Let’s Dive into Cas Hanwei Red Dragon HEMA Gloves, 13″ AR7004
The Cas Hanwei Red Dragon HEMA Gloves, 13″ AR7004 are designed to provide a crucial balance between protection and dexterity for Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) sparring. Made by Cas Hanwei, a name synonymous with quality historical weaponry and equipment, these gloves aim to safeguard hands during intense sword fighting sessions without sacrificing the grip and movement needed to execute techniques effectively.
For years, I’ve struggled to find gloves that truly protect my hands during HEMA sparring. Many options are either too bulky, restricting movement, or not durable enough to withstand the constant impacts from steel weapons. These Red Dragon Gloves promised to solve both problems, offering a seemingly well-engineered compromise.
The gloves arrived in a simple plastic bag, but the moment I held them, I was impressed. The microfiber outer felt tough, and the finger plates seemed robust without being overly rigid. My initial impression was that these gloves felt lighter and more flexible than my previous pair of comparable protection.
I’d been eyeing the Sparring Gloves from Purpleheart Armoury and the Neyman Fencing HEMA Gloves. However, the Red Dragon Gloves won out due to their price point and readily available reviews suggesting a good balance of protection and dexterity. I was hoping to get near the protection of the Neyman gloves, but without the associated cost.
I was cautiously optimistic. The design looked promising, but the true test would be in the sparring ring. I was excited to see if these gloves lived up to their claims of combining protection and dexterity.
Real-World Testing: Putting Cas Hanwei Red Dragon HEMA Gloves, 13″ AR7004 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first use of the Cas Hanwei Red Dragon HEMA Gloves was during a weekly longsword sparring session at my local HEMA club. I put them through the paces with drills involving parries, thrusts, and complex footwork. The environment was a standard gymnasium, offering no unusual challenges beyond typical HEMA training.
The gloves performed adequately in terms of protection, absorbing the impacts from thrusts and cuts reasonably well. While there was some initial stiffness, I quickly adapted to the feel, finding the dexterity surprisingly good for gloves offering this level of protection. There was no noticeable degradation even after hours of sparring.
I immediately noticed a slight rubbing on my thumb during certain grip positions, which I addressed with a thin liner glove. Beyond that minor annoyance, I found the gloves relatively easy to use from the start, requiring minimal adjustment period. These gloves would be usable immediately, but with some breaking in and refinement.
The plastic finger plates provided confidence, but I noticed some slight shifting during heavier impacts. This didn’t compromise protection, but it was something I’d keep an eye on. Overall, the first use was encouraging, suggesting these gloves were a viable option for regular sparring.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Cas Hanwei Red Dragon HEMA Gloves have shown some wear and tear, but remain functional. The microfiber outer has held up well, with no major tears or punctures, although some minor scuffing is visible. The integrity of the product seems good for at least a year of weekly sparring.
The stitching around the finger plates has started to loosen in a few areas, a common problem with HEMA gloves. However, this hasn’t significantly impacted the glove’s protective capabilities; I’ve reinforced the stitching in a few places. The gloves have retained their shape and general comfort over time.
Maintenance is straightforward: I wipe them down with a damp cloth after each session to remove sweat and grime. Periodically, I’ll use a leather conditioner on the microfiber to keep it supple. The gloves dry quickly, and I haven’t noticed any unpleasant odors developing.
Compared to my previous, cheaper sparring gloves, the Cas Hanwei Red Dragon HEMA Gloves offer significantly better protection and dexterity. They are a noticeable step up in quality and performance, even though they are not the most expensive HEMA gloves out there. I’m generally pleased with how they’ve held up, proving their value over time.
Breaking Down the Features of Cas Hanwei Red Dragon HEMA Gloves, 13″ AR7004
Specifications
The Cas Hanwei Red Dragon HEMA Gloves, 13″ AR7004 feature a 13-inch size, providing ample coverage for the hand and forearm. Intended for ages 14+, these gloves are designed for fencers generally weighing 150lbs+.
Key features include 4mm Moulded High Impact Plastic finger plates and 10mm High Impact Foam Padding. The gloves also incorporate Moulded Overlapping Finger Plates for a balance of protection and mobility. The outer layer is made of a tough microfiber material.
These specifications are important because they directly influence the level of protection and the user’s comfort and dexterity. The plastic and foam padding absorb impacts, while the overlapping plates allow for a full range of motion. The tough microfiber ensures the gloves can withstand the rigors of sparring.
Performance & Functionality
The Cas Hanwei Red Dragon HEMA Gloves perform their primary job of protecting the hands admirably, absorbing a significant amount of impact from sword strikes. The overlapping finger plates allow for surprisingly good dexterity for gripping and manipulating a sword.
While the gloves aren’t perfect – the slight shifting of the finger plates under heavy impact is a minor concern – they offer a good balance of protection and mobility. The thumb protection could be improved to provide even more confidence during thrust-heavy exchanges.
Overall, these gloves largely meet expectations. I would like to see the slight issues mentioned above addressed in future revisions. However, they represent a solid option for HEMA practitioners looking for reliable hand protection.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent, with the microfiber outer providing good abrasion resistance. The gloves feel relatively lightweight for the level of protection they offer, enhancing comfort during prolonged sparring sessions. The interior is adequately padded, further contributing to overall comfort.
The design is generally user-friendly, but some may find the initial stiffness of the finger plates takes some getting used to. The thumb design is somewhat restrictive, reducing mobility. But overall, these gloves are straightforward to use.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Cas Hanwei Red Dragon HEMA Gloves should last for a reasonable amount of time, likely a year or more of regular use. The stitching is a potential weak point, but can be reinforced as needed.
Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and conditioning of the microfiber outer. Replacement parts are not readily available, which is a downside, but with careful use, repairs should be minimal.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Cas Hanwei Red Dragon HEMA Gloves, 13″ AR7004 do not come with any additional accessories. Customization options are limited, but some users may choose to add extra padding or modify the finger plates for a more personalized fit.
Compatibility with accessories from other brands is limited by the design of the gloves. However, thin liner gloves can be used to improve comfort and reduce rubbing, as I mentioned earlier. The design is fairly standard, but modification or replacement accessories will be hard to source.
Pros and Cons of Cas Hanwei Red Dragon HEMA Gloves, 13″ AR7004
Pros
- Provides a good balance between protection and dexterity for HEMA sparring.
- The 4mm Moulded High Impact Plastic finger plates offer substantial protection against strikes.
- The tough microfiber material is durable and resistant to abrasion.
- Relatively lightweight, enhancing comfort during prolonged use.
- A cost-effective option compared to other high-end HEMA gloves.
Cons
- The stitching around the finger plates may require occasional reinforcement.
- The thumb design could be more ergonomic, offering greater mobility.
- The finger plates experience slight shifting during heavy impacts.
Who Should Buy Cas Hanwei Red Dragon HEMA Gloves, 13″ AR7004?
Perfect for intermediate HEMA practitioners looking for a balance of protection, dexterity, and affordability. Also, it’s great for those who need solid hand protection for sparring and drills.
These gloves may not be suitable for those seeking the absolute highest level of protection, such as competitive tournament fencers. They may also be too bulky for beginners who prioritize maximum dexterity over protection.
A must-have accessory is a pair of thin liner gloves to improve comfort and prevent rubbing. Additional padding around the thumb may also be a worthwhile modification for some users.
Conclusion on Cas Hanwei Red Dragon HEMA Gloves, 13″ AR7004
The Cas Hanwei Red Dragon HEMA Gloves, 13″ AR7004 are a solid choice for HEMA practitioners seeking a reliable and affordable option for hand protection. While not without minor flaws, they offer a commendable balance of protection, dexterity, and durability.
The price is justified by the level of protection and the overall quality of the gloves. These are a great mid-tier option, offering a considerable upgrade to the experience.
I would recommend these gloves to any HEMA fencer who wants to protect their hands without sacrificing too much mobility. If you’re on a budget and need reliable protection, give the Red Dragon HEMA Gloves a try – you won’t be disappointed.