Lorica Segmentata

[James Gregory]

looking to buy first Lorica Segmentata
weigh 83kg chest about 40"
had a look at the one below

http://www.theknightshop.co.uk/catalog/l...8f90dccd05

any thoughts?

[Matthew Amt]

Ave, and welcome to RAT!

That's the Deepeeka lorica, and it's not bad for a mass-produced cuirass. It's not as good as a custom-made one, but much better than most any other mass-produced one! However, I just noticed that it is apparently 16 gauge steel and over 20 pounds--eek! I had thought it was 18 gauge. So it's heavier than it should be. That's not a huge crime, if you're willing to wear it. I couldn't tell you how well it will fit, so make sure the vendor has a good return policy before you order. If the body is too wide, it can press outwards against the inside of your arm, causing numbness. Some of that can be alleviated by "squashing" the shape so that it's narrower side-to-side, but since the thing seems to come in only one size, most of us are out of luck.

Huh, the outer shoulder guard plates look kinda wide, too--pretty typical mistake.

Basically, yeah, I think most groups will accept it, though if you plan to participate with a particular group you should check with them first. It's readily available, and cheaper than any custom work, but note that you can make your own lorica for much much less! Almost guaranteed to fit decently and be more accurate, too. Been here?

http://www.larp.com/legioxx/lorica.html

Good luck and Vale,

Matthew Amt