u/Bromora

Hello all, I've been with my HEMA club for about a year using synths and the club's gear (which is fine enough for synths, but definitely too light for steel).

I am now getting my first steel, so am looking at higher quality protection. I am pretty much set on a SPES Light Jacket, but my indecision makes me unsure of WHICH between the FG Light (liking how it extends down a little), AP Plus Light, or a bit of a custom one. I have ruled out any PRO variants because I plan to get HF Armory full arm protection.

So my questions are:

1. FG Light versus AP Light, can anyone comment on if there's any meaningful differences? Is the extra weight on the FG too noticeable for the hip coverage/protection it provides to be valuable?

2. Looking at customisation options on the SPES website, I see I can always add the PRO mountings to a jacket without needing to get the actual PRO parts, are the mounting points useful enough for other arm protectors (most notably the HF Armory full arm protection)?

3. As another customisation note on their website: I see high collar and 'astronaut' collar are each options. Has anyone got experience with either of those to comment on whether either are worth it over just a regular collar? (Perhaps of note, I've been looking at the VYTIS Gorgets, so would any of these collars be more or less comfortable with that compared to the standard?)

I’m thinking of making my first sizeable product purchase (a booster box) and guess I’m simply stressed about ‘what if I get one of those people that reseal?’

Suppose I’m looking to see if there’s any things to look out for?
My surface thoughts are ‘aim for professional or power sellers with a large amount of positive reviewers’? But should I think anything else?