"Correct" pipe insulation

V

VirulentAura

Newbie
I made my first boffer weapons using the guidelines in the book, and thought, physically it looked okay. Yesterday, I had it tested against me, and the blows stung a bit. It got me wondering if I used the right materials. I used 5/8" pvc and insulation, and used pic and link related insulation foam. Is there a "correct" insulation foam? Any tips? Thanks in advance.

https://www.menards.com/main/plumbi...21-c-8589.htm?tid=-6048201083694150307&ipos=8
 

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The 5/8” wall insulation generally has an internal diameter of 1/2”. So if you used 5/8” PVC, it’s likely a bit too big for your foam and causing it to compress a little. Which means there is less give in the foam for when you get hit, and it’ll sting a bit more.

That said, even with a 1/2” core, it’s still going to sting a bit. You are still getting hit, after all!
 
When I assembled it, it was a snug fit. And I do understand that you are supposed to pull your blows. In fact, I aim for just a light touch, but I just don't want to get carried away in the heat of battle and accidently hurt someone. I guess at the end of the day, I should just bring some extra, and different, supplies to rebuild it in case it gets rejected.
 
That's the exact same type of foam that I use though I use a carbon based rod. They're pricier in general but I've found that a lighter and more precise boffer stings less since you have more control over it. It's also always possible that the weapon was just swing too hard.
 
5/8" that fits 3/4 copper work the best. The wall of the foam is thicker and fits snug.
 
MondayMcGee said:
The 5/8” wall insulation generally has an internal diameter of 1/2”. So if you used 5/8” PVC, it’s likely a bit too big for your foam and causing it to compress a little. Which means there is less give in the foam for when you get hit, and it’ll sting a bit more.

That said, even with a 1/2” core, it’s still going to sting a bit. You are still getting hit, after all!
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If you are hitting someone hard enough to hurt them with a boffer built to rulebook spec, you need to check your swing calibration, because you are swinging way too hard.
 
I was trying to draw a distinction between a boffer blow being painful, and "stinging a bit" as described in the OP. The former is obviously a sign of a problem, but the latter I think is perfectly normal.
 
Muir said:
If you are hitting someone hard enough to hurt them with a boffer built to rulebook spec, you need to check your swing calibration, because you are swinging way too hard.
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Latex weapons hurt.
 
Gilwing said:
Latex weapons hurt.
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Yeah, hence 'boffer built to rulebook spec'. I have to hit someone pretty near to SCA calibration with a boffer to make it hurt, and that's wildly excessive for a touch game.
 
AMH3sS

The one with the smaller hole is it.
Yours might have the same foam wall thickness but the hole is bigger.
https://goo.gl/images/AMH3sS (that's the link to the pic. Might not work on my phone)
 
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