Weapon checking

[linkicecold3000]

I know the basic hit test for weapon checking but i wanted to know what exactly you do to check to see if a weapon passes (other then obeying the book of war).

Thank you for your time.

[Cyric]

make sure the weapon is built correctly, conforms to the book of war, and passes a hit test. Feel the blade to make sure nothing is moving and that you can't feel core or soft spots on the foam. Make sure nothing feels like it will fail at the first hit.

[Derian]

This is a quick thing I did some time ago. It only covers melee weapons and shields:

I just wrote this up. I'm sure it can be improved:

Melee weapons:

1. Feel along all striking surfaces with moderate pressure. Be sure not to dig your thumbs into the foam. Make sure you don't feel core anywhere.

2. Repeat for all incidental padding.

3. Check for general wear/tear & construction, e.g. check to ensure the pommel is secure, the blade isn't sliding off the core, cover is intact, etc.

4. Check measurements:
- Check to make sure pommel doesn't pass more than 0.5 inches through a 2.0 inch hole.
- Check to make sure tip doesn't pass more than 0.5 inches through a 2.5 inch hole.
- Ensure unpadded area doesn't exceed 18" or 1/3rd of the overall length, whichever is greater.

5. Check flex. Melee weapons cannot flex more than 45 degrees.

6. Hit test. Ensure the weapon doesn't hit with excess force and that core cannot be felt when struck with the weapon.

Shields:

1. Check edges of the shield to make sure you can't feel core.

2. Check the face of the shield to make sure you can't feel core.

3. Check for wear/tear & construction. Make sure the straps aren't falling off, cover is intact, etc.

4. Measure, if necessary. Minimum is 12" in any direction. Max width is 36", max height is 18" less than the height of the user.

[Davit]

Those are great starts, but as I'm sure both Cyric and Derian will agree, the best way to learn how to check is to ask someone who does it already, and learn from them. It's really hard to describe what an "ok" hit feels like versus a "bad" hit feels like.