N350 Fencing Mask: From Club Gear to Tournament Testing

Keep that guard up!” I called out as William’s polycarbonate blade slipped past Luke’s defense during our Thursday night gekiken session. Luke’s N350 caught the full force of the overhead strike, adding another small dent to his custom-painted helmet’s collection of battle scars. Over the past year, we’ve put these masks through every combat scenario imaginable at our dojo, from basic drilling to full-contact tournament fights.

At $130 AUD from our armoury, the N350 has become our go-to recommendation for new students and our standard club gear. When you’re outfitting a growing martial arts school, finding protective gear that balances safety with affordability becomes crucial. Our current stock of twelve masks has survived six months of constant use across multiple disciplines.

The real test came during the recent Saber Skirmish tournament. William’s mask took a series of heavy strikes during his quarter-final match, followed by an atemi that pressed the mesh against his face. Despite the intensity, the N350 held firm. Luke, watching from the sidelines, noted how far these masks had come since his early days of training: “Remember when we used to use those paintball masks? These things just keep taking hits.”

Our aikijujitsu sessions revealed unexpected durability during light sparring. The new strap system – vastly superior to the old Velcro design – kept the masks stable through throws and rolls. Even when practitioners landed awkwardly, the masks maintained their position and protective integrity.

However, armoured lightsaber combat exposed some limitations. During a particularly intense sparring session between William and Luke, we observed the recurring issue of weapons slipping under the neck protector. This led to our current protocol of mandatory throat protection for any high-intensity work.

Maintenance has been surprisingly straightforward. After each session, our club masks’ removable padding goes straight into the wash – cold water, mild detergent, air dry. The mesh itself cleans up well with a damp cloth, though we’ve learned to check the bib stitching weekly for any signs of wear.

The customisation potential has become something of a club tradition. William’s mask sports the Emperor’s hand emblem in metallic gold, while Luke went for a more classic Space Marine design. The paint, when properly applied, has held up remarkably well even through countless impacts.

For instructors looking to build out their club equipment, these masks offer a solid foundation. We’ve found them suitable for students as young as 10 in our youth program, though we do require additional head protection for our more intensive classes. At our current count, we’ve put over 500 combined training hours on our oldest club mask, and it’s still going strong.

Walk into any lightsaber club across Australia, and you’ll likely see a row of N350s lined up. While their functionality explains their ubiquity, the traditional fencing aesthetic leaves something to be desired for our modern combat sport. Some clubs have started experimenting with LED strips and reflective paint to create more futuristic looks, but there’s still room for manufacturers to embrace the cyberpunk aesthetic our community gravitates towards.

However, every piece of gear has its limits. We’ve established clear guidelines for when a mask needs retirement: any significant mesh deformation, loose stitching on the bib, or compromised straps means immediate replacement. This typically occurs after about 18 months of regular club use – though personal masks tend to last longer with proper care.

Summary:
Our year of testing across gekiken, aikijujitsu, and armoured combat has proven the N350’s worth as both personal and club equipment. While it requires some supplemental protection for high-intensity work, its combination of durability, maintainability, and cost-effectiveness makes it a practical choice for growing martial arts schools.