Superior Fencing HEMA Gear - Does it Live up to its Name?

[@MrFleem]

Instructions: soak groin in ice water for ten (10) minutes prior to applying groin protector cup.

[@stalwartlenny9883]

sounds like a normal day anywhere in the northern hemisphere

[@aceriverpirate9795]

XD

[@ice111110]

That gear looks very similarly to riot control gear

[@crestfallensunbro6001]

Makes sense, both are for protecting against blunt melee/thrown attacks

[@ice111110]

matthew hurley true, I but even the molding looks almost identical. At least for the shin/leg protectors and the thigh ones too

[@brandonkey181]

Next video: sparring with riot control gear

[@Harshhaze]

Brandon Key Next Video: Going to an actual riot with sparring gear and throwing pommels at whoever gets in the way

[@baneofbanes]

Sernguard Song I imagine that there’s only so far you can go with differences in in leg protection.

[@Johell]

Just a little comment for people in North America. From communication I had with Superior Fencing, it is not really possible to waive the 120$USD for delivery even with group buys due to the weight associated with shipping/packaging of these full kits. Clubs doing large bulk order might be able to get deal but I am talking a small orders here. Without fees associated with money transfer, the real cost of the base kit is 390usd $.

[@AtomToast]

I don't do HEMA but Kung Fu and once when we practised spinning kicks on pads in a line I got hit by my neighbour. We were spinning in opposite directions so it was effectively twice the power and his heel hit my calf. I could effectively not walk for over a week. Keep your calfs save

[@eddard9442]

AtomToast ouch, I could almost feel that pain as I imaged your story.... thanks for sharing

[@Sk0lzky]

This is a part of wing chun conditioning in my school (still not with full force until you're super pro) and even with best pads I end up bruised as fuck

[@thewanderer2167]

Hey skallagrim! Just thought id drop in and let you know that my DM has crafted a weapon named after you in our DND game. The stats and properties are as follows: Skallagrim's Sword of Righteousness is a +1 magic longsword. As a bonus action, you may unscrew the pommel of your sword and throw it at a target within range (30/60). On a hit, it deals 1d4 + Str modifier bludgeoning damage and the target must make a DC 10 Wisdom saving throw or be stunned until the start of their next turn. The pommel magically returns at the start of your next turn.

[@oneofmanyparadoxfans5447]

End your opponent rightly!

[@Cyrus_III]

Borrowing this for future use.

[@ZagorTeNayebo]

I feel like that's way too powerful for a bonus action, have fun breaking your dms game

[@4rreste409]

*stares at unprotected shins and knees* "Hey, my eyes are up here."

[@connor2525]

TIL: Skal is well endowed 😂😂😂

[@narcissismincarnate9201]

😬

[@PogMcDog]

Presses F to pay respects

[@Fluffy_666]

FFFFF XD

[@greysun3673]

Hey Skall great video. Really helpful for me, since I am looking at starting HEMA soon. I was amazed by the price of this, really affordable, and great for me as someone with little money. Keep up the great work.

[@scottmacgregor3444]

I'm in the same boat. Do be aware that shipping is a little pricey, since it's coming from Pakistan, but it's still cheaper than anything else I can find, and the full kit comes with extras, like a gear bag.

[@greysun3673]

Oh yeah forgot about the shipping part, guess I'll have to pick up some extra work. Thanks

[@CrimsonFox36]

What i've learned from HEMA: Getting hit sucks.

[@lostmarimo]

Gonna buy this for crime fighting

[@yukiminsan]

Phoenix Jones?

[@tinpham62]

I DON'T WEAR HEMA PADS

[@darrianweathington1923]

Lost Marimo make sure you practice your rough trash voice

[@DiscardatRandom]

@@tinpham62 I don’t know why but I read that in a duke nukem voice

[@internetperson335]

Bootleg Batman

[@kimosabe6692]

I bought the full Kit no. 1 and i am quite happy with it. I agree the gorget is not good. I can also see why it is cheaper. The plastic of the leg/elbow/knee guards is quite light. I would be suprised if it was still in great condition in two years from now. still the pants and jacket is fantastic, the arm guards are fantastic and the leg/ knee pads are fine. All in all it is an excellent way to get into Hema. I mean the full kit is the price of a jacket only from other manufacturers.

[@Knorkrax]

It's fine as long as it's pommel proof...

[@Fanthomas1742]

Need the protection against a rightly end.

[@oivametsola7624]

nothing is pommel proof

[@rangertrace8134]

what about armor made from pommels

[@archibaldc.1833]

Knorkrax nothing is pommel proof

[@sandman8115]

BLASPHEMY!!! NOTHING IS POMMEL PROOF

[@JyrralVonUeberwald]

Polyethylene is what Hardhats are made of, Skall. It is sturdy stuff and can take a fair bit of abuse before it fails, including abrasion which some plastics are not as resistant to.

[@jedi77palmer]

The cup I got with my kit was just a cricket cup inside a jock strap type thing and seemed way too small. It does not work/fit if you wear over the top of anything even just underwear but if you wear it under everything it works. The fabric stretches and fits everything in snugly 👍

[@LazerZlorkipzIV]

My club and I had a massive order from Supfen come in recently and we're all loving the gear. Our tutor has a full set of Neyman gear which is fantastic, but expensive. The Supfen gear has really helped get our club up to snuff gearwise while being good on a budget.

[@tem_anu]

So wiring cash payment worked out?

[@dildarhussain5331]

Hi sir

[@dildarhussain5331]

We are manfacturer and supplier of hema kit fencing

[@godthisisannoying]

but, how does it perform for kinky roleplay?

[@FryingBerries]

Not sturdy enough, for that you need plastic with at least pommelveil rating of apocalypseproof.

[@fuatyorulmaz5809]

Proud to see that until this day pommel memes still live, may it last a thousand year

[@SneakyBadAssOG]

Ah, Skall is shower. The grower advantage prevail!

[@JarrisGames]

Hey Skal, just had an interesting thought that you might find as a fun topic. What if the entire human race decided to abandon firearms and chose to go back to ending people rightly again. What do you think modern melee weapons and armour sets would look like? Might me interesting to look at considering modern technologies and production mehtods. Love the content btw =D

[@darymetal]

Armor would be ridiculously common since economy is completely different from what it was centuries ago, so cutting weapons would disappear from any fight. You just can't cut those armors (to be fair you never could, it's just that full "decent" armor was scarcely available and most would have some sort of padded jackets etc), and you can't really stab efficiently either. I wouldn't be surprised if we could make an armor that has virtually no gap. So that means we would use blunt weapons only, which would make the armor evolve into some kind of high shock absorbing gear. ........Or not really. Cause the thing is even tho we can't have firearms, we would have different kind of ranged weapons. Modern crossbows are far more powerful than ancient ones, far more precise, and far easier to operate. I'm pretty sure there is actually no protection that can't be pierced by a heavy modern crossbow. ......But in truth if we didn't have firearms, that would necessarily mean we can't possibly have modern technologies and machinery right? We might just end up making electric rifles, Gaussian rifles....and could we use bombs? Missiles? Weapons of mass destruction? Like nuclear, radiological, chemical, biological....? Yhea i know, i'm a party pooper.

[@JarrisGames]

No no, good points and i was thinking that we get rid of explosives and basically most of the weaponry from the last 4 or 5 centuries like a modern medieval age or how medieval people would utilise modern production methods for their way of doing things. I don't know why we would but I thought it might be interesting to look at what might be created and used with modern tech. Similar to stuff shown in this video with polymers and hard plastic and maybe high grade steel mail/plate etc. I'm really curious what type of things people might develop now, I mean, modern knights or legionnaries might look seriously cool. Just something that might be fun to play with as an idea.

[@0KOrbU0]

In the Dune series they have somewhat done that. They have developed personal shields that can stop most things that moves too fast, so you can’t use projectile weapon (unless they move slow through the shields) and laser weapons courses nuclear explosions if used on a shield (both on the shield and the shooter). Because of that, they use melee weapons a lot but mostly short weapons (knifes and such) because you have to get through the shield before you can move fast. Makes for some strange fighting compared to medieval fights. Strangely I don’t recall reading a lot about armor which would have made it very hard to kill someone if you could only use a knife and not move it too fast.

[@bubbleman2002]

Cutting weapons wouldn't completely disappear. The longsword can be useful against an armoured opponent. Maces don't have pommels.

[@JarrisGames]

I've never actually seen Dune but I'll give it a look. I like that idea quite a lot though, forcing melee combat and fits with the kinda thing I was thinking about. As well, although sci-fi and not realistic, the amrour from the oldr-republic era of star wars with the jedi and the sith is similar to what I'm thinking about although I've never looked at that armour with practicality in mind.

[@VladBokachev]

Great video, the sneezing part especially resonates with me during the summer hayfever.

[@kurtrussell3468]

That sneeze man cracked me up hard. That's exactly how I sneeze, Like an unannounced machine gun.

[@killgora1]

Thanks. I'll have to keep this brand in mind.

[@TheHistoricalFencingGuild]

I am very glad to see mote economic options for Hema Gear.

[@EeroafHeurlin]

Hard calf hits like are also major risk for deep vein trombosis (blood clot in the big deep veins) and that's not good in itself but if it dislodges and reaches your lungs you're in a major medical emergency (potentially fatal). So calf protection is a very good idea even if getting hit there is rare.

[@Crusade1982]

That barrage of sneezes in the outtakes!

[@DocSeal]

Glad to have seen some Skaldong

[@0311matt]

glad to see the HEMA world growing!

[@tehsupertoilet]

Superior fencing does custom sizes, I ordered some gear from them and they will be making it to my size since I'm tall. I'm waiting on the order to be made and sent now, I'll update this when I get the gear

[@tem_anu]

Did you get it? I want to order little reluctant to wire cash.

[@albertbresca8904]

i picked up a LOT of various gear like hockey leg protector, elbow protectors and cricket pads for a few dollars a piece which are better than or very similar to HEMA expensive same things - for new people to our club... but I find I am starting to use them as well... some 9the hockey ones) are actually black and have seperate knee and shin guards like the official HEMA pads but once again I found some (i go to charity shops often... just habit from my mother ) .. i have bought quite a few and given them to my club so any new people can engage in sword play with guarding and it doens't cost us a fortune

[@42astrutsen]

Well I'm just doing custom upgrades to my SPES-protectors and I'm happy with that. :) Mainly just adding extra padding on the shoulders under the jacket (I just have the regular SPES AP-jacket). I'm considering proper external hard shoulder guards since getting hit on the boney parts of the shoulder hurts quite bad... I've also modded my SPES-heavy gloves with better thumb protection and I'm going to modify the tying down of the "plates" on top of the thumb to close the gap that forms when you grip the sword between the second and third section (counted from the tip of the thumb). Just drilling two small holes in the third plate and looping the rubber string that ties down the second section through there fixes that problem. (Got the idea from a guy in our local HEMA club.)

[@thossi09]

That cup also seems to just fit on the outside. Now, I'm all for bringing back the codpiece (and if HEMA ever becomes more organised and introduces some sort of ranking system like the EMAs with their belts of various colours, it should be coloured codpieces) but until then - gentlemen, please cover your cups.

[@scottmacgregor3444]

At the Victoria Highland Games Open (the one Skall competed in) several had mask style codpieces like the Comedy/Drama masks. They were pretty cool, but I didn't want to walk up to a stranger and start staring at his crotch.

[@maximaxi4394]

1:43 keep that combination it does look sick af

[@archibaldc.1833]

So being 196 cm this gear would really really suck for me. Gotcha

[@LokiCDK]

I promise, I'm not trying to make a synth of you... What are your wrist-to-elbow measurements? Knee-to-Ankle?

[@Corellon666]

Kvetun Armoury leg protectors also protect the backside of the leg.

[@Daemon_venator]

Hahaha "If you fit in this...well...im sorry" 🤣🤣🤣

[@GGFallenWarrior]

always love learning about armor and i will use this as some reference to where and what kind of armor i need when i sign up for HEMA in the future

[@johnewen90]

Diamond MMA cups are really good. If you're looking for an option that is better than ShockDoctor.

[@BH-rx3ue]

easy. mix and match with minor modifications. the key aspect i feel is its affordability. due to it being relatively cheap in comparison to other gear, you could modify it with out feeling like you're stabbing yourself in the leg

[@Gkitchens1]

AHA!

[@JohnSmith-qr9lr]

I’m curious to know if you can use actual armer for hema. I know it would be expensive, you might have to have tailored, and it would be hard to find, but if you could would is there any cons to using that other than the stuff you showed in the video?

[@SwanOnYT]

it that a stereo digital audio recorder in your pocket or are you excited to see us ?

[@deusexmachia3548]

the spes armprotector is made to go over a fencing jacket, that's why it's so wide

[@scratjes]

I am thinking of buying the entire set (the HEMA Full kit), but when I look at the pants, the pants look different from the one in the bundle. Is this actually different or is it still the same, and does it look just a bit funny?

[@piratewhoisquiet]

Yeah, as a 6' 3'' bloke (~190cm) I think I'm out of luck on the shin guards, unfortunate as I agree they are more effective save for the velcro. Thigh guards look great, but I'm curious as to why the rear thigh doesn't get a protective section like the shin guards have for the calves as I definitely take more hits there than on my calf. They do seem to come around quite far though, maybe it isn't an issue when wearing it's hard to tell from the video. Fully agree on the cup, this is something I experienced when I started competition sparring in karate, and was thoroughly unprepared for (and I am not ashamed to admit I am far from the most well endowed fellow) the experience of 'out the sides' as you mentioned. The cup you say you use is also not linked in the description... The arm guards seem from the video much less likely to let a tip sneak in around the inside elbow, between the arm guard section and the elbow cup, at least less than the Spes ones you show, that is a major plus in my book. Although, if they are another section that does not allow for the long bois like myself. Now you're mentioning the price points, holy guacamole that might assuage my concerns! I agree with your assessment of the gorget, that thing looks superfluous by all accounts. Excellent review, more armour!

[@gallagjg]

8:34 You can swap the plastic part out of most.

[@dzeeckreal660]

Man i hope i can get one of those...

[@TharrisNogaud]

I have a co-worker who is a martial artist. I have seen him do some stunning and remarkable things. He does this thing that simply looks like he's turning around to walk away from you, but strikes you in the thigh. He can knock a person a cross the room with it, make one nauseous with a light strike, and cause actual vomiting if he strikes harder. I don't believe thigh guards are useless or not necessary.

[@chrisearl7941]

What do you think of their jackets being very ‘similar’ to SPES and Newman’s designs?

[@erikenqvist9081]

Have you looked at the cups that Mui Thai fighters use? They're cast iron. ☺️

[@Judge_Jon]

I'm assuming on your cup you would have a sports style on on the inside and that Superior Fencing one over the outside.

[@mr.personhumanson6871]

Some medieval/futurist BDSM outfit that is.

[@Kharmazov]

Actually it's just a riot gear.

[@manictiger]

Doesn't look BDSM-ish, but it does look like something you'd find in X-Com.

[@romolus7255]

Kharmazov you have replied to every other comment complaining that this is riot gear. Dude, get a life...

[@Kharmazov]

What can I say I like riot gear.

[@romolus7255]

Kharmazov I understand, I am obsessed with socks for some reason...

[@jeiyap1265]

How good are HEMA gear against arrows and bolts?

[@josephdorey8458]

Wow, those are incredible prices!

[@Arrowdodger]

Nice of them to let you get in a solid humble brag.

[@johnfrancisdoe1563]

Would that PBT Gorget have reduced clavicle damage from that metal dragon that attacked you a few winters ago? Also did the remodeling after that change the shape of shoulder protection for you?

[@matty-qr4vr]

i loved the pun at the end

[@puckspirit2573]

Does Blood&Iron have some textbook? I'm really willing to learn HEMA, but we don't have local school, so i'll have to gather information

[@ramonecasar3177]

This is all pretty great, but what do you wear on your feet? Just basic shoes or do you wear steel toe boots? Are HEMA sabatons common?

[@ShagShaggio]

From what I've seen an a lot of hema vids most people seem to prefer thin highly mobile sports footwear. Some even prefer to go barefoot. Precise footwork is more important then protection as the foot rarely gets hit. However I do recall seeing some shinguards that had an extra plastic protector that goes over the top of the foot for extra protection somewhere but that seems to be way less common.

[@scottmacgregor3444]

At my HEMA club the suggested footwear is wrestling, boxting, or kung fu shoes, or just go barefoot. Foot hits are not terribly common, but one of the reasons catchers legs are popular is that they have top of the foot and ankle protection that a lot of other stuff doesn't. I wear boxing shoes because the mats drag awkwardly on my toes.

[@johnfrancisdoe1563]

Shaggy Shaggio You saw that in the video above.

[@manictiger]

I'd probably want pieces of stiff foam on top of my feet for this. Surely that's made by someone. I've actually nailed my foot with a bokken I was misusing (twirling it, tossing it in the air behind my back, etc.) and it hurts like hell! So, I can only imagine what a piece of metal does when it slams into your foot.

[@ShagShaggio]

No, I meant some that had more substantial protection over the foot than what is seen in the video. Probably just some different brand of sports shin guard.

[@yorkshire_tea_innit8097]

Now everyone is gonna be assessing junk size at their HEMA club. Nice one!

[@JingShenKuoshu]

All of you guys talk about the height and weight... So give us a reference. How tall and how much do you guys weigh. Without that info, your review falls short and soft.

[@adefoy]

Hey what is the blade in the for honor past present and future trailer at the end people are saying scimitar but I don't think it is

[@CZProtton]

What about the jacket, though? The SPES jackets are good, I also use the AP pro though I feel like the Hussar is more of what you would want. Is their jacket even comparable to AP pro?

[@Gkitchens1]

Looks like the flap in the throat protector is meant to be tucked 8nto the jacket to keep it from moving around much. I have literally never touched any type of equipment like this so I have no idea obviously, I'm just guessing.

[@loganr5783]

The only Canadian that knows his height in metric without looking on his license... I'm impressed

[@TyLarson]

I use and like the gorget from destroyer modz. Just to tease I think it is cute to say gorjay instead of gorget or gorjit as per dictionary. I call it double frenching a word like salay for salet or helmay for helmet 😁

[@navigatorofnone]

Wow those are amazing body armor set 👍👍👍 and affordable too 😀😁

[@ainsleyphoenixquinn4534]

First frame of the video. Semi closeup of skall's groin with something protruding. Can't say I'm mad, but how does Cara feel about this?

[@mihailemanuel8109]

I like the thigh protectors, do you happen to have a feedback on them so far?

[@benjaminjohnson6936]

Hey, the second link in the description to Purpleheart Armory just leads to the main page. Was it a link to a specific product?

[@gbladewarrior6884]

What is your opinion of using motocross leg/arm protectors?.

[@jacobkeary6740]

I already knew it was a hatch exotech from the thumbnail. It's basically a rebranded riot suit

[@chrislay8646]

Have you ever seen any of the Troy Hurtubise bear armor videos with Project Grizzly (1996)?

[@michaelking8483]

Hey Skall why some HEMA practictioners fight barefoot?

[@lurkiandanti367]

Was wondering What are your thoughts on the “Ninja” Sai? Effective or no??

[@giacomopucciozarauz981]

I know this is a 4 year old video but I kind of need to know more or less how long is the shin and knee protector? I'm 195cm tall (that would be 6'5" I think? Im not too familiar with the imperial system) so Im not sure if it would fit properly, and I'd like to know before I actually order it. The only other option I have found at this price range is buying the separate knee and shin guards, also from supfem, but Id prefer, if possible, to wear the single piece protection. If anyone in the comments knows the exact measurements of the knee and shin protection featured in the video I would be very grateful if you could share that info with me.

[@jonnyone-truck2460]

am i crazy to think that maybe a bazuband design would be a better choice?

[@anferrr]

that sneeze streak at the end xD

[@notahuman369]

most cups have that issue in my experience. i lost an mma fight due to that exact reason. took a kick in the balls and it completely fucked me because the cup sliced into where it shouldn't have. probably the worst pain I've ever felt, worse than a broken ankle. probably would have been better off w/o the cup.

[@castlecallahan1769]

How does this HEMA armor compare to metal historical European armor that knights wore?

[@splinterb.3913]

What do you think of the modern fencing (Epee)?

[@andrewtruax3977]

Have you looked at konning gloves, they are pretty good, I know a guy with them, and have seen him in a tourney with them and the hood up really well, they seem worth the $200 price tag

[@TheWanderer1000000]

I don't know why but for me, I always thought riot control armor looked very badass.

[@wilowhisp]

I like those shin knee protectors and the thigh protector, but when I try to order I never get a reply from them.

[@theforestgiant4362]

how tall are you? I'm between 5'10" and 5'11" and would like to know if the shin/knee guards will slip or be too short. Are they acceptable at HEMA touneys? thanks!

[@Von_NoVa]

My cousin is a bit over 6ft and the shin/knee guards work perfectly, he’s used them in a few across country tournaments and they seem to be high quality and extremely protective.

[@kanaku]

Did you test this gear in any sparring at all, I've been looking into this kit to get into HEMA.

[@civilprotectionunit8145]

Probbably

[@shawnflynn2856]

Again. How I wish I could get my hands on this stuff

[@KnightsWithoutATable]

An athletic cup would be the better option. Maybe make a custom cod piece to go on the outside if you want to frighten/disgust your enemies.

[@LutefiskSavage]

I've always found that the football or martial arts, so called "banana cup" is the best design for our sport. Worn in a jock against the skin underneath all of your other clothing.

[@beckymurphy4714]

Is it wrong that I watched this for ideas for a cosplay armor set? I recently snagged a pair of catcher shin guards (Youth size 7-9 years; fit me perfectly) for greaves from Goodwill, and have been wondering what I could get for the rest of the armor.

[@santi_super_stunts2573]

A bit late but not at all, you could make a cool Batman or big daddy cosplay, or even deathstroke maybe

[@ianmiller4195]

You should see how much damage a steel feder does against a gel torso

[@michaelking8483]

Skall has higher pitched sneezes than i would have guessed

[@unpopularspirits829]

Is the knee guard arrow proof?

[@mr.pineapple7620]

Actually this would make a perfect zomvie armor. They cant bite through it and it gives good protektion. But if you turn into a zombie you can still be shot without any problem. Also i am practicing various martial arts for quite a while now and i can say from experience, a blow to the nuts does not bother you that much when you are pumpet with adrenalin. But after the fight... Also i am thinking of buying it and replacing some of the parts with custom kevlar and steel/aluminum plating

[@Swythern]

Damn Skall, you were really hard on the 7-year old that made this. 15:14

[@matthewpham9525]

How are these holding up now?

[@necrothescistt8164]

Have you tested motocross gear for protection?

[@erggml1887]

As far as cops go, I prefer Diamond MMA cups. Stronger than others(even stops 9mm rounds). And the shorts are VASTLY better than shock dr, under armor and others. Sadly, for ladies the only decent cup I found is the hockey one from shock dr. And yes for high impact stuff ovaries benefit from proper protection.

[@GGFallenWarrior]

That outtake made me sneeze!!! dammit lol

[@ThatGuy-Jai]

Can we have a bullet proof version

[@unusveritas4122]

Can anyone answer me how safe a rapier is compared to long swords and sportfencing on a competetive level? I'm especially interested in hits on face/head.

[@matthewpham9525]

Significantly safer than longsword, a decent bit less safe than sport fencing for the most part depending on the rapier. Sport fencing kit plus a gorget and sport fencing chest protector should get you through 95% of rapier though.