ARMOR BUYING GUIDE
For New Fighters
READ THIS FIRST
This guide is a supplement, not a starting point.
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You should not buy armor until you have attended regular practices, trained with other fighters, and spoken directly with teammates about gear.
WHY THIS GUIDE EXISTS
Buying armor for buhurt is not simple.
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In most sports, gear is standardized - you know what to buy, where to buy it, you recognize brands and you understand the rules.
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None of that applies here.
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In this type of structured medieval armored combat, you choose a historical style, not a brand. Armor is made by individual armorers, not companies. There's no centralized marketplace. Instead, the equipment is custom-made and mostly imported from outside the United States.
Gear must meet minimum safety, technical, and historical rules set by individual leagues. Mistakes are expensive and difficult to undo.
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Even experienced fighters take time to plan their purchases. New fighters deserve clear guidance before spending thousands of dollars.
WHAT THIS GUIDE WILL (AND WON'T) DO
This guide is designed to help you approach armor buying intelligently.
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It will:
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Explain how to plan before spending money,
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Help you understand what makes armor safe and usable,
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Show how your budget affects what options you have available to you,
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Clarifies individual league requirements and how that affects what events you can attend depending on your choices.
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It will not:
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Tell you exactly what to buy,
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Recommend specific vendors or armorers,
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Replace advice from your teammates.
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There is no single "correct" kit - only informed decisions.
A CRITICAL REMINDER
Do not rush this process.
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Most fighters benefit from waiting 4-6 months after starting practice before buying armor.
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During that time, borrow gear when possible, learn what others use (and why), read the league rules, and start setting money aside.
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There is no penalty for waiting. There is a penalty for rushing into buying armor.
HOW THIS GUIDE IS ORGANIZED
This guide is broken into three parts. Each builds on the last.
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When to buy, how to set expectations, and how to avoid common mistakes.
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BUYING ARMOR II: Choosing the Right Kit
Understanding safety, legality, comfort, and historical requirements.
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BUYING ARMOR III: Budgets and Makers
What different budgets realistically buy and how fighters purchase armor.
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You don't need to read everything at once. Take your time!