What is the best medieval helmet for beginners?

A bascinet or an open barbuta is a superb first helmet: both offer strong protection, good vision and broad period coverage, and they are comfortable enough for long wear at reenactment and HEMA alike.

What is the difference between a sallet and a bascinet?

The bascinet is a pointed 14th-century skull, usually with a hinged visor and a mail aventail; the sallet is a smoother, swept 15th-century helm, often paired with a separate bevor to guard the chin and throat. The sallet is later and gives a distinctly Gothic, late-medieval silhouette.

How do I size a medieval helmet?

Measure your head circumference just above the eyebrows and around the widest point at the back, then add room for a padded liner. A helm should rest on the padding and turn with your head, not perch on your skull.

Which helmet is best for HEMA?

Open, well-ventilated helms such as the barbuta or a visor-up bascinet suit sparring for vision and airflow; always follow your club's and tournament's safety requirements for gauge and coverage.

Do medieval helmets come with padding?

A helmet must be worn over a padded liner or arming cap, which provides the fit, comfort and shock absorption. Check whether a helm includes a liner or whether you need to add one — the padding is what makes the helmet safe.

Margrex

How to Choose a Medieval Helmet — Bascinet, Sallet, Barbuta & More

A buyer's guide to medieval helmets: the bascinet, sallet, barbuta, great helm and armet compared by period, protection, vision and fit — and which suits reenactment, HEMA or display.