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What is a Gorget? [Throat Protectors for Fencing Explained]

A gorget is more than a mere piece of armor designed to protect your neck. It is a metal neckpiece, crescent, or lunette-shaped. Not only does it protect your neck, but it also protects your collarbone and shoulders.

In most cases, the best HEMA gorgets are crafted from steel or enhanced with durable plastic to make them perfect for use in training and reenactments.

Traditionally, a gorget was a piece of linen worn by women in the medieval period around their neck and head. It was later used as a piece of armor. The ornament is still used today by some armies as part of their ceremonial attire.

The best gorget depends on the material used. And in most cases, the fabric used will dictate the price. However, that doesn’t mean a low-priced neck protector cannot offer excellent protection.

Table of Contents

  • How a Gorget Protects Your Throat and Neck?
  • Currently Most Popular Throat Protector – Destroyer Modz Roughneck HEMA Gorget
    • Protection
    • Ease for Fastening
    • Sizing, Mobility, Bulk
    • Price and Availability
  • Q & A
    • 1. Do you need a Gorget for HEMA or Olympics Fencing tournaments?
    • 2. Which are the best brands that create fencing gorgets?
    • 3. Which gorget type is the safest?
    • 4. Which is the best gorget for under $50 (€50)
  • Conclusion

How a Gorget Protects Your Throat and Neck?

A gorget, or a throat protector, is a vital piece of ornament that will protect you against thrusts. A hit on your gorget can be painful and to some extent, lethal. It’s, therefore, crucial to find a gear that will give you the best neck and throat protection.

For instance, a steel gorget offers superior protection to a plastic gorget. Steel gorgets are ideal for LARP and SCA events, also sometimes for HEMA.

The problem with bigger throat protectors is that sometimes they don’t fit under or over the fencing jacket.

A gorget is designed to fit your neck with a rounded edge to catch the sword tip. It should also be lightweight for seamless movement. Some are designed with a padded compression beneath for smooth and comfortable wear.

Currently Most Popular Throat Protector – Destroyer Modz Roughneck HEMA Gorget

In our “What is a gorget?” research, we found that this is the best HEMA gorget for fencing. It offers a superior combination of free movement and protection.

250 Destroyer Modz Roughneck HEMA Gorget

Protection

This gorget is designed with a padding layer of plastic that sits comfortably on top of the padding. The plastic layer covers the front of the throat, and it provides a good level of resistance against impact.

Ease for Fastening

The DMZ HEMA gorget has a decent and high-quality Velcro strap that secures the gorget around the throat and neck, for almost any size. It’s easy to take on and off, which makes it an essential product feature regarding what this gorget can offer.

Sizing, Mobility, Bulk

The gorget comes in one size. The Velcro strap provides it with plenty of room for fitting around your neck. However, this gorget isn’t bulky, and is incredibly slim. This makes it the least obstructive piece of armor.

Price and Availability

The DMZ HEMA gorget is not expensive. Generally, it can cost up to $45. This will, however, depend on the vendor.

Pros
  • Fits perfectly
  • Offers superior protection
  • Provides free movement
  • Price range
Cons
  • It only protects the throat and neck area

Check today’s price (US)

Check today’s price (EU)

Q & A

When we were writing this “What is a Gorget article?” we also wanted to give you answers on most frequently asked questions. Getting a good throat protector for fencing in the market can be an uphill task. With many conflicting opinions out there, we have put an article together to help you choose the best gorget.

1. Do you need a Gorget for HEMA or Olympics Fencing tournaments?

Yes. Fencing tournaments can be overwhelming especially for novices. Fencers compete aggressively against each other. Therefore, it’s essential to protect your neck and throat.

2. Which are the best brands that create fencing gorgets?

The best picks for fencing gorgets include:

  • Leon Paul HEMA Gorget
  • Red Dragon Hema Gorget
  • PBT HEMA Gorget
  • Absolute Force HEMA Throat Protector

All these gorgets offer excellent protection, and they give you a bang for your buck.

3. Which gorget type is the safest?

In our research, Leon Paul HEMA Gorget is one of the safest gorgets. The piece is made of durable synthetic material. It is vast and covers the entire neck. Although it’s pricey, it’s worth every cent. Its flexibility, compatibility, and protection will give you great value for your money.

Another safe gorget is PBT HEMA Gorget. Its comfortable and non-restrictive design, reinforced with 6mm thick bib on sides and 4mm thick rubber on the front give an extra layer of protection and safety. It’s available at an affordable price.

4. Which is the best gorget for under $50 (€50)

Destroyer Modz Roughneck HEMA Gorget is our favorite throat protector that retails below $50. And, this price does not compromise its quality and the level of protection. It’s designed to fit on the neck comfortably. Its breathability is unrivaled.

Conclusion

If you are reading this, it means you have learned what a gorget is and how it works. Whether you are a novice or an experienced fencer, protecting your throat and neck should always be a priority. An uncontrolled hit can lead to severe damage if you aren’t wearing protection.

We hope that you liked this “What is a Gorget” article, and let us know down in the comments which one is your favorite.

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