New cap - protection of head and shoulders

During our trainings, we often recieve quite strong thrusts ending on the mask. These concussions are not good neither for the head nor the neck. Therefore we were motivated to develop better protection, allowing us to train more intensively, also in free sparring with swords.

So we have created the new model of protecting cap, suited for 1600N fencing mask Allstar or PBT. First layer is made from tough and resistant leather well distributing the strength of strike. Underneath are variable number of defusing layers, depending on the place on mask. More exposed parts are naturally padded with thicker material. From the inside of the mask is soft suede. Complete weight of mask size one and the cap is 1 kg.

Version 1.1: We improved the throat protection in new version 1.1, which was the most critical part. It was enforced with steel sheet sewn between the padding and the top leather.

Similar to commonly available Allstar caps, our cap is also equiped with scruff protection, as the mask itself does not offer it at all. The cap also better defuses strikes to scruff, forehead or side of the head. Lateral parts are enhanced with shoulder guards, offering also better side neck protection, which also lacks on the bare mask. This really helps against horizontal cuts e.g. zwerchau.

Lateral "wings" were inspired by Kendo helmet. But they are tougher and more padded. Their advantage over guards tied directly to shoulders is in greater movement range of arms. Between them in front part is added small shield protecting throat against direct stab. It also helps with stabs slipped down from front of the mask. The throat, as very threatened part, recieves double proteciton and the often used ice hockey neck guard is not needed.

We have decided to offer this innovation to other fencers and now is possible to purchase this cap for mask Allstar or PBT. We hope it will help to enhance safety of fencing. Price cca. 96 EUR is maybe little high, but is mainly caused by used materials. On the other hand, in comparison to Allstar cap is still very good as it adds three other guards.