Reddit reviews CAS Hanwei Rawlings Synthetic Long Sword with White Blade, Black Guard, Red Grip and Black Pommel
We found 1 Reddit comments about CAS Hanwei Rawlings Synthetic Long Sword with White Blade, Black Guard, Red Grip and Black Pommel. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Stainless steel guard and pommelShips unassembledWhite bladeRubber-like gripsThis synthetic-bladed sword provides an excellent option for theatrical use being inherently safer than steel or aluminum. Overall: 48.5-Inch, Blade Length: 38-Inch, Handle Length: 7.75-Inch, Weight: 1.73 lbs, Point of Balance: 6-Inch.
You could try to get ahold of Black Fencer's wasters. You can even get them at bulk price. (It seems a little difficult getting them to ship to the U.S., though.) (This is my first choice.)
The next best option would be Penti IIIs by PurpleHeart Armoury. They'll run you a bit higher than 100USD per sword, but they are worth it, in my opinion. (My club prefers this option for nylons.)
The cheapest option would be the Rawlings longsword (also available on Purpleheart Armoury). Don't get this one. It is extremely unreliable in even a mid-intensity bout and doesn't bind and wind well even in a (partner) drill; they are as wobbly as a cooked noodle. They also have poor point-of-balance, but you can fix it by attaching the steel pommel and crossguard options (which are sold separately; at that point, you have spent enough to get a penti, anyways.). However, under a tight budget, these do okay. They also seem the safest for free fencing.
I lied; the cheapest option is the Cold Steel Hand and Half Sword. Some people do a grinding mod to make it bearable. Don't get this.
These all hurt a good bit in my opinion. With gloves and a mask, I have never run into much more than bruising. You might want to get arm protectors if you are that worried, though. Just don't baseball swing your way through bouts. Practice good technique at necessary/reasonable intensity and martial consideration and sparring should be fine.
I also just noticed that you posted in /r/HEMA. Post in /r/WMA, instead.