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A boffer is any padded weapon used in the act of boffing. These are often associated with LARPs.
Construction
Normally there are several main features of a boffer weapon: A core, padding, thrusting tips, various forms of functional and artistic flourishes, and an outer coating or shell to hold everything together. One who partakes in Boffer creation is generally referred to as a "foamsmith."
Core
The most important piece of a boffer weapon is its core, which acts as the shaft of the weapon and gives it its initial shape. Cores are usually made out of PVC, though sometimes graphite, fiberglass, bamboo, ratan, or wood are used depending upon the group. Some core materials can be bent into a number of shapes to give variety and uniqueness to a weapon.
Padding
Once a core is decided upon, it is wrapped in a layer of padding. The general convention of most modern groups is that there must be at least one layer of closed-cell foam, pipe-insulation foam being the most convenient due to its shape. Some groups differ on the thickness required (however, the going convention appears to be at least 5/8" on any "striking edge" of a weapon") and this mainly stems from issues of safety and control.
Thrusting tip
Some boffer weapons also feature a tip made of open-cell foam, which is much softer and more compressible than the foam on the core. This allows for a wielder to safely execute a thrust on their opponent without fear of skewering them on the core, or leaving bruises. Depending on which set of rules are being used, the pommel of the boffer may also have a thrusting tip for striking with the back of the weapon.
Flourishes
Once padding and thrusting tips are secured on the core, it is not unusual for the weapon to have added flourishes for aesthetic and practical purposes. If the boffer is to be an axe, a head carved out of open-cell foam may be affixed. Additional layers of closed-cell foam can be used to define a blade of a sword, the hilt of a dagger, or the soft foam "spikes" of a club. Flourishes are generally where a foamsmith is creative, and allows for a great deal of artistic expression.
Coating or shell
The foam on the weapon may be covered with either tape (such as duct tape, kite tape, gaffing tape, etc.) or cloth, where some boffer weapons are coated in several layers of rubberized coating (such as latex) with detailing and dry-brushing to add to the realism. These latex weapons are very popular in the UK and Europe, where the duct-tape weapons variety are more prevalent in the United States.
Variations
Rules for constructing boffers vary a great deal from group to group. Boffer groups differ on the allowed weight, size, flexibility, thickness of foam, length of thrusting tip, and type of materials that may be used as a core. As a result, those who are in to the sport, whether as a form of martial arts or within the context of LARPing, are encouraged to check with the rules of group that they plan to participate with, so not to bear the pain of disassembling and re-assembling a new weapon to make it in compliance with local standards.
See also
External links
- A Guide and helpful FAQ on Boffers and Boffing
- The DIY Guide to LRP - a do-it-yourself construction guide
"Boffer"