RED DRAGONArmoury Synthetic Sparring Longsword - Black Blade with Red Hilt

I bought this for my husband when he decided he wanted to attend a HEMA training class and learn more about historical sword fighting.He has loved it. Light but durable, he says it held up well to sparring and was perfect for his height of 5'8" (you size them by resting the sword on its tip and the pommel coming to the top of your sternum or if the pommel fits perfectly under your armpit)It stood up to his entire beginners course and he can't wait to take it into the intermediate classes. Great buy. Comes easy to assemble. I hope they release it in more colors someday.

The pommel is wiggly for me and I get worried it'll come off, but hasn't yet thankfully. Otherwise, been a useful and cool-looking training sword for HEMA.

Swords are very slippery in a bind, but otherwise pretty good. Mine were surprisingly stiff for synthetics, which is great for a lot of longsword techniques. However, they still flex enough to be fairly safe in good sparring gear, even in the thrust (it'll hurt and bruise, but it will be tough to really hurt yourself seriously). If they deform after usage, just give them a hot bath, and the swords will straighten out. The guard is a bit flexible and springy for my taste, but seems to hold up just fine during full contact. They are a little light, especially compared to steel, but pretty good for first time trainer.If you want to practice the bind, apply friction tape to the edge. It won't last long, but good enough for a couple of drills. This is the biggest flaw of the design, but it is workable for most drills I regularly practice. I'm trying to think of some way of creating a more durable practice edge, but nothing comes to mind at the moment. Will update later if I figure something out.

Came with bit of a bend towards the tip that reverts when you try to shape it, and the grip on the hilt doesn't sit tight against the tang, so it shifts while swinging. It is a decently made product and survives hits on a powered swing, but it could use some quality control before being shipped out. Even if it is a budget product, the lack of quality control doesn't justify the price point. I'll keep it to whack stuff with, but probably will not be buying another.

The Red Dragon Armoury Synthetic Sparring Longsword is a popular choice among HEMA practitioners and enthusiasts looking for a training sword that balances durability, safety, and realism. Designed for safe practice, this synthetic longsword effectively replicates the size and weight of a traditional steel longsword without the risks associated with metal blades, making it an ideal tool for both beginners and experienced practitioners.One of the standout features of this synthetic longsword is its resilience. Constructed from high-impact plastic, the blade is tough enough to withstand repeated strikes while also being flexible enough to absorb impact, reducing the risk of injury during sparring. The flexibility is well-calibrated—not too soft, which would make drills difficult, but also not too rigid, which could result in painful feedback. The blade’s ability to simulate bind and winding techniques is impressive, adding a layer of realism to training.The grip and hilt construction are also notable. The handle is comfortable and offers a secure grip, while the crossguard is durable and has a realistic shape that closely resembles historical longsword designs. Additionally, the pommel is made from a slightly heavier material, providing good balance and adding to the authenticity of the weapon’s feel.In terms of performance, the Red Dragon longsword is agile and easy to maneuver, allowing practitioners to focus on technique without being overly concerned about the sword's handling. It’s light enough to be suitable for extended training sessions without causing fatigue but substantial enough to mimic the feel of a real sword. The sword’s length is appropriate for most HEMA techniques, making it versatile for various styles of practice, from German longsword to Italian fencing techniques.A minor drawback is that, due to the synthetic material, the blade can occasionally develop slight dents or burrs over time, particularly with heavy use. However, these can be smoothed out relatively easily and don’t compromise the sword’s functionality.Overall, the Red Dragon Armoury Synthetic Sparring Longsword is a well-designed training tool that offers a good balance of durability, safety, and authenticity. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to practice safely without sacrificing the feel and techniques of real longsword combat. Whether you’re new to HEMA or a seasoned practitioner, this synthetic longsword provides a reliable and realistic sparring experience.

Very well made and sturdy for light fencing and playing around, all n all nice product, only thing that bothers me is the rubber grip around and covers the handle isn't very tight and kinda moves around. Not much can be done but maybe a tighter rubber sleeve around the handle/grip but overall for the money good sword

Perfect for HEMA

A decent product for Hema types who need something cheap and similar in size to a federschwert to swing around at home or if they can't afford a proper Feder or synthetic sword. It's a bit pricy for what it is. It bends very easily being a rubber like material and it's too light to be useful for conditioning. But if it's between this or swinging around a broom this is better.