Hey everyone! It's worth noting that since we filmed this video that they've added padding to the side of the knees, however now there's an issue with a gap between the one pad and the shin pad. So modifications will still be required. Superior fencing are aware of the issues and are working hard on incorporating our feedback! We will update this comment or post an update video on their next version :)
Hello Blood and Iron, I have a questing about Superior fencing. They want payments to Pakistan. How was your purchasing experience with Superior fencing?
I was just at my first tournament where an entire team was outfitted with this kit in black and yellow. They looked *really* sharp and I was a little jealous haha
I greatly appreciate Lee's honest reviews. HEMA gear is expensive. If I'm going to spend this much, I want an honest opinion on what works. I will probably buy this economy kit. Might end up getting my own elbows.
I would even pay some extra $50 for a little more space in the bag and change the velcro attachments for some hooks or something more durable for the elbow cups for example. Great kit.
The legs a repurposed riot gear with the bakc piece added. If you feel inclined, look as the Sup-Fen heavy thigh guards and then look up the Hatch Exotech riot suit, quite literally the *exact* same.
Hi! Thanks for the review! Many people from this place in the world are insterested in buying products from Superior Fencing; but I would like to add that there should be a women's version of this set, with a women's jacket and breast protection instead of the cup. Maybe a female version of the pants would be cool too. Anyway, great review!
I love the sub categories in your guy's reviews, mainly the break in one, that's something few reviewers of really anything take time to consider. Keep up the good work
At my club we tend to separate our swords and other gear so the sweat coming off them doesn't cause rust on our steel. Most of us have a snowboard bag for all our weapons and a big hockey bag fot masks, jackets and whatnot from what i've noticed
I'm in the process of purchasing this kit. Currently I'm having a problem with payment processing that has me a little nervous, but otherwise I am very happy with the experience so far. I requested to substitute the SF padded skirt (I prefer to call it a Killin' Kilt) for the normal pants, since the guys at my school prefer the skirt, and I figure there must be a reason. The Superior Fencing rep not only said sure, but also offered to throw in a pair of their mid-priced HEMA gloves to make up the price difference between skirt and pants. It's worth noting that shipping is pretty expensive from Pakistan, where the company is based, and North America, but even with shipping and bank wire fees, I'm still paying half of what I would to buy the kit piecemeal from anywhere else. Can't wait to get my hands on the kit and try it out for myself. EDIT: I doubt I'll get much use out of the gloves, since they're apparently pretty light, but I'm sure one of the Rapierists at my school could get some use out of them.
So I've finally dealt with the payment problem, I advise people go with the money order rather than trying to do a wire transfer through your bank. My kit is on the way, and I can't wait to get my hands on it. I will say that the Superior Fencing rep has been polite, friendly, and professional. Customer service gets 5 stars from me. For my Canadian compadres, after all expenses, shipping, and exchange (270 is in USD rather than Canadian), this kit cost me just a little under $500. Still a bargain compared to buying it piecemeal.
@@Memory11212 Not sure if you'll have the same problem as I did, but my bank transfer took a full month to clear all the way from my bank, to an international holding bank, and then to SF's account. Nothing on SF, just international banking shenanigans. Yes I have received my kit several months ago. I'm quite happy with it overall. It's a very good kit for the price, but it's still an economy kit. The jacket and skirt are great and I have no complaints about them. The jacket especially fits me better than any I've tried (including mainly club loaner jackets and one other person's jacket I tried on). The vented flaps are also nice when it gets hot. The arms are better than any other I've tried. They're the only ones I've seen that actually cover the inside of the forearm. The strap lengths were a little uneven, but a seamstress I know added a little bit of extra velcro fuzz to tighten their reach a bit and they fit perfectly now. It's also nice that you can adjust the length by attaching the elbows further up or down the forearm. The gorget is acceptable. I cut off the bib as suggested in the video and I've never had any issues. It isn't as solid seeming as some of the other gorgets I've seen, but It's also fairly unobtrusive and the few times I've taken a hit in that area I didn't feel threatened. The legs+knees aren't that great. The version I got came with knees and shins as separate pieces and when I take a deep stance or elevator down a little gap opens up between the bottom of the knees and top of legs. Club teachers say they're fine for now, but when I start sparring steel I'll need something better (baseball catcher's legs are best apparently). Same strap issue as the arms, same solution. Haven't had much time using the overlay, since I only just recently (Christmas) got my own mask. It seems a lot chunkier than the other ones I've tried, but those are ones designed for the specific mask rather than a universal overlay, and the SF one has plastic plates in it that seem like they add protection to the throat and back of head. Not really tested much yet, but it does seem a little restrictive. The cup is a joke as the video noted. I threw it out unused. The socks are socks, don't really use them for anything fancy. The gloves, listed as "HEMA Kevlar Gloves" on website, they offered in the pants/skirt trade are only really good for rapier. They wound up in (err on?) the hands of another club member who does rapier. He quite likes them. I've actually started rapier myself, but the medium sized gloves were too big for me anyway, so no point in asking for them back. While not protective gear, the bag is great. No signs of wear yet, and with a little careful packing I can get the full kit (minus Jacket) + mask + SPES lobster gloves + Boxing shoes in the main compartment. Note: This is the opinion and perspective of someone who doesn't have a ton of experience with a wide variety of HEMA gear. That said, buying the pieces individually anywhere else, even budget options, and you'd easily wind up paying double what this kit costs.
To anyone considering buying this I would like to share my experience with the company. I ordered together with a friend. Describing what we want for both our sets went fine, though the responses were very slow, up to 2 weeks every time. Finally when asking for what payment method we were going to use I responded immediately, only to find that after the regular to weeks I still hadn't gotten a reply. I decided to send a reminder until another two weeks passed. When it had been three months since I have heard from them despite *many* different attempts at reaching them (Calling, my email, my friend's email etc.) I decided to give up. I don't know if they had some kind of sudden unspoken quarrel with me but I definitely know they were active since many people I know had an order open with them at the time that this was happening. Personally I find this to be an irreconcilable act in terms of wanting to buy something from them ever again. I was quite excited to have my personal gambesson. I hope this helped you in making your decision.
I tested them in my club in Belgium and made the comparison with spes. You have to pay per Western Union or pay big bank transfer taxes. Same for shipping which is quite expensive. So count 310€ if you're ordering one kit.
So I guess no vendor that imports them into Europe yet. Still a good price for starting students however! Thanks! Also: how does this work with the logo embroided in the back?
I just told them via E-mail which club I was with, and they mailed me back with an image of the club emblem and said "this one?" and I said "yea, put that across the back." If they can't find it or don't already have one, you might have to send them an image for them to silkscreen onto a patch I'm guessing, but that's just a guess.
Just when did we go from referring to our genitalia as the family jewels to junk? Other than that, great video guys, thank you very much. Based on what I learned, I am most definitely going to purchase this kit. Thanks again
Tony's a giant. I think he's around 6'5''-6'6''. He's more lanky than bulky, but he's not a stick man either. Super nice guy. Does a lot of organization stuff for BnI and helps out us newbies with gear selection and ordering a lot. Anyways, just use the measurements listed in the SF website when you click on the type of jacket. Also when ordering, mention any thing they might have to tweak outside the norm. I asked for a little extra room in the shoulders. My jacket fits great.
Is this kit is good for steel longsword Tournamnet ? Im about to order one myself, with the custome size of SF 16th C. jacket Cuz it seem like it pretty long compare to the Neyman's One which it sorrta end where your waist which the SF one sortta end where your hips....
Depends what you try to use them for. I received a free pair of the "kevlar" gloves from Superior Fencing when I requested the skirt (less expensive) rather than the pants (more expensive). They are only really good for rapier fencing. They've added heavier gloves since then, but nobody I know has tried them out.
Imo i feel like pain factor is what makes weapons sparring realistic, so i feel like heavy sparring gear would just.....not really allow you to learn much :/
이치고 if striking with proper cutting mechanics, you still feel pain. Wearing the heavy gear allows for two practitioners apply their techniques at a high intensity, and not completely break their training partners
that is also very true. I got hit on the knuckles with a really good counter swing that just almost missed, and my hands hurt like hell (hence why I always buy sparring gloves) I will consider buying this stuff! keep up with the video love em!
On another note, it's best to train with the equipment you might use in a tournament, or other fencing match. Nothing more embarrassing than losing because you aren't used to fighting in your kit.
@@swatchaplain that depends on where you live. For me (the Netherlands) its just 30,- so it's still super cheap :p. Especially when you buy it with a few people, the shipping cost drops
Hey everyone!
It's worth noting that since we filmed this video that they've added padding to the side of the knees, however now there's an issue with a gap between the one pad and the shin pad. So modifications will still be required.
Superior fencing are aware of the issues and are working hard on incorporating our feedback! We will update this comment or post an update video on their next version :)
Hello Blood and Iron, I have a questing about Superior fencing. They want payments to Pakistan. How was your purchasing experience with Superior fencing?
Have the elbows gotten better?
I was just at my first tournament where an entire team was outfitted with this kit in black and yellow. They looked *really* sharp and I was a little jealous haha
Small world haha
I greatly appreciate Lee's honest reviews. HEMA gear is expensive. If I'm going to spend this much, I want an honest opinion on what works. I will probably buy this economy kit. Might end up getting my own elbows.
I would even pay some extra $50 for a little more space in the bag and change the velcro attachments for some hooks or something more durable for the elbow cups for example. Great kit.
The legs a repurposed riot gear with the bakc piece added.
If you feel inclined, look as the Sup-Fen heavy thigh guards and then look up the Hatch Exotech riot suit, quite literally the *exact* same.
Hi! Thanks for the review! Many people from this place in the world are insterested in buying products from Superior Fencing; but I would like to add that there should be a women's version of this set, with a women's jacket and breast protection instead of the cup. Maybe a female version of the pants would be cool too.
Anyway, great review!
I love the sub categories in your guy's reviews, mainly the break in one, that's something few reviewers of really anything take time to consider.
Keep up the good work
At my club we tend to separate our swords and other gear so the sweat coming off them doesn't cause rust on our steel. Most of us have a snowboard bag for all our weapons and a big hockey bag fot masks, jackets and whatnot from what i've noticed
I dont need a Mask. My Face is my Shield!
I'm in the process of purchasing this kit. Currently I'm having a problem with payment processing that has me a little nervous, but otherwise I am very happy with the experience so far. I requested to substitute the SF padded skirt (I prefer to call it a Killin' Kilt) for the normal pants, since the guys at my school prefer the skirt, and I figure there must be a reason. The Superior Fencing rep not only said sure, but also offered to throw in a pair of their mid-priced HEMA gloves to make up the price difference between skirt and pants.
It's worth noting that shipping is pretty expensive from Pakistan, where the company is based, and North America, but even with shipping and bank wire fees, I'm still paying half of what I would to buy the kit piecemeal from anywhere else.
Can't wait to get my hands on the kit and try it out for myself.
EDIT: I doubt I'll get much use out of the gloves, since they're apparently pretty light, but I'm sure one of the Rapierists at my school could get some use out of them.
So I've finally dealt with the payment problem, I advise people go with the money order rather than trying to do a wire transfer through your bank.
My kit is on the way, and I can't wait to get my hands on it.
I will say that the Superior Fencing rep has been polite, friendly, and professional. Customer service gets 5 stars from me.
For my Canadian compadres, after all expenses, shipping, and exchange (270 is in USD rather than Canadian), this kit cost me just a little under $500. Still a bargain compared to buying it piecemeal.
holy shit thank you so much for telling your story... i was just about to order the kit
@@scottmacgregor3444 Yo, did you get your kit? I just ordered mine after getting my bank the thumbs up to let the money transfer. I'm really excited!
@@Memory11212 Not sure if you'll have the same problem as I did, but my bank transfer took a full month to clear all the way from my bank, to an international holding bank, and then to SF's account. Nothing on SF, just international banking shenanigans.
Yes I have received my kit several months ago. I'm quite happy with it overall. It's a very good kit for the price, but it's still an economy kit.
The jacket and skirt are great and I have no complaints about them. The jacket especially fits me better than any I've tried (including mainly club loaner jackets and one other person's jacket I tried on). The vented flaps are also nice when it gets hot.
The arms are better than any other I've tried. They're the only ones I've seen that actually cover the inside of the forearm. The strap lengths were a little uneven, but a seamstress I know added a little bit of extra velcro fuzz to tighten their reach a bit and they fit perfectly now. It's also nice that you can adjust the length by attaching the elbows further up or down the forearm.
The gorget is acceptable. I cut off the bib as suggested in the video and I've never had any issues. It isn't as solid seeming as some of the other gorgets I've seen, but It's also fairly unobtrusive and the few times I've taken a hit in that area I didn't feel threatened.
The legs+knees aren't that great. The version I got came with knees and shins as separate pieces and when I take a deep stance or elevator down a little gap opens up between the bottom of the knees and top of legs. Club teachers say they're fine for now, but when I start sparring steel I'll need something better (baseball catcher's legs are best apparently). Same strap issue as the arms, same solution.
Haven't had much time using the overlay, since I only just recently (Christmas) got my own mask. It seems a lot chunkier than the other ones I've tried, but those are ones designed for the specific mask rather than a universal overlay, and the SF one has plastic plates in it that seem like they add protection to the throat and back of head. Not really tested much yet, but it does seem a little restrictive.
The cup is a joke as the video noted. I threw it out unused. The socks are socks, don't really use them for anything fancy.
The gloves, listed as "HEMA Kevlar Gloves" on website, they offered in the pants/skirt trade are only really good for rapier. They wound up in (err on?) the hands of another club member who does rapier. He quite likes them. I've actually started rapier myself, but the medium sized gloves were too big for me anyway, so no point in asking for them back.
While not protective gear, the bag is great. No signs of wear yet, and with a little careful packing I can get the full kit (minus Jacket) + mask + SPES lobster gloves + Boxing shoes in the main compartment.
Note: This is the opinion and perspective of someone who doesn't have a ton of experience with a wide variety of HEMA gear. That said, buying the pieces individually anywhere else, even budget options, and you'd easily wind up paying double what this kit costs.
@@scottmacgregor3444 how has your kit held up? I'm brand new to Hema and eyeing this one up since it's such a good deal.
To anyone considering buying this I would like to share my experience with the company. I ordered together with a friend. Describing what we want for both our sets went fine, though the responses were very slow, up to 2 weeks every time. Finally when asking for what payment method we were going to use I responded immediately, only to find that after the regular to weeks I still hadn't gotten a reply. I decided to send a reminder until another two weeks passed. When it had been three months since I have heard from them despite *many* different attempts at reaching them (Calling, my email, my friend's email etc.) I decided to give up. I don't know if they had some kind of sudden unspoken quarrel with me but I definitely know they were active since many people I know had an order open with them at the time that this was happening. Personally I find this to be an irreconcilable act in terms of wanting to buy something from them ever again. I was quite excited to have my personal gambesson. I hope this helped you in making your decision.
Neat -- Nice meeting you in Phoenix; will put this in front of my students in case they get their hands on some bucks.
Please tell me these will be available in Europe!
Apocalyptic Knights available everywhere as far as we know!
I tested them in my club in Belgium and made the comparison with spes. You have to pay per Western Union or pay big bank transfer taxes.
Same for shipping which is quite expensive.
So count 310€ if you're ordering one kit.
So I guess no vendor that imports them into Europe yet. Still a good price for starting students however! Thanks! Also: how does this work with the logo embroided in the back?
No clue, sorry :D
I just told them via E-mail which club I was with, and they mailed me back with an image of the club emblem and said "this one?" and I said "yea, put that across the back." If they can't find it or don't already have one, you might have to send them an image for them to silkscreen onto a patch I'm guessing, but that's just a guess.
Maybe they sent you the ladies' cup?
Can’t agree more on the elbow cup. I even think about the same solution with you folks, which is attach a SPES cup to the forearm.
Just when did we go from referring to our genitalia as the family jewels to junk? Other than that, great video guys, thank you very much. Based on what I learned, I am most definitely going to purchase this kit. Thanks again
Shipping is $120 to the US. This seems extremely high. Perhaps it makes up for the $110 discount.
I want one of dem mugs!
So I've been looking at this gear for getting into HEMA locally, has anyone in your club used this gear in sparring?
Sock puppets and a moral booster two thumbs up
Hey! That's the axe-slayer !
I like Eric Axe-breaker. It has a nice ring to it.
I might actually get this.
Did your order arrive on time ? My order is VERY LATE and he's NOT RESPONDING !!!!!!!
I have searched everywhere for this "Tony Wong" I have no comparison for size here. :P Is he a small guy? Bigger guy?
Tony's a giant. I think he's around 6'5''-6'6''. He's more lanky than bulky, but he's not a stick man either. Super nice guy. Does a lot of organization stuff for BnI and helps out us newbies with gear selection and ordering a lot.
Anyways, just use the measurements listed in the SF website when you click on the type of jacket. Also when ordering, mention any thing they might have to tweak outside the norm. I asked for a little extra room in the shoulders. My jacket fits great.
love the reviews
Can you use it for escrima stick fighting
Is this kit is good for steel longsword Tournamnet ?
Im about to order one myself, with the custome size of SF 16th C. jacket
Cuz it seem like it pretty long compare to the Neyman's One which it sorrta end where your waist which the SF one sortta end where your hips....
Versus Cryster as far as we know this kit should be tournament legal everywhere. Just remember you'll need to also pick up a mask and gloves.
Blood and Iron HEMA thank you very much for the reply !!
You guy are the best !!
Any idea how much shipping would be to the US?
I bought a kit from them (different jacket) and if I recall the shipping was about $80.00.
Is that Gorget a metal plate type or some other material?
Azadum plastic plates with foam padding for the throat protector itself. It's quite sturdy.
Not sure about shipping to the US unfortunately.
The link doesn't seem to work anymore
Thanks for the heads up, we updated it
I live in Montreal Canada. How much did you guys pay for the shipping to Canada?
I took a look at their gloves and can't help but wonder, is that really enough padding? Smells like broken fingers to me
Depends what you try to use them for.
I received a free pair of the "kevlar" gloves from Superior Fencing when I requested the skirt (less expensive) rather than the pants (more expensive). They are only really good for rapier fencing. They've added heavier gloves since then, but nobody I know has tried them out.
You need armor when you have body hair, body hair is armor.
I'm not sure how the jacket could be considered "heavy"...
It's heavily padded. Suitable for longsword sparring!
Wait, superior fencing is Pakistani? :D
yes，Pakistani
If only shipping wasn’t over $100 :/
Have you asked your local club for a group order? Would bring the shipping price down a bit.
Imo i feel like pain factor is what makes weapons sparring realistic, so i feel like heavy sparring gear would just.....not really allow you to learn much :/
이치고 if striking with proper cutting mechanics, you still feel pain. Wearing the heavy gear allows for two practitioners apply their techniques at a high intensity, and not completely break their training partners
that is also very true. I got hit on the knuckles with a really good counter swing that just almost missed, and my hands hurt like hell (hence why I always buy sparring gloves) I will consider buying this stuff! keep up with the video love em!
On another note, it's best to train with the equipment you might use in a tournament, or other fencing match. Nothing more embarrassing than losing because you aren't used to fighting in your kit.
dam that is cheap
Just an FYI, there is an extra $120.00 for shipping, so maybe not so cheap after all
@@swatchaplain that depends on where you live. For me (the Netherlands) its just 30,- so it's still super cheap :p. Especially when you buy it with a few people, the shipping cost drops