A frequent question for those just starting out in HEMA is what gear do I need and where should I get it?

At Iron Crown you want to acquire the following kit before advancing beyond Novice:

·       An approved steel longsword.

·        Fencing knickers (pants)

·        Fencing Socks

·        HEMA Fencing Mask with back of the head protection

·        Neck protector (gorget)

·        Hard Elbow and Knee protection

·        Athletic Cup for males and chest protection for females

·        Heavy gloves for longsword sparring

·        Fencing jacket, minimum 350N 

·        Training Journal-this can be a notebook of any kind, physical digital, whatever. This is to keep track of your progress: the techniques and concepts you’ve learned, your strengths and areas you need to improve. This is also a place to write down your training partner’s strengths and weakness both so that you learn to analyze your opponents as well as to aid your training partners in their own training. 

Longsword
For your first longsword you want something that is safe, economical and doesn't feel like a turd in your hands. For safety reasons a sword with a spatulate tip and a schilt is preferred. A schilt is the flared portion above the cross guard that provides additional finger protection.

We recommend the following longswords to start with.

VB medium strength blade. Not as 'alive' in the hand as the following options, a little on the short end, but the price is in easier reach. The Kia of longswords. Price: $289

Regenyei Standard. Does not have a spatulate tip, but handles well and is durable. This is the F-150 of longswords. 

The Sigi Feder. Safe,  fairly affordable,  European. The Volkswagen of Longswords. $364


Hand Protection
After head protection (see below),  hand protection is the most important piece of kit and the most expensive. There is no better starting out option than the Spes Heavy Gauntlets with the protective thumb option sold here.  

There are many glove options. Most of them involve trade offs, some that can get you injured. Spes Heavies are the safe starting default.

If you must have a five finger option: The Infinity Sparring Gloves are the best option aside from the pro-gauntlet. 

Masks

Protects your noggin and your beautiful face. Even if you're ugly, concussion are no bueno. Head protection is not the place to skimp on expense. Even if you buy one of the Superior Fencing Kits below spring for a quality mask. Back of the head protection is required so make sure your mask includes it or you purchase it separately. 

Absolute Force Basic Fencing Mask. This the absolute bare minimum and must be paired with back of the head protection.  Price $79 plus the cost of back of the head protection.

Absolute Force Deluxe HEMA Fencing Mask.  Includes back of the head protection.  The flaps  on the sides and back of the mask can push the mask up and expose the neck a bit. Design inspired by Kendo Fencing masks, which in turn were inspired by Olympic Fencing Masks. Price:  $164.00

Everything Else

Fencing jackets, pants etc. have come a long way in the last ten years with little concomitant rise in price.

Superior Fencing offers a variety of acceptable 'Full HEMA' kits. Be aware however that their delivery time (up to 6 months or more) and custom fit quality is considerably variable, their athletic supporters are child sized, and some people have experienced durability options. They are cheap for a reason.  Also, at Iron Crown, pluderhosen are not allowed until the rank of Lehrling-2. So do not purchase a kit with pluderhosen for your first HEMA kit. Probably the most popular entry option for HEMAists today. If you have a big enough purse the following options are a better way to go.

Shoes!
Get some athletic shoes that you can move in. The closer to the barefoot style the better. If you want to have the footwork and fighting ability of Seamus Levine then boots are the choice for you. 

Spes

Is the industry standard for a reason. If you're new to HEMA it is best to avoid the 'light' options when it comes to jackets and pants--you will spend too much time recovering from bruises. Also avoid the 'heavy' options--which often has too much protection and can encourage poor technique from simply ignore strikes and thrusts that you'd otherwise find hard to ignore. 

Jackets
The best option is the medium sized jackets. Specifically, the SPES AP Plus jackets. $255

Pants
Spes Locust Pants are the HEMA standard. The love child of an ikea grocery bag and harem pants, you'll be fencing in weaponized style. $132 

Elbow Protection

SPES Hard Elbow Guards or anything similar. $26

Forearm Protection
If Captains of Crush No.2 are nothin' to you than you might not need forearm protection. If you have forearm development somewhere between Stephen Hawking and your average cubicle denizen forearm guards might be a good idea. Most options are bulky and don't mesh well with the cuffs on gloves. Here some options that don't suck entirely.

Forearm Guards Low Profile by Destroyer Modz: $35.00

Mac-Armour: $44

Knee Protection

Spes knee protection is alright. And it's cheap $26, but--gasp--I recommend the Ultra Flex III KneePro Pads. So comfortable they may entice you to take up a side hustle--like carpet laying. $49.95.

Shin Protection

Avoid the spes shin guards. They offer very little coverage and very little padding.
Do get the Harrow Shin Guards. $30.00

Socks. 

Yes it's a shame to cover up your sexy fencing calves, but you'll be thankful you did. 

Spes $17.25

PHA $13.95

Gorget

Whether or not you like being choked a gorget is a must. This at $40 is the bare minimum in protection, but combined with a jacket and mask is sufficient. The PBT is a better option, but some people find it too chonky and chokey. Price: $68.

Groin

Pretty much any athletic protector will do. I recommend Shock Doctor. 

Chest
Recommended for women. $35

A plastron isn't necessary  until you get into tournament fighting. Even then you may not need one.

Honorable Mentions

ARCEM Jacket--quite popular. Never worn one, but people like them and they meet all the requirements.

Red Dragon Shin Guards--possibly the only good Red Dragon product. $105 and ugly AF.

Mask Overlays come in a variety of shapes and sizes. All are fairly good. Not every overlay fits every mask so make sure you check the manufacturer specs when purchasing. 

Sparring Gloves--not my favorite, but loads of people love them and start with them. $220-$230

Historical European Martial Arts in its Context is a basic introductory guide to the history and cultural context of the various martial traditions that comprise the Historical European Martial Arts.

Richard Marsden lays out in the preface what the goal of HEMA is¸ “to recreate the lost European martial arts of the past” and why the historical and cultural context is important to the reconstruction of the Historical European Martial Arts. What follows afterward is a broad overview of the contexts in which the European martial arts were used. Namely, single combat, judicial and private duels, self-defense, tournaments and war, and how those contexts changed over time. This is followed by a discussion of historical treatises, who they were created by and what their intended audiences were and, again, the context in which their arts were used and then a general geographical survey of the historical European landscape and how the arts were practiced within a given area. While the book, because of its wide scope, doesn’t dive deeply into any one topic it does provide an abundant bibliography and ample footnotes which can be used as a jumping off point for further research into whatever area of the HEMA rainbow holds your interest.

     If you are new to HEMA this is the best place to start for understanding the history of the European Martial Arts and the what, when, where, and why they were used. Be aware, though, that this book does not teach the techniques of the Historical European Martial Arts or offer methods for interpreting the primary sources.