Don't buy anything yet. NHFA provides loaner equipment for new students. Spend your first several classes training with club gear before investing in your own. You'll have a much better sense of what you actually need — and what fits you — after you've been training a few months.
When You're Ready to Buy
The order below reflects a smart purchasing sequence — starting with the gear that affects your safety most and gives you the most benefit per dollar spent. Talk to the instructor before making any major purchases. The used gear market in HEMA is excellent and can save you significant money on your first kit.
Protective Gear
Safety equipment is non-negotiable. You cannot spar without it. Buy quality here — this is not the place to cut corners.
Fencing Mask
- Minimum 350N rating for drilling
- 1600N back-of-head protection for sparring
- Recommended: HEMA-specific masks (Leon Paul, Absolute Force, PBT)
- Standard fencing masks are not sufficient for HEMA sparring
Gloves
- Heavy leather or HEMA sparring gloves for longsword
- Lighter gloves acceptable for rapier drilling
- Recommended: Red Dragon, Sparring Gloves, or Neyman
- Hands are the most commonly injured body part — protect them
Gorget (Throat Guard)
- Required for all sparring
- Plastic or steel — both are acceptable
- Must cover the larynx and upper chest
- Inexpensive and essential — buy this early
Jacket & Padding
- 350N or 800N fencing jacket for sparring
- Forearm and elbow protection recommended
- Knee and shin protection for longsword sparring
- Athletic cup recommended for all genders
Training Weapons
Talk to the instructor before buying a training sword. The wrong flex, weight, or length will build bad habits. We can help you find something appropriate for your body type and the system you're learning.
Rapier (Synthetic)
- Synthetic nylon or polypropylene blades for beginners
- Recommended: Rawlings, Purpleheart Armory
- Significantly cheaper than steel — good for first year of training
- Must have appropriate tip protection
Rapier (Steel)
- Flexible, blunt practice rapier — not a sharp
- Recommended makers: Darkwood Armory, Castille Armory
- Budget $300–600+ for a quality practice rapier
- Consult instructor before purchase
Longsword (Synthetic)
- Synthetic longsword for beginners and drilling
- Recommended: Rawlings, Purpleheart Armory HEMA longsword
- Good for high-intensity drilling and early sparring
- Significantly cheaper than steel
Longsword (Steel)
- Flexible, blunt practice longsword — not a sharp or battle-ready sword
- Recommended makers: Regenyei, Albion, Pavel Moc
- Budget $400–700+ for a quality practice longsword
- Consult instructor before purchase
What Not to Buy
- Sharps, wallhangers, or decorative swords — these are not training weapons and cannot be used in class
- Cheap "battle-ready" swords from online retailers — usually poor quality and potentially dangerous
- Equipment before you know what system you're focusing on — wait until you've trained a few months
- Gear that doesn't fit properly — ill-fitting protection is almost as dangerous as no protection