HEMA Jackets Overview. With Review of Superior Fencing SUPFEN.COM

[@garymurphy8969]

Matt Easton antique sword dealer by day. Renaissance crime fighter by night.

[@mitsuhide1vampire]

Now that's a show I would watch!! 😂

[@CyrilDash]

Always interesting to me that seemingly few makers ever look into classical tailoring conventions. Many of the problems that come up in videos such as this one could be solved without too much effort.

[@polymphus]

... there's a fencer at my club with that exact jacket you're wearing at the intro and I'm too shy to ask him where he got it, so thank you for that.

[@dequitem]

Great review!

[@ProsperTipaldi]

I could listen to Matt review HEMA products all day 😄

[@roberth721]

I bought a custom superior fencing jacket, the 800 Newton one, it's a tank. I sewed pockets inside for ice packs, the jacket is so hot in the California summer. I like the double zippers for safety.

[@sunstarsseekersanctuary4241]

I want to show you the one I bought, but hte site is so slow, likely because of this video-lol. I chose the 16th C. HEMA Jacket 350N with Ventilation Grommets, in red, grey and blue. I chose it for the skirt part, for the reasons matt said. I liked the close fit style, just on me, its not close fit. I love the double zippers, and in general how thick it s on the chest. the arms are what bothers me, and I dislike excessive stuff on arms in general. I tend to wear tank tops because I hate sleeves. I do like your idea for ice packs.. hmmmm wonder how well that would work. I overheat because I don't sweat good, so I won't be using steel in the summer. As it was this past weekend I started to feel overly warm and ill as a result.

[@roberth721]

@@sunstarsseekersanctuary4241 to pardon the pun, the ice packs work to a degree,(I brought a cooler full so I could change them as they thawed) we did ice packs when I was in theater and we didn't want the guy playing Santa Claus to fry under the stage lights. I think we have the same jacket though I went for 800 N, I like the tassets for hip protection, I have artificial hips.

[@m0-m0597]

The expensive gear is the reason i don't do Hema

[@roberth721]

@@m0-m0597 I was lucky that our club has a decent amount of gear that can be borrowed while I set aside enough cash. (First one's free and then you're hooked)

[@deadsparta6600]

Are you talking about the landsknecht jacket?

[@moomitomoe6783]

why are the plastic chest protectors always worn underneath the jacket? wouldn't wearing overtop allow for more airflow and better safety?

[@andymason1324]

All the Supfen gear I have is proper robust and well made Mercenary 350Nm Jack pluderhosen 800Nm impact resistant gloves for sidesword and Dussack and the destroyer mods HoG are all absolutely top notch Some snobbery about Supfen gear from certain quarters of the HEMA community in my experience ie unsubstantiated claims of sweatshops and copyright infringement But I say bolloc*s to that The value for money and quality is outstanding and if that’s what I can afford that’s what I rock up in 👍👍 two massive thumbs up to the Supfen team and I certainly will continue using their gear if they keep the standards to thee level they are at now Great vid Matt thank you 🙏

[@vedymin1]

I remember your landsknecht armor video, where the armor was made to emulate those puffy cuts in the fabric and i immediately thought of them as great channels for thrusts and arrow shots x)

[@ShimmeringShamrockSharkey]

I have this jacket and it's great. You correct about the poofy parts being a blade catcher. You mentioned Hema Supplies, I believe they are no longer in business. Great video btw

[@joeyvanhaperen7715]

Were the orginal fencing jackets bassicly like a gambesons with build in jackchains and coat of plate or was it more like gambeson with build in splint bracers arm protection and brigendine?

[@charlottesimonin2551]

would like to see available the masks/helmets available for contemporary Hema/sparing today.

[@JohnMcKLV]

PLEASE design a visually accurate 15th century doublet for them!!

[@WhatIfBrigade]

Maybe a dumb question, but why do you switch jackets in class? Protection? Fit for a weapon set?

[@beelzebub5286]

Supfen stuff is really nice. They do custom sizing and color for no extra charge the wait time just increases a bit.

[@benstoyles1297]

Slightly off topic but on the subject of things getting caught in clothing I'm completely turned off on S type guards with turned quillons. After taking a full thrust to the chest unopposed because my quillon was caught on my pocket I fell out of love with them. They had a meeting with an angle grinder.

[@hbriem]

If cooling is a major issue, why aren't there HEMA jackets that are open at the back? You don't get stabbed in the back much, do you?

[@regulus6773]

There are but SupFen doesn’t have them on offer but I’m sure they could make one if asked.

[@laufert7100]

Ladies and gentlemen, it took Matt seven (7) seconds to talk about CONTEXT!

[@Ennjoying]

Hello Matt, i saw the black armoury arcem jacket video from you but that is from 7 years ago. How does the arcem jacket compare to the ones in this video? Meanwhile they've created a 4th version of their arcem classic jacket and black amoury has added a new arcem heavy jacket aswell. Which is somewhat similar to the landsknecht one from supfen in this video. Im from Europe so the scholar jacket is not an option for me, currently im considering the ap plus or the arcem one. Any insights would be wonderful.

[@VTFFTW]

How do you put a patch on your jacket? I want my school's ensignia on the back, and.... its tricky

[@WhatIfBrigade]

On the sizing, do any makers sell jackets that could be tailored? Feels like it would be easier to buy a jacket off the rack and have a tailor adjust the sleeve length, waist, etc.

[@WhatIfBrigade]

Odd question, would adding poofy sleeves and pants for practice and going for a more slim fit in competition help prepare for competition where people are more motivated to hit you than at your own club?

[@mrexpendable1232]

I have Supfens Angelo jacket and love it. They do custom sizes and custom colors. I love the padding and quilting in it. My clubmate has the Landsknecht jacket from this video and loves his, also custom fitted and colored. I've had my Angelo jacket for a year and a half and the only thing wearing out is the fluff of the velcro which I'm about to replace myself.

[@MatteoSteam]

What about the Cadet?

[@MyFriendsAreElectric]

If the base was an actual stab vest, would that be too bulky or restrictive?

[@johnracine4589]

You had a review of the SPES “Cadet” jacket where it seemed like you really liked it but you didn’t mention it during this. Did you stop wearing that one for a reason?

[@sunstarsseekersanctuary4241]

My jacket is a bit disappointing but my husband is phenomenal. Mine was custom but hte size they gave me was too large. its too long in the arm and the wirsts are too wide.

[@breaden4381]

I’ve heard from some friends that their custom sizing often doesn’t too. I’ve also heard that from SPES too though. I’ve just gone for standard sizes and modified myself if necessary.

[@sunstarsseekersanctuary4241]

@@breaden4381 I really wanted a specific colour theme (my avatar's). my husband's coat is just fantastic. I just wish I could know if I could have the coat taken in.

[@roberth721]

It is a bit difficult to get custom sizes correct when you can't be measured by the people who are making the garments, I got a custom jacket by them (due to my expansive girth) it fits pretty well but the arms are a bit long, I measured my arms slightly high on the shoulder. Now the jacket is much looser 'cause I lost 90 lbs, eventually I may be able to buy in their standard sizes.

[@sunstarsseekersanctuary4241]

@@roberth721 same problem as mine. I've got girth and chest.... and the sleeves are long. gods, I wish I was 90 pounds less. Working at it, but its not easy with an underactive thyroid.

[@roberth721]

@@sunstarsseekersanctuary4241 I did a poor job of cutting the sleeves shorter, but needs must.

[@M_Northstar]

Thank you so much for a very interesting video. I've got three questions, though. Sorry if they come off as dumb: 1) Regarding the puffy sleeves, are they something you could take out the stitches and remove, without compromising the integrity of the jacket? 2) About the "skirt" flaps, do you see any value to a flap directly across the front, to close off the gap that forms when you squat? 3) You mentioned almost in passing that the stuffing in your old jacket had settled and compacted over the years, degrading the protection. It would be interesting with a video about the maintenance of different gear and hidden/long term "gotchas" with them. Thank you again for all you're doing to educate us.

[@phoenixrising4573]

Have a reccomendation for someone to make an arming doublet? Harness is based on a late 14th/early 15th century german example

[@mikajlod25]

I've had issues with Supfen, my friend and I ordered custum jackets, 1st pair came in very badly made, to the point that it was unwearble. We contacted them, they agreed to make another pair for us if we just cover shipping, those also came in all wrong, but slightly closer to our measurements. Thats 4 jackets they couldn't make right, I'm not asking them to make me a custum jacket ever again.

[@stefthorman8548]

Sounds like you have weird body dimensions or something.

[@matiasyanez600]

SF Angelo Jacket 800N vs Fang HEMA Jacket 800N?

[@kelzurielmihai1851]

If the zip closes around the belly button won't there be an exposed area of your abdomen right in the middle? I can't really tell since you're not wearing full equipment. I'm thinking of buying this exact model but i'm not sure.

[@kirk.m.]

Mine was custom and came too tight at the elbow and the sleeves were too long.

[@AndyMcCavish]

Definitely in the pro poofy sleeves look for Matt!

[@kristianograd]

Fancy fancing mastah!

[@derstoffausdemderjoghurtis]

Pls do some more overview reviews/guides on hema gear.

[@Cucchulainnn]

If you don't mind me asking why do so many jackets leave the waist, hips and kidneys exposed? And what's the deal with knee length pants? I agree with disliking the looks of knickers. I also prefer 3/4 length jackets.

[@flametitan100]

It seems to be a carryover from Olympic fencing standards, where the pants go up to the natural waist (thus covering for a jacket that stops higher) while the socks protect the calves (thus the pants don't need to go lower, though you _can_ get long pants for Olympic Fencing) My impression is that for HEMA, you might want shin guards anyway, even if the pants went lower.

[@jritchey267]

I believe custom sizing is actually the default with SupFen, In my experience, even if you order a "standard" size, they email and ask for your measurements.

[@-Zevin-]

This is valid up until Superdry comes out with a HEMA jacket.

[@gwespedenn]

You can still get a T‌empus Fugitives jacket by ordering it from PBT. I got mine a few weeks ago because I had been convinced by your video review. 🙂 It is not on their website, but you just have to send them an email. They could even make it 800N (but in a white and heavier "StretchFit" fabric).

[@BuffordEvans]

Prefere the look of the blk side button one . Couldn’t get down with the dandy looking court jester looking one

[@-RONNIE]

Thank you for the information on the jackets

[@skenzyme81]

On the overheating issue, I HIGHLY recommend looking into a pair of Qore Performance ICEPLATES. They're the exact shape of medium ESAPI armor plate. These were life changing in Texas summers!

[@braddbradd5671]

It reminds me of what a stunt man would wear

[@bobrobinson1576]

Look on the bright side those puffs make you look like Arnold Schwarzenegger!

[@DETHMOKIL]

ooooo SLEEVES!

[@CarnelianUK]

OK Matt, we get it - you like flaps! 😆 On a serious note, do you have any plans to do some similar (up to date) comparison videos for gloves and masks?

[@texasbeast239]

Should compare (prices, protectiveness, discomfort, etc.) for a gambeson or HEMA jacket with plastic plates vs an arming shirt/maille hauberk/scattered steel plate ensemble.

[@PJDAltamirus0425]

Stocatta made a video on the claymore jacket and loves it. Plastic plates, mesh for ventilation, plastic Jack chains , short sleeve mobility. Also had instructions on how to make armor out of hot glue, plastic lawn edging, and canvas aprons

[@allmachtsdaggl5109]

I was so happy with your pronounciation of Aalspieß, but you still butcher Landsknecht. Better say landsknesht than landskneckt. It is closer to how you say "ch" in German and you would say it in a palatinate accent. I also use the officer and i also have forearm and ellbowprotectors.

[@dizzt19]

Can you get modern material plates but with more coverage, kinda like stormtrooper armour? :D I'm thinking the less fabric you end up wearing the better... Someone should send Matt an official, commercial stormtrooper armour to review. :D

[@sinisterswordsman25]

"I'M NOT WEARING HEMA PADS!!!" (Batman choice)

[@MaxBrodsky.]

Those flaps are very similar to Kendo Tare. You will find it has even better groin protection because of the large frontal flap.

[@rumplefourskin6775]

Little in the middle but Matt's got much BACK

[@benstoyles1297]

I have the sup fen Thermo jacket. 800N rated but feels like a 350N. It is by far the best jacket I've ever tried. Everything else feels abysmal in comparison (including the AP). Best of all: it's machine washable!

[@blackdogbarking]

i guess in real life a poofy sleeve makes it hard to hit your arm inside

[@PJDAltamirus0425]

Wear less black of you want to be cooler! Anything in black is going to be hot! Go for yellow, tan, cream

[@jesseshort8]

Poofy sleeves and flappy bits.😂

[@daaaah_whoosh]

I think the flaps are a good idea but I hate what they did to the proportions of the "historically-inspired" design. Same with the poofy sleeves, which have even less of a historical basis and also no actual benefit. Not sure why they're pushing this design so hard when it looks so goofy.

[@lalli8152]

Poofy sleeves were very much thing historically. Obviously its not same as that modern fencing jacket, but the look of different colors that looks like just strips of different fabrics, and that poofy thing were sort of fashion at some point. Just like the poofy pants that looks absolutely ridicilous for modern people, but are popular in hema. I have feeling they basicly made jacket ro go with those kinda pants

[@daaaah_whoosh]

​@@lalli8152 If we're talking about, like, Landsknecht style, this bears only a passing resemblance to what they had going on. Those were usually much poofier, much heavier, full-length slashed sleeves, paired with a much lower neckline and also usually thinner pants. By the time we get to the era the body of this jacket is based on, poofy sleeves had fallen out of fashion in favor of poofy pants, the ideal silhouette had completely flipped from big arms to big legs.

[@lalli8152]

@@daaaah_whoosh There were poofy sleaved jackets after the lansknecht as well because i guess they inspired the style, and Matt mentions it reminds him more of jackets from later era

[@LuxTheSlav]

​@@daaaah_whooshIf you want a lower neckline on your HEMA jacket, feel free. Some of us are capable of compromise.

[@twosheds7105]

But I don't wanna be a Landsknecht!

[@ShimmeringShamrockSharkey]

I have this jacket and it's great. You correct about the poofy parts being a blade catcher. You mentioned Hema Supplies, I believe they are no longer in business. Great video btw