| If you are interested in participating SCA Combat, | | | | The shoulder plates are going to provide plenty of |
| reenactments, or in renaissance fairs, it's likely | | | | room and freedom of movement, and also the |
| you'll need a quality suit of armor to wear that will | | | | arms have chainmail at the elbows which helps to |
| do the job credibly. What should you look for and | | | | provide more movement. Strong leather straps |
| what will you need to get started? There are | | | | also made the armor somewhat adjustable to |
| several key components and factors when | | | | accommodate different shoulder sizes and chest |
| looking into purchasing a quality suit of armor. | | | | sizes.Another necessary aspect to consider when |
| First, you should pay attention as to where the | | | | purchasing suit of armor is gambeson padding that |
| armor was made. Most Spanish-made armor is | | | | goes underneath it. This is essential whether you |
| for display only and is not wearable. Indian made | | | | are just suiting up for a costume party or SCA |
| armor is mostly copies of Spanish and Italian | | | | combat festival. |
| armors. While they claim their armor is wearable, | | | | Real suits of armor are going to be made of |
| you should be careful as to how well it will fit. | | | | 16-18 gauge steel and it will be heavy. If you do |
| They tend to make the armor plates on the | | | | not have some sort of padding (both leg and |
| shoulders narrower than they should (perhaps | | | | body padding) to go underneath it, then you're |
| having to do with Indian stature compared to | | | | going to get very sore and be more prone to |
| Western build), and the arms do not quite provide | | | | bruises. You usually can find gambeson padding at |
| the full movement that is needed in | | | | major online retailers. Make sure you get the full |
| reenactments. However, this does not necessarily | | | | padding that includes an arming jacket, leg |
| apply to all Indian-made suits of armor. It usually | | | | padding, and armor padding. Also, if you are to |
| applies only when they attempt to copy | | | | participate in combat, most suits of armor bought |
| expensive and popular European armor. The best | | | | online will not include a battle-ready sword, which |
| wearable armor is made in Italy. | | | | will need to be purchased separately. |