HACA contact weapons utilize two types of unique high-impact, closed-cell foam that are shaped and then attached with spray on adhesive. The rest of their material comes from common hardware stores.

The two distinct types of foam are white "Landau padding" or L2000 (which comes in convenient 1", 1 1/4" and sometimes 3/16" thickness) or high-impact (HI) "flotation" foam like that used in martial arts sparring pads (available in convenient 1" thickness). Although uncommon, they are both usually available from foam warehouses or specialty fabric and upholstery shops. Flotation foam can also be obtained in certain kinds of pool rafts. Additionally, ordinary soft foam rubber is used only for the points of thrusting tips and pipe-insulation foam used only on shield edges and shafts of pole-weapons.

Measurements of width and thickness of the edge and flat pieces are construed for maximum safety at minimum size. They must be followed exactly for proper performance. Any thinner and they are too unrealistic.

Important: Use only actual high-impact, closed cell foam (floatation-foam and Landau padding/L2000) and not any other (e.g. pipe insulation, sleeping pads, foam rubber, etc.).

For padding on the flat sides of blades, if you cannot find the high-impact/floatation foam in the ¼" thickness, there is a suitable alternative. Get some black rubber pipe-foam such as Armstrong brand Armaflex black rubber tubing. Please note this is RUBBERIZED foam and NOT the other kind of camping-pad type of pipe-insulation foam. It comes in convenient ¼" thickness, is inexpensive, and once split and folded out is perfect for use on sword flats - DO NOT USE IT FOR SWORD EDGES. It is too rubbery and bouncy for that.

For Medieval blades capable of safe contact fighting as well as full-contact, use the exact prescribed PVC size and core material to achieve correct weight balance, and blade-play. Even minor changes will affect the simulation and feel of the weapon.