Are you ready for the NEXT GENERATION of larps weapon

[TheRonin]

Its revolutionary! we developped a new process to create high end larp weapons!

the main advantages of this technology are

* Amazing durability
* Safety
* Seazing realism
* Maintenance free
* Winter friendly
* Weather proof
* UV protection

All weapons are beautifully crafted and hand painted. They are made to fit LARPs International rules. They are already use in Europe and won the 2006 Larpies Award for BEST WEAPON, in California!

So hey, what do you say? Are you ready to gain a level??? lol

[RyanPaddy]

Very pretty.

You haven't mentioned who produces the weapons, and where they can be purchased.

[aclerkin]

Ryan,
Check out Calimacil.com. One guy in Triumph has a couple of the gladii as pictured on the far right, and they're quite neat.

best,

Austin

[RyanPaddy]

Cheers. How do they compare to other latex weapons in how they feel to be hit with?

[aclerkin]

... but they're very, very different. The foam is quite rubbery in comparison to most pipe insulation, but given its lack of coating, not nearly so dense as latex covered weapons. The biggest difference I would expect to see would have to do with the very thin striking surface on the sides, which I expect to compare more closely with fine-bladed latex weapons, ala Forgotten Dreams, as opposed to the broader ones that used to be sold by Ex Calibre.

I'll try to remember to revisit this, should I find myself to be struck by these.


best,

Austin

[RyanPaddy]

Okay, cool.

I get the impression they are done with foam injection. I think one of the problems that other manufacturers have had with that method in the past is with the foam becoming brittle over time. How old were the ones you've seen? Be great if Calimacil have overcome this.

[aclerkin]

I don't really have much exposure to anything like these... they're way slimmer in cross section than anything else I've seen.
As to injection molding, I could be wrong, but I'm under the impression that all of the major international manufacturers of latex covered weapons injection mold theirs, i.e. Forgotten Dreams, Ex Calibre, and Palnatoke, but I could be wrong. What brands have you guys had access to down there?

best,

Austin

[RyanPaddy]

Ex-Caliber and Palnatoke are not injection-molded. I don't think Forgotten Dreams are either. They are carved closed-cell foam with a latex skin over the top. They are pretty much standard UK/European latex weapons, just done in a tidier way than most people can do at home.

But the level of detail on these Calimacil weapons, judging from the pictures, looks like they have made a detailed negative mold and injected some sort of expanding foam into it. The skin of the weapons might just be a foam skin, not a latex coating.

And there's nothing wrong with that, some progress would be good. But like I say, there have been reservations about injection-molded stuff not lasting the distance in the past.

[TheRonin]

May I?
Made by a molding process, a Calimacil does not need any assembling which gives the weapon an exemplary integral solidity.
That resistance, the material properties and its design, grants the Calimacils maximum safety without compromising the look.

You know the Principal advantages of Calimacil technology... now that's the secret...

SECRET IN THE FOAM

Calimacils are latex-free, we call it a Molded Foam Weapon. Developed by our expert chemists, our unique foam is the fruit of their efforts. Molded right off the central rod, the Calimacil foam is tear-proof. Its density meets LARP weapons requirements and more, every Calimacil can absorb repeated impacts without revealing any permanent deformation!
The Calimacil foam owns incomparable resistance, exceptional endurance and superior shock absorption compared to usual industrial foams while permitting us to produce more realistic streamlines.

Believe it or not the Calimacil weapons are made by 3 guys in a garage! I am nothing but a LARP addict and their herald!

Here are some other teasers hehehe.

and another cool picture of Gladius

[RyanPaddy]

They sure are pretty.

Do you have experience with how well the molded foam lasts over years of use? Does it become harder over time, for example?

[TheRonin]

so far we havent got any problem with that and it's been 4 years... right now I can answer no it doesn't and it shouldn't in a near future.... I wouldnt know in 10 years... ask me again then! There is no better test than time itself!

Ive been playing in the past days with my little 8 year old girl. I am teachin her to use a sword! I started out with the basics. How to hold the grip, hit with the edge not the flat etc... and now we reproduce a fight at full speed!!! and it looks pretty cool! ah these weapons are really safe!

[Ottosson]

first off i'd like to see simpler swords these blingbling weapons really do not impress me, the molding of the crossbar and hilt looks great but the finish on the blade doesnt fit in.
and please turn down the selling talk it really scares people away...

[RyanPaddy]

If this molded foam lasts that's great news. Can anyone independant verify this?

[Ottosson]

well i would pay alot for a really goodlooking simple sword. i dont like the highfantasy blingbling weapons.
there is a sword of azincourt that is pretty nice.

the colouring ... it doesnt look as metalic as the rest of the weapon... and well no images do not speak the whole truth thats why you need alot of image in different lighting. i dont want to put alot of cash into a weapon i wont like...

and yes the tips are wrong in soo many ways

[lertia]

Mabey the tips are like that for safety reasons. No points mean no gouged eyes.
_________________
"For Aslan and For Narnia"