New Plastic Wasters...!

[John_Clements]

At first, I really didn’t think I would personally like these new nylon wasters, being something of a purist for the more historical organic wood.

But, playing with them with senior students really won me over.

They are fast, safe, slick, and strong. Their impacts do not feel nearly as solid as wood either.
They have a “flex” to them that is not unlike using steel blades, and therefore they actually adjust to historical techniques better than wood. Most interestingly is that they feel slicker and perform more fluidly on each other, again closer to steel ones, and don’t “drag” as much as wood.

They also feel better in free-play because you have every confident they will not break or splinter or crack. They require less maintenance too ---just some sanding and flexing back by hand if they bend too much. The material is indestructible, so it’s the last waster you should ever need.

I’m not replacing my wooden ones, but I’m impressed and I feel confident in these. I would definitely recommend them now.

They are or will soon be available in a variety of models, including tapered bastard swords & short messers, through Eric Winkler of the Appellation ARMA Study Group in Wisconsin. More info to follow.

JC

[Eric Allen]

:drool: Once these are available, my wife is going to kill me.

[Sydney Heald Yarbrough]

I guess I will be spending money I don't have. Definitely want a longsword and a messer.

Sydney Yarbrough
ARMA Houston

[Scott Hanson]

Good to hear. I am also in Wisconsin, and have had a couple of chances to go over and meet with the guys in Appleton. I've liked their wasters each time I saw them.

Also, as another point of interest, they brought them to Lanzefest in New Glarus this year, and Peter Johnsson seemed to be pretty impressed with them as well. Obviously he's a swordsmith and not a martial artist, but it was nice to see someone with his credentials as a craftsman taking a serious look at them. Of course, I'm a newb, so I probably impress quite easily.

[Keith Culbertson]

We were happy to see them here in Columbus when we had an event in September....but I wonder if we could have an update on the ordering and prices of all these items, as there were hints of changes in the wind....

thank you

[Jake_Norwood]

These are indeed really excellent. People using them for the first time should know beforehand, however, that they are not wooden wasters and do not act like them. They handle more more like steel and they require a better understanding of Fuellen (feeling) than wasters. Things you can do with a waster won't work as well with these, and vice-versa. The good news is that the things you can't do with these are often the same things you can't do with steel--so when using one for the first time remember to approach it's handling a little differently at first, lest you make the mistake of thinking it's just like wood, only better.

I love mine--I wish everyone I train with had one.

Jake

[Brian Hunt]

Those look nice and if they are made fromt the plastic I think they are made from, that stuff is tuff and nigh on indestructible. I will have to get some in the future when they are availible. My only problem is I always have to buy this stuff in pairs so I can have more than one in case I get a local training partner.

Nice work.

Brian Hunt
GFS

[Jeff Hansen]

My only problem is I always have to buy this stuff in pairs so I can have more than one in case I get a local training partner.

Brian Hunt
GFS

Actually Brian, that's one of the nice things about them. Unlike steel blunts for example, you don't have to buy two at a time. they work fine against a regular waster, and retain their advantages. I got to handle one the last time I was at IDS and they're pretty nice.

[Aaron Pynenberg]

Hello everyone ! Eric Winkler here, I am without a computer at this time so I am using Aaron's computer for this post. I have this update on the plastic wasters. I am working as fast as I can to make them available to everyone. Some changes have been made to the original design. The longsword will be offered for purchase ASAP. There will be some options including a pear shaped pommel and handle wrap. Hopefully, something for everyones style and budget. The response I get from the longsword, will determine whether or not other swords and daggers will be made availible. Watch for pictures and an order form soon !!! Thanks to everyone that has had a chance to handle them for the kind words, and to all who have expressed interest!
Sincerely, Eric Winkler

[Mark Driggs]

I am curious as to how the weight and balance compare to a comparable steel sword. I have heard that the flex and impact are similar, but if the weight is far too light or is off balance, that could introduce more ahistorical variables than I'd like.
Other than that, the promise of less or no maintenance is rather enticing. I would imagine the guard may need replacing after a few years, but that looks like it can be managed easy enough. I have seen many an 'asploded' wooden waster here in Provo, so an initial investment on this new sword could be rather beneficial to the poor college students on a budget.

[Jake_Norwood]

Mark,

The weight is really no different from a good waster, and the balance is a hair better. They even pass George Turner's wobble-tests for "sweet spot."

First time I saw one I thought, "What a neat white wood," at least until I picked it up.

Jake

[david welch]

Any chance they will be ready to give as Christmas presents? (hint hint)

[JeffGentry]

Any chance they will be ready to give as Christmas presents? (hint hint)

David you going to buy all us ARMA member's the new waster's for christmas?

Thank's man your such a nice guy.


Jeff

[Richard Martell]

I am new to ARMA and haven't purchased a waster yet. I was planning on getting a wooden one by the end of the month. If these plastic ones are available I would rather get one of these than a wooden one. So, consider me standing in line. My birthday is next month and this would be a great gift for my wife to get for me!!

Richard Martell

[Martin Wallgren]

Is there any chance for a overseas trade with the plastic waisters? Would love to buy two couples!