Upgrades to Version 4 include:
- CE and 800N ratings throughout
- Return of the V1 underarm gussets : even more mobility in high arm positions without raising the jacketLower back waist adjustment for a fine tuned fit
- Tweaks to the upper arm/shoulder pattern for better fit, a bit more room in the shoulder and better mobility.
- New inner lining for better moisture wicking and breathability : a softer feel over bare skin and a cooler fencing experience
- Double closure 2 zipper front:
- 2 Highest quality industry standard YKK heavy zippers
- Inner zipper holds the inside torso flap in place
- Outer zipper closes the jacket
- Full length Velcro closure to protect the outer zipper
- Revised padding material:
- Reduced bulk, while maintaining impact protection
- Increased breathability
- Synthetic anti-allergen wadding
- Now machine washable
- Updated stitching pattern to maintain mobility while increasing resistance
- An extended palette of available colours
- Lower additional cost for full custom sizing
- Custom embroidery option for text (Name, country, Etc) and flags or logos
Retained features:
The ARCEM range of jackets focuses on two things - maximum mobility and maximum throat and neck protection.
The mobility is achieved through precise contoured stitching of the shoulders and back, allowing the padded jacket to move freely with the wearer. This mobility is accentuated by close-fitting forearms, which, with the collar system, “tie” the jacket to the wearer at three points (forearms and neck) with the rest of the jacket slightly “floating” around the body. This solution - while inspired by examples of fit and assembly found in XIVth century pourpoints - is still unique in contemporary HEMA clothing.
Our most unique contribution (now copied but never matched) is the collar, which is designed to close over the mask bib.
We had three criteria in designing the collar :
- that it offer maximum protection of the neck and lower face in both thrust and cut,
- that it be easy and fast to open and close with gloved hands for sparing and tournament “breathers”,
- that it unify the mask and jacket into a single protective unit without hindering combat movement (once broken in).
Because it is worn outside the mask gives double protection from thrusts to the front - collar plus mask bib.
More uniquely, and not present on competing over-bib collars, it provides protection of the neck, all around, from strikes.
The collar has three blade catchers (front and both sides) that extend to behind the ears. It is designed so that the blade passage inside the jacket at the neck must strike the mask or be moving away from the body.
The collar can be opened to let off heat and raise the mask. With just a little practise, it is a simple matter to re-close the collar, even with heavy combat gloves.
Sizing
You can find our Size Chart and Measuring Instructions in the DOWLOAD tab above.
- Our standard sizes are numbered 0 to 4.
- We can produce each size as a “Long” version, which adds length of the jacket torso and the sleeves.(+10€)
- Fully custom sizing is also available for a cost of 40€. Contact us for details.
- Our jacket however fits differently to other jackets, so it’s best to retake your measurements from our chart.
Colours
Our basic colour is black.
The jackets are available in other standard colours for an additional cost (+20€)
Philipp L. published the 02/12/2023 following an order made on 01/10/2023
Long delivery time but top quality
Anonymous customer published the 26/11/2022 following an order made on 04/07/2022
Well, the jacket. What can I say. My mistake was that I ordered the unfortunately one size too small. Thus, the arms are a bit short, which does not necessarily bother. Clearly more strenuous is breathing in a tight jacket.... Nevertheless, the freedom of movement of the arms is phenomenal. The padding perfect. The workmanship terrific. The collar very bulky, so that the stab protection of the mask does not fit over it. Or should you pull the mask under the collar. I will order me next year another ARCEM. To do that, I'm going to a tailor to have the correct measurements taken before I order.... The jacket also caused a stir and I got only positive feedback.
Anonymous customer published the 02/01/2022 following an order made on 15/09/2021
Very good workmanship, top quality, good explanation on the homepage for calculating the size, fits perfectly
Anonymous customer published the 24/11/2021 following an order made on 19/10/2021
Perfect! And the colouring is beautiful. I asked to "make it Nilfgaardian but subtly" and it came with golden yellow thread stitching together the beautiful black fabric. Very tasteful. And of course the jacket is probably the most protective on the market with its added arm protectors.