September 9, 2020 Paul Becker

Christian Lee-Becker to the IN MOTU-UHLMANN FENCH JACKET

ANOTHER TESTER OF THE

IN MOTU- UHLMANN HEMA JACKET

Christian (ChriZz Ly) is with the Pfälzer Schwertlöwen - Historical Martial Arts e.V. and currently specializes in rapier fencing as a trainer. At the weekend I could finally meet him again at the Tremonia Fencing School 2020.

Of course he took the opportunity to test our new jacket extensively. Also with our new HEMA leather vest, which you can order in a few days.

Here now his words:

"Short review of the Uhlmann fencing jacket by Paul Becker/In MOTU

Shortly about my fencing jacket experience:

I have fenced in the following fencing jackets so far :

- SPES Hussar 800N

- SPES AP 350N

- SPES AP Light 350N (current)

- Leon Paul Titan Pro 800N

- Highhill Jacket 800N (current)

- SPES JF Fencing Jacket 350N (current)

Design:

The jacket reminds optically of a thicker fencing jacket from sport fencing and is available in black and white. The jacket is deliberately not waisted in order to better cushion lateral blows. But the design is not everyone's cup of tea.

Wearing comfort:

The test jacket was one size too big for me, as you can see on the picture. The jacket was still comfortable to wear and the felt weight is comparable to a standard SPES AP. The jacket offers full freedom of movement, no restrictions were noticeable. Overhead movements are no problem. The mobility is in no way inferior to the SPES AP Light. Also the otherwise quite fast heat development started only slowly and also only very slightly. The strap between the legs, which should prevent the jacket from sliding up, can be removed very easily by a hook system.

Protective effect:

The jacket is padded with shock-absorbing filling everywhere except the elbows, forearms and collar.

I felt the fencing feather in any case as if I was wearing a normal SPES AP. Stitches as well.

Especially for rapier fencing I think this jacket is very good. For this I had some stabs against my chest and belly by means of Paul's Feder and let myself be hit with my Bellatore rapier. The blows were no problem at all and were super cushioned. For stabs with a stiffer blade it is still recommended to wear a chest plate underneath or the extra available leather vest, which is super light and does not restrict the freedom of movement. Paul's jacket is probably my future choice especially for rapier tournaments, I also find it highly interesting for sabre fencing. For other rapier sparring especially the so called friendly sparring I will stay with my new Highhill jacket. The future of my SPES AP Light is currently uncertain.

To answer the question whether the jacket is suitable for more intensive longsword fencing, there are already more competent opinions than mine. Only this much: for my personal purposes it would surely be sufficient.

The gimmick of attaching a saber or rapier to the jacket through a loop and thus practicing the drawing of the weapon is a classic "nice to have". "

Thank you Christian for your review, which hopefully will help many fencers to appreciate the jacket.