Counterweighted For Balance

A foam sword rests on a jack stand with a blue sky in the background

Counterweighted For Balance

Counterweighted for Balance

Counterweighting brings the balance point of an optimized foam sword closer to the handle. So even though these four weigh the same, they will all feel different in the hand based on the weight distribution.

Each of these Belegarth foam swords weighs 12oz at 36″ long. The yellow tape marks their balance points. They rest side by side on a skinny block of wood in these photos. Can you see how different they feel?

12-oz Belegarth Class 1 Blue Swords

Classic Fiberglass Sword balancing on a jack stand
The Classic Foam Sword, built on a 3/8 Fiberglass, weighs 12oz at 36″

The Classic Fiberglass ($120) is the most durable with the lowest performance and a balance point 5″ into the blade. This is our favorite realm loaner or new fighter sword. It gets the job done.

Pro Secret Sword balancing on a jack stand
The Pro Secret Sword, built on 0.524 Kitespar, weighs 12oz at 36″

The Pro Secret Sword ($155) has a balance point 2″ into the blade, offering medium-high durability and performance. The core, foam, handle, cover, and pommel are all designed with longevity and enjoyment in mind. This is the gold standard in premium foam-fighting sports equipment.

Experimental Spectral Blue balancing on a jack stand
Experimental Spectral Blue, built on 0.505 Kitespar, weighs 12oz at 36″

The Experimental Spectral Flat ($155) on .505 kitespar balances at the base of the blade, offering high performance with lower durability. Under the Ripstop cover is an all 2lb foam blade construction. This is built to feel good… not to last long.

Experimental Far East Arsenal Blue Sword balancing on a jack stand
The Far East Arsenal Blue Sword, built on carbon, weighs 12oz at 36″

The Far East Experimental Blues ($155) balance at the top of the handle. The durability and performance of the Experimental Far East Blues show great promise from early testing, but we do not have long-term results yet. The foam construction is the same 25/75 as all Far East models. The carbon core offers a nice lightweight rigidity that is quickly becoming a favorite amongst the Gorg Team.

Unweighted Swords for Amtgard, Darkon, Thaliondor

unweighted amtgard sword balancing on a jack stand
The unweighted sword, built on 0.505 kitespar, weighs 7.4 oz at 36″.

Finally, let’s also consider the Unweighted Foam Sword. It’s weight averages between 7 and 7.5oz. This ultralight, unweighted build feels better than the classic fiberglass because it weighs almost 5oz less. The unweighted amt Stick is very popular in games like: Amtgard, Darkon, and Thaliondor.

However, the Gorg Team thinks the counterweighted designs feel better when Cross-Gaming because the added weight rests in your hand.

If you play a battle game with a minimum weight requirement, like Belegarth, then this 7-oz unweighted weapon isn’t an option for you. If Amtgard is your primary, and you want to try crossgaming in Belegarth, then consider these balance points carefully when shopping online.

Five Foam Sword laying on a table marked with yellow tape at their balance points with white text labeling their sword names
Five different 36″ foam swords marked with yellow tape at their balance points.

This is an exciting time for Foam-Fighting Sports Equipment!