Weapon Regulations
Our games allow a range of larp-safe prop weapons, including some more “experimental” or less typical props. Read on to find our standard rules on dimensions and materials.
Thrust-safe weapons, bows, and crossbows are all permitted but will require a basic competency test at your first event.
If in doubt whether your weapon is suitable, or you have any other queries, please contact us.
Weapon Checking
All weapons brought to our events must be checked by one of our Weapons Checkers before being used in combat, at the start of each event. They will check the condition as well as specifications to make sure it matches the regulations listed on this page.
The basic condition checks include the following;
- The foam hasn’t degraded, torn, unevenly compressed, or become too soft.
- The layers of foam are not delaminating or exposing reinforcement.
- All sections of the weapon are securely attached to the core.
- The latex/rubber coating is in good condition and has not decayed or crusted.
- The weapon hasn’t become heat warped.
- The weapon has not become saturated with liquid.
Melee Weapons
Classification
Standard Weapons
| Weapon Type | Minimum Length | Maximum Length | Special Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dagger | 7 inches (18cm) | 18 inches (46cm) | |
| One-Handed Weapon | 18 inches (46cm) | 42 inches (106cm) | |
| Great Weapon | 42 inches (106cm) | 72 inches (183cm) | Two-handed use. |
| Polearm | 48 inches (122cm) | 84 inches (214cm) | Optional stab-safe. |
| Pike | 84 inches (214cm) | 108 inches (275cm) | Two-handed use. Stab-safe only. |
| Throwing | 3 inches (8cm) | 18 inches (46cm) |
Non-Standard Weapons
| Weapon Type | Length Classification | Special Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Flail | Main section: One-Handed Weapon Chained section: Dagger (coreless) | |
| Scythe | Main body: Polearm Perpendicular blade: One-Handed Weapon | Two-handed use. |
Construction Specifications
Materials
| Material | Common Name | Hardness | Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-density closed-cell foam | Plastazote LD45 | 40 – 50 kg/m³ | Any weapon section. |
| High-density open-cell foam | Upholstery foam | 20 – 40 kg/m³ | Wide striking surfaces (like hammers) and stab-safe tips. |
| Fibreglass rod | Weapon core. | ||
| Carbon fibre rod | Weapon core. | ||
| Polyurethane rubber | 40 – 100 shore | Weapon hilts. Under 50 shore is recommended, but higher hardness is suitable for thin castings. |
Minimum Foam over Core
| Weapon | Striking Edge Minimum Foam | Non-striking Edge Minimum Foam | Non-striking Edge Minimum Rubber |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dagger | 8mm | 6mm | 4mm |
| One-Handed Weapon | 8mm | 6mm | 4mm |
| Great Weapon | 12mm | 6mm | 4mm |
| Polearm | 12mm | 6mm | 4mm |
| Pike | 12mm | 6mm | 4mm |
| Throwing | No core | No core | No core |
Stab-Safe
We are currently following Curious Pastimes’ guidance on stab safe weapon construction, abbreviated below.
- Standard high density foam should extend 2 inches past the tip of the core for the central foam layer, and the core tip reinforced.
- Soft, squishy foam should start at the end of the standard foam and extend at least 6″.
- A larger reinforcement (leather, fabric) should begin at least 1″ down the core and extend over the foam join point.
- The outer sandwich layers of 40-50 density foam should not extend more than 3″ up the sides of the soft foam tip.
Restricted Construction
| Material | Description | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| “Winter Foam” | Temperature variable density foam. | Intended for the colder weather of the Northern European market. During summer, this material becomes far too soft for the weapon to be safely used. |
| Metal rod | Any metal weapon core. | Lack of flexibility. Occasionally used to make heavier weapons which are unsuitable for our games. |
| PVC Pole | Any PVC plastic weapon core. | Not suitably strong. |
| Cast foam blade | For One-Handed Weapon and larger. | Core is frequently not central, and the foam often too dense. These weapons may occasionally pass checks but there is a much higher likelihood of them failing. |
Shields
Dimensions
| Shield Type | Maximum Height | Maximum Width |
|---|---|---|
| Buckler | 15 inches (40cm) | 15 inches (40cm) |
| Round Shield | 40 inches (100cm) | 40 inches (100cm) |
| Tower or Kite Shield | 60 inches (153cm) | 36 inches (92cm) |
Construction
Shields can be entirely foam, or have a solid core.
- Shield rims must be padded with at least 12mm of high density foam.
- Front faces of shields must have at least 6mm of high density foam.
- Shields must have no hard pointed protrusions.
- All sharp edges or fixings must be padded, whether on the inside or outside surface.
Archery
Bows
Recurve and Longbows
All bows must have a draw weight of 30lbs or less at 28 inch draw.
Compound Bows
Compound bows are not currently permitted at our games.
Crossbows
Crossbows must have a draw weight of 30lbs or less at full draw.
Arrows
Standard Arrows
All arrows or bolts must have the following specifications.
- The impact surface of the head must be at least 50mm across.
- The end foam portion of the arrowhead must be made from open-cell foam (upholstery foam) at least 25mm thick.
- This softer foam must be backed by a higher density material, usually closed-cell foam, at least 25mm thick.
- There must be some kind of blocker or reinforcement between the foam and the shaft to stop it pushing through the foam.
Cast Arrows
All spherical injection moulded head arrows, IDV mark one to three, blue and grey golf ball, and CDM marked arrow heads from Canada are not permitted at our games.