/cgl/ - Cosplay & EGL

>>9181882
Cloth is honestly the best covering imo. A tape covering has several issues depending on what kind of tape you use. Duct tape hardens in the cold and can actually hurt, and tends to form ridges that scrape if you're not careful. Hockey tape is what I'd recommend if you go the tape route, specifically Howie's cloth tape. The reason cloth is is more highly recommended, though, is that it's far easier to clean and maintain. A cloth slip-cover can be removed and replaced easily, doesn't leave a residue, and most importantly, is safer--unlike tape, it won't compress the foam underneath it.

As for your question about making a boffer spear, I follow a modified version of this guide. I only use two layers of foam, formed into two "boxes" around the pole as shown; unless you plan to hit very hard with the edge, layer 3 is unnecessary. If you want to carve the head a bit to make it look more blade-like, though, then the third layer will give you more room to do that. I recommend 1-inch closed-cell polyethylene (http://www.foambymail.com/PE2-_1/polyethylene-foam-sheets-2-2lb.html)) for this. I also tape a quarter or two over the front end of the pole using aforementioned hockey tape before adding any foam to the stabbing tip. This helps prevent the pole from poking through the foam over time (it can do so very quickly otherwise, like over the course of a single weekend).

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