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Author Topic: Protective Gear on a budget  (Read 8204 times)
Master Althalus
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« Reply #15 on: January 31, 2018, 07:13:45 AM »

Quote
so I think it's more than worth the expense to protect your eyes, teeth, and head.
The thing is, the primary function of any kind of head protection is another one: making it possible to HIT the opponent in the head. Without, the head will not be targeted (only by accident) and that will result in senseless blade-clashing. Fencing masks provide a safe target - add back-of-the-head protection and you can hit from every angle.
Most importantly, though, the bib provides protection for the throat. Blades slide and bounce on the mesh, swings miss - and some of them land on the throat. Getting hit there is not funny.

Having a really short neck, I've found no gorget that fits me, but bib plus fencing jacket has kept my throat safe in over 10 years of fighting with steel, wood and polycarbonate.
 Wink
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« Reply #16 on: January 31, 2018, 08:05:01 AM »

making it possible to HIT the opponent in the head. Without, the head will not be targeted (only by accident) and that will result in senseless blade-clashing. Fencing masks provide a safe target - add back-of-the-head protection and you can hit from every angle.


OH YESSS

You are right, this point is important. If the two opponents have good head protections, the two opponents can target the head and make the fight more realistic and interesting Wink

I will add little comments on what have been already said

Considering hand protection:
If you have a one hand style and if you love to make some spins during a combat, MMA gloves could be a solution. But be careful, there is less protection on the thumb and they should be used only in "friendly" combats.



Considering head protection:
Fencing masks are wonderful. And if you are skilled with a needle and a tube of glue, you can add some tissu parts around the mask to avoid/reduce the "bell ring" effect when you receive a blade in your head Wink



For example, this mask is mine, it is a HEMA fencing mask and i added tissu parts around.

Considering body protection:
I think you can find in every country. I use a Rugby body armor. It is added costs regarding to the original question of the topic but it gives a very good protection.



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Master Althalus
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« Reply #17 on: January 31, 2018, 10:57:53 AM »

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For example, this mask is mine, it is a HEMA fencing mask and i added tissu parts around.
You now, there are professional manufacturers out there, providing those things?  Grin
Like Allstar, PBT, SPES ...

The point with ALL protective equipment is: It's there to provide safe targets and protect against ACCIDENTS. No equipment in the world can protect one from an idiot bashing away at the opponent with a hard plastic stick - someone will get hurt, it's just a matter of time.
So, the first line of defense is - surprise - technique.
The second line is common sense: if you are a beginner and want to duel, slow down. Begin fighting in slow motion - that's actually a lot harder than most people believe.
Speed up only as your technique gets better and you'll avoid most accidental injuries.

Beginning with mask, gloves an cup, equipment can be added when speed and intensity increase - slowly, over time. That way, you'll stay safe AND develop better fighting skills at the same time.
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« Reply #18 on: January 31, 2018, 04:01:51 PM »

The thing is, the primary function of any kind of head protection is another one: making it possible to HIT the opponent in the head. Without, the head will not be targeted (only by accident) and that will result in senseless blade-clashing. Fencing masks provide a safe target - add back-of-the-head protection and you can hit from every angle.
Most importantly, though, the bib provides protection for the throat. Blades slide and bounce on the mesh, swings miss - and some of them land on the throat. Getting hit there is not funny.

Having a really short neck, I've found no gorget that fits me, but bib plus fencing jacket has kept my throat safe in over 10 years of fighting with steel, wood and polycarbonate.
 Wink


Good points.  I've always felt that eliminating the head as a target takes a huge chunk of the realism out of sparring, considering what a high value target it is!  Where possible, I second your recommendation about protection for the back of the head as well.  Full 360 degree protection of the head opens up all kinds of good combat methods, for instance passing the opponent.
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« Reply #19 on: February 03, 2018, 03:04:59 AM »

I didn’t mention before, but Motocross jackets are another decent, affordable option for body armor that we use. Shoulders, chest and elbows are well protected for only a $30-40 price point. The Kendo Tare is not “budget” gear, but it does offer good waist and hip protection while eliminating the need for a cup. Here I am in my mishmash sparring gear. 
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« Reply #20 on: February 03, 2018, 07:25:18 AM »

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Motocross jackets are another decent, affordable option for body armor
Problem with that: points tend to catch between the plates and get directed right to some very vulnerable parts, like armpits. If thrusting is allowed, those things can quickly get dangerous.
Moreover, the protective plates are located somewhat wrong for fighting, leaving the ribs mostly uncovered, as the belly and collarbones.

So, yes, they can work, but from experience I can say that one should not put too much trust in them. After all, they are designed to lessen the impact of a motorcycle accident, not protect against someone hitting you with a weapon.  Wink
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« Reply #21 on: February 03, 2018, 07:32:07 AM »

Problem with that: points tend to catch between the plates and get directed right to some very vulnerable parts, like armpits. If thrusting is allowed, those things can quickly get dangerous.
Moreover, the protective plates are located somewhat wrong for fighting, leaving the ribs mostly uncovered, as the belly and collarbones.

So, yes, they can work, but from experience I can say that one should not put too much trust in them. After all, they are designed to lessen the impact of a motorcycle accident, not protect against someone hitting you with a weapon.  Wink

Valid points indeed.  Anyone else ever get the impression that when discussing protective gear for impact combat, especially sword(ish) based, that people are always trying to re-invent the wheel, when thousands of years of history, where wars were fought with swords and similar objects already went through the evolution of protective gear (armor)?

Not so much talking about looking for affordable alternatives/options, but just in general.
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« Reply #22 on: February 03, 2018, 10:56:09 PM »

Problem with that: points tend to catch between the plates and get directed right to some very vulnerable parts, like armpits. If thrusting is allowed, those things can quickly get dangerous.
Moreover, the protective plates are located somewhat wrong for fighting, leaving the ribs mostly uncovered, as the belly and collarbones.

So, yes, they can work, but from experience I can say that one should not put too much trust in them. After all, they are designed to lessen the impact of a motorcycle accident, not protect against someone hitting you with a weapon.  Wink
Absolutely, especially the ribs as those are enticing targets ("Do" in Kendo) to most saber practitioners.  I also have to say, I would not put much trust in a $30 mesh shirt with some plastic sewn on to effectively lesson the impact of a motorcycle accident either!
I think we have mostly exhausted the original point of the thread, as all "budget" gear is essentially flawed in one way or another. Perhaps we should start a thread on "ideal protective gear" to give people with some resources an idea of how to invest in gear if they want to take it to the next level. 
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« Reply #23 on: February 04, 2018, 04:10:23 AM »

Problem with that: points tend to catch between the plates and get directed right to some very vulnerable parts, like armpits. If thrusting is allowed, those things can quickly get dangerous.
Moreover, the protective plates are located somewhat wrong for fighting, leaving the ribs mostly uncovered, as the belly and collarbones.

So, yes, they can work, but from experience I can say that one should not put too much trust in them. After all, they are designed to lessen the impact of a motorcycle accident, not protect against someone hitting you with a weapon.  Wink

Yeah, they're good for incidental protection, but any direct attacks hold potential danger.  Doesn't hurt to wear it (as compared to no protection at all), but you do have to keep the flaws in mind.
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« Reply #24 on: February 13, 2018, 03:08:13 AM »

Great advice in here. I agree with the Fencing Mask. We've used motorcycle helmets in Kali for as far back as I can remember. I brought in a Fencing mask one day and we've never looked back....some dents on it here and there, but better that than your head. Also, I know this was already said, but I going to emphasize it as well

Head, Hands and Groin. ( Nero mentioned this! )
I also require elbow protection in my group. ( I target the elbows and knees a lot. ) Knee protection is optional but most of my group throw those on as well.

If its going to be full contact with " Power " then add some chest armor. As for a budget, save up and get exactly what you need. If you have to wait a little bit, its worth it. Trust me.
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« Reply #25 on: March 05, 2018, 04:09:40 PM »

I would like to say that sparring gear from https://www.centurymartialarts.com/ is very useful. I have an almost full set of gear from them (I only need the chestplate) and it is lightweight and very durable and it provides decent protection and its not all that expensive.
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« Reply #26 on: May 28, 2018, 11:37:59 AM »

And a wounded finger for me despite of my gloves ...

... Once again my friends, put your protective devices ... ALWAYS !!!

Wink
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