon swords are used by beginners because they are less expensive and safer to train with than steel swords. Steel swords accurately replicate real historical weapons and are the preferred tool for training and competition; however, they are more expensive and require more protective equipment to safely spar with.
Synthetic
Purpleheart Model 1811 Cavalry Sabre Basic Trainer:
This is one of the most affordable synthetic sabers on the market and, as such, is one of the most accessible ways to start training saber. These have no flex in the thrust and sting when they hit, so it is advisable to wear full kit and exercise caution if choosing to spar with them. However, for solo drills and light sparring, it is difficult to find a better trainer for the price.
Purpleheart Polish Synthetic Sabre V5:
Arguably the best synthetic Polish saber in the community, this sword has the optimal curve for Polish techniques, though it can also be used to train other systems. It is a very versatile and high-quality trainer.
Black Fencer 1864 Bowl Gymnasium Sword:
While Black Fencer has five other models of saber, (1796 infantry Sabre, Cavalry Sabre, 1821 Three Bar Hilt Sabre, 1796 Heavy Cavalry Sword, and Klewang), I prefer the gymnasium saber for the protective bowl hilt. Not only does this provide robust protection for new fencers, but it’s handling characteristics and length make it an excellent first training saber. The United States distributor for Black Fencer products is South Coast Swords.
Steel
This saber is an absolute pleasure to use. Affordable, durable, accessible, and reliable, this is one of the best beginner sabers. VB swords have a reputation for reliability and durability, and this saber is no exception.
Castille Complete Economy Sabre:
One of the most affordable steel sabers on the market, it is modeled off of light cavalry sabers with stirrup style guards from the 19th and 20th centuries. It might not be pretty, but it is functional, durable, and an excellent economy saber.
With a wide range of customization options available, the Castille cutlass is an excellent saber trainer that is a durable, reliable workhorse. Castille also offers a customizable Trooper Saber and Italian Dueling Saber.
Kvetun Armory Easton Sabre Mark III:
This saber was made in conjunction with prominent HEMA Scholar Matt Easton and based on extensive research of the 1864 pattern British Victorian regulation practice saber. Durable, reliable, and designed specifically for saber practice, this is an exemplary training tool.
Specifically designed for HEMA tournaments, these sabers have been tested everywhere from small, local competitions all the way up to larger, international events like Longpoint and Swordfish. The distributor for Regenyei products in the United States is HEMA Supplies.
Sword Maintenance
Once you have purchased your expensive sword, it’s important to take care of it:
Rust: Know Your Enemy: Sean Franklin discusses what rust is and how to prevent it from forming on your blades.
Training Sword Maintenance: A wonderful article published by HROARR that covers everything from rust to filing out nicks and dents, to storage and long term care.
Written by Nicholas Allen, founder and former head instructor of the VCU HEMA club.
Edited by Kiana Shurkin, xKDF
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