What is Reddit's opinion of Red Dragon Armoury Synthetic Sparring Longsword, Silver?

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Synthetic blades are used in HEMA sparring as an inexpensive alternative to steel sparring swords. However, although they are blunt and won't cut or stab, they still should only be used with proper padding and eye protection.

Edit: Wanted to add that synthetic swords are quite durable and have some flex to them so you won't get too hurt from a stab. However, edge-on, these blades are stiff and definitely can hurt a lot. They're very useful in sparring because the weight and feel is quite like that of steel except that the blades are slippery. Very fun to use. And Purpleheart Armoury is another known purveyor of HEMA stuff.

For example, this Red Dragon Armoury Longsword (on Amazon because their website isn't loading for me)

Edit 2: If you don't want to buy padding or just don't want to risk breaking bones (which can happen), look up larping weapon shops or tutorials. If you buy them, they're usually made of a fairly durable foam that won't hurt your opponent. Of course, they do not have the same heft and feel that a steel or synthetic weapon would, but are usually pretty safe to sling around.

Red Dragon / Rawlings Synthetic are safe practice swords. Many HEMA schools use them in their intro classes.

If you want to step up to something nicer, for around $120 USD there are better (more realistic weight) options.

Red Dragon Armoury https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007KKDGEK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_2DP6FbVE3808T

I think the only option under 80 are the red Dragon synthetics at 70. If you can come up with a little bit more money the Blackfencer ones from socal swords are $95 and absolutely worth the cost upgrade from the red Dragon. Blackfencer https://socalswords.com/products/synthetic-longsword

Red Dragon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007KKDGEK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_7W6FA867Y0T59GJND5P5

There’s wood options out there that are less expensive but if you ever want to spar another person or join a hema club you’ll definitely want the synthetic over wood.

If I were to suggest a few sword trainers for someone with a budget, I would look into buying some Red Dragon synthetic swords . They cost around $70-80 on Amazon so they do fit your budget. They are proportioned more like a real sword than most synthetics I've handled. You also won't need as much gear to spar with them (a good fencing mask, gorget, and lacrosse gloves should do). If you are more open to studying something other than swords, I'd recommend Cold Steel rondel dagger trainers since they are only $10 each, though they are a bit stiff so body and face protection (like a fencing mask, gorget, Olympic Fencing plastic chest protecter, light gloves, exc) would be good with those if you want to do any full contact sparring. Lastly, if any of those items are unavailable on Amazon, go to a website called woodenswords.com . They sell all of the items previously mentioned and more like higher quality plastic and steel weapons as well as protective gear (though it will cost you a pretty penny).

Synthetics are your best bet. Closer to live weight than wood, and they can take quite a beating.

Also, wood can break, and maybe kill someone on accident.

Basic longsword on Amazon