Somehow you are wondering what is a Gorget? Right? A gorget is more than a mere piece of armor which is designed to protect your neck. It is a metal neck piece, crescent or lunette-shaped. It is not only meant to protect your neck but also 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 reenactments and combat of all sorts.
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, and lowly-priced fence protector cannot offer excellent protection.
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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 gorge 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 an instant, a steel gorget offers superior protection than 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 just 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 a seamless move. Some are designed with a padded compression beneath for smooth and comfortable wear. We hope that we explained what is a gorget clear enough.
Currently Most Popular Throat Protector – Destroyer Modz Roughneck HEMA Gorget
In our “What is a gorget?” research, we found that this is best HEMA gorget for fencing. It offers a superior combination of free movement and protection.
Protection
This gorget is designed with a padding layer of plastic that sits comfortably on top of padding. The plastic layer covers the front of the throat it provides a good level of resistance against impact.
Ease for Fastening
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 character regarding what a gorget can offer.
Sizing, Mobility, Bulk
The gorget comes in one size. The Velcro strap provides it with plenty of room for fitting around. However, this gorget isn’t bulky, and it’s incredibly slim. This makes it least obstructive piece of armor.
Price and Availability
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
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 in the market can be an uphill task. Relying on what other clients will provide you with insight and help you in choosing 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 on winning 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:
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 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. However, this price does not compromise its quality and the level of protection. It’s designed to fit on the neck comfortably. Its breath-ability is unrivaled.
Conclusion
If you are reading this, it means you have learned what is a gorget and how it works. Whether you are a novice or an experienced fencer, protecting your throat and neck should come second to none. An uncontrolled hit can lead to severe damages.
We hope that you liked this “What is a Gorget” article, and let us know down in the comments which one is your favorite.