A&A Side Sword Trainer

[Stacy Clifford]

Since equipment seems to be a popular subject lately, has anyone used the Arms & Armor Side Sword Trainer before?

http://www.armor.com/rapier219.html

How does it perform, and how stiff is the blade? I've been wanting something like this for a while now, but I want one that's as stiff as a normal blade and won't wobble like Jello every time it makes contact with another sword. The page generally says the side sword blade has "less give in the thrust" than the rapier trainer blade, but without a picture to demonstrate, that may not be saying much. I would appreciate any opinions from those who have used one before, and if you can post pictures then even better.

[Steven Reich]

I use the sidesword trainer with the #6008 blade. This blade is similar to flexibility to the blade on the Scholar's sword (it shares similar dimensions). If anything, the earlier ones weren't flexible enough. The recent ones I've seen are just flexible enough for sparring with some protective equipment, but they will most certainly not wobble like jello. Pay attention to the measurements to be sure that you're happy with the sword's length.

Steve

[Stacy Clifford]

I use the sidesword trainer with the #6008 blade. This blade is similar to flexibility to the blade on the Scholar's sword (it shares similar dimensions). If anything, the earlier ones weren't flexible enough. The recent ones I've seen are just flexible enough for sparring with some protective equipment, but they will most certainly not wobble like jello. Pay attention to the measurements to be sure that you're happy with the sword's length.

Steve

Thanks. I don't recall having met anyone with an A&A I could compare it to, so a picture of the amount of flex you're describing would still be helpful, but it sounds promising. It is a couple of inches shorter than I might prefer, but still suitable in terms of length.

[Steven Reich]

Thanks. I don't recall having met anyone with an A&A I could compare it to, so a picture of the amount of flex you're describing would still be helpful, but it sounds promising. It is a couple of inches shorter than I might prefer, but still suitable in terms of length.

I'll try to get photos up tonight, but it might be late (after 10:00 pm eastern time). Also, if you've handled the A&A Fechterspiel or Fechtbuch sword, the flex is similar (or even a little stiffer) than that. Even my wife's sword, which is somewhat more flexible than mine because A&A tapered it a little more to make it a little lighter, has absolutely no wobble if I flail it around from side to side, no matter how violently.

Steve

[Randall Pleasant]

I had been dying to get a The Marozzo by Albion but my interest in it has completely droped after seeing that it is basically a metal noodle. This A&A side sword trainer looks good, hopefully its blade will be stiff enough.

[Steven Reich]

Here are a few images I have online--although none of them give any idea of the flex.

First, one sidesword trainer with the nail head (#6005) and another with the sidesword blade (#6008) below it:




Here's a closeup of the sword with the #6008 blade:


Also, I'm guessing that if you talked to Craig (of A&A) he could ensure that the blade was on the stiffer side of stiff, if that's what you want.

One other caveat. If you have hams for hands, the handles on these might be a little small, in which case, the Serenissima Rapier with the #6008 blade might be better (it has a pretty long handle).

Steve

[Stacy Clifford]

Thanks again for the info. I'm not quite ready to spend that much money yet, but I like to have the info to decide if I want to save up for one. If I do decide to go for it I'll definitely talk to Craig.

[Sal Bertucci]

Steve,

I noticed that they have replaceable blades on the site. As such I'm assuming that the blades are screwed in somehow. Is that correct? If so, Have you had any problems with it loosening up on you?

Thanks.

[Steven Reich]

I noticed that they have replaceable blades on the site. As such I'm assuming that the blades are screwed in somehow. Is that correct? If so, Have you had any problems with it loosening up on you?

The Pommel screws onto the tang, but then there is a locking nut (the nipple on the end of the pommel). Also, the guard and the handle fit on the blade very snugly. With all of that, it is absolutely solid--it's rather difficult to get everything apart even after you remove the pommel. I never have any problems with anything getting loose at all.

Steve

[Randall Pleasant]

Scholars

For those who have not yet seen The Marozzo from Albion. The picture makes clear why this blade will be of little use to us.

[william_cain_iii]

I dunno, I'd have to know how hard he's bending it.

Admittedly he doesn't look like he's straining...but he's John Clements! The guy is obviously very strong. If someone less accomplished were bending it and showing such little effort, I'd agree.

Then again, maybe Albion will take your concerns on-board. Don't give up hope, strive to make them known!