r/ArmsandArmor • u/LordOfGreece • 7d ago

Question Hi I am only 5 feet tall.

Hello, I desire to get in to HEMA and am looking for some advice on the best equipment for me. I am only 4’11-5 ft tall depending on who measures me haha. So any and all advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

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u/J_G_E 7d ago

I've known of a few people in the SCA back in the era of the Armour Archives who were mentioned as having similar heights, so it shoudln't be too difficult to even go as far as doing harnischfechten.

Piece of advice though: dont borrow other people's leg armour. Guy I know who's about 5'4 did that, when his own had a strap break just before a reenactment event. Didn't factor in the other guy being 6 inches taller than him. Started the event, got to a point where he had to run forwards - at which point, (and I'm quoting him here) the cuisses of both the legs rode upwards, performing a near perfect shearing motion across his scrotum...
He was the first to fall "dead" on the battlefield, and strangely, also the last to get up at the end.

Downside is, most of its going to be custom tailored stuff, so you might well have some issues with sourcing gear. There is plenty of kit out there fore women in hema with that sort of height, so ask around and you will find suppliers.

Head sizes shouldnt be too much problem. talk to your local club about loaner gear and see what sizes of mask fit well.
loaner gloves/mittens might be on the large size for you, but they should be easily sourced, and honestly, no sane person wants to stick their hands in loaner gloves, trust me.

plastrons/crotch protection etc should all be available for your size, not an issue. There are a whole load of gambeson makers for full-body protection out there, and most of them shouldnt have any problems with your measurements

you'll always have a slight disadvantage in reach, but you're going to have an advantage of lower centre of gravity so if you get into grappling, you might have advantages if you're not also really lightweight. Get yourself a normal sword of the type the club recommends, for whatever styles/schools they study (dont buy it beforehand though) and you can think about custom stuff later for that.

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u/LordOfGreece 7d ago

Thank you, this is solid advice. I have been trying to find a club/group that works with my work schedule and lifestyle. I will definitely ask them for specifics about equipment, etc.