How to Choose the Right SPES HEMA Jacket for Your Practice? Complete Guide to the AP Plus and Hussar 800N NG Models

Choosing the ideal jacket for practicing Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) is essential to ensure your sHeater shieldaccuracy and your comfort. At Feats of Arms, we are proud to offer HEMA jackets from the manufacturer SPES, known for their excellent quality and affordable pricing. However, with the variety of models and names, it can be difficult to navigate.

This article aims to guide you in choosing the most suitable jacket for your HEMA practice by detailing the features of the models. AP Plus 350N, , AP Plus 350N Pro, , AP Plus 800N, , AP Plus 800N Pro and Hussar 800N NG.

Understanding the Fundamentals

Fabric Resistance: 350N vs 800N

The durability of the fabric is a crucial criterion for your sHeater shieldIt is measured in Newtons (N) and indicates the fabric's ability to resist puncture.

350N

• Standard for Fencing Equipment : Offers excellent protection for most HEMA practices.
• Increased mobility The fabric is generally lighter and more flexible, offering better freedom of movement.
• Accessibility : Less expensive than the 800N model, ideal for beginners and occasional practitioners.

800N

• Superior Protection : Offers higher puncture resistance, meeting the requirements of the most stringent competitions.
• Intensive practice : Recommended for regular practitioners and high-level competitors.
• Sustainable investment : Although slightly more expensive, it provides peace of mind during intense fights or when using heavier weapons.

Presentation of the Models

AP Plus 350N

The AP Plus 350N is a functional jacket based on the well-known model AP 350N. Recommended for all HEMA enthusiasts, it offers great mobility due to its lightness and does not hinder movement.

Key Features:

• Puncture resistance: 350N
• Actual weight: 2.1 kg - 2.9 kg
• Closure: Double (velcro + zipper)
• Protection: Padding on the chest, shoulders, and elbows
• Adjustment: Adjustable strap at the back
• Compatibility: Mounting points for additional elbow pads (Shell models)

Advantages:

• Excellent mobility
• Affordable price
• Ideal for beginners and light training

Disadvantages:

• Limited Protection compared to the 800N models
• Less suitable for intense combat or to competitions

Ideal for: Beginners or practitioners looking for a lightweight jacket for technical training.

AP Plus 350N Pro

Improved version of the standard model, the AP Plus 350N Pro includes additional protections, including PRO protections on the sleeves, for better shock absorption.

Key Features:

• Puncture resistance: 350N
• Actual weight: 3.1 kg - 3.9 kg
• Closure: Double (velcro + zipper)
• Protection: Detachable black suede leather plate at the front, PRO protections for shoulders, forearms, and elbows
• Adjustment: Adjustable strap at the back

Advantages:

• Enhanced Protection while maintaining good mobility
• Customizable thanks to the detachable protective layers
• Suitable for intermediate practitioners searching for more sHeater shieldRitual

Disadvantages:

• Slightly heavier than the standard version
• Less breathable due to the additional layers

Ideal for: Intermediate practitioners participating in more intense fights or starting in competitions.

AP Plus 800N

The AP Plus 800N is made with an 800N puncture-resistant composite, offering increased protection while maintaining high comfort.

Key Features:

• Puncture resistance: 800N
• Actual weight: 2.3 kg - 3.3 kg
• Closure: Double (velcro + zipper)
• Protection: 3D mesh internal padding, internal pockets for additional foam layers
• Adjustment: Adjustable strap at the back
• Compatibility: Mounting points for additional protection

Advantages:

• High protection suitable for competitions and intensive training
• Good breathability thanks to the 3D mesh padding
• Satisfactory mobility despite increased protection

Disadvantages:

• More rigid material, which may slightly reduce mobility
• A little heavier due to the thicker fabric

Ideal for: Regular practitioners and competitors requiring superior protection.

AP Plus 800N Pro

High-end version, the AP Plus 800N Pro combines high resistance with additional PRO protections and layers of leather for maximum protection.

Key Features:

• Puncture resistance: 800N
• Actual weight: 3.2 kg - 4.4 kg
• Closure: Double (velcro + zipper)
• Protection: Detachable eco-friendly leather plate at the front, includes PRO protections, 3D mesh padding
• Adjustment: Adjustable strap at the back

Advantages:

• Maximum protection for competitors and intensive training
• Customizable with detachable protections
• Comfortable while providing excellent shock absorption

Disadvantages:

• Heavier and less breathable due to the additional layers
• Slightly reduced mobility

Ideal for: High-level competitors seeking the best possible protection.

Hussar 800N NG

Designed for practitioners demanding the highest level of protection, the Hussar 800N NG is particularly interesting thanks to its integrated forearm guards and its foam plates in the back. According to the manufacturer, this model offers complete upper body protection.

Key Features:

• Puncture resistance: 800N
• Actual weight: 3.3 kg - 4.3 kg
• Closure: Double zipper for a sHeater shieldIncreased accuracy
• Protection:
  • Integrated forearms
  • Foam plates in the back
  • Elbow Shell Guards
• Adjustment: Adjustable strap at the back
• Internal padding: 3D Mail for Enhanced Comfort

Advantages:

• Full protection ideal for intense combat
• Practicality with integrated protection, reducing preparation time
• Comfortable thanks to the 3D mesh padding

Disadvantages:

• Increased weight, which can lead to quicker fatigue
• Reduced breathability, which may cause a warming sensation
• Slightly reduced mobility due to the integrated protections

Ideal for: Advanced practitioners and competitors requiring maximum protection, ready to sacrifice a bit of mobility for more sHeater shieldRitual.

Comparison table of models

Tips for Choosing Your Jacket

1. Assess Your Needs

• Level of practice: Beginner, intermediate, or advanced.
• Type of Training: Technique, light sparring, or intense combat.
• Training Frequency: Occasional, regular, or intensive.
• Participation in competitions: Yes or no.

2. Step by step

Step 1: Choose the fabric resistance

• 350N: Perfectly suited for club practice and regular training.
• 800N: Recommended if you participate in competitions or if you are looking for increased protection for intensive training.

Step 2: Select the level of protection

• Standard Version: For an excellent balance between protection and mobility.
• Pro Version: If you participate in more intense fights requiring additional protection.
• Version Hussar 800N NG: If maximum protection is your top priority.

Step 3: Consider the weight and mobility

• Light jackets (2 kg - 3 kg): Ideal for technical training and beginners.
• Medium-weight jackets (3 kg - 4 kg): Good compromise for intermediate practitioners.
• Heavy jackets (over 4 kg): For competitors and intense fights, accepting reduced mobility.

Step 4: Consider the budget

• Limited Budget: The AP Plus 350N offers excellent value for money.
• Long-term investment: The Models 800N are more expensive but offer superior durability and protection.

Practical cases

Beginner in HEMA

• Recommendation: AP Plus 350N
• Why ? Offers excellent mobility, is lightweight and affordable, perfect for learning the basics without a major investment.

Intermediate practitioner participating in local competitions

• Recommendation: AP Plus 350N Pro
• Why ? Provides extra protection with PRO guards while maintaining good mobility.

Regular competitor requiring high protection

• Recommendation: AP Plus 800N or AP Plus 800N Pro
• Why ? Offers 800N puncture resistance, essential for competitions, with the option to add additional protection.

Advanced practitioner seeking maximum protection

• Recommendation: Hussar 800N NG
• Why ? With integrated protection on the forearms and back, this is the most protective jacket, ideal for intense combat.

Scalability and customization of jackets

• Straps for fastening: The jackets AP Plus allow for the addition of extra protection on the arms.
• Detachable protections: The Pro versions offer the ability to customize the level of protection by adding or removing layers.
• Accessory Compatibility: Wide range of compatible SPES accessories to customize your jacket to your specific needs.

Conclusion

The choice of your SPES HEMA jacket depends on your specific needs, practitioner profile, and budget. By understanding the differences between the models and assessing your priorities in terms of protection, mobility, and comfort, you can make an informed decision.

Feel free to contact us if you need further advice. Our team at Feats of Arms will be happy to help you find the ideal jacket for practicing safely and comfortably.Heater shieldAccuracy and comfort.

We hope this guide has been helpful and wish you an excellent practice of HEMA !