lorenreale
Hunter
I was recently asked about my gauntlets, so I thought I'd submit my notes.
I ordered a pair of ESB Gauntletts for my son, ignorant of other sources, from Bloodsport studios (and I use the term 'studio' loosely). Here's my conclusions after being older and wiser:
1. Be ready to sand and use a dremel tool. They are
very rough and have lots of excess resin and microbubbles. This includes the thickness of the gauntlets which varies from minor holes to overly thick. This
also makes them heavy. I had to cover a couple of holes with furniture putty that worked well.
2. Getting the two halves to match up is a challenge.
There's a variance in the widths and it can be overcome, but jeez. Also, you'll be trimming the ends, one gauntlet had to have an inch sawed off. The lengthwise areas of the gauntlets were at off angles and had to be dremelled
to have the two halves flush together. I was only marginally successful.
3.They were $ 135 and showed up promptly. Would I buy them knowing what I know now ? No. I'd contact someone well liked and respected and go with them. As it's proved that he's a recaster and you cannot knowingly support that considering what a 'labor of love' this stuff is.
I am frankly amazed at the level of quality and performance from people making everything from jet packs from Bobamaker to flak vests from 'batninja' to gauntlets from Ruffkin and many more. I'd hire all of them to come work for me, if such a thing were possible.
I ordered a pair of ESB Gauntletts for my son, ignorant of other sources, from Bloodsport studios (and I use the term 'studio' loosely). Here's my conclusions after being older and wiser:
1. Be ready to sand and use a dremel tool. They are
very rough and have lots of excess resin and microbubbles. This includes the thickness of the gauntlets which varies from minor holes to overly thick. This
also makes them heavy. I had to cover a couple of holes with furniture putty that worked well.
2. Getting the two halves to match up is a challenge.
There's a variance in the widths and it can be overcome, but jeez. Also, you'll be trimming the ends, one gauntlet had to have an inch sawed off. The lengthwise areas of the gauntlets were at off angles and had to be dremelled
to have the two halves flush together. I was only marginally successful.
3.They were $ 135 and showed up promptly. Would I buy them knowing what I know now ? No. I'd contact someone well liked and respected and go with them. As it's proved that he's a recaster and you cannot knowingly support that considering what a 'labor of love' this stuff is.
I am frankly amazed at the level of quality and performance from people making everything from jet packs from Bobamaker to flak vests from 'batninja' to gauntlets from Ruffkin and many more. I'd hire all of them to come work for me, if such a thing were possible.