I'm have been looking into what would be a decent mask to get for steel longsword, and I'm a bit confused. As far as I can tell, most masks list either 350-1600N, and either CEN level 1 or 2. But I'm not sure what I would need. For example the absolute force mask seems to be on the lower end of that scale, and the leon paul hema mask is on the higher end, and more expensive. But I have seen recommendations for and against both as well as others I've looked at.

For now I'm just using wooden wasters and I don't have much protective gear, but I plan to buy more over time. A mask seemed the logical place to start since I hope to move into using steel eventually.

So my question is, what masks out there have a reasonable level of protection to be used for steel longsword? I know nothing is perfect, but what is it that most people use (that seem to work).

Well, I have been training with the ARMA, and my group pretty much only uses steel training swords. I use the Absolute Force Deluxe mask, their throat protector, and basic leather gloves with some thin padding. That's all. I've taken cuts and thrusts with a Regenyei feder, the Albion Meyer, and others, and that has been sufficient protection. I honestly don't foresee anything ever hitting close to hard enough to hurt me through that mask unless they did something like a murder stroke and didn't use control. It is new, and I'm still getting used to it, but I'd say it should be fine unless you fence with people who have little regard to your safety, in which case I'd not fence with them at all.

Whatever model you decide on, it should have 1600N. Don't settle for anything lower.

I use the LP HEMA mask (prototype version), and a SPES trinity cover. The combination is excellent - lightweight, comfortable, and very protective. Serves perfectly well against fairly powerful cuts from Ties Kool et al. I'd want something more solid if I was bashing blunts around (instead of feders), but there's a reason none of the groups I know make heavy use of them.

Sport fencing ratings are not directly applicable to HEMA. A summary of what the various categories mean can be found here (PDF link). The short answer is that CEN2 and 1600N are often but not always better.

As a practical example, high end masks often use thinner wire, and weave it more closely. This makes them lighter, and also gives them excellent puncture resistance against a narrow point (such as a broken foil). However, this also means they can crumple under cuts from longswords or similar heavy weapons.

The Absolute Force mask is the basic standard. People wear it throughout the HEMA world, and it does an excellent job at a very reasonable price.

For other options, it's generally sensible to look at coaching masks, which are typically constructed a bit more heavily (so as to survive constant abuse).

The gold standard options in fencing masks for HEMA are the LP HEMA mask and the Gajardoni. Both are strong, comfortable, and expensive.

Beyond that, you're looking at either a Tindall-style perf-plate mask, a sparring helmet like the Windlass, or Brian Hunt's kydex close helmet. Much more expensive again, but still more protective.

Thanks for all the replies. This seems like an excellent summary of the options.

It sounds to me like it makes sense to buy a lighter fencing mask for now, just to protect from accidents during practice, and then I'll look into getting something more protective later depending on exactly what I end up doing.