Looking for Starter gear

[Vrohi]

Hey there Ladies and Gentlemen. I just relocated way up north in the frozen lands...And I am just starting up with Belegarth, so obviously Im gonna need some decent starting gear Id like to start with weapons and garb and then if Ive got anything left over (monetarily) then Ill move into armor. Thanks post quick Im somewhat impatient! =P

[Arrakis]

I make garb for money. Tunics, pants, hakama, tabards, whatever.

[Vrohi]

Hey alrighty then Send me some examples of your work and some relative prices and we can get started

[Eris]

edhellen.com for weapons & shields.

Megs lives up in the Northlands, and she sews sometimes. Send her a PM and see what she can do.

[Vrohi]

I wanted to stay away from Edhellen's prices though, Thanks though Ill message Megs

[Big King Jimmy]

I wanted to stay away from Edhellen's prices though, Thanks though Ill message Megs

Just remember, the phrase "you get what you pay for" rings true in this game way more than it ever has for me in real life. Another good phrase, "Garbage in garbage out." is one Bo is fond of using. Materials and workmanship are key to good equipment, and those guys that have been around long enough to really understand how this stuff works have real jobs and a family, and don't have time to make and sell equipment. Most of what I've seen offered through just people selling stuff in Belegarth (as upposed to Edhellen or warlord armories) is pretty bad. Every new guy gets this idea "I'm just starting out, and I see people want gear. If I roll out a million swords made of PVC and blue foam and won't cost me much and I can sell that at half of what Edhellen charges. Weapons are weapons after all." And that's just it, weapons are NOT weapons.

[Claymore]

I got to agree with this one. Edhellen weapons last very long for what you pay for. Admittitaly, the price has pushed me to try making my own weapons, but with limited sucess and material cost, I was surprised how close I came to edhellens price. And the edhellen swords that I have are nearing their 10th year of fighting.

[Big King Jimmy]

Especially with the new glue they use, if it starts to have a problem you can leave it in the sun for a little bit and the glue will remelt, essentially allowing it to recharge. It's awesome, and never stops being sticky.

If nothing else, their sword fries are really the best way to build a sword. For all the time you spend building a blue sword if you just use a fry you spend 1/8th of the time and usually have a much cleaner looking blade.

The only complaints I'd have about them is their pommels and handles both can wear quickly, but they're both problems that are easy to fix. Mobian takes every new Edhellen sword he gets and immediatly pops off the pommel and hot glues it back on.

[Eris]

Also, since you are just starting, it is probably a much better idea to invest in weapons and wait on the armor until you have at least a year's worth of fighting experience.

There are many threads devoted to the "new fighters wearing armor" discussion. We can link them here if you want to check them out and determine if you agree or disagree with my assessment, and that of many veteran fighters.

[Vrohi]

Well thanks guys, Thats actually exactly the information I was looking for! I appreciate it. And as for the guy whos had an Edhellen sword for ten years that is VERY well worth the price thanks again guys now I won't feel so bad If I do end up ordering from them!

[Big King Jimmy]

For the record, if you DO have a bad expeirence with Edhellen, TELL THEM! These guys are fighters they understand. Every one of them was a Bel fighter first. I'm not saying that they won't ALWAYS be able to do something about it, but I'm saying they do seek to keep their customers happy.

[Kasada]

I finally have some time on my hands again, so if you want a weapon or shield custom (ie, something edhellen doesn't offer), just ask. I try to make things both high quality and low price, and it's actually pretty easy.

[Vrohi]

can You give me examples of your work?

[Big King Jimmy]

I finally have some time on my hands again, so if you want a weapon or shield custom (ie, something edhellen doesn't offer), just ask. I try to make things both high quality and low price, and it's actually pretty easy.

If you message orders@edhellen.com you can ask them about the availablility of different gear. Different size gear or different materials for example. I get fries from them routed out at .6" instead of .5" all the time for kitespar.

[D-9-13]

Not to hijack the thread, but can anyone tell me what the general opinion is on Edhellen's shields vs. making your own? It sure does seem like it might be a minimial savings by the time I make my own, but the shipping for the shields is the real killer, shipping seems to be more than half the cost of the shield..about $45 to where I am for a $70 shield (teardrop for example...)

[Arrakis]

I would say make it if you're a good smith, buy it if you aren't.

[D-9-13]

I would say make it if you're a good smith, buy it if you aren't.

Are they worth it for the price? If they have the reputation I have read about like their swords, they probably are...

[Big King Jimmy]

The oldest Edhellen round shield I've seen is almost 12 years old. What they save you more than anything is time. If you have the time to make your own I might.

When I build shields, I get the foam from them but just do the work myself. I can just drive the 4 hours or so (or 45 minutes when I'm visiting my g/f from school) and pick it up.

[D-9-13]

The oldest Edhellen round shield I've seen is almost 12 years old. What they save you more than anything is time. If you have the time to make your own I might.

When I build shields, I get the foam from them but just do the work myself. I can just drive the 4 hours or so (or 45 minutes when I'm visiting my g/f from school) and pick it up.

Thnaks Big Jimmy, that helps a ton actually...given the price, I'm afraid time wins out over money, so construction it is...

[Lynard]

Yeah I would get one there shield. I have a punch too and still in real good condition. But my round I've put a new core in it. So it would be heavy er.

Lynard

[Vrohi]

Hey quick dumb question what exactly is the difference between a Punch and Strap Shield. If Im correct the Strap can go on your back right?

[Arrakis]

A better term set is: Strapped Shield and Centergrip Shield.

[Derian]

Strapped shields have straps that you put your arm through. They attach to your forearm. Punch/center grip shields just have a handle that you grab on to.

[Vrohi]

wouldnt that make punch shields suck a lot?

[Arrakis]

Why in hell would it?

[Vrohi]

Well in comparison with Strap with the nice study arm strap, you'd have to hold onto the punch a whole lot harder...Unless Im missing the purpose of a punch shield. Am I wrong would Strap not be far easier to handle?

[Derian]

They're not very heavy. It's generally easier to become moderately effective with a punch than a strap shield.

[Arrakis]

Well in comparison with Strap with the nice study arm strap, you'd have to hold onto the punch a whole lot harder...Unless Im missing the purpose of a punch shield. Am I wrong would Strap not be far easier to handle?

Not significantly. Try them both. They both have their advantages and disadvantages.

[Vrohi]

Alrighty then, I will get on that! Hurray for experimentation!