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Brigandines FAQ


Brigandines

A brigandine does not receive automatic approval simply because it was designed for armored combat. Tournament officials consider its historical source, period, regional style, plate layout, coverage, materials, and compatibility with the rest of the armor.

MedievalExtreme builds brigandines for full-contact combat and bases each model on historical references. However, leagues and individual events may apply different or updated requirements. Confirm your chosen model with the relevant authenticity committee before ordering if you plan to compete under specific BI (ex., HMB), IMCF, or other league rules.

The brigandine should sit securely over the gambeson without compressing or flattening its padding. It should protect the chest, back, sides, and required lower torso area while allowing normal breathing.

Test the fit by raising your arms, twisting, crouching, bending, and assuming your fighting stance. The brigandine should not shift excessively or press into the neck, hips, or armpits.

Take measurements while wearing your actual gambeson. If you order the brigandine and padding together, measure your bare body and clearly tell us. We will add the required fitting allowance.

Choose hardened steel if you prioritize durability, straightforward maintenance, and a lower purchase price. Steel works well for regular training, hard melees, and fighters who do not mind carrying additional weight.

Choose titanium if you want to reduce fatigue and improve mobility during long tournaments. Depending on the model, titanium can reduce brigandine weight by approximately 30 to 40 percent. It costs more, but the lower weight can make a noticeable difference during repeated fights.

Weight depends on the design, size, plate layout, coverage, and material. For example, an XL Chalkis Brigandine weighs approximately 8.54 kg in hardened steel and 5.42 kg in titanium. An XL Wimbledon Brigandine weighs approximately 8.58 kg in steel and 6 kg in titanium.

Smaller sizes and brigandines with less coverage may weigh less. Always check the specifications of the individual model rather than relying on a general category weight.


Buhurt Brigandines: Flexible Plate Armor for the Torso

A buhurt brigandine combines overlapping metal plates with a durable textile shell. Rivets secure each plate to a canvas and wool base. This construction provides strong torso coverage while allowing more flexibility than a solid breastplate. A properly fitted medieval brigandine protects the chest, back, sides, and upper hips.

Overlapping Plates and Impact Protection

The internal plates spread impact across the torso and reduce exposed gaps between armor sections. Large chest and back plates provide extensive coverage against heavy strikes, pushes, and falls. Smaller segmented plates can improve mobility during wrestling and rapid movement.

Plate layout always involves a tradeoff. Larger plates increase rigid coverage, while smaller plates allow the body to bend and twist more freely.

Hardened Steel or Titanium Plates

MedievalExtreme offers brigandines with hardened spring steel or titanium plates. Hardened steel provides excellent durability and suits fighters who prioritize maximum resistance to repeated impacts. Titanium reduces the total weight and can limit fatigue during long tournaments.

Both materials require the correct plate thickness, overlap, rivets, and historical design. The best choice depends on your budget, fighting role, preferred coverage, and mobility requirements.

Custom Fit for Combat Mobility

A custom brigandine should sit securely over the gambeson without compressing its padding. The lower edge must protect the torso while allowing the fighter to bend, crouch, and lift the legs. Adjustable straps can fine-tune the fit, but accurate measurements remain essential.

Custom colors can match your team identity or historical armor style. The textile shell should also fit the period and region represented by your complete kit.

MedievalExtreme workshop guidance: Take measurements while wearing your actual gambeson. If you order the padding and brigandine together, measure your bare body and tell us. We will add the correct allowance.