Who are we?
We are Rearguard, a start up in Taiwan, Taipei on a mission to deliver better head protection in HEMA and other combat sports in need of good masks. Our vision is to provide a safe, affordable mask that will last, and that offers better protection to the head and neck than other masks on the market.
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Rearguard pre-production sample
Why Rearguard?
Concussions are becoming an increasing concern in HEMA. Keith Farrell's paper "Dementia Pugilistica in HEMA: Brain Damage from Repeated Head Hits", is a sobering read. It is widely recognized that the various HEMA back of head protection solutions currently available all have serious drawbacks, and that some of them provide only nominal protection. Several online videos show HEMA fencers being concussed by strikes to the rear of the skull (occipital region), despite wearing widely used back of head protectors costing more than US$60. We need something better.
How is Rearguard different?
Rearguard is the first HEMA specific mask with integral occipital protection. Current back of head protection typically involves solutions that are:
- Soft or only semi-rigid, providing little or no impact protection
- Not integral to the mask
- Incompatible with good mobility
- Only compatible with some masks
- Heavy heat traps
Rearguard's key features are:
- Steel mesh occipital protection integral to the mask, offering unparalleled rigid protection with low weight and good ventilation
- A rigid nape protector (standard for all models), made by Neyman Fencing
- Steel bars underneath the front of the mask to protect from heavy overhead blows (Advance & Premium models only)
- Competitive retail price at 150$ (even lower when buying from our campaign)
- CEN 2 mesh
- 1600N bib
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Rearguard gives you unique options
Rearguard offers a combination of features without peer in the market, with greater protection and convenience at a lower price point than anything else you can buy.The following optional features are also available for Rearguard.
- Steel plates (removable), to protect the forehead mesh from repeated strikes
- 800N aventail (removable), with rigid throat protection
- Superior mask liner (removable), with anti-impact padding that can replace a rugby cap
- Deluxe mask liner (removable). with anti-impact padding & high breathability fabric for long term comfort
Our good friends at Neyman Fencing are developing the aventail, nape protection and mask liners.
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Rearguard pre-production sample
Rearguard in action
Rearguard fits without getting in the way of your glasses.
See how well Rearguard stands up to heavy feder strikes.
Available models
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Through our Indiegogo campaign pricing, Rearguard offers more options at a lower price than most popular alternatives.
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Risk & challenges
Our mask is already in production. The factory is in China, but has FIE certification, and Rearguard will carry FIE and CE certification. The factory has an excellent reputation, and produces masks for the German fencing company Allstar. The only risk we face is a possible extension of the completion date. Masks ordered through our Indiegogo campaign should be completed at the end of April, for shipping in May.
These images show a Rearguard mask in various stages of production at the factory.
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