Wooden or synthetic waster?

[Josh Pullen]

Hey guys, im about to buy my first longsword waster and having troble deciding between the wooden or synthetic. Id love to hear what you guys have to say about this.

[Matthew Adams]

What ever your group uses. If you aren't in a group yet and want to solo drill, it's a matter of personal preference. I like the historical touch that a wooden waster brings to my paractice, and it's good for pell work, and drilling with a partner.

That said, I find plastic better for sparring, and free play. The flexibility allows for a realistic thrust, and is a bit safer when making contact with a sparring partner. Also plastic tends to bounce less than wood, although it still doesn't behave quite like steel would.

I have both kinds and a steel blunt, and use them all depending on the situation and who I'm training with.

[Stacy Clifford]

Search for "plastic waster" on this forum and you'll find plenty of opinions to help you make up your mind.

[Roger Norling]

Using what your training partners use seems like a good choice. Personally I prefer steel, but synthetics have their advantages as well.

Some time ago I wrote this article where I share some thoughts on the topic:
http://www.hroarr.com/sparring-swords-introduction/

[Josh Pullen]

Great article! thank you guys.