Sparring masks.

[Christopher Reed]

the ringette cage looks like a good not so expensive solution. I will probably just end up saving up for one of "That Guys" or one of the ones that Brian makes.

[Jason Taylor]

the ringette cage looks like a good not so expensive solution. I will probably just end up saving up for one of "That Guys" or one of the ones that Brian makes.

I have yet to see a ringette cage up close, so I'm leery to buy one. Maybe I'll just take in my waster and ask someone if they'll keep it out of my face.

I hate to spend $50 on another inadequate solution, you know?

Jason

[Christopher Reed]

I know exactly what you mean, let me know if it works because that would be a good choice. Jason did you also get a look at those WTC gorgets? they look like they would be perfect for neck protection.

-Chris

[Jason Taylor]

I know exactly what you mean, let me know if it works because that would be a good choice. Jason did you also get a look at those WTC gorgets? they look like they would be perfect for neck protection.

-Chris

I did. I like the look for protection, but I'm a little concerned that they might reduce my mobility too much. I do like the lobster tail design for the spine, though; it rarely happens, but a little protection there won't hurt anything.

Jason

[Christopher Reed]

The short one looks about the same size as the neck guards i wore when i played hockey and those did not hinder movement at all. I just emailed the guy who makes them and i will let you know what he says.

[Christopher Reed]

Well that would depend on whether you were looking at the cheaper stainless gorgets or the leather brigandine ones. I would also need to know which size you were looking for as the heights vary considerably. A rough circumference measurement of your neck would work just fine as well as I could then recommend a size. If you toss me that info I can send back an exact height measurement.

The stainless gorget is meant to be more low-profile and to sit under helmets, it shouldn't really be taking direct hits. Its more of a last-ditch defense for a blade that has gotten under the helm. They are however VERY sturdy. The amount of force required to dent 18 gauge stainless will be far more than you would want directed at your throat anyway. Since they are just dog-collar gorgets they only distribute the force of impact rather than deflect it.

For WMA use I would really recommend the brigandine gorgets as they provide collarbone protection and the mantle means the vertical portion that protects the throat is anchored on the shoulders and will thus be able to absorb more of a blow without transferring the force into the throat.

Metal blunts will direct their force into a narrower line than wasters so the leather will likely get marked up but should be only cosmetic. I use pretty high quality 6oz leather for these. I have hit one of these gorgets with a sharp hand-axe and it didn't fully penetrate the leather. If you guys are using full force blows towards the neck and collarbones (hopefully not) the gorget will take some dents and may bend, but its a simple matter of bending it back to shape. I havn't personally used metal blunts with these, but I believe they will stand up just fine. If you buy one and have problems, get in touch with me and I will set things right.

If durability is a concern I can easily make a brigandine using 18 gauge stainless or 16 guage mild which will be considerably stronger than the 18 gauge mild that they normally have but IMO it would be overkill.

-Erik
WTC

Here is WTC's response to me about the gorget.

[Jason Taylor]

Well that would depend on whether you were looking at the cheaper stainless gorgets or the leather brigandine ones. I would also need to know which size you were looking for as the heights vary considerably. A rough circumference measurement of your neck would work just fine as well as I could then recommend a size. If you toss me that info I can send back an exact height measurement.

The stainless gorget is meant to be more low-profile and to sit under helmets, it shouldn't really be taking direct hits. Its more of a last-ditch defense for a blade that has gotten under the helm. They are however VERY sturdy. The amount of force required to dent 18 gauge stainless will be far more than you would want directed at your throat anyway. Since they are just dog-collar gorgets they only distribute the force of impact rather than deflect it.

For WMA use I would really recommend the brigandine gorgets as they provide collarbone protection and the mantle means the vertical portion that protects the throat is anchored on the shoulders and will thus be able to absorb more of a blow without transferring the force into the throat.

Metal blunts will direct their force into a narrower line than wasters so the leather will likely get marked up but should be only cosmetic. I use pretty high quality 6oz leather for these. I have hit one of these gorgets with a sharp hand-axe and it didn't fully penetrate the leather. If you guys are using full force blows towards the neck and collarbones (hopefully not) the gorget will take some dents and may bend, but its a simple matter of bending it back to shape. I havn't personally used metal blunts with these, but I believe they will stand up just fine. If you buy one and have problems, get in touch with me and I will set things right.

If durability is a concern I can easily make a brigandine using 18 gauge stainless or 16 guage mild which will be considerably stronger than the 18 gauge mild that they normally have but IMO it would be overkill.

-Erik
WTC

Here is WTC's response to me about the gorget.

Interesting. I'm not sure if the brigandine covers enough of my collarbones for me, but maybe he'd make a modified version? I really like the idea of redirecting the force, because a hard enough hit to the throat on the dog collar design would still probably be monumentally unpleasant.

Perhaps somethng attached to the collarbone protection that prevents the force from even reaching the throat. Hmm.

[Christopher Reed]

I have taken a stick to the throat once when i played hockey, and thankfully my neck guard kept me from most of the fun that, it would have been. The gorget also looks like it might have been made to work in conjunction with the brigidine tunic which looks pretty sweet i must say, as for collar bone protection it looks like it would do me just fine, and your shoulders are about as broad as mine and unless you are getting a thrust to the schulter a regular cut should just deflect off, if you really wanted to a lacross shoulder pad would cover the rest of you just fine but that would be another purchase you would need to make. He has a bit about custom work on his site. I can email him about making it cover the collar bone a little more if you like.

-Chris

[Brian Hunt]

Thanks to everyone who had such nice things to say about the helmets I make. I have worked very hard to increase the number of helmets I can produce a year and the number has increased to about 20 a year at this point and I intend to continue to increase that number as I create newer and better ways to produce the helmets. The biggest hold up is currently the amount of hand labor involved. If anyone want to be put on the waiting list, they are welcome to do so with no money down for helms.

all the best.

Brian Hunt.

P.S. I may try to develop a couple of do it yourself pieces for attachment to a standard fencing helm that will include back plates and a frontal gorget after reading this thread.

[Sal Bertucci]

I think that would be pretty cool! Good idea.

[Christopher Reed]

I would probably buy one if you made that stuff for fencing helms. Hey Brian how is the ventilation on your masks? is it essentially only the front that would allow for airflow or do you have slits in the helmet?

[CalebChow]

Thanks to everyone who had such nice things to say about the helmets I make. I have worked very hard to increase the number of helmets I can produce a year and the number has increased to about 20 a year at this point and I intend to continue to increase that number as I create newer and better ways to produce the helmets. The biggest hold up is currently the amount of hand labor involved. If anyone want to be put on the waiting list, they are welcome to do so with no money down for helms.

all the best.

Brian Hunt.

P.S. I may try to develop a couple of do it yourself pieces for attachment to a standard fencing helm that will include back plates and a frontal gorget after reading this thread.

Dibs on a backplate for my fencing mask!

[Aaron Pynenberg]

The ventilation on Brian's helms is excellent. There is no problems with breathing or heat build up at all. The mask fits your whole face so that your breath along with the heat and moisture of your breath is not reflected back at you.

We just had practice last PM, and one of our members has an older Brian Hunt mask and I have the newer (revised) version. We exchanged many blows several of which were head shots and none of which caused us any discomfort or pain whatsoever. They make a loud "pop" but you feel nothing. I can't say the same for our remianing members who use the three weapon masks, they still feel the shots to the head, and are always having to screw around with the masks during free-play, which is more than annoying for all involved.

I really cannot recommend them enough, they fit great and all the old frontal heaviness of his old model has been solved. Just a great investment -I prize mine now-! AP

[Brian Hunt]

Hi Aaron,

thanks for the really fine endorsement on my helmets. I am very glad yours is serving you so well. May it give you many years of service.

all the best.

Brian Hunt

http://web.emerytelcom.net/users/blhunt/sales.htm

[Jaron Bernstein]

Hi Aaron,

thanks for the really fine endorsement on my helmets. I am very glad yours is serving you so well. May it give you many years of service.

all the best.

Brian Hunt

http://web.emerytelcom.net/users/blhunt/sales.htm

I will second that recommdation. My (older model) Brian Hunt helmet has taken much abuse every Sunday for years and is still completely intact. Our 3 weapon fencing masks don't absorb trauma as well or last near as long.