Compare Product Lines

Each of the product lines have their own strengths and weaknesses. I have listed all of the information I have available so that you can make an informed decision on what product line or lines best meet your needs.

Construction
Comparison Chart
Conclusion

Construction
The construction of the Ateliers Nemesis and the Iron Fortress product lines are the same: the tip has a protective coating, the core is wrapped with foam, the foam is covered in latex, painted, then finished with a water-based sealer. The differences are found in the types of materials used and in the shape and design of those materials in the finished product. Ateliers Nemesis uses a custom thermofoaming process on their foam; Iron Fortress products are handmade.

The Calimacil product line is made with injection-mold processing. The foam is treated, then injected around the core. The color of the blade is fused with the foam itself. The handles are covered with a thin layer of flexible plastic then painted. These blades are realistic reproductions and are heavier than the other product lines.

The Top Quest products use a variety of construction techniques and differentfoam types; it depends on the product.

Comparison Chart

Item Description Ateliers Nemesis Calimacil Iron Fortress Top Quest

1 Category Lightweight,
latex-foam Realistic Reproduction, midweight,
injection molded foam Lightweight,
latex-foam Midweight. Simplest designs.
solid foam

2 Summary Most expensive. Most complex designs. Durable. The best of the latex-foam weapons.

Fabulous looks. Best materials. Most durable. Can handle LARP combat or full-contact combat. Much heavier than the latex-foam weapons.
Great looking, slightly harder latex-foam. More durable. Better for more intense LARP combat. The hybrid products have superb, gorgeous very firm polyethylene hilts and handles. Acceptable looks. Least expensive. Some items are NOT LARP combat capable. Much heavier than the latex-foam weapons.

3 Core,
Long Weapons Fiberglass. Very tough but can shred and chip with direct abuse to the material. Can break with jagged ends, but it very rarely happens. Will peel when broken. No whip when under 30 inches. Minimal whip in lengths from 30 to 44 inches.
Fiberglass. Very tough but can shred and chip with direct abuse to the material. Can break with jagged ends, but it very rarely happens. Will peel when broken. Minimal whip in lengths from 30 to 44 inches. Noticable whip in longer lengths.
Fiberglass. Very tough but can shred and chip with direct abuse to the material. Can break with jagged ends, but it very rarely happens. Will peel when broken. Minimal whip in lengths from 30 to 44 inches. Slightly more noticable whip in longer lengths. Fiberglass. Very tough but can shred and chip with direct abuse to the material. Can break with jagged ends, but it very rarely happens. Will peel when broken. Minimal whip in lengths from 30 to 44 inches.

4 Core,
Short Weapons Fiberglass. Very safe in lengths under 30". Nearly zero whip at this length. Fiberglass. Very safe in lengths under 30". Nearly zero whip at this length. Fiberglass. Very safe in lengths under 30". Nearly zero whip at this length. Fiberglass. Very safe in lengths under 30". Nearly zero whip at this length.

5 Core Ends Reinforced tips to prevent break-through. Covered with Kevlar to prevent break-through. Covered with Kevlar to prevent break-through. Depends on the product; please refer to the product details.

6 Blade Tip & Edges Beveled and pointed. Thermoformed. Looks great but are less safe for thrusting and if the face is accidentaly hit. Refer to the images for details.

Some products have rounded edges and tips. Most items are beveled and pointed. Injection molded. Looks great but are less safe for thrusting and if the face is accidentaly hit.

Beveled and pointed. Handmade. Looks great but is less safe for thrusting and if the face is accidentaly hit.

Edges and tips vary as per the item. Handmade. Most have rounded edges and tips. Newer designs are beveled and pointed. Looks great but is less safe for thrusting and if the face is accidentaly hit. Refer to the images for details.

7 Blades Proprietary foam using a custom thermofoaming process. Spreads the impact nicely. Thick latex provides for more durability.

Proprietary injection-molded foam. Impact is more noticable, can bruise if skin is hit with great force. Noticably heavier than latex-foam weapons. The most durable product line. Slightly harder foam. Very durable. It is a cross-linked polyethelyne, similar to Trocellen (tm).

Various types of foam with various densities and weights; it depends on the product.

8 Hilts Stiff foam, latex coated. Hilts are purely decorative but are somewhat durable. Built in counterweights.

Soft foam, coated with a custom platic. Hilts are purely decorative but are somewhat durable.

The Hydrid weapon hilts have a stiff foam covered in polyethelyne. Hilts are purely decorative but are somewhat durable. Allows for greatly detailed designs and a great grip. The non-hybrid weapon hilts are a stiff foam wrapped in sueded leather. Various types of foam with various densities and weights; it depends on the product.

9 Coating Latex-free and waterproof varnish.
None; the material requires no coating. Thick layer for durability. Indian latex-rubber. Usually none. Some weapons have a latex coating.

10 Sealer Water based.
Water based.
Water based.
Usually none, depends on the product.

11 In Weather Water resistant.
Absolutely waterproof as there are no separate layers Water resistant.
Water resistant.

12 Weight Lightweight for LARP combat.

Medium weight for both LARP and full-contact combat. Lightweight compared to wood or metal weapons, but relatively heavy compared to latex-foam weapons. Very lightweight for fast LARP combat. Easy to use.

Depends on the product, but most are mid-weight.