You managed to squeeze 5 reviews that could have been 20mins each into a single well structured 6min video without missing a beat. This may in fact be the best review style I've ever seen. Excellent work, now excuse me while I go binge your other reviews.
@@superiorhema It'd be great if you could do more videos like this on other types of items, the glove and synthetic longsword comparison videos are great too. Thing is all reviews really only make sense in context, no HEMA products are ever perfect for everything, so concisely highlighting the differences is a huge help. It's also great that you so much sparring, there are very few reviews showcasing this level of long term wear!
@@albertpolak786 Thanks, ya I'll make sure to always keep the comparing element. That was one thing I also wanted to focus on, even in my early vids on masks and neck guards.
I got padded arms made for me from steel mastery, and then I made an armored shirt/vest thing out of washers (the kind you use with bolts to hold metal together) and 550 cord. I call it my clean shirt. It’s heavy. 35 lbs. but it protects really well.
After over a year of heavy fencing and practice (3+ practices a week) in the AP Light I can say that some of the concerns expressed in this video concerning this jacket are well founded but a bit over exaggerated. You will need forearm and elbow protection for sure but I've never taken hits hard enough to the bicep, shoulder, collarbone or torso to do anything beyond bruise me. You WILL feel hits in it, that I won't deny but nothing serious enough to stop your training. Your pain tolerance may differ but I feel perfectly protected in this, have fought many opponents across varying skill levels and intensities and competed in several different tournaments and sparring camps with no problem. It's held up wonderfully and if you're fencing in any kind of heat like I am (outside, in Texas, in JULY) then there really is no competitor. I should repeat, you WILL feel hits more so than other more padded jackets. I bought the Pro version with included plates and quickly ditched them as they would constantly fall off and have found that SPES Light forearms work wonderfully. That said, If you're someone that can take the slight sting of a hit as a lesson I whole heartedly recommend this jacket. It's as much a teacher as it is a protector lol
Nice video about Jacket, i agree with you on the Scholar from Hema suply. About the superior fencing one, the model is a sort of copy of the Black Armoury Arcem jacket, but, the Arcem is far superior in term of mobility (atm, is one of the most mobile jacket) the collar (who was the arcem particularity, in the first place) is a big double velcro padded part, smaller than the huge superior fencing one. The cut is also less "hazardous" on the standard size, and the jacket got improved recently to feature attach for pvc protection on arms and shoulder. I would advice you to try one if you get the oportunity, the Arcem is a game changer for a lot of longsword figther, me included.
Ok, I had only seen older reviews of the Arcem and it seemed more of an average "SPES" with an added neck. But still needing a neck guard under. Thats good they're still updating it. It is definitely a more all round/versatile jacket that the Fang. Hopefully I'll get to try one some day.
The fang jacket looks promising,extra neck throat and shoulder padding, not going to win any historic accuracy awards but should keep me safer than a wool jumper and gardening gloves
the superior fencing jacket is really intruiging to me. However there is one problem with it. The most important thing in Hema is to look cool obviously... I don't think it looks bad, but it doesn't look as good as the other jackets, so I kinda doubt it will change anything in the community. Great video as always btw.
Haha, indeed, it doesn't hit that level of cool. Especially in all white. Feel like a marshmallow. You can see black ones being used in some Blood and Iron videos and they don't stand out as much. These were prototypes though: th-cam.com/video/3GUZzhKFKFI/w-d-xo.html But I hope other jacket manufacturers start using that idea more of buffing parts and taking out other places. Even if they don't use the big neck guard.
I ordered a Scholar Jacket a few years ago. Wore and washed it only a handful of times times. The elastic on the cuffs and the cinch strap on the back started fraying. The quality is definitely less than the SPES jackets, the velcro and basically the whole liner feels cheap, like it's going to tear easily. It's basically been sitting in my closet as a spare that I haven't needed.
Ah that sucks, but I've had all that go on my SPES AP Light. Every piece of Velcro is replaced. But the Scholar is still closer to new. Might be more down to individual jackets.
Did you buy a regular standard size Superior Fencing Fang jack, or was it a custom fit? I do have another superior fencing jack (the standard one) and it seems the sleeves are a little too tight around my lower arms (also the neck part is just a little to tight for my liking ) even though I am size L, I can not get the arms in and out very comfertably, it is rather difficult as the lower arm sleeves are also alittle tight. I would rather have it a little larger circumference. If it isn't too much trouble, could you measure the circumference of the lower arms?
I have a medium so I don't know how much it'll help. My forearms at the largest point are just over 12" circumference. If the jacket is brand new, then it may just have to be broken in. Takes about 3 months, of 2 times a week use, to break in full quilted jackets. And once the shoulders are broken in, then it stops the neck pushing on your chin as hard, or at all. But it may be that you needed a custom size.
How’s the heat on the scholar vs AP light? I tried a standard weight jacket a few weeks back and was melting. The jacket also gave me trouble with positions like Schlüssel due to the thick padding.
Oh I believe it, I know some people who can't do any crossed armed positions in those jackets. Both are significantly cooler than standard jackets. The AP Light is definitely cooler than Scholar. But had less protection. However SPES actually released a new AP Light 800N: www.woodenswords.com/SPES_AP_Light_Jacket_800N_p/spes-j.apltng.htm I haven't used one yet but will probably upgrade to that jacket in the future. It puts protection on some of the places I complained about here and is still a very light jacket.
@@jimbannister6217 I'd recommend that AP Light 800N over both. For any weapon system, (steel longsword etc). And the Scholar under that. With the 800N jacket out I wouldn't really recommend the Ap light 350N. No reason for all those gaps in protection with these two other options. You don't want to have to buy other jackets later if you don't need to.
Im in the Market for a new jacket, I have a garjadoni challenger, but I dont like how it opens from the back, not the front. the scholar jacket being lighter but with pads, and the fang jacket, wgich one is less hot, I do mostly longsword, starting to do sabre, singlestick
The Scholar is a light jacket and is less hot. The Fang is a 'heavy' level jacket, just a little lighter and cooler than other heavy jackets. So they're not really comparable. Spes made a new AP Light version, and it is the jacket I recommend for all round fencing. I'll be making a review of it at some point. histfenc.eu/en/home/52-7861-ap-light-hema-jacket-800n.html#/1,main-color,black/4,size,xs/12,hand,right-handed
Compared to Standard AP and Pro: Yes. It does have a micro wicker lining, and will be significantly thinner, lighter, cooler and more maneuverable. Unless they've changed it, a Standard AP doesn't help air flow at all and is like an oven. The AP Lights and Officers do have liners to help airflow. The Scholar is slightly thicker, heavier, and hotter than the AP Light, but adds more protection.
Well it is a jacket for those heavy hitting places. At most clubs it's overkill. It is very much in the 'heavy' jacket category, but it's great that it put all that weight in places you actually want it. Taking that weight from the back and putting it on the chest and shoulders. And the built in neck guard for thrusts and horizontal cuts to the neck. Good for coaching and letting someone do drills on you too. And it may allow people who practice with Montante and pole weapon to hit a 'little' bit harder in sparring. Is there something specific you wanted to ask?
Tell your friend with the sloped shoulders and the forward leaning neck to stand up straight. If he does have bad posture, fixing it will certainly effect everything.
Lol, no that's not the problem. It's a 50yo with a certain body structure, the bones are physically tilted more than average. It's genetic, you will see people with it, and it's pre internet and "phone hunching".
Everyone of these jackets leave your waist, hips and kidneys exposed when your raise your arms. What kind of BS is that? Are there any jackets that are mid thigh so that your waist, hips and kidneys are not exposed? I'm new to HEMA and used to do a lot of full contact armored stick fighting (SCA). Hip and waist shots where common enough to be a concern. Are those kind of hits so uncommon in HEMA to not be an issue?
The FG ones cover that.... Yes there are lots of jackets too that have built in hip protection. And with any jacket we have fencing pants or other thigh/hip protection that covers underneath. 0:39 there is no gap even if we lift are arms. The APs are cut to be just above the hips and then fencing pants under. I'm tall, wearing a medium, (so it's a little short) and with my long T-shirt I think it gives the affect that it's lifting really high. But it is not. The goal is unarmored fencing though, so I use light gear. Yes people hit the torso and waist lots. But they are more difficult and have to be set up, otherwise you just get hit in the head right after. I have practiced with local SCA heavy, and personally I have found that there's very minimal crossover from it to HEMA compared to other martial arts etc. Swords are light and are for cutting and have very little blunt force impact if you use them properly. People do minimal gear sparring with synthetics and even steel. Sharps can cut through many things effortlessly. If you're hurting your partners kidneys you're not controlling that sword. I've fenced with people with just a sport fencing jacket and plastron for torso protection. The sword has to go first to protect you, you can't torque you're hips and drag the stick from behind to "serve the cup" as taught in SCA. You'll just get impaled over and over if there good fencers. Example of jacket with thigh protection. www.supfen.com/product/hema-jackets/hfg5218.html
@@superiorhema Thank you for the response and thank you for the jacket advice. I'm surprised that you responded to such an old video. I've watched some of your other videos and you have present a lot of good info. I've dabbled in boxing and judo and lot of SCA for more then twenty years. I have to many injuries and have aged out of those. The last few years I've been doing calisthenics and kettlebells so am still in good shape and strong. I recently decided to give HEMA a try being a history nerd and looking for something fun and low impact. The last thing I want to do is get hurt or hurt anyone so am being over cautious. Hence my frustration at protective clothing not covering up enough.
I have a lynx jacket. It’s the only one I’ve ever had/tried and I really feel like I’m fighting it to get by hands high. Do you think this restriction is true of all/most sparring jackets?
Lynx are the Superior Fencing jackets I believe, just re-named by resellers. So I have gotten to wear a standard one. For heavy longsword jackets like my FG/AP and Lynx it can take 4-5 months to break in the shoulder-neck area. You'll feel like your getting choked when you bring your hands up and there's a lot of resistance. For all the thick jackets, Yes, that is the case, it will take time. People who break it in faster, 2-3 months, are usually people who spar 3 times a week and do tons of exercises in them. You can actually see skalligrim complain about going into Vom Tag in his newer AP in an old sparring vid. "He said screw it, not gonna work" I don't know how long you've had it or your workout time in it. Most places can't spar much now. But try doing 50 jumping jackets and arm circles to stretch out the chest, some cutting too. Maybe everyday for a week and see if you feel a bit of improvement. Without sparring and hard training it will be slower breaking in. But hopefully its not that the shoulders are made too tight, because then thats a bigger problem.
@@superiorhema thank you for your response that was thorough and helpful. One more question I have is on the topic of cleaning a sparring jacket. Is it ok to wash it in a machine or should they be hand washed only?
Review of the SPES AP Light 350N & New Generation 800N th-cam.com/video/ES-OkV6p7NY/w-d-xo.html
This is the BEST HEMA jacket review I’ve found by a loooong shot - and I’ve been reading ever HEMA gear review I can find for months !
You managed to squeeze 5 reviews that could have been 20mins each into a single well structured 6min video without missing a beat. This may in fact be the best review style I've ever seen. Excellent work, now excuse me while I go binge your other reviews.
Lol thanks!
Well I hope your not too disappointed. Only a handful are like this.
@@superiorhema It'd be great if you could do more videos like this on other types of items, the glove and synthetic longsword comparison videos are great too. Thing is all reviews really only make sense in context, no HEMA products are ever perfect for everything, so concisely highlighting the differences is a huge help. It's also great that you so much sparring, there are very few reviews showcasing this level of long term wear!
@@albertpolak786 Thanks, ya I'll make sure to always keep the comparing element. That was one thing I also wanted to focus on, even in my early vids on masks and neck guards.
great witcher soundtrack man
I got padded arms made for me from steel mastery, and then I made an armored shirt/vest thing out of washers (the kind you use with bolts to hold metal together) and 550 cord. I call it my clean shirt. It’s heavy. 35 lbs. but it protects really well.
After over a year of heavy fencing and practice (3+ practices a week) in the AP Light I can say that some of the concerns expressed in this video concerning this jacket are well founded but a bit over exaggerated. You will need forearm and elbow protection for sure but I've never taken hits hard enough to the bicep, shoulder, collarbone or torso to do anything beyond bruise me. You WILL feel hits in it, that I won't deny but nothing serious enough to stop your training. Your pain tolerance may differ but I feel perfectly protected in this, have fought many opponents across varying skill levels and intensities and competed in several different tournaments and sparring camps with no problem. It's held up wonderfully and if you're fencing in any kind of heat like I am (outside, in Texas, in JULY) then there really is no competitor.
I should repeat, you WILL feel hits more so than other more padded jackets. I bought the Pro version with included plates and quickly ditched them as they would constantly fall off and have found that SPES Light forearms work wonderfully. That said, If you're someone that can take the slight sting of a hit as a lesson I whole heartedly recommend this jacket. It's as much a teacher as it is a protector lol
Nice video about Jacket, i agree with you on the Scholar from Hema suply. About the superior fencing one, the model is a sort of copy of the Black Armoury Arcem jacket, but, the Arcem is far superior in term of mobility (atm, is one of the most mobile jacket) the collar (who was the arcem particularity, in the first place) is a big double velcro padded part, smaller than the huge superior fencing one. The cut is also less "hazardous" on the standard size, and the jacket got improved recently to feature attach for pvc protection on arms and shoulder. I would advice you to try one if you get the oportunity, the Arcem is a game changer for a lot of longsword figther, me included.
Ok, I had only seen older reviews of the Arcem and it seemed more of an average "SPES" with an added neck. But still needing a neck guard under. Thats good they're still updating it. It is definitely a more all round/versatile jacket that the Fang. Hopefully I'll get to try one some day.
The fang jacket looks promising,extra neck throat and shoulder padding, not going to win any historic accuracy awards but should keep me safer than a wool jumper and gardening gloves
the superior fencing jacket is really intruiging to me.
However there is one problem with it. The most important thing in Hema is to look cool obviously...
I don't think it looks bad, but it doesn't look as good as the other jackets, so I kinda doubt it will change anything in the community.
Great video as always btw.
Haha, indeed, it doesn't hit that level of cool. Especially in all white. Feel like a marshmallow. You can see black ones being used in some Blood and Iron videos and they don't stand out as much. These were prototypes though: th-cam.com/video/3GUZzhKFKFI/w-d-xo.html
But I hope other jacket manufacturers start using that idea more of buffing parts and taking out other places. Even if they don't use the big neck guard.
@@superiorhema you are right I didn't even notice the first time I watched that video.
@@superiorhema Just go full on astronaut theme with them and you're sure to stand out
I ordered a Scholar Jacket a few years ago. Wore and washed it only a handful of times times. The elastic on the cuffs and the cinch strap on the back started fraying. The quality is definitely less than the SPES jackets, the velcro and basically the whole liner feels cheap, like it's going to tear easily. It's basically been sitting in my closet as a spare that I haven't needed.
Ah that sucks, but I've had all that go on my SPES AP Light. Every piece of Velcro is replaced. But the Scholar is still closer to new.
Might be more down to individual jackets.
Im curious about the AP Plus PRO, I wonder how it compares to the AP Light PRO
@@AudBid the jackets themselves are identical to the non pro variants. Lights have foam inserts, regular is padded throughout.
Did you buy a regular standard size Superior Fencing Fang jack, or was it a custom fit? I do have another superior fencing jack (the standard one) and it seems the sleeves are a little too tight around my lower arms (also the neck part is just a little to tight for my liking ) even though I am size L, I can not get the arms in and out very comfertably, it is rather difficult as the lower arm sleeves are also alittle tight. I would rather have it a little larger circumference. If it isn't too much trouble, could you measure the circumference of the lower arms?
I have a medium so I don't know how much it'll help. My forearms at the largest point are just over 12" circumference. If the jacket is brand new, then it may just have to be broken in. Takes about 3 months, of 2 times a week use, to break in full quilted jackets. And once the shoulders are broken in, then it stops the neck pushing on your chin as hard, or at all.
But it may be that you needed a custom size.
Do you know if that is the standard green color for the scholar? It looks darker and bluer than the pictures on hema supplies. Thanks!
I see that it does look a bit darker, but this is the standard as far as I’m aware. You can ask them, they’re easy to talk to.
@@superiorhema Thanks!
How’s the heat on the scholar vs AP light?
I tried a standard weight jacket a few weeks back and was melting. The jacket also gave me trouble with positions like Schlüssel due to the thick padding.
Oh I believe it, I know some people who can't do any crossed armed positions in those jackets.
Both are significantly cooler than standard jackets. The AP Light is definitely cooler than Scholar. But had less protection.
However SPES actually released a new AP Light 800N: www.woodenswords.com/SPES_AP_Light_Jacket_800N_p/spes-j.apltng.htm
I haven't used one yet but will probably upgrade to that jacket in the future. It puts protection on some of the places I complained about here and is still a very light jacket.
@@superiorhema Which would you personally recommend for in class sparring with black fencer / pentti synthetic longswords?
@@jimbannister6217 I'd recommend that AP Light 800N over both. For any weapon system, (steel longsword etc). And the Scholar under that. With the 800N jacket out I wouldn't really recommend the Ap light 350N. No reason for all those gaps in protection with these two other options. You don't want to have to buy other jackets later if you don't need to.
@@superiorhema Thank you for your advice!
Im in the Market for a new jacket, I have a garjadoni challenger, but I dont like how it opens from the back, not the front. the scholar jacket being lighter but with pads, and the fang jacket, wgich one is less hot, I do mostly longsword, starting to do sabre, singlestick
The Scholar is a light jacket and is less hot. The Fang is a 'heavy' level jacket, just a little lighter and cooler than other heavy jackets. So they're not really comparable.
Spes made a new AP Light version, and it is the jacket I recommend for all round fencing. I'll be making a review of it at some point.
histfenc.eu/en/home/52-7861-ap-light-hema-jacket-800n.html#/1,main-color,black/4,size,xs/12,hand,right-handed
Does the scholar jacket have better breathable material compare to AP standards
Compared to Standard AP and Pro: Yes. It does have a micro wicker lining, and will be significantly thinner, lighter, cooler and more maneuverable. Unless they've changed it, a Standard AP doesn't help air flow at all and is like an oven.
The AP Lights and Officers do have liners to help airflow. The Scholar is slightly thicker, heavier, and hotter than the AP Light, but adds more protection.
@@superiorhema thank you! And also great content keep it up !
I'm really interest in the fang, do you have anything else to day about it?
Well it is a jacket for those heavy hitting places. At most clubs it's overkill. It is very much in the 'heavy' jacket category, but it's great that it put all that weight in places you actually want it. Taking that weight from the back and putting it on the chest and shoulders. And the built in neck guard for thrusts and horizontal cuts to the neck. Good for coaching and letting someone do drills on you too. And it may allow people who practice with Montante and pole weapon to hit a 'little' bit harder in sparring.
Is there something specific you wanted to ask?
Tell your friend with the sloped shoulders and the forward leaning neck to stand up straight. If he does have bad posture, fixing it will certainly effect everything.
Lol, no that's not the problem. It's a 50yo with a certain body structure, the bones are physically tilted more than average. It's genetic, you will see people with it, and it's pre internet and "phone hunching".
@@superiorhema ah, I see! Ive never heard of that, but then again, I am hardly an expert on human physiology or genetics. Thanks for the education. 🙏
😅
Everyone of these jackets leave your waist, hips and kidneys exposed when your raise your arms. What kind of BS is that? Are there any jackets that are mid thigh so that your waist, hips and kidneys are not exposed? I'm new to HEMA and used to do a lot of full contact armored stick fighting (SCA). Hip and waist shots where common enough to be a concern. Are those kind of hits so uncommon in HEMA to not be an issue?
The FG ones cover that.... Yes there are lots of jackets too that have built in hip protection. And with any jacket we have fencing pants or other thigh/hip protection that covers underneath. 0:39 there is no gap even if we lift are arms. The APs are cut to be just above the hips and then fencing pants under. I'm tall, wearing a medium, (so it's a little short) and with my long T-shirt I think it gives the affect that it's lifting really high. But it is not. The goal is unarmored fencing though, so I use light gear.
Yes people hit the torso and waist lots. But they are more difficult and have to be set up, otherwise you just get hit in the head right after. I have practiced with local SCA heavy, and personally I have found that there's very minimal crossover from it to HEMA compared to other martial arts etc. Swords are light and are for cutting and have very little blunt force impact if you use them properly. People do minimal gear sparring with synthetics and even steel. Sharps can cut through many things effortlessly. If you're hurting your partners kidneys you're not controlling that sword. I've fenced with people with just a sport fencing jacket and plastron for torso protection. The sword has to go first to protect you, you can't torque you're hips and drag the stick from behind to "serve the cup" as taught in SCA. You'll just get impaled over and over if there good fencers.
Example of jacket with thigh protection.
www.supfen.com/product/hema-jackets/hfg5218.html
@@superiorhema Thank you for the response and thank you for the jacket advice. I'm surprised that you responded to such an old video. I've watched some of your other videos and you have present a lot of good info.
I've dabbled in boxing and judo and lot of SCA for more then twenty years. I have to many injuries and have aged out of those. The last few years I've been doing calisthenics and kettlebells so am still in good shape and strong. I recently decided to give HEMA a try being a history nerd and looking for something fun and low impact. The last thing I want to do is get hurt or hurt anyone so am being over cautious. Hence my frustration at protective clothing not covering up enough.
I have a lynx jacket. It’s the only one I’ve ever had/tried and I really feel like I’m fighting it to get by hands high. Do you think this restriction is true of all/most sparring jackets?
Lynx are the Superior Fencing jackets I believe, just re-named by resellers. So I have gotten to wear a standard one. For heavy longsword jackets like my FG/AP and Lynx it can take 4-5 months to break in the shoulder-neck area. You'll feel like your getting choked when you bring your hands up and there's a lot of resistance.
For all the thick jackets, Yes, that is the case, it will take time. People who break it in faster, 2-3 months, are usually people who spar 3 times a week and do tons of exercises in them. You can actually see skalligrim complain about going into Vom Tag in his newer AP in an old sparring vid. "He said screw it, not gonna work"
I don't know how long you've had it or your workout time in it. Most places can't spar much now. But try doing 50 jumping jackets and arm circles to stretch out the chest, some cutting too. Maybe everyday for a week and see if you feel a bit of improvement. Without sparring and hard training it will be slower breaking in. But hopefully its not that the shoulders are made too tight, because then thats a bigger problem.
@@superiorhema thank you for your response that was thorough and helpful.
One more question I have is on the topic of cleaning a sparring jacket. Is it ok to wash it in a machine or should they be hand washed only?
@@robertrichnavsky7772 Yes I just wash all mine on the cold setting in a washing machine. Then let them hang dry. It'll be fine doing that.
@@superiorhema thank you!