New to Latex Weapons

[imake1tgirl]

I'm an old duct tape and cpvc larper, and need to update to the new latex weapons out there. I know there are different brands, and places that sell them have approved lists from different larps. This makes me think different brands vary a lot in quality.

Anyone out there knowledgeable enough to give me an easy run down on the different brands? I can read the websites, but each weapon's maker is going to sell their brand, not tell me what hurts more, feels like swinging a brick, looks crappy, or breaks down faster.

I should also mention I am cheap, but will pay well for weapons that last longer.

[BaronBlackRose]

[quote="imake1tgirl"]I'm an old duct tape and cpvc larper, and need to update to the new latex weapons out there. I know there are different brands, and places that sell them have approved lists from different larps. This makes me think different brands vary a lot in quality.

Anyone out there knowledgeable enough to give me an easy run down on the different brands? I can read the websites, but each weapon's maker is going to sell their brand, not tell me what hurts more, feels like swinging a brick, looks crappy, or breaks down faster.

I should also mention I am cheap, but will pay well for weapons that last longer.[/quote]

Some larp groups have their own Larp shop as it were. Whether they're in your area. Is unknown to me. I have played with a latex foam dagger I bought from the UK once. It was pretty good. But unfortunately I left it out and the sun burned it. And that was after many years. But compared to a boffer dagger. It looke dmore real. And was pretty good in my opinion. I just hope that helps. The one I got was made in the UK. So it might not be cost effective if your looking for low cost.
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[imake1tgirl]

Thanks. I know there are a few sites for UK based shops that look pretty nice, but you are 100% right. After exchange and shipping across the Atlantic, that might add up to more than I can afford.

The local area has a couple folks with shops that sell, but they sell multiple brands. I guess, I am going to have to go pester everyone to let me see their swords. I was just hoping to have it all settled before our first event in August. Right now I have enough lead time to get things shipped.

I have a guy that makes his own, but since I haven't seen them yet, I am not sure how that's going to work. I guess I will cross my fingers.

[RyanPaddy]

Here's an online shop in the US that imports latex weapons from various European and Canadian manufacturers:

http://www.latex-weaponry.com/

And here's a US-based latex weapon manufacturer:

http://www.ironliege.com/

Latex weapons are more expensive than the plastic pipe and tape variety, but you can sometimes get a deal online.

[BaronBlackRose]

[quote="RyanPaddy"]Here's an online shop in the US that imports latex weapons from various European and Canadian manufacturers:

http://www.latex-weaponry.com/

And here's a US-based latex weapon manufacturer:

http://www.ironliege.com/

Latex weapons are more expensive than the plastic pipe and tape variety, but you can sometimes get a deal online.[/quote]

Very nice and not too expensive either. Where as if I was to buy from the UK direct. It would be expensive.
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[imake1tgirl]

[quote="RyanPaddy"]Here's an online shop in the US that imports latex weapons from various European and Canadian manufacturers:

http://www.latex-weaponry.com/

And here's a US-based latex weapon manufacturer:

http://www.ironliege.com/

Latex weapons are more expensive than the plastic pipe and tape variety, but you can sometimes get a deal online.[/quote]

Oooh. Thank you for the links. It's a sad state of affairs that my larp gear is starting to cost more than my pickup truck. I'm not sure I'd have it any other way, though.

[RyanPaddy]

I don't think any of the ranges that KnightHawk Armoury sells are from the UK. There are some great UK manufacturers, but they don't seem to get into mass production and wholesale sales to distributers.

Calimacil is in Quebec, Forgotten Dreams is German, Iron Fortress appears to be Danish (first I've heard of them), and I think Eagle Flex is made in India.

Oh - Action Props (Artyfakes) do seem to be in the UK. Never heard of them before now.

[BaronBlackRose]

I have looked. And I love it so far. If I get a chance I might buy some.
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[drknow]

if you would like to make your own look up a company called (smooth on).
fantastic product. this will take you pleases you never thought that could be done

[BaronBlackRose]

[quote="drknow"]if you would like to make your own look up a company called (smooth on).
fantastic product. this will take you pleases you never thought that could be done [/quote]

I am not a weapon maker. And I prefer the professional look.
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[Rraurgrimm]

I would not forget the http://www.ateliers-nemesis.com/ (Canada), also a very good manufacturer of latex weapons.

And if You want to try creating one Yourself:

http://www.larplist.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=529
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[BaronBlackRose]

[quote="Rraurgrimm"]I would not forget the http://www.ateliers-nemesis.com/ (Canada), also a very good manufacturer of latex weapons.

And if You want to try creating one Yourself:

http://www.larplist.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=529[/quote]

Too bad the prices are way out there. I can understand that a custom job would cost so much. But otherwise you are pretty much paying the same price for a real sword as you are the larp ones they sell. Nice work though.. And I would love to own that shop with all the larp supplies. very nice.
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[eldritch]

[quote="RyanPaddy"]There are some great UK manufacturers, but they don't seem to get into mass production and wholesale sales to distributers.[/quote]

The thing about the majority of UK makers is that we are individual craftsmen hand making everything we sell, not mass producers. So we make smaller quantities and therefore can rarely give discounts as our margins are so low. This is always going to be a problem for overseas customers because exchange rates and shipping costs can make ordering prohibitive. However, it does mean that custom items might be cheaper than the bigger producers because it's much easier for us to make a one-off.

That being said, the exchange rate is definitely in favour of the US customers at the moment, so if you can get your club together and have an order for several people sent to one address, that will cut your shipping costs down and mean an average saving of about $50 per person. We're certainly always happy to do this for clubs. And if it helps at all, only 50% of our mail order business is from UK customers. The US accounts for more than 25% of our online business.

Hopefully that helps someone somewhere.
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[BaronBlackRose]

Bulk purchase I always thought was the best way to go. Especially if it's a club buying weapons and other things.
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[Richard]

[quote="drknow"]if you would like to make your own look up a company called (smooth on).
fantastic product. this will take you pleases you never thought that could be done [/quote]

i have made personal weapons with their stuff, mostly blasters, poured resin. I made a sword as well. I can make production models. Keep in mind a good recast able mold will be 700 dollars plus if you are an experienced mold maker. One mistake and u render the material worthless too.

good luck!