I wanted to talk about this rule 1.3.7. The amount of tape on a striking surface should be kept to a minimum.
If I remember correctly the original intention of the rule was to prevent Ampgard cross over sticks (which I believe we did with weight minimums) as well as to prevent "slapping" of the weapon.
My question is this; is this necessary now with all of the foam smithing progressions? Am I wrong about the original intention on the rule?
Personally, I moved all of my striking surface foam over to 1" 2# microcell Polyethylene foam (pretty much the Microcell version of foam that we have been using from Edhellen/Forged Foam for years). This microcell foam is great for absorbing impact, but it sheers really easily without a tape layer. I have taken to using fiberglass strapping tape (bi-directional strapping tape) to increase longevity of my weapons.
I have been doing this now for a couple of years with minimal-to-no issue's as to people even noticing the tape being there. Whenever a weapons checker brings up the tape rule, I end up arguing and saying that the tape is necessary for a sufficient force hit and ask them to take it to hit test to see if it passes (which it does unless the weapon is actually broken).
Any insight would be helpful.