Christian Lee-Becker on the IN MOTU UHLMANN FENCING JACKET
ANOTHER TESTER OF THE
IN MOTU- UHLMANN HEMA JACKET
Christian (ChriZz Ly) is among the Palatinate Sword Lions - Historical Martial Arts Association and currently specializes in rapier fencing as a trainer. This weekend, I finally had the chance to meet him again at the Tremonia Fencing School 2020.
Naturally, he took the opportunity to test out our new jacket extensively, as well as our new HEMA leather vest, which you can order in just a few days.
Here are his words:
"Short review of the Uhlmann fencing jacket by Paul Becker/In MOTU
Briefly about my fencing jacket experience:
I have fenced in the following fencing jackets:
- SPES Hussar 800N
- SPES AP 350N
- SPES AP Light 350N (current)
- Leon Paul Titan Pro 800N
- Highhill Jacket 800N (current)
- SPES JF Fencing Jacket 350N (current)
Design:
The jacket is visually reminiscent of a thicker fencing jacket used in competitive fencing and is available in black and white. The jacket is intentionally not tailored to better absorb side blows. However, the design isn't for everyone.
Comfort:
The test jacket was one size too big for me, as you can clearly see in the picture. The jacket was still comfortable to wear and felt comparable to a standard SPES AP in terms of weight. The jacket offers full freedom of movement; I didn't notice any restrictions. Overhead movements were no problem. The mobility is in no way inferior to the SPES AP Light. Even the heat buildup, which usually sets in quite quickly, started slowly and only very slightly. The strap between the legs, which is designed to prevent the jacket from riding up, can be easily removed using a hook system.
Protective effect:
The jacket is padded with a shock-absorbing filling all over except for the elbows, forearms and collar.
In any case, I felt that blows with the fencing feather were comparable to those of a regular SPES AP. Thrusts, too.
I consider this jacket particularly well-suited for rapier fencing. I had Paul's feather strikes on my chest and stomach, and I let him hit me with my Bellatore rapier. The blows were no problem at all and were very cushioned. For thrusts with a stiffer blade, it's still recommended to wear a breastplate underneath or the separately available leather vest, which is super lightweight and doesn't restrict freedom of movement. Paul's jacket will probably be my future choice, especially for rapier tournaments; I also find it very interesting for saber fencing. For other rapier sparring, especially friendly sparring, I'll stick with my new Highhill jacket. The future of my SPES AP Light is currently uncertain. 
There are already more competent opinions than mine regarding whether the jacket is suitable for intensive longsword fencing. I'll just say this: for my personal purposes, it would certainly be sufficient.
The gimmick of being able to attach a saber or rapier to a loop on your jacket and thus practice drawing the weapon is a classic "nice to have"."
Thank you Christian for your review, which will hopefully help many fencers to evaluate the jacket.
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