The punchline: It's all polycarbonate! Very inexpensive though, and available in a variety of finishes. Lots of different periods and styles, a few of which are shown below. For reference, the spangenhelm is about $150. The 16th c. breast (almost identical to a famous piece in Graz) is around $200. The gothic cuirass is tougher to justify at $500. Still, it looks great and is certainly cheaper than a real cuirass of that quality. The sallet is around $200. That, too, is a bit hard to justify since a real sallet can be found for not much more. Interesting idea and nice execution. Maybe nobody will want this stuff and it'll end up in the bargain basement bin. See it all here:

http://www.by-the-sword.com/acatalog/LRP_Armour.html

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And this is where it all comes from:

http://www.nortonarmouries.com/index.asp


Paul

I've seen those when I browse BTS occasionally. Very pretty, very detailed, but I'd prefer something that's actual steel or leather.

This stuff would be great for LRP - which is precisely what it was made for - latex and foam weapons, some historical, some fantasy... Yet another neat toy I never had as a kid.

For comparison, though, this might not be as inexpensive as you might think...

That Gothic Cuirass for $497:
[ Linked Image ]
[ Linked Image ]

vs:

Illusion Armoring High Gothic in steel with fluted faulds for $435 (and 6-12 months wait, but custom to you):
[ Linked Image ]
[ Linked Image ]

This hybrid polyurethane stuff is also available directly thru Norton Armories. They are prop suppliers for such recent films as Troy, King Arthur and Kingdom of Heaven. Norton Armories claims that this stuff is so strong you can run it over with a 1.5 ton truck and the armor will spring back into shape. Although I would advise wearing it while doing it.

http://www.nortonarmouries.com/shop.asp

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umm most larps do not except the stuff. dagorhir, dagger, adrian blah blah must have steel chain or leather.

From the website FAQ:

Is it suitable for re-enactment?
Yes it will stand up to fighting with metal weapons, we can thicken the material if required for added protection.

Interesting. Maybe it's an alternative for metal armor, which needs lots of maintenance under heavy use.

(gotta admit I sorta like the Troll armor. Sparring while wearing that might be fun. Sue me. )

I love the crisp lines on that sallet!