HEMA jackets

[@martinbonniciphotography]

Sometimes I feel like the last caveman to get "HEMA specific" protective gear, not for any purist reasons, I honestly have no real reason why. Not getting anything for so long I feel allowed me to make an informed decision that was right for me. I recently purchased the SPES Hussar jacket and pants (talk about going to the opposite extreme). My main thing is longsword, the HEMA gear feels amazing once I get them on and start fencing with them. Thanks for taking the time for this review David, they really are such a help for all of us out here. Regards from Malta.

[@stephan-schildwachepotsdam1171]

I also wanted a High Hill Jacket. but after around 2 years of waiting I canceled my order. now i'm super happy with my spes renaissance doublet =)

[@MedievalGenie]

I used to have the AP jacket, but I've spent many years using the SPES Hussar jacket. A thicker and heavier jacket, but it's got a blade catcher in the collar, removable padding in several places and hard elbow protectors are included. Additionally, it's got hard lames with the padding in the forearms, which are a Godsend! I've actually made a pseudo plastron of my own by riveting copper plates to the removable chest pads.

[@TyLarson]

I have a challenge jacket from many years ago and a spes officer. Like them both.

[@Davlavi]

nice jacket.

[@PonyusTheWolfdude]

Is that a 350 spes officer or is it the newer 800? I love my 350, but I kind of want an 800 as well when playing with longsword mad-lads, and I wonder if it's worth the purchase.

[@_tonypacheco]

The Newton rating just describes puncture resistance, not padding, so if you're getting hit hard it's not really going to help.

[@PonyusTheWolfdude]

@@_tonypacheco fair enough, but my impression is that the 800n is more padded as well, hence the question, and also I had my mask caved in by one of those madlads so I want to play it safe with new gear

[@_tonypacheco]

@@PonyusTheWolfdude tbh it sounds like you need to have your sparring partners play it safe with you. Gear can only help so much ...

[@joadams8022]

It's the 350n, and yes, there's less padding than the 800n. When I had to replace mine I was going to go 800n until I watch Die Freifechter's review on the 800n and realized it was heavier and more padded- which I didn't want. I have recommended it for longsword but really where it shines is the heavier single handers- sabre, arming sword, messer. If you're exclusively doing longsword with 'mad lads' (or fuckwits as I'd say) then I'd go with something heavier altogether.

[@KingAsa5]

I have a unrelated question. I have this katana l, it’s brand new and for some reason the blade is wet and sticky. And the sheath looks like it’s turning moldy on the inside? Is there a way I can go about cleaning it and prevent the molding?