In Chinese mythology, the dragon has an inverted scale on its throat called "Nilin" (逆鳞). Unlike the other scales that protect the creature, this one represents its absolute point of vulnerability: anyone who touches it triggers the dragon's fury. This symbol of ultimate protection has given its name to a Chinese manufacturer whose mission is precisely to protect what fencers have most vulnerable: their hands.
The Dragon's Scale
In Chinese mythology, the dragon has an inverted scale on its throat called "Nilin" (逆鳞). Unlike other scales that protect the creature, this one represents its absolute point of vulnerability: anyone who touches it triggers the dragon's fury. This symbol of ultimate protection has given its name to a Chinese manufacturer whose mission is precisely to protect what fencers have most vulnerable: their hands.
Behind Nilin are enthusiasts of Historical European Martial Arts, long-time practitioners facing the same frustrations as all fencers: the constant compromise between protection and maneuverability. After the disappearance of the ProGauntlet and facing the limitations of existing alternatives, they set out to design the glove they themselves would have wanted to wear.
The Nilin project was not born from a commercial opportunity but from a technical quest. For several years, the team focused all its energy on a single goal: solving the impossible equation of the HEMA glove. The exoskeleton structure, the distinctive signature of their gauntlets, is the result of this relentless research — an architecture where the plates form a self-supporting ensemble, finally freeing the hand from any mechanical constraint.
Nilin does not scatter its efforts. The manufacturer is dedicated exclusively to hand protection, applying its expertise in three complementary models: the 5-Finger for maximum dexterity, the SE for optimal balance, and the Hoof for absolute protection. This specialization reflects a clear philosophy: to master one domain perfectly rather than multiplying products.
The Nilin Hoof gauntlets feature a "hoof" configuration (1-2-2) that groups the fingers into functional pairs. Positioned between the 5-finger Gabriel type gauntlets and full mittens, they offer maximum protection with more mobility than a traditional mitten, all without loss of grip thanks to the exoskeleton structure.
1-2-2 Configuration: index-middle and ring-pinky grouped
Superior protection compared to Gabriel 2.0 and 5-finger gauntlets
More mobile than a classic mitten (4 fingers grouped)
The SE (Special Edition) model is considered the best value for money in the Nilin range. Its 1-1-1-2 configuration merges the ring and little fingers while maintaining three independent fingers. Compared to the Gabriel 2.0, it offers significantly superior protection thanks to its exoskeleton structure, without any loss of grip.
1-1-1-2 configuration: independent thumb, index, and middle fingers
The Nilin 5-Finger gauntlets were created with the aim of correcting the flaws of the ProGauntlet while surpassing the protection level of the Gabriel 2.0. Their exoskeleton structure, where the plates connect to each other rather than to the under-glove, eliminates any loss of grip and ensures resistance to full-intensity impacts.
Self-supporting exoskeleton structure: zero loss of grip
Superior protection compared to Gabriel 2.0, compatible with full-intensity longsword
Index finger fully protected by plates for saber techniques
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