So I'm planning on buying a sidesword/buckler, I have been working with a wooden waster so far.

For the sword, I found
Albion Marozzo Sword http://www.albion-swords.com/swords/albion/sw...aestro.htm
Arms and Armor Side Sword Sword http://www.arms-n-armor.com/rapier219.html
Hanwei Practical Side Sword http://www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=...Side+Sword

For the buckler, I found
Mercenary Tailor 11" Steel Buckler http://www.merctailor.com/catalog/product_inf...ucts_id=57
Alchem 12" Steel Buckler http://www.alcheminc.com/bucklers.html
GDFB 12" Steel Buckler http://www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=...+-+12+Inch

So I hope to get a decent set of equipment for myself, but are there anything cheaper than Albion and A&A? Side swords seem to cost much more than the I.33 swords. I also am thinking of starting up a club at my college for this, does the Hanwei Practical Side Sword+GDFB sound good as a starter set? Is there anything cheaper than the Hanwei Side Sword? And I am leaning towards Merc Tailor for my buckler.

The Albion Marozzo hasn't been released yet, and there is no indication when that might happen. If you call Albion, maybe they can give you a date.

I've got a Hanwei practical sidesword. It is adequate, especially for the price, but I agree with Bill Grandy's review which says that if you want to get serious with this sword type, you'll want to get something better. The hilt will start to loosen up before too long.

I don't have the A&A sidesword, but I suspect it will be your best bet.

I haven't heard the best things about the Hanwei practical sidesword.I have heard they are not constructed very well,and tend to,umm...malfunction.Yet I don't have any personal experience with the weapon,but in general,Hanwei items,although functional,often don't stand up to a lot of wear and tear.I suggest finding some reviews,but I know you can't beat the price. As for the buckler,I own an Alchem and proud of it.This buckler of mine has stood up to intense saber,hand and half sword,rapier,and schlager combat. It has only a few minor dents ,and is as solid as the day I got it.Alchem products take a long time to ship out because they are made to order,but trust me,it is well worth the wait.And there you are: my two cents of personal opinion :p :D

The grip on the Hanwei sidesword is plastic, which I believe leads to many of its woes. It is lacking in durability.

The very heavy screw on pommel has been known to cause problems in the past also, such as snapping the threaded tang portion off right at the termination of the grip.

Be advised.

The Merc Tailor buckler and Alchem buckler are good value. The GDFB bucklers are way too heavy, and the handles are awkward. I can't really speak to the side swords though.

Edit: Actually, If I were looking for a sidesword, I'd probably check Darkwood.

Hmmm I'll have to think about that Alchem buckler! And so even for a starter set, you would recommend a Alchem buckler? What would you guys recommend for the cheaper set, if the Hanwei is really that bad? And which sidesword at Darkwood would you recommend?

The Alchem buckler is definitely worth the extra cost, even as an entry level piece. I wouldn't waste time with the GDFB.

I'm not really a sidesword guy. I just know darkwood makes good rapiers and baskethilts, and I've heard good things about their sideswords. If it were, me, I'd email Scott at Darkwood and tell him up front that I was looking for a simple entry-level sidesword, and ask what he recommends.

Thank Craig, I'll shoot Scott an email!

The Arms and Armor sidesword trainer is *WONDERFUL*. Probably the best I've ever handled.

The Darkwood Armory ones are also excellent, and have a lot of variety in hilts. You really can't go wrong with either choice.

Forgive me for sliding offtopic, but can someone please tell me the differences between A&A's rapier trainer (#219) and sidesword trainer(#218)? To me, the hilts seem virtually identical. Same hilt, different blades? Please tell me what I'm not seeing.