WMA equipment

[Sir William]

I’ve decided to stop wearing my good revival clothing gambeson for my regular longsword training as it is really showing some signs of wear and tear. I still intend to wear it when we do our period demonstrations but for regular training I’m switching to the Motor cross type of armor and put a bid on a set like this. If I can win the auction I’ll pick it up for less than $40! 

Sir Brian, is that the front or the back?  It looks like the standard spine protector...

[Sir Brian]

The picture is the back view. I don't have a front view so don't know if it protects the lower rib cage, but I will probably still wear my chest protector underneath it anyways for the added protection.

[Joshua Santana]

Quite interesting. 

I’ve decided to stop wearing my good revival clothing gambeson for my regular longsword training as it is really showing some signs of wear and tear.

I see this is a warning, I thank you Sir Brian.  I was considering a front chest protection (similar to what Guy Windsor wears when he bouts) but it seems finding one is quite difficult.

Here is a WMA Equipment list in which I have drafted to achieve a period look when free fencing.

Revival Clothing gambeson (more likely to change or substituted with a Fuhlen Designs Gambeson)

Revival Thigh Knee Boots (got to admit it looks awesome)

Wondrose Armory Fiore Sparring Helmet w/ aventail

Rondel Elbows and Vambraces from Mad Matt's (or Anshelm)

(Gauntlets from Mad Matt's from my 14th century Harness)

What do you think?  Suggestions or warnings welcome!

[Sir William]

Sounds good...let me know how it works out for you.  They're relatively cheap for the nonce...until the sellers figure out that WMA'ers may be interested as well and who knows, maybe jack up the price a little? 

I actually picked up a fencing chest protector...at least that's what it was billed as...have to take some pics.

Sir Joshua, were you able to get a firm commitment from Mad Matt about those aforementioned pieces?  I know from personal experience that he likes a certain dollar amount to be determined before he'll begin work.  I wanted just the forearm bracers and ended up buying a full arm and leg harness (which I subsequently let go...not sure if that was a good move lol).  Just a thought.

[Sir Brian]

Quite interesting. 

I’ve decided to stop wearing my good revival clothing gambeson for my regular longsword training as it is really showing some signs of wear and tear.

I see this is a warning, I thank you Sir Brian.  I was considering a front chest protection (similar to what Guy Windsor wears when he bouts) but it seems finding one is quite difficult.

Here is a WMA Equipment list in which I have drafted to achieve a period look when free fencing.

Revival Clothing gambeson (more likely to change or substituted with a Fuhlen Designs Gambeson)

Revival Thigh Knee Boots (got to admit it looks awesome)

Wondrose Armory Fiore Sparring Helmet w/ aventail

Rondel Elbows and Vambraces from Mad Matt's (or Anshelm)

(Gauntlets from Mad Matt's from my 14th century Harness)

What do you think?  Suggestions or warnings welcome!

That setup will certainly make you the envy of everyone at any HEMA event! 

Although period gambesons are really great for protection and aesthetics they are a bit on the ‘warm’ side whereas the alternative WMA protective gear isn’t as heat restrictive. With that setup I would recommend you consider some upper arm gear as well as some clavicle protection and your setup didn’t mention a gorget! You MUST have a decent gorget because even a hard thrust from a synthetic blade could damage the air passage in your throat.

[Thorsteinn]

I love my period gambeson, so much less hot than my armoured motorcycle coat.

[Joshua Santana]

Sir Brian:  I did plan a padded collar gorget and it is on the list, I forgot to add it.  There is a padded gorget I did try on that was big enough to protect my neck, shoulder and clavicles.

On the other hand I was considering a simple steel gorget as seen on Clang that with the padded collar combined is good protection for the wind pipe. (I know, the jealousy rates would sky rocket.  )

Sir William:  I did contact Matt via email and he is available for business.  Thank you for the caution.  I intend to get the pieces (for this kit and for the harness) one at a time. 

[Sir James A]

I think regular gauntlets you may need an alternative for any WMA that allows grapples / wrestling (ringen)? Otherwise sounds good to me!

[Joshua Santana]

In terms of regular gauntlets for abrazare/ringen, that would be (in my perspective in the realm of blossfechten or spada without armor) secondary item.

The purpose if the Bouting Kit is for unarmored longsword fencing if I need to close in to abrazare distance there is an easy solution as Maestro Fiore advises in Il Fior di Battaglia (hint: opposite of Zogho Largo or Gioco Largo).  And teh other solution in my mind would be this very simple easy to utilize move that requires a stunning of the opponent via the gauntlets (hint: Guesclin was famous for this before his capture by the English it involved his hands).  Punch his noggin out of the way! 

[Sir Brian]

Well what a major disappointment this turned out to be. I received it yesterday and tried it on and being made in China it is apparently Chinese-sized and did not fit at all even though I was within the specified measurements. Regardless of the fit the padding was woefully in adequate for WMA! I would be seriously injured if I attempted any full speed free-play dueling with this armor. Well I think I’ll need to check some local motorbike shops and shop the old fashion way to determine which make and model armor would suit my needs before looking for anymore ‘bargains’ on the Net. 

[Sir James A]

At least it didn't lead to injury while trying it out. I've been tempted to try to template up a horrible looking but effective set of WMA padding, and then cover it with a cheap linen shirt. Maybe you can use some of the cotton batting I have to reinforce the padding? Perhaps split the front and lace it up if it's close to fitting that way? Could be salvageable, but whether or not it's worth the time & cost of doing so....

[Sir Edward]

Oh man, that's a shame. At least it wasn't a huge expense though, right?

[Thorsteinn]

What about hitting up your local Japanese motorcycle dealer to just get the off road body protection and sew it into a dedicated coat?

[Sir Brian]

What about hitting up your local Japanese motorcycle dealer to just get the off road body protection and sew it into a dedicated coat?

Yea that's my next move. Also getting make and model numbers from a few of the guys that have the nicer ones so I have a decent idea what to look for.

[SirNathanQ]

Hey, at least you didn't lose much. Yeah, if it pans out, I would be super intrested in cheaper than the revival gambo WMA protection!