BUYING ARMOR I
Planning Before You Buy
Buying armor is one of the biggest and most intimidating steps in getting into armored combat. It is also one of the first and easiest places to make expensive mistakes.
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For most new fighters, the correct move is not to buy armor right away.
DON'T RUSH YOUR PURCHASE
New fighters should wait 4-6 months before buying armor. During this time, you should be training consistently and borrowing or sharing gear when possible so that you learn what you like and what you don't like. Learn what armor your teammates use! Learn what leagues and events your club participates in so that you know which armor guidelines, if any, you need to follow. This is a great time to start saving money.
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This waiting period will save you frustration, money, and later delays.
MINIMUM BUDGET
A safe, competitive starter kit typically costs $2,000 - $2,500 USD at minimum.
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You can spend more - and many fighters eventually do! - but you don't need a high-end kit to learn fundamentals, enjoy the sport, or be competitive.
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Most experienced fighters recommend that your first kit be a simple, common design made of standard materials that is similar to what others on your team uses. There's nothing wrong with boring armor - flashy can come later. And there are several cheap and fun ways to make your kit unique without purchasing different armor.
PLAN THE WHOLE KIT FIRST
Before you buy anything, you should have a basic plan for your full armor set.
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That includes:
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Helmet type
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Torso and limb protection
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Padding and undergarments (gambeson, groin protection, lendenier/c-belt, historical footwear, optional padded shorts or additional spine protection)
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Approximate cost per item
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Who you intend to buy each piece from
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Expected production and shipping timelines
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Buying randomly or impulsively often leads to mismatched armor, fit issues, gear made of inappropriate materials or of poor quality, or gear that must be replaced once it's received.
PRACTICAL ADVICE FROM EXPERIENCED FIGHTERS
Buy your padded layer first! Gambesons and c-belts are relatively cheap and required to take accurate measurements for your eventual armor purchase.
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Take accurate body measurements and save them! These will be needed to order custom armor or to check the fit on in-stock or used equipment.
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Make a simple armor budget and timeline. Expect delays and cost increases over time - armor production takes time, and it's common for some armorers to miss deadlines by months.
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Ask teammates for feedback before purchasing. They can give you valuable feedback on a maker or let you know if something feels like a scam. If something feels rushed or unclear, STOP. Ask questions.