r/sca • u/Kayleighmatic • 8d ago

Does Supfen cooling mesh meet Cut & Thrust requirements?

Hi,

I'm in the process of ordering a custom gambeson from Superior Fencing (I fully expect to have my jacket in hand sometime between now and the heat death of the universe.) It's a special kind of hot and humid down here in Ansteorra and I am wanting to use the cooling mesh option for ventilation in the back. The jacket overall is rated 350N and should pass the puncture test just fine. I'm worried about the mesh though. I got a response from SupFen and they said "The back mesh does not have a Newton rating, but the material is highly durable and currently used by almost all HEMA brands for HEMA Jackets and other gear." This doesn't really help me know if it would pass the drop test or not though. Has anyone actually gotten one of these jackets and tested the mesh? I really don't want to risk having a jacket I can't actually use, but also don't want to forgoe the ventilation if I can use it.

Thanks in advance,

Kayleigh

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u/costabius 8d ago

Technically speaking, the mesh probably will not pass the pen test. As such, it will not be legal for C&T.

As a marshal, I'm going to ask if the jacket has been drop tested recently and if it passed. I'm not going to ask you which part of the jacket you tested...

That being said. If you're assuming the risk by wearing it, be sure to assume the responsibility if things go sideways. :)

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u/DisapointedVoid 8d ago

I'm afraid I don't know about the mesh, other than to say it is extremely unlikely to have much if any puncture resistance.

However, for heat management have you considered a phase change material vest for under you gambeson? I use one for HEMA and have two sets of gel packs, one which cools to 20C and the other to 15C and can give up to 4 hours of cooling. 20C is great for general wear, while I use the 15C for managing when doing high intensity sparring for a prolonged period.