Mask Overlays / Back of Head Protector#

The back of the head is a forbidden target, but accidents happen. Sometimes it’s an unexpected offline step from your opponent, and sometimes it’s someone flinching and exposing the back of their head. An overlay with a back of head protector is pretty critical equipment. You can do partner drills and low intensity sparring without one (your instructor will usually point out to your opponent “hey watch out, they don’t have a back of head protector!”) but going without one is rolling the dice. Tournaments require these.

Rigid vs Not#

Some back of head protectors are made out of rigid plastic, and some are made up of heavy fabric. Both of these will be somewhat braced against the back of the mask itself, but the protection they provide is not necessarily equal.

The distinction isn’t always clear (some protectors have multiple rigid but independently moving pieces) so these are called out according to the rulings of local tournament organizers. While it’s possible that some heavy fabric back of head protectors are in fact sufficient protection, a blanket requirement by tournament organizers for rigid back of head protection is easier to enforce, and therefore safer.

Recommendations#

North Armoury/HCA#

North Armoury sells the Rattlesnake Pro. This overlay has a rigid back of head protector. HCA sells the Rattlesnake Regular and Plus variants which are also rigid protectors.

Swordshop#

Swordshop sells a Supfen Basic Mask Overlay. While the back of head protector has solid plates in it, this is usually not considered a rigid back of head protector because the plates can move independently.

Swordshop also sells a Supfen Armored Plastic Overlay which includes a rigid back of head protector.

Superior Fencing#

The above overlays are also available directly from Superior Fencing’s Mask Overlays section. It’s unclear if these are stocked or made on-demand.