Let’s Dive into Cas Hanwei Red Dragon HEMA Gloves, 12″ AR7010
The Cas Hanwei Red Dragon HEMA Gloves, 12″ AR7010 are designed to provide affordable hand protection for historical European martial arts (HEMA) sparring. Hanwei has aimed to create a glove that balances protection and mobility, catering to martial artists using a variety of blunt weapons.
My journey to these gloves stemmed from a desire to upgrade my HEMA gear. My old pair offered inadequate protection, leading to painful finger strikes during intense sparring sessions.
Upon unboxing, the gloves felt surprisingly robust. The molded plastic plates felt solid, and the microfiber outer material was a noticeable improvement over the cheap synthetic leather I was accustomed to. The Cas Hanwei Red Dragon HEMA Gloves, 12″ AR7010 instantly felt like an upgrade in quality and protection.
Compared to my previous gloves, which were generic lacrosse-style gloves, the Red Dragon HEMA Gloves seemed purpose-built. While lacrosse gloves offered some protection, they lacked the specialized finger protection and impact absorption required for HEMA sparring. I chose these over heavier, more expensive gauntlets because I wanted a balance between protection and dexterity.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. While the gloves felt well-made, I was eager to test their protective capabilities and range of motion in a real sparring environment.
Real-World Testing: Putting Cas Hanwei Red Dragon HEMA Gloves, 12″ AR7010 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Cas Hanwei Red Dragon HEMA Gloves, 12″ AR7010 during a standard HEMA longsword sparring session. The session involved drills focusing on thrusts, cuts, and parries, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the gloves’ performance.
The gloves performed admirably in dry conditions. However, the microfiber outer material became slightly slippery when my hands got sweaty. Despite the slight decrease in grip, I never felt that I would lose my weapon.
The gloves were surprisingly easy to use, requiring minimal adjustment time. The overlapping finger plates allowed for a good range of motion, and the sizing chart provided by Cas Hanwei proved accurate for me.
The only initial issue I experienced was a minor pressure point on the back of my hand from the molded plastic. This discomfort subsided after a few minutes of wear.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use (approximately three sparring sessions per week), the Cas Hanwei Red Dragon HEMA Gloves, 12″ AR7010 have held up well. The stitching remains intact, and the molded plastic plates show no signs of cracking or delamination.
The only noticeable wear and tear is some minor scuffing on the microfiber outer material. The gloves have retained their protective capabilities.
Maintaining the gloves is relatively simple. I wipe them down with a damp cloth after each use to remove sweat and dirt. Compared to my previous gloves, which quickly deteriorated, these seem built to last. The Cas Hanwei Red Dragon HEMA Gloves, 12″ AR7010 have significantly outperformed my expectations in terms of durability and comfort.
Breaking Down the Features of Cas Hanwei Red Dragon HEMA Gloves, 12″ AR7010
Specifications
The Cas Hanwei Red Dragon HEMA Gloves, 12″ AR7010 come with the following specifications:
- Size: 12 inches. This is important for fitting smaller hands or younger fencers.
- Age Recommendation: 9-13 years. While designed for a younger age group, adults with smaller hands can also find them suitable.
- Weight Recommendation: 106-150 lbs. This helps ensure the glove fits and protects properly.
- Molded Plastic: 4mm high-impact plastic. This thickness offers decent protection against blunt force impacts.
- Foam Padding: 10mm high-impact foam. This crucial padding absorbs and disperses energy from strikes.
- Finger Protection: Molded overlapping finger plates. This provides individual finger protection while maintaining flexibility.
- Outer Material: Tough microfiber. Microfiber is more durable and easier to clean compared to synthetic leather.
These specifications are crucial for a HEMA glove. They determine the level of protection offered, the range of motion allowed, and the overall comfort and durability of the product.
Performance & Functionality
The Cas Hanwei Red Dragon HEMA Gloves, 12″ AR7010 perform their job admirably, providing a good balance of protection and mobility for HEMA sparring. The gloves protect my hands from painful strikes while still allowing me to grip and manipulate my weapon effectively.
The major strength is the finger protection. The molded, overlapping plates significantly reduce the risk of broken or bruised fingers. A weakness is that while protective, the gloves can get warm during extended sparring sessions.
The gloves meet my expectations for an affordable and protective HEMA glove. They are not perfect, but they are a significant improvement over less specialized alternatives.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Cas Hanwei Red Dragon HEMA Gloves, 12″ AR7010 is impressive for the price. The materials used feel durable, and the stitching appears to be robust.
The gloves are relatively lightweight and comfortable to wear. The molded plastic and foam padding conform well to the hand. There is a small learning curve associated with adjusting to the feel of the overlapping finger plates, but it is easily overcome.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, these gloves should last for a reasonable amount of time with regular use. The high-quality materials and construction suggest that they can withstand the rigors of HEMA sparring.
Maintaining the Cas Hanwei Red Dragon HEMA Gloves, 12″ AR7010 is straightforward. Wiping them down with a damp cloth after each use is sufficient to keep them clean. I have not needed to repair anything so far.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Cas Hanwei Red Dragon HEMA Gloves, 12″ AR7010 do not come with any additional accessories. They are designed as a standalone protective gear item.
There are limited customization options available for these gloves. It would be possible to add additional padding or modify the finger plates, but this would likely void any warranty. The gloves are generally compatible with standard HEMA forearm protectors.
Pros and Cons of Cas Hanwei Red Dragon HEMA Gloves, 12″ AR7010
Pros
- Excellent Finger Protection: Molded overlapping plates greatly reduce finger injuries.
- Affordable Price: Provides good protection without breaking the bank.
- Good Mobility: Allows for a decent range of motion while gripping a weapon.
- Durable Construction: Made with high-quality materials that withstand regular use.
- Comfortable Fit: Designed to conform well to the hand.
Cons
- Microfiber Outer Material: Can get slippery when wet or sweaty.
- Limited Customization: Few options to personalize or modify the gloves.
Who Should Buy Cas Hanwei Red Dragon HEMA Gloves, 12″ AR7010?
The Cas Hanwei Red Dragon HEMA Gloves, 12″ AR7010 are perfect for HEMA practitioners, particularly beginners or those with smaller hands. They are also a good choice for martial artists looking for affordable and reliable hand protection for weapons-based sparring.
Those who should skip this product include individuals with larger hands, those seeking a high degree of customization, or those requiring maximum protection for intense, high-impact sparring with steel weapons.
Must-have accessories for these gloves would include forearm protectors to provide complete arm protection.
Conclusion on Cas Hanwei Red Dragon HEMA Gloves, 12″ AR7010
The Cas Hanwei Red Dragon HEMA Gloves, 12″ AR7010 offer a compelling combination of protection, mobility, and affordability. While they are not without their limitations, they are a solid choice for HEMA practitioners seeking reliable hand protection without breaking the bank.
The price of $82.50 is justified by the level of protection and durability offered. I personally recommend these gloves to anyone starting out in HEMA or looking for an upgrade from generic sparring gloves.
For anyone serious about HEMA sparring, investing in proper protective gear is essential. The Cas Hanwei Red Dragon HEMA Gloves, 12″ AR7010 are a great place to start. Consider grabbing a pair and stepping onto the sparring floor with confidence!